Monday, December 31, 2007

Homily - 12-31-07 - Monday

Today, the seventh day in the octave of Christmas, is also New Year’s Eve. It is the perfect time make one last final alignment before the new year begins tonight at midnight. Some call it making New Year’s Resolutions. The one really significant alignment that we need to make is to surrender ourselves entirely, completely and wholly to God who can do so many things through us for others - if we let him!

Our resolve must be to let the beautiful, magnificent and wonderful Truth and Light of God shine through us! The way we do that is to ask for God’s help - which he provides by means of the Holy Spirit; but also to consciously use that help and live as authentic, as genuine, as generous a Christian life as possible trying as best we can to make the outside of our living match the inside. The antichrists that St. John speaks about in the first reading today were defectors from the Christian community; they were liars, they took what was pure and holy, truthful and helpful and distorted it and used it for their own purposes and glory! Their outside did not match the inside.

It is always the final hour, because antichrists, defectors, liars, are always present within the community of mankind! It is up to the core Christian community to resist the temptations of those devious individuals and to demonstrate the power and life that comes from living in God, living in light, living in his Word, living in Jesus!

The gospel passage tells us what our focus should be: THE WORD MADE FLESH! What a truly astounding thing this is: GOD BECOMES A MAN! to save us from the lies, to save us from our sins, to save us from all that we need saving from! At this Mass we receive into our hearts that very Word of Life, that Word of Light, that Word of Love that can guide us throughout this day - and all of the days of the New Year!

Thanks be to God.

Sunday, December 30, 2007

Homily - 12-30-07 - Feast of the Holy Family

Today we have the “other side of the coin.” The last time that I preached here at St. Charles was in the summer, and the gospel passage was about Jesus saying that he did NOT come to bring peace to earth and that family members would be warring against one another!

That was my first time preaching here! I was hoping for something a little more cheerful to talk about! Well, today I get my chance - and coincidentally, or not, the message for today’s feast - though “the other side of the summer coin” - is the exactly the same as that of the summer coin!


Today we talk about the real peace that can exist in this world - and the real harmony that can exist in families!

It all comes down to “perfection - real perfection!

When we think of “perfection,” we think of doing things without error! But that is not the theological definition of perfection!

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph were perfect, but not in the way we might think! What made their family perfect was not having Jesus as a member of it. What made the Holy Family “perfect” was three things:

1) They each put God the Father first in their lives - they loved him above all things - at each and every moment of the day, in one way or another!
2) They celebrated the presence of God in their lives! They were a good Jewish family and they practiced their religion - regularly and faithfully - day in and day out!
3) They demonstrated their very real loving relationship with God by loving other people - always and all ways! Out of love for God they lived lives of complete self-sacrifice for others!

This is what made them perfect! They did it all because they loved God with all their heart and soul and strength! - and they loved others because they loved God! This is what can make us and our famlies perfect too! And this is the exact same message of the summer gospel passage that defined “perfect discipleship” for us! Focusing, concentrating, celebrating and living out our commitment to Jesus and his way of life - because we love God above all things!

No human can live an “error free” life” - not even Jesus, Mary and Joseph! No doubt Joseph hit his finger with the hammer at his carpentry shop! No doubt Mary dropped a pottery bowl full of flour in the kitchen once in a while! No doubt Jesus tripped, fell and scraped his knee when he was playing as a child!

Perhaps the difference is what they “said” when they did these things!
We get to call on them and God, when we are imperfect! I suspect they called on God too!

And so, we can truly live peace-filled, “perfect” lives - pleasing to God - and helpful to our families and to everyone else - if we do them because we have our priorities straight - if we do them because we love God first and above all else - and we prove it by loving our neighbors - all of them - because we are truly all members of one and the same family!

Saturday, December 29, 2007

Homily - 12-29-07 - Saturday

Today’s readings are among the most beautiful of the Christmas Season. The fact that Jesus is Light of the World cannot be emphasized enough! The darkness that existed before his arrival cannot even be imagined by us - who live in his light! The darkness overcame the world - and there was no way out - no ray of hope - until Jesus was born!

The night of Christ’s birth was the Grand Illumination! Light was born! and the world would never be the same again! There was now reason to have hope! There was a Guiding Light for the path which we must travel!

In the first reading St. John makes it very clear that those who live in the light, love; there is no other way around it! If you love one another as Jesus taught and demonstrated then you will be bathed in and live in light all the days of your life; if you don’t, if you hate people, if you do not love, everyone, then you will stumble around in darkness all the days of your life, and end in eternal darkness!

In the wonderful gospel passage Simeon - a pious old man who was chosen by God beforehand to do this very thing- receives Jesus when he is presented to the Lord. Simeon had been praying to be the one to do just this: to receive the baby Jesus and to begin his role of Savior of the Jewish people, and Savior of the World. Simeon’s incredibly beautiful and simple prayer is hailed by the ages; it is recited every night at Night Prayer in the Divine Office: “Lord, now let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled: my own eyes have seen the salvation which you prepared in the sight of every people, a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel.”

Simeon also prophesied the magnitude of the mission of Jesus: he is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, a sign that would be contradicted his entire life (because he was the Good existing now in the land of the Bad). He also prophesied that Mary would share sorrowfully in the life’s work of her son as only a mother could! She would stand by her son and encourage him unflinchingly and unceasingly, come what may!

Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice: splendor and majesty go before our God, praise and grandeur are in his sanctuary - and at this Mass we are present there! Thank you God!

Friday, December 28, 2007

Homily - 12-28-07 - Friday

Today we recall the beginning of the controversy that the birth of Jesus brought to the earth! His coming was so long waited for, anticipated and desired; yet, when at last it came, it immediately stirred up opposition and hatred as well. Those who misunderstood the reason for the coming of the Messiah got on the offensive as soon as they knew he was here.

Jesus did not come to be a political savior. He did not come to be literally and only the King of the Jewish people in a secular way! He came to be the Light of the World and the transforming agent so that all could enjoy life in the supernatural Kingdom of his Father! But, King Herod did not want to understand this. Finding the newborn “spiritual king” a threat to his own throne he set into motion a plan to destroy the child, and so he ordered the execution of all baby boys under two years of age in the land of the Jews.

An angel instructed Joseph to take Jesus and Mary and to flee into Egypt until it was safe for their return! Joseph did as the angel commanded and the Holy Family was safe! But thousands of innocent babes were slaughtered! These are the very first to shed their blood for Christ: not because of him, but instead of him! They are very near and dear to the Divine Heart of Jesus, and loved immensely by his Father! Today we honor them, and give them our love and thank them for their part in salvation history!

In a sense this was an important event in that it showed from the very beginning that the entire life and presence of Jesus on this planet was to be extraordinary! It was to have unimagined and incomprehensible results! Jesus would change the entire course of distorted human history! He would make it whole again! He would bring peace! He would bring love - and the first to help him out in a big way were a group of angels who lived among us for a short time as children of the Hebrews!

