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

13 Feb • What makes us pure or impure?

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.

15 Jan • The movement of love

Our love has to reach out to heal others, starting at home and then reaching out beyond our home, always rooted in prayer.

14 Jan • Speaking with authority that liberates

Unlike other teachers of his day, Jesus taught with authority and his words liberated people from suffering. Perhaps we can make a New Year's resolution to make our words liberate others.

17 Dec • 42 generations of preparation

In today's Gospel we hear the genealogy of Jesus going back 42 generations to Abraham, emphasizing that God has been on this bruising journey with us for a long time. In Advent, we are called not to remain aloof and pure, but to be more in touch with the world so that we can bring God's presence to it.

16 Dec • Embodying the hope found in Christ

In our readings today, the Jewish Priests refuse to speak about God while the pagan prophet Balaam speaks eloquently of God's wonders. It is our job today to give witness to our hope arising because of Jesus Christ, and in Advent, we prepare ourselves to embody that presence.