Friday, May 30, 2008

Homily – 05-30-2008 – The Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

Today we celebrate the concept of the reality of God's love for his human creations! He loved us – all of us – first – before we were created – before we were born – before we could love him back. And when we remember his love, remember his faithfulness, remember his promises – then we can experience the fullness of life: which is his desire for us!

In the first reading we see Moses trying to convince the people that they are precious to God because of his love for them. He led them from the slavery of the land of Egypt – as a prefiguring of Jesus who would lead us from the slavery of the land of sin. He promised to be kind and merciful, provident and nurturing down to the thousandths generation! The one requirement for the people was to follow his commandments that Moses would enjoin on them.

In the second reading St. John once again spells out the contents of the New Law of God – based on God sending his Son to be the physical manifestation of his own expression of personal love for all of us! And not only that – but that personal love-made-flesh gave his own life and poured out his own precious blood from his most sacred and generous heart – so that you and I – and all in the world might have eternal life!

When we invite God the Father and his son Jesus into our lives by LOVING: which is the new commandment of the new law: then we experience the powerful reality of God's presence deep within us; and we can feel ourselves being motivated and empowered to carry out that law of loving one another! Because we have been loved thus first: the more one truly LOVES, the more one is truly LOVED by God – and can identify as a real and authentic member of his family!

In the gospel passage Jesus tells us that we must come to him with our cares and concerns, with our labors and our burdens – and he will give us rest. I am meek and humble of heart. You will find rest with me – for my yoke is easy, my burden is light! This means that from the pierced heart of Jesus flows the life of the Church itself, including most especially the sacramental life of the Church, and among them the most precious of them – the Eucharist – which is the very Body bruised, and Blood outpoured of the Savior of all of humanity! of the Savior of you and me!

When we give him give him our poorness, he gives us his richness! He gives us strength! He gives us kindness! He gives us gentleness! He gives us understanding! He gives us healing! He gives us forgiveness! He gives us JOY!

In the meek, humble, generous and o so loving Sacred Heart of Jesus we find refuge for all of the troubles of life! – and we are in touch with the promise of eternal relief – in the kingdom of God – in our heavenly homeland!

The Lord's kindness is everlasting to those who fear him.


 


 


 

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Homily – 05-29-2008 – Eighth Week in Ordinary Time - Thursday

Today's readings are very beautiful! In the gospel passage Jesus cures a blind man because of his faith! "Master, I want to see!"…Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way! These are simply beautiful and powerful words!

The physical blindness that the man had was the secondary cure – the insignificant one! The primary handicap and blindness that the man suffered was a spiritual one. And Jesus – because of the spiritual act of faith that the man-made – cured him of his spiritual blindness! And then he could see what all men and women are meant to see – and to see alone – and that is God, his handiwork, and especially the people that he places in the world around us!

If we have eyes only for God! if we want to and can see God in everything – absolutely everything and everyone – then faith has caused a miracle of spiritual insight within us that can only be God's free-will gift to us! He freely gives it – if we but ask! "Master, I want to see!"

Most of us are somewhere on the continuum of - not being able to see God very well at all in anything or anyone - to those who can see more clearly all of the time – some even have very clear vision of God and they are worth getting to know –especially all of the great saints who have written about their closeness and their vision of God – a vision that is available to anyone who asks!

The first reading today was about "seeing God" as the founder of a great people he wants to call his own – to be his own – a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people set apart to announce his praises! But the reading also tells of "seeing God" as the great distributer of compassion and mercy! He knows of our weakness, he knows of our sins, he knows of our desire to please him – and he bestows mercy generously on those who simply ask!

I am the light of the world, says the Lord, whoever follows me will have the light of life – and will, like the cured blind man, be able to walk the path behind Jesus, who will lead us into everlasting life!

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Homily – 05-28-2008 – Eighth Week in Ordinary Time - Wednesday

James and John are showing dedication and loyalty to Jesus by asking to be seated at his right and left when he comes into his glory. They do not know what they are asking, as Jesus tells them. For the seating assignment is based not simply on dedication and loyalty – but tested and tried dedication and loyalty – dedication and loyalty that has stood the test of persecution – severe persecution, for some, at times.

And so Jesus assures them that they will have a seat nearby – and it will be based on suffering – but those who sit closest to him will be assigned at a later time when everyone's place will be determined!

Jesus is impressed with James and John's enthusiasm – but he takes this opportunity to teach about places of honor and greatness. The truly great are the ones who serve – and who give their very all in service to their brothers and sisters. In fact, giving one's life for one's friends is the ultimate demonstration of such love and service. Just as Jesus went this far for us and for our salvation; so too we are called to do the same, if the situation warrants it!

In the first reading today St. Peter reminds us that all flesh is like grass and all its glory is like the flower of the field; the grass withers, and the flower wilts; but the word of the Lord remains forever. When we remain in the word of God; when we remain in the Word of God Made Flesh: Jesus – and he and his Father remain in us – then we will endure forever as well! By our obedience to his word and his truth we shall be saved forever. Pure hearts, tested by the fire of persecution, will participate in the redemption won by the precious spotless unblemished Lamb of God – and his Blood poured out for us!