We praise you, O God; we acclaim you as Lord; the white robed army of martyrs praise you! And we thank them for showing us the depth and the true significance of our faith life!

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Homily - 12-27-07 - Thursday

Today we celebrate the feast of a remarkable saint: John the Apostle, John the Evangelist, John the Beloved Disciple of the Lord.

John was a brother to James the Greater and their father was Zebedee, a fisherman; their mother was most likely a sister of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, making the boys first cousins of Jesus.

John became entirely devoted to his cousin Jesus. He must have been convinced from the very beginning of his discipleship that Jesus had something very special to share with the whole world: it was an uncommon, a magnificent, a supernatural LOVE! John, after studying Jesus as the dispenser of God the Father’s great gift of LOVE, became the theologian of LOVE! At the end of his life, when he was very old, the one thing that John kept repeating over and over again, when making public appearances was: “My little children, LOVE one another!” He was convinced that if we do this: “we have done enough!”

John, with James, was with Jesus at the wedding feast of Cana - the inauguration of Jesus’ public ministry; they were on the mountain of the transfiguration, a week before the end of Jesus’ public ministry; they wanted to call down fire from heaven on those who did not take Jesus seriously as he made his way to Jerusalem that last time; they were at the Last Supper, in the Garden of Gethsemane; but John alone, among the Apostles was present at Calvary, along with Mary, the Mother of Jesus. John knew that it was the CRUCIFIXION that was the supreme act of LOVE - the love of God for his people, in bringing about salvation for them! It was to John that Jesus entrusted his mother shortly before he breathed his last. John was also present, as our gospel tells us, at the tomb on the morning of the resurrection of Jesus, for death was conquered when Jesus rose! and our future in Paradise was secured! It was a glorious day - and John was there!

After the coming of the Spirit on Pentecost, John brought the message of the GOOD NEWS to Asia. Though he offered his life to Jesus through martyrdom - Jesus accepted the intention, but miraculously preserved John from an actual martyr’s death: John died of natural causes in exile at a ripe old age! Perhaps because John was so faithful in all of his work for Jesus, including the writing of the Fourth Gospel, the book of Revelation, and the three “catholic epistles,” that Jesus demonstrated his gratitude in a special way by preserving John from physical pain and suffering! Jesus can do that - he is God!

In our first reading today from John’s first letter, we see the excitement that he had in proclaiming Jesus as Word of life, as Light of the World, as LOVE of the Father, as chief focal point of life! We must experience LOVING in order to experience God, in order to experience the JOY that God has in store for us!

Let us rejoice in the Lord! and find Christ our Life, Christ our Light, Christ our Love! - and let us share him with others!

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Homily - 12-26-07 - Wednesday

It might seem odd to have the feast of St. Stephen, the First Martyr of the Church the day after Christmas - but actually it is most appropriate. Jesus was born into the world to die, to give his life, to the last drop of his blood for us and for our salvation: so that we might have light, and life and an experience of true love that can only come with true connectedness, communion with God.

After this great act of redemption, the first to give his life for the faith that was centered in Jesus was a deacon named Stephen. He was one of the seven original deacons of the Church. His preaching was so effective and powerful that the enemies of the Church of Jesus could not stand any more to even hear the sound of his voice. Stephen told the truth! Stephen told them that unless they changed their ways of thinking and acting they would suffer the consequences of Jesus justice! They even plugged their ears, they were so angry at Stephen. Yet, during all of this Stephen’s face remained like that of an angel: as he beheld a vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God at the great throne in heaven: the throne to which we all will be called to render an account of our living and giving!

As he was being stoned, Stephen could be heard praying: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” He also begged God not to punish his enemies for killing him!

Into your hands, O Lord, may we commend our spirits!

May we live and give our all for you, Lord Jesus! - under the inspiration and guidance of your Holy Spirit!

Amen!

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Homily - 12-25-2007 Solemnity of the Birth of Christ

Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord!

The greatest message of Christmas is that heaven and earth have united in producing a Savior for wretched and fallen mankind. The offense must have been immense - that original sin - if the remedy had to be this spectacular. And spectacular it is! Beyond imagining! Beyond the belief of many - still! God becomes a man in order to save us from the situation that we had gotten ourselves into by an enormous lack of trust and act of disobedience!

Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord!

From time immemorial men and women had been living a double-life! A life caught in the chaos of original disordering! Everything that had been “ordered” - created to operate in a specific and certain way - was now, inescapably “disordered.” And there was no way out - at least, not that man could produce himself! Because the order was created by God, and lack of trust in God keeping his promises, and disobedience - only a supreme act of trust and obedience by one who was both like and unlike us could save us! The God-Man Jesus Christ was the only one qualified to do this! And he did it freely, voluntarily, out of love for us!


Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord!

And he was born into this world of a virgin - to show that this entire process is extraordinary, yet very real! He was born poor - to show the reality of his majesty, the immensity of his power, the depth of his mercy! For if the all-powerful one, the all-mighty one, the all-merciful one could be contained in a tiny, crying baby boy - then he could do anything at all! Jesus identified himself with the poor, the unwanted, the homeless, the disrespected, the neglected, the shunned, the hungry, the naked and the imprisoned from the moment of his birth -
when he was turned away from the inn!

Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord!

And yet, his birth was celebrated by the animals in the manger, and the shepherds on the hillsides, and the heavenly choir of angels who sang out his praises: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests! - peace to the lowly and the humble and those who embrace a life of poverty!”

Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord!

The only appropriate response that we could possibly make this Christmas Day is to promised with all of our minds and hearts to take the spiritual empowerment that we receive from the God who also was big enough, and loving enough, and merciful enough to transform himself into ordinary bread and wine for us and for our salvation: and translate it into direct, conscious, deliberate, consistent and lasting care for all of God’s poor - which includes EVERYONE - we are all poor in the sight of God - but especially those who are visibly living a life of physical, mental, emotional or spiritual poverty - whether by choice or not! WE OWE IT TO JESUS and HIS FATHER and the HOLY SPIRIT to use the gift of Christmas this way! We will be held accountable one day when the only question that Jesus, come as Judge will ask us is this: DID YOU LOVE AND CARE FOR THE POOR? DID YOU LOVE AND CARE FOR ME - WHO WAS BORN IN A MANGER BECAUSE NO ONE CARED?

Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord!

Monday, December 24, 2007

Homily - 12-24-2007 Christmas Eve

“Et Verbum caro factum est! - And the Word was made flesh!” There are no more astounding words that can ever be spoken or written than these! The very God of Gods - almighty, all-powerful, all-just, all-merciful, all-loving took on our human nature - lowered himself from the heavens - came down and became a piece of clay - for us and for our salvation! And that piece of clay was fashioned in the womb of the Virgin Mary into a tiny baby boy - whose cry filled this very night, so long ago and far away!

