This was a difficult homily to give. My emotions got the better of me. If you can bare the first few minutes of tears, I quickly composed myself and finished strong. To put it mildly, it has been a very difficult week in the lives of my people. Any good priest worth his Chrism (the sacred oil that is used to consecrate his hands at his ordination) bares the burdens and pains of those he shepherds in his bones. After all, you call us "Father" for precisely that reason.

That is why the words of Lord today in the Gospel speak powerfully to us. He tells us poignantly, "Do not let your hearts be troubled.... I am the way, the truth, and the life." (John 14:1-12). In Him we find the answers to our greatest suffering. In Him, is our greatest solace. If you are a husband or wife, son or daughter, I invite you to listen to my humble homily. Our Lord today offers us a different way forward.