Who is: Father John Muir and His Approach to Gospel Meditations

LPi is pleased to announce that we’ve been working with Fr. John Muir, Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia for the Diocese of Phoenix. Fr. Muir is a published author and speaker in the Catholic community and most recently served as pastor of St. Mary’s Basilica in downtown Phoenix.

Fr. Muir has been faithfully contributing to the content LPi distributes to parishes across the country by writing our weekly Gospel reflections. Each reflection is a heartfelt and faith-filled look into the Gospel reading of the week and how Catholics might apply each to their varied lives. Fr. Muir’s depth of understanding of Jesus’ life and mission shines through his writing, and we are so proud to publish these reflections for use by the thousands of parishes who rely on LPi for Sunday content.

To introduce him to you, we interviewed him about his life and ministry. Here’s what he had to say!

Interview With Fr. John Muir

Q. Hi Fr. Muir, thank you for joining us today! Please describe your parish demographic.

A.  Most recently, I served as pastor of St. Mary’s Basilica, the mother church of the Diocese of Phoenix. It’s a vibrant, urban parish that brings together people from every walk of life — young professionals, families, longtime parishioners, visitors, and many who are encountering the Church for the first time. It’s a place where faith, beauty, service, and the life of the city intersect in powerful ways.

Q. Why do most people visit your city?

A.  Phoenix is known for its sunshine, desert beauty, outdoor recreation, and growing cultural scene. It’s also worth noting that the Diocese of Phoenix was recently identified as the second-largest diocese in the United States, second only to Los Angeles, and it continues to grow rapidly. There’s a real sense of energy, opportunity, and missionary possibility here.

Q. What is a fun fact about you?

A. Although I live in the desert, I’m still a Vermonter at heart. I love maple syrup, cold lakes, and I remain open to the possibility of lake monsters.

Q. Which communication platforms do you use to spread the message of Jesus to the world?

A. Much of my priestly ministry today involves diocesan leadership and administration, but preaching remains very close to my heart. In addition to preaching at parishes throughout the diocese, my weekly Sunday Gospel reflections published through LPi are one of the primary ways I exercise my responsibility to proclaim the Gospel in an intentional and accessible way. I also do this through talks, retreats, and days of reflection. I’m currently working on re-envisioning a digital initiative I started years ago called Catholic Breakfast, which is in a rebranding phase.

Q. What is an unexpected blessing of your priesthood?

A.  The friendships and relationships that form when I am living my life on mission. I’m amazed at how deep and meaningful friendships are with so many priests and lay people. That’s a huge joy. 

Q. What encouraged you to agree to be our Gospel Meditation writer?

A.  The Gospels themselves are endlessly compelling. They have a way of capturing the imagination and drawing people into a real encounter with Jesus. What drew me to this project was the challenge of helping that power come through in the very accessible medium of a short bulletin reflection — connecting the Gospel to ordinary life in a way that feels concrete, human, and hopeful. When that connection happens, something truly beautiful takes place.

Q. Do you have a favorite Gospel-writer?

A. I have a particular affection for St. Luke. His Gospel reflects a deep sensitivity to beauty, mercy, and human experience. He understands that an encounter with Christ gives rise to wonder — and even to song.

Q. What is one of the scariest invitations God has extended to you, and how did you respond?

A. Being asked to give the opening invocation at a nationally televised NASCAR race was surprisingly nerve-racking. Standing there, I had to trust that God would provide what was needed in the moment. It became a powerful reminder that the priesthood carries us into places we never expect to go.

Q. What advice for the spiritual life have you received that has made a difference in your life?

A. Try to please Jesus in the ordinary details of life. Do everything for Him, and don’t worry too much about how it’s received. Faithfulness has a quiet power. 

Thank you Fr. Muir!

---
Want access to Fr. Muir’s Gospel Meditations every week for your parish? WeCreate, our library of Catholic art and content, has them and more!

For more of Fr. John Muir, visit these links:

• Getting More Out of Mass (Something More Faith) by Fr. John Muir (Book)
• Fr. Joh Muir’s Catholic Breakfast YouTube Channel
• St. Rose Anthem | Fr. John Muir videos
• St. Mary’s Basilica | Fr. John Muir | Lenten Plan Video 

Updated on 02-26-2026