All the earth had been longing for, and expecting the arrival of this tiny visitor for eons. Ever since the sin of Adam and Eve, hoping against hope - men and women have been searching for a way to bridge the gap between themselves and God that was created by their own lack of trust and disobedience. They concluded over and over again that nothing they could do could ever successfully make the leap, and reach the skies!

It would take the absolute trust and obedience of a God-Man - Jesus, whose birth anniversary we anticipate in just hours - to repair the damage and to establish a bridge between God and his people - the one’s he loved so much that he gave his Son to accomplish the reconciliation!

Yes, tonight we recall the eternally significant meaning of “giving.” This is a night of “giving.” We give presents on this night, in imitation of the greatest present of all, that was given by the greatest giver of all: God the Father, giving us Jesus, the only qualified means of our salvation!

God the Father gave Jesus to us! Jesus gave himself for us! We are called in imitation of the giving of the Father and the Son to give love to others: especially the poor! Jesus was born poor, housed in a stable, with no one except his parents and some faithful shepherds to welcome him! When we give to the poor, we give to Jesus! And the Christmas story is complete!

Let our gift giving and merry-making this holiday time reflect the priceless gift of the Father and the Son to us - all given life and motivation by the inpouring of the Holy Spirit - who is the love shared by the Father and the Son - and the true heart of this Christmas Season!

All the ends of the earth will see the saving power of God - if we carry the message of the Christ-Child to them - a message of freedom, of hope, of peace, of joy! How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings glad tidings, announcing peace, bearing good news, announcing salvation and saying: “Your God is King!”

Sunday, December 23, 2007

Homily - 12-23-07 - Fourth Sunday of Advent

This is the fourth and final Sunday in Advent. The time of anticipation and preparation will give way to the reality of the celebration of the anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ! No one’s birthday is anticipated, prepared for or celebrated with any greater intensity than that of Jesus Christ!

The reason is that no other life has done what his did! It reversed the course of human history: a monumental and supernatural feat! It straightened everything out! It made all the difference in the world! (But that story is for tomorrow night!)

Today, we look deep inside ourselves to see if everything is cleared and ready! As St. John the Baptist cried out: PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD! MAKE STRAIGHT A HIGHWAY FOR OUR GOD! Is there a straight, clear, clean, level, smooth, open path between our hearts and heaven? Are all of the cobwebs and dirt piles of sin and stubbornness removed? Are selfishness, conceit and pride banished?

Now is the hour to turn to God’s mercy and ask that our hearts be remade - by the power and working of the Holy Spirit! There is nothing we can do on our own to make ourselves ready for a deep and meaningful experience of Christmas - but God can do everything to make it happen! It only takes our response and our cooperation!

Our readings today are about prophets and angels and saintly people! We are already in their company due to our baptism! We are as much a prophet as any of the prophets; we join the angels and saints every time we celebrate Mass! The most important part of our lives takes place on the supernatural level - that is why the sign of a virgin with child by the power of God - is not difficult to understand at all!

Our faith tells us that it is perfectly possible! God can do whatever he wants, however he wants to! (He even prefigured this reality by means of another miracle: the burning bush: the bush burning without being consumed is a symbol of Mary’s perpetual virginity: she was consumed with the presence of Jesus before, during and after his birth, yet remained a virgin throughout the entire process!)

An angel tells St. Joseph that the child to be born of Mary is very special indeed - and so Joseph does as the angel tells him: he takes Mary into his home as his wife - and when she delivers her son: he names him Jesus - because he will save his people from their sins! This again, is not so difficult to understand for those who are baptized - who have the gift of faith to be able understand and believe these happenings!

Paul in the second reading reminds us that he is called to be an apostle: one who is to bring the good news of the gospel far and wide! We are called to be evangelizers as well! Good news cannot not be shared! Everyone can’t wait to tell someone when they have something amazing to share!

The greatest and best thing of all has happened 2000 years ago - and the news is still spreading - it cannot be contained! We have Christmas so we can remind ourselves of the details of how it all started! And retelling the entire story should move us to want to share the story - share the power for living and giving - that comes with the story - share the Eucharistic life we celebrate at this Mass which fuels our resolve and our response!

Let us let the Lord enter our hearts tomorrow night as he never has before - for he is the king of glory - he is our King of Glory! - to proclaim and share with all the world!

Saturday, December 22, 2007

Homily - 12-22-07 - Saturday

O King of all nations and keystone of the Church: come and save man, whom you formed from the dust! Today we recall the sixth of the “O Antiphons” preserved by the Church as a particular way to prepare for Christmas. For each of seven days before Christmas a special antiphon for the Magnificat at Vespers was sung in the monasteries which concerned both the announcement of a title of the Messiah, and reflected an Old Testament prophecy about him. These antiphons began with the word “O” - thus “’O’ Antiphon.”

Today the title is “King of the Nations” O King of all the nations, the only joy of every human heart; O Keystone of the mighty arch of man, come and save the creature you fashioned from the dust.

The prophecy is this from Isaiah: “For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.”

The first reading today from the prophet Samuel speaks of the fulfillment of the promise that Hannah made to God. She who was thought to be sterile, after having given birth to Samuel, dedicated him to God in the temple - as she promised she would, if God would give her a child. This prefigures Elizabeth and John the Baptist; this even prefigures Mary and Jesus - Mary would also present Jesus in the temple, and remain a virgin forever!

The gospel passage is about Mary singing her exultant song of joy: The Magnificat! God favored her by choosing her to be the mother of his Son; his presence within her makes her burst forth with praise and song! When Jesus, and his Father and the Spirit are present within us: as they are as we celebrate this, and every Mass, our participation should reflect and mirror Mary’s: it should be full, and resounding: ever giving glory and worship to God who is faithful in keeping his promises!

Let our hearts exult enthusiastically in the Lord, our Savior!

Friday, December 21, 2007

Homily - 12-21-07 - Friday

O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law: come to save us, Lord our God! Today we recall the fifth of the “O Antiphons” preserved by the Church as a particular way to prepare for Christmas. For each of seven days before Christmas a special antiphon for the Magnificat at Vespers was sung in the monasteries which concerned both the announcement of a title of the Messiah, and reflected an Old Testament prophecy about him. These antiphons began with the word “O” - thus “’O’ Antiphon.”

Today the title is “Emmanuel!” O Emmanuel, king and lawgiver, desire of the nations, Savior of all people, come and set us free, Lord our God

The prophecy is this from Isaiah: “The Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel - a name which means: God-is-with-us!”."

The first reading today from the prophet Zephaniah speaks eloquently about the deep joy that is experienced when the Lord is near! Those who had reason to fear, no longer need do so because God has come not only to set them free - but to establish them as a favored people - a place where he himself exults and rejoices because of the faithfulness of his people!

