Fr. Yamil A. Samalot Rivera, OP

Fr. Yamil A. Samalot Rivera, OP is from Isabela, on the northwest coast of Puerto Rico. He teaches Dogmatic Theology but has also been blessed return to teaching in his original field of study and research: Portuguese and Brazilian Studies, as well as, the relationship between Theology and Postmodern Culture. Currently he is Assistant Professor of Theology and Humanities at the University of the Sacred Heart (est. 1880).

Videos

12 April • Jesus' Sacrifice Gathers God's Children

Explore the profound meaning behind Caiaphas' statement that it was better for one man to die for the people (John 11:49-52). This homily unpacks how Jesus' death was foretold as a means to gather God's scattered children into one family. Understand Jesus' voluntary sacrifice on the cross as a historical manifestation of eternal, Trinitarian, redemptive love between the Father and the Son.

11 April • Threatened for Doing Good? Jesus' Example

As Lent nears its end, the liturgy confronts us with Jesus' imminent suffering. This homily explores the clash between Jesus' good works and the accusations of blasphemy He faced for revealing His divine identity. Discover the Lenten call to awaken our own identity as children of God and boldly perform works of love and justice, following Jesus' path towards the Paschal Mystery.

15 Mar • Love as God does—everyone

Jesus challenged his disciples to love everyone, as God loves everyone, friend and enemy, legal or illegal immigrant.

14 Mar • A higher standard

Jesus challenged his disciples to go beyond the Law, adding to the sin of murder that it was a sin to even be angry with your brother. Lent is a time to try to live up to this higher standard.

13 Feb • Beyond prejudice to encounter

After calling a foreigner a "dog," Jesus is moved by the woman's chutzpah and cures her daughter. Can the pain and suffering of others move us beyond our own prejudices to help the most needy we encounter?

12 Feb • What makes us pure or impure?

Jesus taught his disciples that nothing that enters us from without can make us impure. Rather, the malice and bad thoughts in our hearts that come out in our words and actions make us impure. This is a call to us to let go of the superficial things of religion and examine our own hearts and actions.