Homily for the Mass Twenty sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time 9 28 25 C

Visiting priest Father Nicholas Albin, SJ invited the congregation to consider making regular “spiritual check-ins” just as we do with health or work. Using the story of actor Shia LaBeouf’s unexpected conversion while preparing for the film Padre Pio, he illustrated how intentionally pausing to examine our lives can open us to God’s grace and transformation. Drawing on the Gospel of the rich man and Lazarus, Father Albin warned against living so comfortably that we miss the needs of others. He encouraged everyone to practice the Jesuit “Examen” — a brief daily prayer of gratitude, reflection, and openness to God — as a simple way to stay aware of God’s presence and live our gifts more fully for others.