The gospel passage relates how Mary, upon learning of the pregnancy of her aged cousin Elizabeth, goes to visit her - to help her in her time of expectancy. John the Baptist - the baby in Elizabeth’s womb leapt for joy at the nearness of his cousin - the Messiah - the Lord - who was now living in the womb of Mary! Where there is God - JOY ABOUNDS.

May we, this day, exult in the Lord; may we leap for joy, and sing him a new song!

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Homily - 12-20-07 - Thursday

O Key of David, opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom: come and free the prisoners of darkness! Today we recall the fourth of the “O Antiphons” preserved by the Church as a particular way to prepare for Christmas. For each of seven days before Christmas a special antiphon for the Magnificat at Vespers was sung which concerned both the announcement of a title of the Messiah, and reflected an Old Testament prophecy about him. These antiphons began with the word “O” - thus “’O’ Antiphon.”

Today the title is “Key of David!” The royal Power of Israel controlling at your will the gate of Heaven: Come, break down the prison walls of death for those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death; and lead your captive people into freedom!”

The prophecy is this from Isaiah: “I will place the Key of the House of David on His shoulder; when he opens, no one will shut, when he shuts, no one will open! His dominion is vast and forever peaceful!.”

The first reading today from the prophet Isaiah is about the sign of the virgin with child; something radically new and different was about to enter the world; something taking faith and God’s help to understand: a virgin with child was the perfect sign for such a two-edged reality!

The gospel passage relates how Jesus began to live in Mary’s womb, when the Holy Spirit overshadowed her - but not after heaven and earth stood still awaiting her reply to God’s invitation to be his mother! Out of that silence came Mary’s YES! And heaven descended to earth!

Let the Lord enter our hearts, our lives - at our YES! our cooperation with his plan!

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Homily - 12-19-07 - Wednesday

O Root of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’s love for all his people: come to save us without delay! Today we recall the third of the “O Antiphons” preserved by the Church as a particular way to prepare for Christmas. For each of seven days before Christmas a special antiphon for the Magnificat at Vespers was sung which concerned both the announcement of a title of the Messiah, and reflected an Old Testament prophecy about him. These antiphons began with the word “O” - thus “O Antiphon.”

Today the title is “Root of Jesse’s stem!” The flower of Jesse’s stem, has been raised up as a sign of all people; kings stand silent in his presence, the nations bow down in worship before him! Let nothing keep him from coming to our aid!

The prophecy is this from Isaiah: “But a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom; and, on that day, the root of Jesse, set up as a signal for the nations, the Gentiles shall seek out, for his dwelling shall be glorious.”

The first reading today from the book of Judges tells of the birth of Samson to an elderly couple, beyond childbearing years. The son born to them would be special and the beginning of the deliverance of Israel from the power of the Philistines.

This, of course, prefigured the birth of John the Baptist - related in the gospel passage today! John was to herald the arrival of the Messiah himself who would set everyone free from everything that held them bound: most especially, sin!

Today our mouths are filled with your praise, God; and we sing your glory!

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Homily - 12-18-07 - Tuesday

O Leader of the House of Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai: come to rescue us with your mighty power. Today we recall the second of the “O Antiphons” preserved by the Church as a particular way to prepare for Christmas. For each of seven days before Christmas a special antiphon for the Magnificat at Vespers was sung which concerned both the announcement of a title of the Messiah, and reflected an Old Testament prophecy about him. These antiphons began with the word “O” - thus “O Antiphon.”


Today the title is “Leader of the House of Israel!” We ask the God who showed his magnificence and power to Moses at the burning bush to come and save us from what we need saving from!
The prophecy is this from Isaiah: “Indeed the Lord will be there with us, majestic; yes the Lord our judge, the Lord our lawgiver, the Lord our king, he it is who will save us.”


The first reading today from the Prophet Jeremiah also speaks of the name of the coming Messiah as “The Lord our justice!” - With a mighty hand and outstretched arm he will restore land to his displaced family!


The gospel passage reminds us that the birth of Jesus is near; we still have time to open our hearts wide to receive him this year like no other year! May we experience “God-is-with-us” truly, deeply and really! Then, justice will flourish in our time, and fullness of peace forever!

Monday, December 17, 2007

Homily - 12-17-07 - Monday

O Wisdom of our God Most High, guiding creation with power and love: come to teach us the path of knowledge! For eight days now until Christmas the Church presents to us a heightened sense of excitement and wonder at the coming feast as we celebrate the “O Antiphons” - one each day: which lists the awesome titles of the Messiah!

Today his name means “Wisdom of God Most High!” It is the wisdom of God that was present when all things were made - all things, including us! And since wisdom knows how all things are made, then wisdom can be the best teacher and presenter of knowledge about them! The Messiah of God is the Wisdom of God - come to show us the path of knowledge about God and our complete participation in him!

We are so grateful to God for sending us his Son, for sending us his Wisdom in person!
Our gospel passage today shows that there were 42 generations from Abraham to Jesus! Jesus is a true descendant of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob; David and Solomon, and finally Joseph the carpenter! From the faith of Abraham to the trust of Joseph his foster-father, Jesus came from a line of people who sought to know God more deeply - the God who made a promise to them that salvation would come, and redemption would be accomplished!


Justice shall flourish in his time and fullness of peace for ever! And we are privileged to live in the fullness of that time! Christ’s peace can reign in our hearts - and our world can be different - if we pray for the wisdom to know that it is already here - the Messiah is with us - especially in the bread and the cup that we share at this Mass!

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Homily - 12-16-07 - Third Sunday of Advent

Today is “Gaudete” Sunday - “Rejoice” Sunday - taken from the Latin first word of the Introit of the older rite of the Mass.

Today we rejoice because Advent - the time of preparation for Christmas - is half over - and our hearts are moved to quicken the pace of readiness - readiness for the arrival of Jesus in the stable of our hearts - this year - which will be unlike any other year!

The excitement of the nearness of the Lord is found in the first reading from Isaiah! “The desert and the parched land will exult; the steppe will rejoice and bloom.” All of creation senses the closeness of that which gives it life and being!: most especially - the highest form of creation: mankind!

Those who find themselves especially susceptible to the weakening and even debilitating effects of original sin take courage and rejoice as well - they have a new sense of confidence - they feel stronger! They know that soon the blind will see, the deaf will hear and the lame will leap and the mute will sing - of the glory of God!

In the gospel passage, Jesus identifies himself as the one who was prophesied in Isaiah! And not only did he give sight to the blind, make the lame walk, the deaf hear and the mute speak - but he also made lepers clean and raised the dead. Jesus makes it clear that his role is not one of political sovereignty or judgment, as expected by the people of Israel, but rather as one of blessing and healing for the needy and the poor!

