OUR STORY
Homily Pearls are Reflections on the Sunday readings that follow a clear and logical
format that will aid priests and deacons with homily preparation, content and delivery.
In each Reflection you will find:
The “Pearl” - A salient, memorable overview of the readings in three words or less that
relates to everyday life, gleaned from my diligent practice of Lectio Divina.
An opening Reflection; a story, image, metaphor or contemporary parable that is practical and timeless and can be used across multiple Sunday and Weekday Lectionary readings. They peak audience attention, create connectivity between preacher and assembly, and smoothly segue to commentary on the scripture readings.
Commentary that respects timeless truths of the Catholic faith in the context of the Liturgical celebration.
Suggestions on why the salient points of the message are important and how the gathered assembly can adopt these.
Closing Comments that recapitulate the core of the message and offer action responses.
Not a canned homily that should be read word for word but a companion that will streamline, sharpen focus, and expedite preparation in constructing a homily for the assembly the preacher knows so well.
Why a Pearl?
An extensive six-year study conducted by Bishop Untener (Preaching Better, Practical
suggestions for Homilists) revealed that one of the most frequent and common complaints from people critiquing hundreds of homilies was, "Too many thoughts/failure to stay with one thought." The "Pearl," a core thought with depth, corrects that problem. That the Pearl is one thought does not limit but, in fact, enhances the focus of the message.
Why Homily Pearls Were Created.
Homily Pearls meld my many years as a preacher, teacher and writer of homilies to assist and support homilists who have the awesome privilege of proclaiming the mystery of faith in a relevant and Spirit-anointed way to God's people. This ministry is fueled by the passion of knowing that what we as preachers do is transformative - not only for those hearing the word but for those preparing, proclaiming, and delivering that word.

Lectionary Citation to Pearl Cycle C 2025:
Lectionary Citation
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Advent 1st Sun. C
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Advent 2nd Sun. C
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Advent 3rd Sun. C
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Advent 4th Sun. C
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Holy Family C
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Epiphany of the Lord C
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Baptism of the Lord C
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Ordinary 2nd Sun. C
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Ordinary 3rd Sun. C
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Presentation of the Lord
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Ordinary 5th Sun. C
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Ordinary 6th Sun. C
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Ordinary 7th Sun. C
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Ordinary 8th Sun. C
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Lent 1st Sun C
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Lent 2nd Sun C
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Lent 3rd Sun C
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Lent 4th Sun C
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Lent 5th Sun C
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Passion Sunday C
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Easter Sunday C
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Easter 2nd Sun Divine Mercy
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Easter 3rd Sun C
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Easter 4th Sun C
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Easter 5th Sun C
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Easter 6th Sun C
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Ascension of the Lord C
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Pentecost Sun C
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Trinity Sunday C
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Body and Blood of Christ C
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Saint Peter and St. Paul
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Ordinary 14th Sun C
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Ordinary 15th Sun C
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Ordinary 16th Sun C
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Ordinary 17th Sun C
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Ordinary 18th Sun C
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Ordinary 19th Sun C
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Ordinary 20th Sun C
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Ordinary 21st Sun C
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Ordinary 22nd Sun C
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Ordinary 23nd Sun C
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Exaltation of the Cross
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Ordinary 25th Sun C
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Ordinary 26th Sun C
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Ordinary 27th Sun C
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Ordinary 28th Sun C
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Ordinary 29th Sun C
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Ordinary 30th Sun C
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All Souls
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Dedication Lateran Basilica
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Ordinary 33rd Sun. C
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Jesus Christ the King C
Pearl
Chance or Faith?
Anticipation
Happiness
Christmas Wishes
Lessons Learned
Manifestation
New Birth
New Life
Three L's
Prepare the Way
Invite the Lord
Be Blessed
Be Like God
From the Heart
Comfort Zone
Prompt Action
Reflect and Believe
Power of Forgiveness
Victory in Jesus
Despair or Hope?
Holiness
Mercy Acts
Defining Moments
Attitude of Gratitude
Exercising Faith
Hoping to Goodness
Being Jesus
Receive Power
God is One
Real Presence
Apostolic Commission
Free to Serve
History Repeats
Just Like You!
Mind of God
The Devil in the Details
Wisdom Thru Faith
Disturbing Love
Mercy Unearned
Humility
All to Jesus
Relationship Cycle
My Plan or Gods?
Wayward Heart
Faith of our Fathers
Exercise Humility
Empowered by God
Prayer
Faithful Departed
Living Stones
Hope or Hopeless
Choose Jesus

IMPORTANT PLEASE READ. This site contains reflections current to the Sunday Lectionary Cycle. Reflections for Cycle C 2025 are available now. Upon ordering, you will receive an email receipt and instructions to download the files. With just one click, on the Download tab, these 52 commentary/reflections are electronically downloaded to your computer and will reside in your File Explorer under DOWNLOADS.
You can modify the text to produce the document you will use in your Homily. These are your files to be used by you - please do not share them.
As a bonus, you will receive an XL Spreadsheet Cross-referencing 104 companion Sunday and weekday citations for references to aid in your weekday preaching as well. Additionally, there are 52 Gospel parallels referenced for further preparatory research.
For questions contact Deacon Ralph at homilypearls@gmail.com or phone/text 601-310-0104