Let us sincerely love one another because we are experiencing salvation in our own lives – and let us make our experience irresistible to others so that they too may want to share in what we possess – the incomparable gift of God's own Life, God's own Love, God's own Son!

Praise the Lord, Jerusalem!


 

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Homily – 05-27-2008 – St. Augustine of Canterbury

Today we celebrate the feast of St. Augustine of Canterbury. He was sent in 597 from Saint Andrew's monastery in Rome by the pope, St. Gregory the Great, to preach the gospel in England. He was aided there by King Ethelbert and chosen bishop of Canterbury. He converted many to the faith and established many dioceses (including London). He died on May 26, about the year 605.

Augustine was a pastoral sort and not given to the details and intricacies of administration. He often sought the direct help of the pope in ruling his dioceses.

Our readings today would have us look at them from a very simple, pastoral point of view: as Jesus said: Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.

The poor who have given up everything to follow Jesus are assured by him that in doing so they will have the mysteries of the Kingdom revealed to them: especially the "mystery of opposites": the more you give away the more you get; the more you lose, the more you gain; and the tough one: the more you suffer persecution, the greater your reward in heaven.

The "mystery" of the way this operates is really not all that complicated: Jesus showed us by his own life that one necessarily leads to the opposite. The key to the mystery is God himself. God alone can transform one thing into its opposite – really, truly and authentically!

The converse is true as well! The more you get now, the more you will have taken away later; the more you gain now, the more you lose later; the more you enjoy rewards now, the more suffering will take place later.

St. Peter in the first reading today tells the early flock of Christians to keep it simple – to aim for a life in hope based on the fulfillment of God's promises – to aim at holiness in every aspect of conduct: to be holy because I am holy, God tells us! This means that because I (God) am holy, and I made you, and you are a part of me, then you are holy too – and should want to cooperate in preserving and enhancing the holiness that is already within you.

A way to nourish and strengthen that holiness is to appreciate and use the great tool of our sanctification that the Church offers us: the Eucharistic Presence of the Body and Blood of Jesus. The bread we eat and the cup we drink increases grace within us, makes us holy and moves us to love of neighbor. It is indispensible for a member of God's family! It is the very food which he places on the table for us! And we are so grateful to have it!

O sacrament most holy! O sacrament divine! All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment thine!


Monday, May 26, 2008

Homily – 05-26-2008 – Eighth Week in Ordinary Time - Monday

Our readings today are about keeping it balanced! We know that we are material beings living in a material world! But the balance that we need to remember is that we are at the same time spiritual beings living in a spiritual world that will carry us right on through to the continuation of our life after the physical death of the material part of us. Even this is not the whole story – because one day the decayed material body will rise and be transformed into a spiritual body – as happened to Jesus.

The question is: where will we be spending eternity with this risen spiritual body? Jesus came to give us clues as to how to prepare for the decision of a lifetime!

In the gospel passage he tells the rich young man (rich as far as the material world is concerned) that keeping God's commandments is very important and meritorious – but that unless one also involves oneself with care and concern for the poor – then the keeping of the commandments is not worth anything at all. The balance is achieved by doing both: keeping the new commandments which involve love of God and love of neighbor

In the first reading St. Peter tells his listeners that the goal we must focus on in order to keep our balance is heaven: the spiritual life in the spiritual kingdom. He says that Jesus came from the Father in heaven to reveal this kingdom to us and to invite us to participate in it – and not only that but also to empower us (by the death and resurrection of Jesus) to participate in it. Faith in Jesus is the key to eternal life, and this faith in order for it to be genuine must be tried as gold is tested in fire. There must be suffering first, so that there can be true rejoicing afterwards – after the example of Jesus' Passion, Death and then glorious Resurrection.

St. Peter lays before us the concept that must be uppermost in our minds each and every day – the salvation of our souls. We should think, say or do nothing that will jeopardize our standing and placement in the Kingdom of God. And in thus keeping our place and keeping our balance, he rejoices that we do in fact love God without seeing him, and believe in Jesus because we have seen him.

Blessed are you, Father; Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Homily – 05-25-2008 – The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

Let us today enter more deeply into an understanding of the Eucharistic Presence of the Body and Blood of Jesus! Just what is it all about, really?

We begin by making this simple statement: Jesus is the image of the Father. Several times in the past several months Jesus has tried to make this point very clear; and over and over again. Who sees me, sees the Father! The Father and I are one! Philip how can you say to me "show us the Father."

We were created in the image of the Father as was Jesus.
Now - especially since we have been redeemed by Jesus: and we partake of his very life by means of Baptism and Confirmation - when the Father looks at us, he sees Jesus – or at least he should! This is an ongoing project for life – to perfect the image of Christ and his Father within us – in whom we were created – and redeemed.

In order for us to complete our entry into the people of God, the Church, Jesus left us the image of himself in a very special way: in the Eucharistic elements of consecrated bread and wine. He knows us and he knows that it is not easy to be the best Christians that we can be all of the time. This is why he provided spiritual food and drink – spiritual refreshment and strength for the spiritual journey through life that we are all making - that will end one day when we participate in a great Wedding Feast in heaven: the Wedding Feast of the Lamb of God – the same one who takes away the sins of the world: the same one who comes to us in Holy Communion.