Jesus concludes the passage by hailing his precursor as one of the greatest men in human history! John the Baptist was indeed a great prophet - for he literally announced and pointed Jesus out to the people - Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah! And yet, Jesus says that the least born into the kingdom of God - the least purified by his blood on the cross - is greater than he. The Old Testament can only go so far - and then, what is greater is that which comes from the blood of Christ shed for us all!

Rest assured that John the Baptist and all of the great personages of the Old Testament did gain entrance into the kingdom - but at the time that Jesus was speaking these words - as he had not yet given his life - the Old Testament still had to be fulfilled and transcended!

Christmas is not far off! The anniversary of the birthday of Jesus! There is much external preparation with the lights and the music - and this is important; but what is of equal import is the preparation of the place deep inside of us where we can experience the arrival of Jesus on Christmas Eve like never before! Let us decorate our hearts with garlands of special prayers, twinkling lights of special thoughts about others, and sweet sung music of things we are doing for others!


Lord, come and save us all!

Saturday, December 15, 2007

Homily - 12-15-07 - Saturday

One of the great prophets of the Old Testament was Elijah! He spoke a mighty word and performed mighty deeds! We can see in the first reading today that he roused the backsliders to repentance; he brought down fire from heaven. He is the prefigurement of John the Baptist!

Even at the time of Jesus, the Jewish people were talking about the second coming of Elijah who was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind! Jesus assures the people that this new Elijah had already come: in the person of John the Baptist - who was still in their midst! John cried out in the wilderness a message of REPENTANCE and he brought down the fire of a guilty conscience for those who needed it!

Today, let us allow ourselves to turn fully to the One who came to restore all things: Jesus Christ! Pray that he may let us see his face today at this Mass so that we shall be saved!

Friday, December 14, 2007

Homily - 12-14-07 - Friday

St. John of the Cross, with St. Teresa of Avila reformed the Carmelite order in the mid-16th century - after it has lapsed into a state of extravagant irreligiosity! Nuns with fashionable clothing and maid service, was not in keeping with values for religious life. Teresa was the frontrunner for female Carmelite reform, and John of the Cross for the men - friars.

John, though short in stature, was very tall in wisdom and grace from God. God gifted him with the ability to concisely preach and write down the practical aspects of true spirituality that was so desperately needed in Spain just preceding the Protestant Revolution. Like St. Paul in the first reading, God the Father revealed to John of the Cross the hidden mysteries of God - that come from the Holy Spirit. He is fittingly honored as a doctor of the Church! The Ascent of Mt. Carmel; The Dark Night of the Soul are among his great spiritual masterpieces.

Being baptized, and living in a Catholic environment, sometimes we can take for granted what we have come to know: the very mysteries of God that have already been revealed to us: JESUS CHRIST and his message! JESUS CHRIST and his sacrifice! JESUS CHRIST and his abiding presence in all of the sacraments but especially the Eucharist - until the end of time!

These are the very mysteries of God that we need but remind ourselves that we already know and possess!


In the gospel passage Jesus warns all of those who seek baptism, who seek entry into the Church, who seek entry into the family of God: it is all or nothing! Discipleship is something to give everything for! It means losing what you have - to gain absolutely everything!

May we renew our generosity today to give all to God (whom we cannot see) and to our neighbors - all of them (whom we can see) - and thus find God and God’s love for us - and find our place secured both around this altar on earth, and the throne of God in heaven (which is really the same place)!


We are made to praise the glory of your Name, loving Father - for all that you reveal to and give us!

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Homily - 12-13-07 - Thursday

Our saint for today, Lucy, of Sicily in Italy, certainly was one of the wise virgins Jesus spoke about in the gospel passage. She was always welcoming Jesus into her life and would do so come what may - and what came was the persecution of Diocletian in the 4th century. Christianity in the first few hundred years of its existence hallowed the ground on which it stood with the blood of the martyrs - and the young virgin Lucy was one such martyr.

Rather than surrendering her vowed virginity to God - she handed over her life to him willingly and cheerfully - and he was pleased to accept her offering! Her name means “light” (from the Latin, “lux, lucis.”) Lucy had the light of Christ to guide her, and the fire of the Holy Spirit to help her! And she was victorious!

Lucy commended her spirit to the Lord, and she was provided with all she needed to live life fully, and to face death bravely!

Through her intercession, may we have light for our eyes, may we always see what is truly of value and may we one day enjoy the beatific vision of God himself - with all of the angels and saints who are co-worshipers in spirit and truth with us - around the heavenly Throne!

Blessed be God for ever!

Amen.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Homily - 12-12-07 - Wednesday

Today we celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas. In 1531, Mary, under the appearance of an Aztec Indian woman appeared to a humble man named Juan Diego. Through her intercession his uncle was cured of a deadly disease. The sign of roses, and her beautiful image on Juan’s mantle convinced the Mexican people that this was really an action of God and his blessed Mother. And eventually 6 million Mexicans were baptized.

There are two lessons here. The first: God the Father chooses Mary to lead us to Jesus! Secondly: Mary appeared as one of their own: an Aztec maiden - meaning that when we wish to bring the gospel to others we need to do so by means of their own culture and language!
Our Lady of Guadalupe is Patroness of the Americas! We thank her for her constant help in bringing us all to Jesus!


In the first reading today tells of the “coming of our God” - and he came first to a humble maiden of Nazareth! And then, in imitation of her we invite him to come to us - especially at this Mass - in this Holy Eucharist that we receive.

The gospel passage tells of the reaction that Mary had to having Jesus alive within her - which needs to be our response as well: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior!”

Jesus saved Mary, Jesus saves us! Our gratitude, praise and joy should know no bounds! How you love us, dear Father! How we love you, in return - and all others because of you! Help us to help you this day!

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Homily - 12-11-07 - Tuesday

Today’s saint, Damasus, was a 60 year old deacon in Rome, when he was elected Pope in the year 366. Unfortunately, he was not the only one elected a pope at that time - there was a rival pope; and there were rival doctrines and beliefs. The ensuing battle was really a battle with physical fighting on both sides. Damasus, however, prevailed and the line of succession from St. Peter was preserved.

Another of Damusus’ outstanding contributions to the Church was the ordering of the translation of the Scriptures from Greek into Latin by St. Jerome. He also changed the liturgical language of the Western Church from Greek to Latin. He also worked hard to preserve the catacombs, the graves of the martyrs, and relics. Instead of writing long treatises on Church doctrine, instead he chose to write short epigrams in verse to capture the essence of what needed to be said. He wrote many epigrams on martyrs and saints.

In a Roman cemetery is the papal crypt he built. All that is left of him there, however, is this: " I, Damasus, wished to be buried here, but I feared to offend the ashes of these holy ones." Instead, when he died in 384, he was buried with his mother and sister.

Damasus certainly was one that Jesus, in the gospel passage today, chose to send out to bring, establish and defend the good news of salvation! The fruits of his work has endured, and we can be confident that the Father will hear the prayers addressed to him by Damasus on our behalf!

