Holy Masks and Lost Cars: Finding Yourself (and God’s Mercy) in Midtown Manhattan

In this hilarious and heartfelt homily, Fr. Luke Mary Fletcher weaves together Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector with a Halloween twist—and an unforgettable story about losing (and “finding”) his car in New York City. From fake piety to Comic-Con cosplay, from saints with eyeballs-on-a-plate to Batman asking for blessings, this episode explores what it really means to drop our masks and stand before God as we are. Through laughter and humility, Fr. Luke leads listeners from the humor of human folly to the hope of divine mercy. Drawing inspiration from St. Carlo Acutis’ profound insight—“Everyone is born an original, but many die a copy”—he reminds us that holiness isn’t about pretending to be perfect; it’s about becoming authentically ourselves in Christ. If you’ve ever worn a spiritual costume, gotten lost in the city of your own pride, or just needed a reason to smile on the road to heaven, this episode will warm your heart and lift your spirit. Key themes: * The Pharisee and the tax collector: humility vs. hypocrisy * Halloween, holiness, and the danger of spiritual masks * Finding humor (and grace) in everyday mishaps * The mercy of Jesus that always brings us home safely * St. Carlo Acutis and the call to be “originals” of God’s love Perfect for: listeners who love storytelling, Catholic humor, and the kind of wisdom that sneaks up on you between laughs.