When we get all we can out of the Eucharist in Holy Communion: we know more about Jesus, his Father, ourselves and our brothers and sisters who are "part of the same loaf" as St. Paul tells us in the second reading today! We even know something about those who not yet part of the loaf but who are invited to be so!

In order for the Eucharistic food to mean anything at all to us we first of all have to really and truly consider ourselves as a WE and not as a group of individual "I's" WE ARE ALL WE ARE! It is we all, who form the one Body of Christ; it is we all, who profess our faith in the Blessed Trinity at Mass: calling God: Father, Son and Spirit; it is we all who are affected by what every member of the one Body, the one loaf, does or does not do; it is we all who have responsibility and duties as a member of the Body, the loaf; it is we all who have rights as well – the right to be shepherded by Jesus, led by him, fed by him, protected by him - and those he appoints over us – especially those who make the Eucharistic Presence of Jesus a reality among us: the bishops and their priest helpers.

Our world is filled with activity, motion, schedules, commitments, noise and all kinds of busy-ness It is only when we can come apart – and be still – and concentrate not on what we are doing – but rather on who we are who are doing the activity – who we are as children of God, as brothers and sisters of Jesus and members of his mystical body, the Church; who we are as a unified group of people who must first commune with Jesus interiorly and spiritually – Jesus and his Father – Jesus, his Father, led by the Spirit – so that we can truly appreciate the bread and the cup that we receive that is transubstantiated right before our very eyes at this and every Mass.

Unless and until we are communion before we receive communion
– then, communion is that much less than it can be for all of us. The converse is also true - the more we are communion with God and one another, the more real, powerful and effective the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist becomes for us. (Not that he becomes more real – but we become more aware of his reality: who he really is, and who we really are in him).

The cup we drink IS the blood of Christ; the bread we eat is his body. He wants to energize all of the graces and favors and gifts that he has for us to live useful and happy lives in the world as we have our goal set on the world that will never end.

If Jesus had not left us his very self – spiritually – in the Most Blessed Sacrament – and just left us some teachings that we could read about – and stories that may or may not have made it down through the centuries to us – how lonely, how frightening, how sterile, how meaningless life really would be!

The Eucharist is the font and apex of all of the sacraments of the Church and indeed the very life of the Church itself: for the very real Eucharistic Presence of Jesus is the true presence among us of the King of Kings, the Lord of Lord; who is also our Brother, our Teacher, our Master, our Friend. How fortunate we are dear brothers and sisters, to partake of this heavenly food!

In the gospel passage Jesus says: I am the living bread that comes down from heaven – he really meant that. He really meant it too when he said that unless you eat this bread you will not have everlasting life! This bread is different from the bread "our fathers" had – different from what anyone else can have. The bread of mere words, the bread of mere promises, the bread of mere dreams will end in nothingness! The bread that IS JESUS remains forever and activates within us all that he said that it would! And for that we are grateful – so very, very grateful!

O sacrament most holy, O sacrament divine: all praise and all thanksgiving be every moment thine!

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Homily – 05-24-2008 – Seventh Week in Ordinary Time - Saturday

We are reminded today of two very important things in our readings: the necessity of being child-like in order to attain the kingdom of heaven; and the power of the prayer of the child-like person of faith – the righteous person who asks for what he truly needs.


 

The disciples did not want Jesus to have to be bothered with mere children who naturally were attracted to his calming, peaceful, joyful presence. But Jesus told them not only were they no bother at all – they were actually the perfect example for all of the filial relationship that all are invited to have with God the Father. God is our Father, we are his adopted children – and when we remember that then we can be treated royally as children of the great King!


 

In the first reading we see that confident, child-like prayer, is always a necessity in one's life – whether one is well or one is sick. The prayer of the well should be songs of praise to God for all his blessings; the prayer of the sick should be for healing according to God's will and design. This is where we see the scriptural basis for the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick: the sick should call in the priests who are to anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord and pray over – so that they may be restored to health and have their sins forgiven.


 

We are also instructed in the same passage to pray for one another because the prayers of the righteous person are powerful indeed. And when our prayer and our loving concern has brought back a sinner from error then a multitude of our own sins is covered.


 

Let our prayer come like incense before you, Lord, as we offer praise to you!

Friday, May 23, 2008

Homily – 05-24-2008 – Seventh Week in Ordinary Time - Friday

The gospel passage today reminds us of the foundations of the primordial sacrament of marriage. Marriage is not only a sacrament between two baptized persons, it is also the original sacrament of creation having attached to it the importance of being the ultimate sign of God's love in itself and for his people!

What God has joined, no human being should separate. The whole divorce issue that Moses brings up had to do with the people's inability to see reality as it is – the granting of divorce was a concession that was not highly favored by any means. The same ought to be the case in our own day in age!

In the first reading we see St. James reminding us again to be kind to one another – to be patient – to be decisive in our words and deeds (but without going overboard with using oaths and extravagant gestures). "Say yes if you mean yes and no if you mean no!" It's as simple as that!

God wants so much to look upon us with compassion and mercy – but he first needs to see that this is how we are dealing with one another in his name – and because we believe that these are attributes of himself.