Help us St. Damasus to be faithful to the Church, our sure hope on the path of redemption!

From a Decree attributed to Damasus we read: The arrangement of the names of Christ, however, is manifold: Lord, because He is Spirit; Word, because He is God; Son, because He is the only-begotten son of the Father; Man, because He was born of the Virgin; Priest, because He offered Himself as a sacrifice; Shepherd, because He is a guardian; Worm, because He rose again; Mountain, because He is strong; Way, because there is a straight path through Him to life; Lamb, because He suffered; Corner-Stone, because instruction is His; Teacher, because He demonstrates how to live; Sun, because He is the illuminator; Truth, because He is from the Father; Life, because He is the creator; Bread because He is flesh; Samaritan, because He is the merciful protector; Christ, because He is anointed; Jesus, because He is a mediator; Vine, because we are redeemed by His blood; Lion, because he is king; Rock, because He is firm; Flower, because He is the chosen one; Prophet, because He has revealed what is to come.


St. Damasus, pray for us that we may come to know Christ as intimately as you did!

Monday, December 10, 2007

Homily - 12-10-07 - Monday

Jesus comes to lift the yoke of our captivity.

Being in the midst of the remnants of the captivity still, we forget what it was and can be like without the “captivity” that we all are born into, and which persist our entire lives on earth.

Before the Sin of our origins - there was an incredible experience of harmony and peace and good will between persons; and among all of creation. God created everything for his own glory and for the pleasure of man! And man took pleasure - he thoroughly enjoyed the landscape, the fields, the flowers. He delighted in the “one like himself” that was created to be his helpmate. There was strength; there was the ability to see things as they were. There was leaping and dancing for joy! There was singing and rejoicing! Springs of water abounded. All paths were holy paths, because they all led to God. There was no sorrow or mourning anywhere.

Then man sinned! And that all changed! The dye and the yoke was cast! Man did it to himself! God was powerless to do anything about it! For he gave man free will! But God, immediately set a plan in motion to lift the yoke of the captivity of original sin: a plan to send a redeemer! a plan to send Jesus to us! God loved and loves us so very much!

And Jesus came! He who was at the beginning when all things were created “good and right and free!”- he came to set things “good and right and free” again!

In the gospel passage we see Jesus using his authority and power to set a man’s physical and spiritual condition right! Because of the faith of his friends - Jesus immediately cures the paralyzed man! But he also forgives his sins! He could do both just as easily - because he was God! There was murmuring, of course, by those who did not recognize who he really was: “only God can forgive sins” - but Jesus was God! It was the hardness of the hearts of many that never allowed them to see Jesus as God - even after he was raised from the dead!

May we welcome Jesus with joy in our hearts this day! He comes to set our lives straight again; to give us physical health and strength and to make us spiritually whole and holy! All we need do is invite him into our lives, into our hearts! And believe that he really can come! in fact, we need to really believe that he is here! At this Mass - there is heaven on earth! Jesus is fully, totally, really and truly present - with all his power and his glory, and his gentleness and his strength to save us from whatever we need saving from!

Thank you, Jesus, for coming, the first time! And for coming over and over again! Until you come again! one last time!

Our God comes to save us! Let us let him save us!

Sunday, December 9, 2007

Homily - 12-09-07 - Second Sunday of Advent

On November 30, the Feast of St. Andrew the Apostle, our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI issued his second encyclical entitled: “Spes Salvi” - “in hope we are saved.” This was a very timely release, just before the beginning of the Advent Season. It is in the redemption wrought by Jesus Christ who came into the world as a tiny baby boy that all our hope resides. Without him there would be no reason for anyone to have hope, ever!

The prophecy of Christ’s coming is very clearly expressed in our first reading today from Isaiah: On that day, a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom. This means that from all of the wreckage of the past in the history of mankind and in particular the chosen people of Israel - which is figured here as but a rotted out stump of a tree - there will come forth the hope of renewal, the hope of salvation, the hope of redemption!

A bud shall blossom - and it will be the beginning of faith in the only one who could bring about such a renewal: one who would have the Spirit of God resting on him, giving him the spirit of wisdom and understanding; counsel and strength; knowledge and fear of the Lord: and that is JESUS CHRIST. The entire world would be different because of his presence in it - there will be peace - and even in the animal kingdom, enemies will be friends.

Justice will flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever: this, in the end, but not until much preparation and trial for all concerned.

St. John the Baptist, in the gospel passage, began his preaching career in Judea by crying out: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” Repent! Change your minds! Change your hearts! Change your attitudes! Change your habits! Change your actions! for God is nearer to you than you can possibly imagine! Repent! Hope is here - in person! His reign, his kingdom, his power, his love is in our midst! (And one day shortly after, John would literally point to Jesus and say: Look! There he is! There is the “Lamb of God” who takes away the sins of the world!” - “there is hope in-the-flesh” - and the Kingdom will have arrived!)

St. Paul tells the Romans in the second reading to be like minded in their thinking! Keeping their thoughts in line with the thought of Jesus! So that with him they can offer glory and praise to God the Father! Keeping our eyes fixed on Christ as our Hope - will move us with him to offer ceaseless praise and thanks to the Father for everything that he does for us! Especially for providing HOPE in this world that can get very dark, very lonely, very scarey - if we did not have the assurance from God that God is always there for us!

Every time we celebrate Mass - we celebrate “God-with-us!” we celebrate life, and light and hope! We are so blessed to have Jesus fulfill his promise to be with us until the end of time!

Thank you Jesus, thank you Father, thank you Spirit - for all you do for us - to bring us HOPE!

Saturday, December 8, 2007

Homily - 12-08-07 - Saturday - Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The first reading from the book of Genesis tells simply of the Fall of Mankind. The sin of our origins became a reality. From the “order” of creation now is introduced “dis-order,” by the dis-obedience of Adam. And an uncountable amount of disorder it was that was unleashed that day! The most serious being the concept that mankind is cut off from God’s justice and God’s peace!

In the second reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians, we see, however, that God immediately set a plan in motion to re-order the dis-order; to reestablish justice and peace for the man and the woman and their descendants. That plan was all about sending a redeemer, a reconciler, a savior. Only a God-man could reconcile the God whose justice was disturbed. The person to do that was the Word, His Son - who would take on our human nature.

Of all people in human history, God chose a very special maiden of Nazareth to be the mother of the God-Man - her name was Mary. She was daughter of Joachim and Anne. The power of the Most High - the Holy Spirit - would over shadow her and the fruit of her womb would be most blessed of all men - thus making her most blessed of all women!

In order to make sure that Mary was perfectly free to choose her part in salvation history - Mary herself was preserved from original disorder, original sin! Original sin takes away our ability to be free. And so, Mary, who also stood in need of redemption as a human being, shared beforehand in the merits of her own Son, Jesus - the merits that would be won for all -when he died on the cross!

