Emory Catholic Podcast
Homilies, talks, and discussions from the University Catholic Center at Emory University. The podcast offers spiritual growth, intellectual depth, and encouragement for students, faculty, staff, and broader communities at Emory University, Oxford College, and Agnes Scott College.
Episodes
![The Power of an Honest "No": Beyond Performative Faith [26th Sunday OT Year A] (09/27/2026)](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo/46482303/46482303-1785782502510-51bb975a23562.jpg)
The Power of an Honest "No": Beyond Performative Faith [26th Sunday OT Year A] (09/27/2026)
Reflecting on the Parable of the Two Sons in Matthew 21, Fr. Branson's homily explores the difference between performative piety and genuine honesty with God. Rather than hiding our resistance behind empty words, Christ invites us into authentic prayer, where an initial "no" can become a lasting, heartfelt "yes." ----------------------------------Readings for the 26th Sund
Rescued from Idleness: Resentment, Grace, and the Generous Master [25th Sunday OT Year A] (09/20/2026)
Addressing the challenging Gospel parable of the vineyard owner who pays every worker the same daily wage, Fr. Branson's homily explores why being called early to serve God is a profound blessing rather than a burden. Rather than romanticizing a life without faith or resenting the Master's equal generosity toward latecomers, the homily examines how a life rooted in divine purpose rescues u
My Brother Is My Life: Meeting Christ Through the Gift of the Other Person [23rd Sunday OT Year A] (09/06/2026)
In a culture dominated by parasocial connections and abstract ideals of humanity, loving real, imperfect people in our daily lives can feel overwhelmingly difficult. Reflecting on Matthew 18, Fr. Branson's homily explores what it means to move from "love in dreams" to active, messy, and transformative community—where Christ challenges us to step out of isolation, address conflicts di
"Get Behind Me": Returning to the Path of Discipleship [22nd Sunday OT Year A] (08/30/2026)
When Peter tried to steer Jesus away from the cross, Christ didn't tell him to go away—He told him to get back in line: "Get behind me." As we step into new schedules and commitments, Fr. Branson's homily unpacks our quiet, subtle conviction that we know better than God, examining what happens when the "rock" of our faith becomes a stumbling block, and how Christ calls
Who Do You Say That I Am? Bring Your Needs to the God of Mercy [21st Sunday OT Year A] (08/23/2026)
Standing before the cave where ancient pilgrims brought their offerings to the pagan god, Pan, in Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asked His disciples a crucial question: "Who do you say that I am?" In a culture designed to monetize our exhaustion and capture our attention, where do we take our deepest human needs? Reflecting on Peter’s confession in Matthew 16, Fr. Branson's homily contrast
"Your Will Be Done": Persisting Through God's Silence [20th Sunday OT Year A] (08/16/2026)
How do we respond when God seems distant or silent to our prayers? At first glance, Jesus’ interaction with the Canaanite woman feels disturbing. But if we sit with the discomfort, a profound mystery unfolds. In this homily, Fr. Branson explores the bridal imagery, divine love, and humble persistence that reveal the intense love of God and what it means to pursue God with an unwavering and hungry
The Slow Work of Interiorization: Walking on Water with Peter [19th Sunday OT Year A] (08/09/2026)
Learning that we are loved is rarely an instant transformation—it takes time for the truth of God’s love to sink into our hearts. In this homily for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A), Fr. Branson explores Peter’s bold step onto the stormy waters and what it means to move from a survival mindset into the vulnerability of true trust in Christ.----------------------------------Readings for t
Out of Proportion: Silence, Surrender, and the Miracle of the Loaves [18th Sunday OT Year A] (08/02/2026)
What happens when we feel like we don't have enough left in the tank? Why does Jesus command the crowd to sit and be still before feeding them? In this homily, Fr. Branson explores the posture of receiving, the power of handing over our small gifts to God, and how He produces a spiritual fruitfulness in our lives that is entirely out of proportion to our own efforts.---------------------------
Reawakening Desire: The Pearl of Great Price and the Total Gift of Self [17th Sunday OT Year A] (07/26/2026)
In a world filled with endless noise and distraction, how do we regain our ability to recognize what truly matters? In this homily, Fr. Branson explores Jesus’s parables of the treasure in the field and the pearl of great price. Far from being obscure riddles, these parables are meant to break through the static, reawaken deep desire, and invite us into a total, undivided gift of self.------------
Why Are We So Tired? Finding Rest in the Father's Love [14th Sunday OT Year A] (07/05/2026)
If you ask anyone how they are doing these days, chances are you’ll hear one of two answers: "I'm busy" or "I'm tired." In this homily, Fr. Branson explores Jesus’ iconic invitation to "take my yoke upon you and find rest".----------------------------------Readings for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time (07/05/2026)Zechariah 9:9-10Psalm 145:1-2, 8-9, 10-11, 13-
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