The Lord is kind and merciful! May we too be kind and merciful this day!

Homily – 05-24-2008 – Seventh Week in Ordinary Time - Friday

The gospel passage today reminds us of the foundations of the primordial sacrament of marriage. Marriage is not only a sacrament between two baptized persons, it is also the original sacrament of creation having attached to it the importance of being the ultimate sign of God's love in itself and for his people!

What God has joined, no human being should separate. The whole divorce issue that Moses brings up had to do with the people's inability to see reality as it is – the granting of divorce was a concession that was not highly favored by any means. The same ought to be the case in our own day in age!

In the first reading we see St. James reminding us again to be kind to one another – to be patient – to be decisive in our words and deeds (but without going overboard with using oaths and extravagant gestures). "Say yes if you mean yes and no if you mean no!" It's as simple as that!

God wants so much to look upon us with compassion and mercy – but he first needs to see that this is how we are dealing with one another in his name – and because we believe that these are attributes of himself.

The Lord is kind and merciful! May we too be kind and merciful this day!

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Homily – 05-22-2008 – Seventh Week in Ordinary Time - Thursday

St. Mark's Gospel is the sketchy first Gospel and is therefore sometimes difficult to understand in its short, often-times seemingly incomplete thoughts and unrelated sentences and paragraphs. Today we have such an example.

The first sentence today tells us that God the Father rewards anyone (disciple or not) who gives a bearer of Christ's name (a Christian) a cup of cold water because of that "name" – thus emphasizing the exalted nature and high-ranking of that sweet and powerful "name-of-names." – JESUS!

The second sentence is about the fate of those who scandalize or put stumbling blocks in the path of those poor and innocent ones who are trying their best to follow the ways of Jesus – trying to be his disciples - come what may. There is enough confusion involved in being a disciple without anyone deliberately trying to make the way more difficult. This warning goes for any who try to affect the spiritual lives of the "little ones." This can include the misguided – all too-human side of the Church leadership - at times, as well as any others who seem bent on seeing things their own way – rather than God's.

Next, because the body was a well-used image at the time, St. Mark warns us that it is better for body parts to be disregarded as if dismembered – if they are to be a cause of sin which ends in eternal damnation and punishment. It is better to discipline the body now; than to suffer the eternal loss of our souls – and our new spiritual bodies that we will get on the Last Day!

Lastly we see the image of salt being used in three different ways in one paragraph! "Everyone will be salted with fire"- refers to some of the conditions and persecutions that the just will endure near the end of the age. "If salt goes flat, what will restore its flavor?" – meaning: if your attitude goes bad, how can it be restored to goodness? And "keep salt in yourselves and you will have peace with one another" – meaning: keep the flavor of your life in Christ: keep the Holy Spirit alive within your hearts and you will have his peace within you and there will be peace among you!

Those who do not understand any of the above messages are like the "rich in their own estimation" of the first reading today! They are the evil and wicked ones who think only of themselves and care nothing about how their lives and decisions affect other people. They hoard treasures of their own definition and calculation for themselves that will rot when they die – and yet they keep hoarding anyway – they are so steeped in evil. What fools they are!

May we receive the entire word of God today, not as the word of men – that leads only to death – but as it truly is, the word of God: which leads only to life – ever lasting life of joy, bliss and peace – in the Kingdom of our Father!

Blessed are the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Homily – 05-21-2008 – Seventh Week in Ordinary Time - Wednesday

Today we can summarize our readings with two words: "God's Will!"

If we remember that God's will cannot not be done – then everything falls into place. All of the planning, and scheduling and scheming and arranging that we do in our lives because we think we are in charge can be streamlined and made thousands of percent easier if we begin with the notion that God has a will about each and everything we do, want to do or need to do. Then, giving him permission to play that will out using our natural intellectual abilities and talents at his disposal guarantees that it will all work out amazingly well – instead of getting the scattered varieties and intensities of results that most of us now get!

St. James reminds us that we, and our earthbound insights, are but a puff of smoke! It is only God and His will that really matters! Always!

In the gospel passage Jesus tells the disciples not to look down on those who are not of our company – who nevertheless use the precious, sweet and powerful name of Jesus to drive our demons. Such a one cannot be speaking ill of me at the same time. Leave him alone. Whoever is not against us is with us – because no one can stand absolutely still. This is God's will! Sometimes it is accomplished in divergent and seemingly unconventional ways – but it is still God's will and still has the very best for all involved in mind.

We must consider ourselves poor then – a poor puff of smoke – so that the kingdom of God can be ours both in the future – and now, this day! Blessed are the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Homily – 05-20-2008 – St. Bernardine of Siena

Today's Saint, Bernardine of Siena was born in Tuscany in the year 1380. He became a Franciscan and after being ordained to the priesthood, traveled throughout Italy preaching with great success. Pope Pius II even said that to listen to him was like listening to St. Paul, himself! Bernardine had and spread great devotion to the Holy Name
of Jesus and was responsible for the IHS symbol – which compressed the Greek spelling of the name of Jesus, and had rays of the sun emanating from it!

Refusing to be made a bishop three times, Bernardine confined himself to care for the sick and the poor, preaching and writing theological treatises. He died at Aquila in 1444.