This is what we celebrate today! Mary’s perfect freedom! Mary’s perfect love for God! Mary’s perfect choice to cooperate in the salvation of the world! Mary’s perfect trust that everything would be taken care of by God in due time, and in the way in which it was supposed to happen!

With Mary, we pray that God’s will be done in us! By our Baptism, we share in the life that Mary always had, a life free of original sin! Though Mary never sinned in her life - never tainted the new life of redemption in her soul - this is not true of us! We have sinned, we do sin, and we will most likely continue to sin - and so we stand in constant need of God’s mercy, his love, his forgiveness! Never a day should go by that we do not plead for our own sinfulness and the sinfulness of the whole world. Grace, mercy, forgiveness, justice and peace are available - they flow from the very Mass that we are celebrating right now - but we must ask for them! And then, open our minds, our hearts and our hands and receive everything that God has to give us!

Hail, Mary, full of grace! Help us to use wisely the grace that - because of your decisions in life - so freely is available to us! And pray for us, now and the hour of our death.
Amen.

Friday, December 7, 2007

Homily - 12-07-07 - Friday

St. Ambrose was an outstanding defender of the faith in the 4th century when the Arian heresy was running rampant in the land. He was well educated in his youth - and took to the study of philosophy and law - he was a great arbiter and seeker of peaceful resolutions. When the bishop of Milan died in 374 - who was an Arian himself - a riot broke out in the town square as to who would be his successor. Would it be an Arian? or a Catholic? Ambrose tried to organize and help the crowd find a suitable resolution to the problem. Then someone yelled: “Ambrose for bishop!” And that’s all it took! He was soon thereafter ordained Bishop of Milan on December 7, 374.

He worked tirelessly to help the poor and to counter the Arian threat. This involved going head to head with the Emperor on several occasions - as the emperor was pro-Arian. But in the end Ambrose, having the wisdom, grace and words of God on his side always prevailed. His writings earned him the title Doctor of the Church!

The first reading today tells of how Paul was entrusted with the task of bringing the true wisdom of God to the Gentiles - just as, now, Ambrose was entrusted with the same task of confidently and boldly proclaiming the divinity of Christ in a land of unfaithful people!
Ambrose’s job was really not all that difficult in theory - because when the Good Shepherd speaks, the sheep who really belong to him hear his voice. When a bad shepherd speaks, there is confusion and chaos in the flock. Ambrose knew that all he had to do was to keep speaking gently, consistently and confidently - with the authority of the One Good Shepherd, whose representative he was - and all would be well. Eventually all was well. And the Arian heresy was suppressed.


May we today be faithful to following the directions given by the same Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, as he speaks to us in many ways - but most especially by the instrumentality of the Church itself!

And may we pray for unity in the flock! That there may be one flock and one shepherd! A great many heresies still exist in our day - and prayer is the first line of defense against them! Give us your peace Lord. Give us your truth! Give us unity!

Thursday, December 6, 2007

Homily - 12-06-07 - Thursday

Today we celebrate a saint that has a great deal of legend attached to his name. Born in the 4th century, St. Nicholas of Myra (in modern day Turkey) was none other than a pious and holy man who was even a bit excessive in his acts of penitence and penitential practices. He was a kind and generous man - who was quick to share what he had with others. He was known for miracles. But most of all he was known for being a learned man and a defender of the faith in the time of Diocletian. He was present at the Council of Nicea which condemned Arianism (which attacked the divinity of Christ).

The legend of St. Nicholas as Santa Claus was mostly in invention of a particular place and a particular time for a particular purpose. It developed in the Low Countries of Europe, spread to Holland and then came to North America. There was a need for the “spirit of giving,” the “spirit of love,” the “spirit of the miraculous,” at the beginning of the Middle Ages. And St. Nicholas fit the bill as one who could be associated with that task.

And so his worldwide task of rewarding virtue began, which comes down to our very day! Now, however, we associate his work with a purely mythical figure called Santa Claus who makes his appearance on Christmas Eve - the night when the greatest gift of all was given: God’s only begotten Son, for the salvation of the world!

Our readings today speak of bringing the word of love, the word of life, the word of hope to the whole world - thus bringing glad tidings to the poor and the proclamation of liberty to captives. Jesus told the disciples to go and announce the arrival of the Kingdom of God on earth - which was him! There is no greater gift than this! We, with St. Nicholas and Santa Claus are called to make the same announcement in all of our words and deeds: IN JESUS there is love, there is life, there is light, there is hope! Go to Jesus! Receive him! Share him with others! What a truly awesome task this is!

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Homily - 12-05-07 - Wednesday

On this Advent Wednesday the message of our readings is about feeding! God wants to supply our needs! He wants to feed us! He wants to make sure that we have what we need not only to survive but to endure - and not only to endure here, but for ever in the place prepared for us.

The Prophet Isaiah foretells the “quality” of God’s providence and care: the “rich” food and the “choice” wines that the Lord will provide for all peoples. He will not only feed the body, but he will also feed the mind - he will remove veils of ignorance and unintelligence. And he will wipe away death for ever - with his promise of a food that will last eternally.

God will come to save us! He will save us from what we need saving from: the effects of Original sin, and the effects our own individual and corporate sinning! And we shall rejoice and be glad that he has saved us!

The gospel passage from St. Matthew cannot make it any clearer: Jesus has come to feed us with the bread of life! The multiplication of the loaves and fishes was a figure of what the Eucharist would one day be for us: his very body and blood: the “richest” of all possible foods; the “choicest” of all possible wines. There would be more than enough to last our whole lives long - until we go to partake of the Wedding Feast of the Lamb in the Kingdom - where the feasting and merrymaking will go on without end!

We are so fortunate to have this very bread of life, and cup of salvation available to us at this Mass - may we always hunger for them, be satisfied by them and eager to celebrate them for ever in the Kingdom that is to come - the reality of which the Kingdom which is already here, is but a reflection!

I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life - and I shall feast on the food of angels unceasingly!

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Homily - 12-04-07 - Tuesday

St. John was born of a Christian family in Damascus in the latter part of the seventh century. Learned in philosophy, he became a monk in the monastery of Saint Sabbas near Jerusalem, and was ordained a priest. He wrote many doctrinal works, particularly against iconoclasts. He died in the middle of the eighth century.

Our first reading today tells about guarding the rich trust of faith that comes from the Holy Spirit - with the help of the Holy Spirit. We are to pass on this trust to others, so that they in turn can also spread it - and it will fill the earth! The grace and peace of Jesus is meant to be experienced by all!

John of Damascus was one who was gifted in being able to conceptualize the trust of faith - the deposit of the Church’s teachings - so that they could be learned and transmitted to others. Because of him, many came to know God more deeply than they ever could have otherwise.
John used the gifts given him - like the faithful servant in the gospel passage, who not only used his talents but multiplied them so they could bring even more honor to the master. We must imitate John in doing this, and not be like the servant who simply returned the gift God had given him, barely used! If we use the gift of love at all - it will grow and become more than it was before, and so we cannot fool God. It will be quite evident how and to what extent we used what God gave us for the good of others!


