Épisodes

  • Start Here: Welcome to the Deacon Bill Ross Homilies Podcast!
    Jan 20 2026

    Welcome! Whether you're an active Catholic, exploring faith for the first time, or have been away from the Church, this introduction episode explains what this podcast is about and what you'll gain from listening. Spoiler: it's not just about hearing Scripture—it's about putting it into action.

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    6 min
  • It's never too late to start again
    Jan 14 2026

    A retired Navy Seal asks Deacon Bill an unforgettable question: "Why would God want me back?" In this powerful Advent homily, discover the ancient Latin phrase nunc coepi - "now I begin" - and learn how John the Baptist's message of radical mercy applies to your life today. It's never too late to start again.

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    10 min
  • Journey with the Magi and transform your life
    Jan 6 2026

    In this Epiphany homily, we explore the journey of the Magi through four transformative steps: Seek, Adore, Change, and Shine. Discover why pagan astrologers found Jesus before those who had all the knowledge of Scripture, and what it means to become "stars for others" in a world covered by darkness. This message challenges us to follow Christ's light beyond our comfort zones and bring hope to those wandering in search of something greater.

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    10 min
  • God Winks and Popsicle Stick Prayers
    Nov 4 2025

    Have you ever experienced a "God wink" – a meaningful coincidence that feels like a sign from above?

    In this All Souls Day homily, Deacon Bill introduces a simple family practice that might help you experience more of them: the popsicle stick prayer jar.

    Drawing from the Book of Wisdom and John's Gospel, Deacon Bill explores the souls in purgatory – so close to heaven, yet still being purified for that final encounter with God.

    But here's the beautiful mystery: while souls in purgatory can't pray for themselves, they can pray for us. And when we pray for them, they intercede for us in return. Those "coincidences" you experience might actually be God winks – answers to the prayers of grateful souls.

    Deacon Bill offers a practical challenge: follow it...and then watch for the God winks that follow.

    As Archbishop Fulton Sheen promised: when you enter heaven, souls will come toward you saying, "I'm a poor soul you prayed for in purgatory."

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    11 min
  • What's the most dangerous thing in the world?
    Oct 22 2025

    Why does a Super Bowl team follow the rules without question – but society feels free to change God's laws?

    In this powerful homily, Deacon Bill tackles one of the most dangerous forces in our world: silence in the face of evil. Using the metaphor of sports rules that can never be changed, he challenges us to examine why we allow God's commandments to be rewritten to fit society's desires.

    Drawing from the Gospel where Jesus calls out hypocrites who honor God with their lips but whose hearts are far from Him, Deacon Bill reminds us that silence implies acceptance. And as the song "The Sound of Silence" warns us: "silence, like a cancer grows."

    St. Catherine of Siena said, "It is silence that kills the world." This week's challenge: Are you a doer of God's word, or just a hearer? And when your day comes to meet God, will you be judged by His laws – or society's?

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    7 min
  • Objects in the mirror are closer than they appear
    Oct 14 2025

    "Objects in the mirror are closer than they appear." You've seen that warning on every car mirror – but what if it applied to God?

    In this Ascension Sunday homily, Deacon Bill explores the apostles' bewilderment when Jesus ascended into Heaven. One moment they're watching Him disappear into the clouds, feeling abandoned and alone. The next, they're filled with joy. What changed?

    The answer: they realized Jesus hadn't left them at all. He was closer than they could imagine – living right inside their hearts.

    Deacon Bill explains how the same seeds Jesus planted in the apostles are planted in us through Scripture and the sacraments. And just like the apostles at Pentecost, we're called to let the Holy Spirit activate those seeds and share our faith with joy.

    The next time you glance at your side mirror, remember: God is closer than He appears.

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    8 min
  • What if your Apple Watch could help you get to Heaven?
    Oct 14 2025

    What if your Apple Watch could help you get to Heaven?

    In this homily, Deacon Bill uses the Activity App as an unexpected metaphor for spiritual life. Just as the watch tracks your steps and reminds you to stay active, what if we had a "Heaven App" that kept our eternal goal front and center throughout the day?

    Drawing from Ecclesiastes, Colossians, and Luke's Gospel about the rich fool, Deacon Bill explores why we spend so much energy accumulating earthly treasures we can't take with us – and challenges us to shift our focus to what really matters to God.

    The good news? We already have the most powerful "app" available: the Holy Spirit. Deacon Bill offers practical ways to use everyday reminders to refocus on building treasures that last forever.

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    8 min
  • Why does God allow evil in the world?
    Oct 13 2025

    Why does God allow evil in the world? And why doesn't He just step in and stop it?

    These are questions we all wrestle with. In this homily, Deacon Bill reveals that God actually answers them directly in today's Scripture readings. The catch? We've been hearing these passages for years without really listening to what He's telling us.

    Join Deacon Bill as he tackles one of faith's toughest questions with fresh insight and practical wisdom.

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    10 min