In the first reading today from the Acts of the Apostles we see how precious and powerful and effective the name of Jesus is! It can heal, it can reconcile, it can strengthen, and it can be a sure defense in a world filled with other lesser names! Here St. Peter uses the name of Jesus to heal a crippled man. St. Paul knew that he was called to carry the sweet name of Jesus to all nations. He proclaimed that name, invoked that name and encouraged a symphony and chorus of praise and worship to be given to that name in all the earth!

It is important, though, for those who go about proclaiming the name and person of Jesus – like Peter, Paul, Bernardine of Siena – that they do so with their whole heart and soul – commiting themselves fully to the task and never looking back at what might have been had they not chosen such a generous response to God's invitation. Following Jesus, being his disciple, means communing with him so much so that his life becomes our life, his love becomes our love, his name becomes our name!

Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.

Monday, May 19, 2008

Homily – 05-19-2008 – Seventh Week in Ordinary Time - Monday

Our readings today are about the simple, direct, effective power of God against the evil spirits that still roam the world today.

We may ask – if the death and resurrection of Jesus are truly a reality, then why wasn't Satan and his cronies destroyed completely? Why can we not live a life totally free from evil impulses? Because, then it would not be a truly human life. All human beings from the time of Adam until the last one is born must face the challenge of dealing with the opposite of good, right, truth, justice – just as Jesus himself did! This is so that he/she can make his/her own freewill choice to be on the side of good – to be on the side of Jesus and his Father!

The good news is that because of the death and resurrection of Jesus, the negative forces do not have to overwhelm us – unless we decide to let them do so!

The first reading tells us that the very wisdom of God is available to us (specifically by our Baptism and Confirmation) so that we can know things as God does, and choose right as God would have us!

We must constantly have our faith tested – in these small and persistent daily skirmishes with the evil one – so that our faith may grow ever stronger – and our virtue ever stronger – and our works of charity ever more pure!

One day – the Last Day – Jesus will destroy Satan and his legions – and throw them into the fiery furnace forever – along with those who were converted to their side because they did not use the tools God lovingly gave to help them avoid it! May we be among those called to the right side of God – to the green pastures – the flowing waters of the landscape of heaven – where we will then live a life totally and completely free of temptations and urgings to live other than a purely and wholly God-like life!

The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart! Let us seek them out today and live by them very closely and thus be shielded from the evil that is really out there to trip us up – (especially in the seemingly smallest and most insignificant ways)!

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Homily – 05-18-2008 – Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

One of the most complete and powerful of the acclamations, songs and prayers that the Church can ever make is the oft-times forgotten "Gloria Patri" – the Glory to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; to God who is, who was, and who is to come!" This prayer, this song, this acclamation is very, very pleasing to God!

All of creation – in its original intent - is about giving glory, praise and thanks to God! There is nothing more! There is nothing less!

Mankind was created to give God glory – it is his due – and he insists on having it; when mankind refused to do that, rather than punish man eternally, he sent his own Son to reconcile the situation and to teach mankind once and for all that all praise, glory, honor, worship and thanksgiving belong to himself – to God – forever!

This is what the life and death and resurrection Jesus is all about: our redemption, our salvation, our ability to refocus our entire attention on giving God glory by and in everything we think, say and do! Everything! All of the time!

Is it possible to do this? Yes, it is! And the Church is here to show us how! A life lived in rhythm of belief, sacraments, right decisions and prayer as explained and helped along by the Church is not only possible, it is available and can transform any life into a virtuous, happy, productive, joyful endeavor – come what may – with both the ups and the downs!

In the first reading from the book of Exodus today we see Moses talking with God about how "stiff-necked" the people he has chosen to be his own are! How stubborn! How senseless and aggravating! Moses who always has his hands full with them intercedes and begs God to pardon their wickedness and sins – and to receive them as his own special family!

There is a long history of God doing just that – forgiving his people, only to have them mess things up again! But this shows one very important aspect of God – he is patient and his mercy and love are everlasting and are always available to those who turn to him and ask help!

In the second reading we see St. Paul telling the Corinthians to live as though they truly were God's new family – heirs with Christ to the special merits of his death and resurrection – heirs of eternal life as well! They should be nice to one another, and helpful and friendly! Then he spells out a very important Trinitarian formulation that we hear most Sundays at Mass: it is a real and authentic and simple definition of the Trinity by their essence: "grace" of the Lord Jesus Christ; "love" of God the Father; "fellowship" of the Holy Spirit. We could meditate on this familiar greeting at Mass for many hours and still not be able to comprehend its entire depth and richness.

Jesus won for us "grace" – because the Father "loves" us so much that he wanted us to be offered forgiveness; the Holy Spirit is what binds us together as the one, new and eternal spiritual, mystical Body of Christ – by the "fellowship" of peace that he distributes!

In the gospel passage we see the heart of the matter: the heart of God the Father; the heart of Jesus his Son, and our brother – God sent his Son not to condemn the world but to redeem it – so that anyone who believes in Jesus will have eternal life! It is such an easy concept to say – but for many it is such a perplexing mystery still to be solved.