Keeping God’s word is the important thing: keeping by doing, that is! May we this day keep God’s words of loving by doing loving things, and thus feel the exhilaration that comes from living the very life of God from inside out!

Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life! Thank you for your words!

Monday, December 3, 2007

Homily - 12-03-07 - Monday

On this Advent day we celebrate the feast of St. Francis Xavier. Francis was born in Spain in 1506. While studying the liberal arts at Paris, he became friends of Ignatius of Loyola. Soon thereafter Ignatius founded the Society of Jesus of which Francis was one of the original seven members. Ordained a priest at Rome in 1537, he then became one of the greatest missionaries the church has ever known - going to India, Japan and China. He died in 1552 near the China coast on the island of Sancian.

What motivated men like Francis and Ignatius was a clear understanding of the command of Jesus to go forth and proclaim the Gospel to the whole world. This, after they had been thoroughly convinced of its value, by the movement of their own faith! Faith is a response to God’s invitation to believe what he is proposing! He gives the invitation to all - but not all are interested in responding. Francis and Ignatius were very responsive - and their faith was translated into many and great works of charity and love!

Unless our faith shows itself in deeds, then it is lifeless! Francis and Ignatius had faith that was on fire with the love of the Holy Spirit.

It was said that - like in the first reading today when Paul became all things to all men - so did Francis. He, though wealthy, became poor in order to be able to bring the hope of the Gospel to the poor. He would sleep on the cold ground with the poor, in order to bring them the warmth of God’s love!

It is in this way - in lives of faithful, dedicated service - that Jesus can be present - even to the poorest person on earth - until the end of time! We thank God for giving us men like Francis Xavier and Ignatius of Loyola and their 5 original Jesuit confreres. May we imitate their example - asking their intercession - so that all who come into contact with us this day may have a sense that God is present and God cares!

Sunday, December 2, 2007

Homily - 12-02-07 - First Sunday of Advent

We begin now a new year of grace - a new season of hope - a new posture of longing for the fulfillment of the reality that has come to us already, which speaks of a future completion for those who have faith!

We begin the Season of Advent.

The first two weeks focus - as a tie-over from the last year - on the Second Coming of Jesus; the third and fourth weeks of Advent will prepare us to celebrate the anniversary of Jesus’ first coming: at Christmas.

The gospel passage today - as the readings from the last couple of Sundays - is about STAYING AWAKE! BEING PREPARED FOR THE COMING OF THE SON OF MAN! Only if we are “tuned in” to the spiritual realities of the coming of Jesus, will we be able to benefit from his arrival! We must be “spiritually awake,” “spiritually prepared” for the coming of the Son of Man! We do this by seeking the knowledge of who he is - who he revealed himself to be when he came the first time - what his arrival meant for us - and how it needs to affect our daily conduct!

The only way the people of God of the Old Testament could know that they were pleasing God was to follow an enormous amount of legal prescriptions - the Law of Moses was complex and demanding. Jesus summarized the entire Law of Moses by one simple law - simple but of a magnitude that cannot be measured: LOVE!

If we truly LOVE, after the manner which Jesus showed us - to the point of self-sacrificing death (if necessary), then we will be doing all of the Mosaic Law - and any other kind of legal prescription. For true love means loving God first, because he first loved us (this: after we have come to know him by hearing about him and studying about him); then, loving our brothers and sisters who we can see (not being able to see God physically), as we love and respect and take care of ourselves.

The formula is simple: all we really need to do is to do what Jesus said: “Love one another as I have loved you!” If we really understood that one sentence - our lives and the lives of the entire world would be different! There would be peace - there would be justice - there would be holy people on the earth!

In the first reading today from the Old Testament, we see that the people of God rejoiced because they could “go and climb the mountain of the Lord - to the house of God - so that he could instruct them in the way in which he wanted them to live - so that they could walk in his paths!” For they knew this was the only way that they would end up in his Kingdom eternally - by following specific laws that he gave them and taught them himself.

We, the new people of God, can do the same thing: we can “climb the mountain of the Lord’s teachings”- we can “go to the Church” - and find the God’s teachings as they are conceptualized and preserved in the great Deposit of Faith - and be instructed in his ways! For from the Lord’s mountain - from the Church - teaching shall go forth to all nations - and people will learn how to live peaceably and justly, with mutual affection and understanding.
And one nation will not raise the sword against another!

At the top of the Lord’s mountain stands Jesus the Teacher! Jesus the Lord! Jesus the Savior! Jesus the Redeemer! Jesus the King of all kings! When we listen to the Church, we listen to Jesus! And we shall be guided in right paths!

There is so much to learn about our Catholic faith - and life as a Catholic. Perhaps during this Advent Season we can deliberately and consciously take time to study our faith more deeply. We need to avail ourselves of every opportunity and means to obtain greater, deeper and more complete knowledge of Jesus, his Father, and the Holy Spirit: who makes it all clear and understandable - and who empowers us to do what it suggests doing!

Let us “go to the Church!” Let us listen to the Word of God as it is proclaimed in many a varied ways - and may our lives become different - as we journey to our heavenly homeland - to the place that is promised us - the place of beatitude that is the object of our hope!

Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord!

Saturday, December 1, 2007

Homily for Saturday December 1, 2007

This is the last day of the Church’s liturgical year for the 2007 season. And the final message to sum up and conclude is: BE VIGILANT AT ALL TIMES! for the great and terrible Last Day can come at any time! Any time at all! Just because it has not occurred in 2000 years does not mean that it cannot happen today!


Jesus - who was sent into the world to be its savior and its hope - tells us to pray constantly and often during the day for the strength to stand when he comes as judge!


All of the kingdoms of the earth shall be crushed on that Day! especially that one which was most errant and most consciously rebellious of the ways of God. That fourth beast may be present in the world even now! Yet, no kingdom, no king is any match for the King of Kings and the Kingdom of God! The holy ones of God will be gathered into that Kingdom on the last day - and the reign of Christ will last for ever!


We are placed on this earth for one purpose only: to spend love in such a way that it will determine where we will spend eternity - in the new heavens and new earth that will appear at Judgment Day - or in the firey hell that awaits those who choose to do it their own way! It seems like such a lopsided choice - but many actually will choose the flames - rather than call God their Father - and live a life a bliss with their brothers and sisters at the Great Wedding Feast of the Lamb!


May we this day give glory and eternal praise to God - and may that praise continue all the days of our lives until we praise him for ever in heaven!
Amen!

Happy New Year 202

  A Happy New Year to you all! I hope and pray I am able to keep this blog up to date now that we are entering into the New Year! I would li...