Homily: Ember Friday in Lent (2025)

On this Ember Friday of Lent, the Church calls us to deeper penance and prayer, particularly for those preparing for Holy Orders, as the Ember Days have historically been linked to ordinations. The stational church, the Basilica of the Twelve Apostles, reminds us of the apostolic foundation of the priesthood, where weak men were transformed by grace to become pillars of the Church. The lesson from Ezechiel emphasizes true conversion, which is essential for both the faithful and those called to the altar, while the Gospel of the paralytic’s healing prefigures the priest’s role in bringing souls back to life through the sacraments. The sanctification of priests is vital for the sanctification of the Church, and so, just as the Apostles were tested and purified, we too must offer our Lenten sacrifices for the raising of holy, faithful priests who will shepherd souls with courage and fidelity.