We pray today that the Holy Spirit may be poured forth upon the entire world – so that the hearts of every man, woman and child might be open to the tremendous gifts of God – which have everything to do with where they will spend eternity! Come, Holy Spirit – renew the face of the earth! And prepare us all for the Wedding Feast of the Lamb in heaven – that is definitely coming! Let us be wearing our wedding garment of faith in Jesus to be assured of our swift and immediate entrance!

Glory to you most loving Father!

Praise to you most gentle Jesus!

Thanks to you most merciful Spirit!

Now, and forever!

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Homily – 05-17-2008 – Sixth Week in Ordinary Time - Saturday

Today's readings are about a very important concept that is not talked enough about in our Churches: the tongue! "From the same mouth can come blessing and cursing! St. James tells us in the first reading!
We have been given a tongue, we have been given a voice, we have been given breath and a diaphragm to power them in order to give glory, praise and thanks to God! But because God wants this to be a free-will act, he also must and has given us the ability to use it for dishonor, for cutting, for slander, for all kinds of evil words that emanate from the wicked heart and are spewed forth from the mouth! Ill-used words can destroy ones very life!

The words we use are extremely important – and are meant to build up the other – to support, encourage and give comfort – to bring joy and happiness – to be instruments of healing - to give useful information and help. When they are used in any other way – it is clearly against the will of the Creator!

Remember: one tiny word used wrongly can have grave consequences! We must choose our words slowly, carefully and wisely!

In the gospel passage Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James and John – the glory of the blessing is shown to them. Only words of glory, praise and thanks can follow such a display of majesty and power! The words of God the Father: "This is my beloved Son, listen to him!" make it clear that God wants us to focus on the words of life that come from Jesus, his Son and our brother! These words are to be taken in, digested and released again to others so that they might come to believe in Jesus too, and be saved by the very WORD OF LIFE! The Word-Made-Flesh!

Let us today speak only the good things that people really need to hear!

Friday, May 16, 2008

Homily – 05-16-2008 – Sixth Week in Ordinary Time - Friday

Today's readings are about the finer points of our Christian belief. There is a bit of "theologizing" done in them.

In the first reading St. James spells out for us the absolute necessity of the connection between faith and good works! Either, by themselves, is not complete! Faith without works of charity is like a body without a spirit! It is dead! Charity without faith is simply generic and unsubstantiated. It may be useful but not meritorious in matters regarding eternal salvation!

In the gospel passage Jesus theologizes or teaches about the necessity of the balance between joy/sorrow, pleasure/pain, death/resurrection when he makes it very clear that just as the Cross was a necessity in his life in order to obtain newness of life – so too it must be in ours! In fact, he makes it an undisputable prerequisite for eternal life. He says that we will not gain this eternal life – unless we lose our lives – unless we carry our crosses, unless we experience sorrow unless we experience pain; for with these always come their opposites: joy, happiness, newness of life!

Those seeking a life comprised solely of joy, pleasure and resurrection without the sorrow, pain and cross are living in a fantasy world.

This day let us call upon the power of the risen Christ- by the working of the Holy Spirit who was given to the Church on Pentecost – to help us live balanced, peaceful, optimistic lives - come what may!

Blessed are they who delight in the Lord's logic, the Lord's truth, the Lord's ways! – they are so much better than our own could ever be!

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Homily – 05-15-2008 – Sixth Week in Ordinary Time - Thursday

Our readings today would have us not only think as God thinks, but act as God acts, as well.

In the gospel passage Jesus rebukes Peter for trying to trip him up – to derail him from his primary purpose in coming to earth. Peter is attempting to steer Jesus away from his Passion and Cross - (after all he is "the Christ" – may he be spared of such tragedy) – in very much the same way that the devil did to him when he was in the desert! But Jesus would not be derailed – Jesus would not be deterred – Jesus is more resolute than ever to do his duty – to redeem mankind by his Passion, Death and Resurrection!

"Get behind me, Satan!" he says to Peter – as he said the same thing directly to Satan just before his public ministry began!

In the first reading we see how the disciples of Jesus must also act as Jesus did – resolutely, and determinedly to welcome everyone as, either, brothers and sisters in a common family of adopted children of God – or potential, or even wayward members of the same family!

Jesus would have us think as God
thinks in the gospel passage; and he wants us to act as God would act in the second reading: looking on the rich and the poor exactly the same way! Welcoming and pampering and showing kindness, gentleness and courtesy to both: treating them both as if they were Christ himself. For he says: on the Last Day the only really important question that I will ask you is "did you treat everyone as if they were me?" because I am them!

Let us get our thinking and motivation straight and in line with God's will and God's way today – then the full effects of the resurrection of Jesus and the coming of the Spirit upon the Church will be ours – and we will experience even here, now, life as it is in the kingdom – life that someday will last forever and ever!

The Lord hears the cry of the poor!

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Homily – 05-14-2008 – St. Matthias

Today we celebrate the feast of St. Matthias – who was chosen by the Holy Spirit to replace Judas as the twelfth apostle! Judas went the way of destruction by his own lack of faith and trust in God – the God of reconciliation and mercy, the God of healing and forgiveness.

