Phenomenal Mercy, Morality, and Mission: Homily for the Ascension 2026

Ascension, A                                                                                                   May 17, 2026Fr. Alexander Albert                                                            St. Mary Magdalen, Abbeville https://youtu.be/w6L_PEc6sV8 As a young boy, my favorite animated movie was ‘Aladdin.” In it a young man finds a magic lamp containing a genie who can grant him three wishes. Voiced by the iconic Robin Williams, one of the genie’s most memorable lines is “phenomenal cosmic power, itty bitty living space” – something he says while describing the fact that he is permanently bound to the lamp despite his ability to change reality itself. It kind of raises the question: what good is power if...Read More

Priests Who Pay, Pray, and Obey: Homily for the 5th Sunday of Easter 2026

5th Sunday of Easter, A                                                                                 May 3, 2026Fr. Alexander Albert                                                            St. Mary Magdalen, Abbeville https://youtu.be/5ZnSVF48c8Y “Thank you for your priesthood!” No, really, I am grateful for it. Your priesthood, I mean. Normally, of course, someone says that to an ordained priest. I hear it all the time, probably once a week if not more, especially with Good Shepherd Sunday last week. Really, I appreciate that and I earnestly desire to live my priesthood in a way that gives others something to be grateful for. For all that, however, it is crucial that you embrace your priesthood,...Read More

What’s Your Price? Homily for the 5th Sunday OT, 2024

5th Sunday of Ordinary Time, B                                                                     February 4, 2024Fr. Alexander Albert                                                              St. John the Evangelist, Jeanerette https://youtu.be/o5FeYgl6YWw What’s your price? What would it cost someone to convince you to proclaim the gospel to them? In the second reading, St. Paul says he offers the gospel free of charge. Of course, it’s his job: “an obligation has been imposed” on him to preach the gospel. Yet, even though he has the right to be paid for this job but he refuses to accept money from the people he’s preaching to. Why? Because he wants them to see it’s not about the paycheck,...Read More