Fr. Dan Powell

“Like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house.” Stones are strong but they just sit on the ground. We are living stones, we are strong, we do things, when we allow Jesus to be our foundation. When He is our cornerstone. #sjnlancaster #faith #dailyhomily

Jesus said, “You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved.” Hate is never a good thing. Even if someone is doing something terrible, praying for them is the best option. Difficult? Yes! Give it a try. #sjnlancaster #faith #dailyhomily

Today is our annual golf tournament to support our school. Six years ago we relocated from St. Anne’s in the city of Lancaster. God has been very good to us as we build on the foundation of so many. Please continue to pray for our students. #sjnlancaster #faith #dailyhomily

Jesus said, “whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.” In a real sense, each of us are called to share Jesus with others by how we live our lives. By allowing Him to walk with us always. #sjnlancaster #faith #dailyhomily

“I came into the world as light so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness.” What would be different in our lives if each day we allowed the light of Jesus to guide our every word & action? Give it a try today. Let Him lead. #sjnlancaster #faith #dailyhomily

“It was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.” A Christian is a follower of Christ who shows Jesus to others in their words and actions. It is more than just a name. It is a way of life. It influences all we are and do. #sjnlancaster #faith #dailyhomily

Jesus said “I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” There are many things available to us daily which want to shepherd us. Some of these will lead us away from the Lord. Choose wisely the path in which you walk. #sjnlancaster #faith #dailyhomily

One of many pictures after the First Communion Masses. What a joy filled day. We pray for these children. May receiving the Body of Jesus be something which sustains them through their whole life. What an amazing gift. Jesus dwelling within us. #sjnlancaster #faith #dailyhomily

Today we have two First Communion Masses at SJN. Please pray for our children as they receive the Body of Christ. Food for their journey. May this be the first of many opportunities to take our Lord into themselves. May Jesus guide them always. #sjnlancaster #faith #dailyhomily

“Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” Jesus spoke to Saul, Paul, and he was blinded. He regained his sight and began to preach the gospel of Jesus. Is there anything we need to let go of so we can follow more closely? Where are we blinded? #sjnlancaster #faith #dailyhomily

The Eucharist. The Body & Blood of Jesus. The core of our Catholic Faith. In John chapter 6 we hear the Bread of Life Discourse. Take some time to read and reflect on this passage. When we take His Body into our bodies we are given His strength. #sjnlancaster #faith #dailyhomily

“Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.” Joy is a choice. We may not think so. That it depends on what is happening in life. My dad used to say “Everyday is a good day.” When we cry out to God and look to Him for grace it changes everything. #dailyhomily #faith #sjnlancaster

“Now Saul was consenting to Stephen’s execution.” St. Paul went from persecuting the Church & putting followers of Jesus to death to preaching the Gospel of Jesus. Pray for those who are lost. You just never know when someone’s life will change. #sjnlancaster #faith #dailyhomily

What would it mean in our lives if we truly believed in Jesus? How would I speak? What places would I go online? What would I post on social media? How would I speak in casual conversations with my friends or treat a stranger? How would I drive? #sjnlancaster #faith #dailyhomily

“Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of bread.” Each time we receive the Eucharist we get to know Jesus just a bit more deeply. He walks with us daily. We never walk alone. #sjnlancaster #faith #dailyhomily

“They wanted to take Jesus into the boat, but the boat immediately arrived at the shore to which they were heading.” What would be different in our daily lives if each day we consciously took Jesus into our boat & allow Him to steer? Start today. #sjnlancaster #faith #dailyhomily

“They had the Apostles flogged, ordered them to stop speaking in the name of Jesus, and dismissed them.” They then went and preached even more. The courage they had speaks to the belief in the resurrection. God, please gives us that same courage. #sjnlancaster #faith #dailyhomily

“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life.” Each day we encounter opportunities to follow where the Holy Spirit is leading or to choose to go another way. Choose wisely. Live each day with Him. #sjnlancaster #faith #dailyhomily

“God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” When I am in the DR, I think often of this passage. If we live for only here, life can be very unfair. #sjnlancaster #faith #dailyhomily

We are home. I will end with this photo. Rigo has been making these table and chair sets out of bottle caps since he was 12 and I first met him 24 years ago. He made ten & we donated $25 for each to him for his family. Simple gesture. Big impact. #sjnlancaster #faith #dailyhomily