The number of Apostles had to be twelve because this is the number that the Lord Jesus himself had decided upon. And so after the Ascension the full complement was rounded out so that the prescribed number could go out into the whole world as Jesus commanded and proclaim the gospel to all creatures!

It is interesting to see how Matthias was chosen. It involved prayer – and a lottery! The lot fell to Mathias and so he was designated successor to Judas. Sometimes in our own lives it is appropriate for us to decide by prayer followed by casting lots as well – especially where a choice must be made between two apparently equal goods or even two evils (when there is no other choice and one of them must be selected). This might not be a bad thing to remember when Election Day comes in this country.

The Holy Spirit indeed can work in a detached, objective kind of way – if we give him leave to do so! In fact, he works best in these conditions!

In the gospel passage Jesus reminds his apostles that their primary responsibility is to remain in his love (and the love of his Father) so that they have something very concrete and valuable to pass on to others. Then he reminds them that they did not choose him – but rather he chose them to go forth and bear fruit that will endure. And lastly he tells them – when they need help in doing their apostolic work to ask the Father anything in his name and it will be given them. The Father's glory is most important – and Jesus will intercede to give us what we need to enhance the possibility of an increase of the Father's glory!

We thank you Holy Spirit for providing for all of the needs of the Church – from apostles, to pastors, to lectors, to choir-members! They are all necessary and important in being the best Body of Christ that we can be at this particular time!

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Homily – 05-13-2008 – Sixth Week in Ordinary Time - Tuesday

In the gospel passage Jesus tells his disciples and us to watch out for and guard against the "leaven of the Pharisees." which is the contagious influence of evil. Such persons thus infected cannot see with their eyes nor hear with their ears - what is of vital importance in their lives.

These evil doers cannot see or hear the presence of the true "sign from above" which God the Father so generously and lovingly sent: Jesus, his Son. It is not "lack of bread" (lack of a sign) that makes these people evil – rather it is lack of faith: lack of the conversion of heart necessary to respond to God's loving call to holiness and wholeness.

In the first reading from the letter of St. James we get a glimpse into how we are to deal with the tricksters and pharisaical people who are out to derail us from our rightful place in God's family: "do not be deceived, my beloved brothers and sisters, all good things and every perfect gift comes from above – comes from God" – therefore, anything else that comes as a temptation against God's goodness, God's will, God's graciousness is from the evil one and is to be shunned. Most of these things are found in our own uncontrolled and unbridled desires. The Gift of the Holy Spirit – which came upon the Church on Pentecost – and on each of us at our Baptism and Confirmation – can provide the control and the bridledness that we need to live as holy, healthy, happy children of our heavenly Father.

May be not be deceived today by the evil one – lead us not into temptation, dear Father – but deliver us this day and every day from all evil! Amen.

Monday, May 12, 2008

Homily – 05-12-2008 – Sixth Week in Ordinary Time - Monday

Jesus always gets upset when the people he encounters ask for a sign! The people who ask here are the people of Israel – who had been waiting for centuries for the coming of the Messiah – for him – to come. Now that he is here – it frustrates him that they do not recognize him. And rightly so!

In the first reading James tells the people that they must expect trials in their lives – because trials are opportunities for faith! Asking God for help and strength in times of trial – and believing that God will hear and answer the prayer is an act of faith. For such people no "sign" is required. Where there is faith – there is no need for a sign – because the faith itself can see what ordinary sight cannot see.

Therefore the poor can see that they are exalted in the sight of God; the rich ought to be able to see that they tread on thin ice – in their self-imposed exaltedness they ought to see that they are like a flower that springs up in the morning but fades away with the heat of the day!

Trials are the true sign that God offers to his faithful people! This is an unexpected perspective and therefore very difficult to comprehend for those lacking in faith.

We, today, can ask for an increase of wisdom and faith – so that we can see things aright – and find our consolation in the fact that God the Father will take care of us – if we trust him completely all of the time – especially when he sends or allows trials in our life. He loves us so – and would not send or allow anything at all that is not absolutely best for us – and for those whom we love!

Be kind to us, Lord, and we shall live in joy!

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Homily – May 11, 2008 – Solemnity of Pentecost

It has been two thousand years and perhaps the Church has still not fully understood nor implemented what happened on that amazing Sunday – when the very Holy Spirit of God the Father fell deeply into the lives of the Twelve Apostles gathered in the Upper Room. The whole house shook! It had the sound as of a mighty wind! That wind is still blowing!

But another image came to life that day as well: rivers of life giving water erupted that began to trickle from the side of Christ Crucified. The blood that flowed out was for the forgiveness of our sins; the water was a sign of this very event of the coming of the Spirit when the Church would be inaugurated and the fountain of life-giving water would well up forever providing our way into everlasting life!

What does it mean to be "filled to overflowing with the presence of the Gift of God – the Holy Spirit?" It means three things: our sanctification. It means our access to real, concrete, authentic, genuine and infallible truth. It means being equipped for membership in the communion of saints – the Church - where there is just so many things that we can do to help one another and to help the whole world!

SANCTIFICATION: The first and most excellent result of the coming of the Spirit is to sanctify the Churchto make it holyunceasingly – which means that believers can now have access to the Father through Christ in the one Spirit. It is by means of the sacraments of the Church – beginning with Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist that this access is given – and membership into the one body of Christ is accomplished. If there were no sacraments we would not have access to the Father; there would be no way for us to be "plugged into" the events of Christ's death and resurrection. Thank you Holy Spirit for coming to sanctify us! To make us holy!

INFALLILBLE TRUTH – There is a story that our Holy Father, Pope Benedict, the day after his election as Pope said to a friend who asked "How do you feel today?" – "Well I don't feel any more infallible today than I did two days ago!" In one way he was right, in another way there is more to the story. Infallibility regarding the real honest truth about who God is, who we are, how we are supposed to get along with one another, and where this is all leading to - was signed, sealed and delivered on that sunny Pentecost Day to the entire Church – to all of us. It would be "by the working and guidance of the Holy Spirit" who is the very Wisdom and Truth of the Church – that absolute assuredness about these things would be available. Isn't that an amazing and wonderful thing to know!

With so much untruth in the world today! With so much lying and deception and corruption! With so much energy being put forth to twist, distort and manipulate truth – it is so very refreshing and vital to know that in the Catholic Church there is found TRUTH!: truth about everything – everything that is crucial, beneficial and important in life. These truths are summarized in our Creeds, and in the Catechism of the Catholic Church -which is an outstanding summary and explanation of who we are and what we believe as Catholics.

As I said the whole Church is infallible in matters of faith and morals: which means that any "infallible statement" that is made – and they are very few and far between – is made after consulting all of the bishops of the world – and a tremendous cross section of lay people from throughout the world as well. Then, if the Holy Father concurs – (he has final veto power) – the statement can be said to be made through his mouth – as successor of Peter - as an infallible statement. And so yes, the Pope is "infallible" – but not without you and me!

GIFTS – The Holy Spirit, lastly, equips each and every member of the Church on the day of their Baptism, Confirmation (Ordination), with gifts to ensure that the Church will be the best Body of Christ that it can possibly be at any given time! So that we can be One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic! Some gifts he gives to everyone: the FAITH, HOPE, CHARITY of Baptism; the WISDOM, UNDERSTANDING, COUNSEL, KNOWLEDGE, PIETY, FORTITUDE, FEAR OF THE LORD of Confirmation; and any special, custom made gifts that he knows would be useful for each individual: for example, making apostles teachers, preachers, administrators; gifts of prophecy, interpretation of prophecy, healing – and any other kind of gift - of the Spirit's own choosing. It is comforting and exciting to know that God has provided everything we need to make the Church work!

Now, back to my original statement – after two thousand years, does this sound like the Church that you
know and are a member of? To a greater degree I hope you can say "Yes, it is!" But I hope you can also say, with me, that in many ways it is not! It needs some work! It is on a special day like this – when we recall the very first day of our existence with all of its eagerness and enthusiasm – when we can see
things as they are – we can reaffirm our membership in the communion of saints – we can rededicate ourselves to using the gifts that we have been given for our sanctification; for our access to truth; for the smooth running of our united organization – which is so much more than a bureaucracy: it is the living Body of Jesus Christ.

One way that we can do this – all of us – is to welcome the opportunity, this year, once again – to participate in the Bishop's Appeal. To ensure the smooth running of the early Church – the faithful would place their gifts at the feet of the Apostles so that help could be given to those who were truly in need. In our day, this appeal is, for us, most assuredly a way to live out and respond to in a grateful and generous way our own baptismal call, to not only share in the rights of life in the Church – the rights to the sacraments and care by the Church when we are in need; but also the duties and responsibilities that come with it – to support and take care of others who are in need – others who are truly our brothers and sisters in Christ.

I have watched a DVD of our bishop talking on this subject and he wants me to assure you that even though there is an increase of 1.4% in the "target goal" over last year - (up to 3.7m from 3.6m) – this is far from the general cost of living increase that seems to be accelerating everyday! Diocesan programs are vital to his mission of pastoring the people of our state. Let us place something at his feet for his use! In essence – he was sent out on Pentecost Day to do his work! Let us consider how we can help him! Let us prayerfully consider how much of a beginning we can make if we haven't given before; or how much of an increase we can make over last year – if we have given before. The pledge cards will be available next Sunday at Mass.

I close with a PRAYER FOR NEW EVANGELIZATION: Loving Father, Lord of heaven and earth, you gather us together to be your Church in this time and place. Send your Spirit to be with us, and open our hearts to do your will. As we make this journey as a Diocesan Church, we trust that you will guide us along the way. Help us embrace this new evangelization with faith and love. May it empower us to recognize you and to bear witness to your presence in the world.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.


 


 

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Homily – 05-10-2008 – Seventh Week of Easter - Saturday

We come at last to the end of the Easter Season! We have entered into and experienced the death and resurrection of Jesus in a newer way this year than ever before. And we have come to believe more deeply in its effects and applications: the powerful presence of the Risen Jesus in the world.

In the first reading we see Paul arriving in Rome – where he lived under house arrest for two years. The Roman government could find no real charges against him – for proclaiming the reality of the Risen Lord – and it was his goal there to convince the Roman Jews that Jesus was and is the true "hope of Israel." Paul could not stop proclaiming the truth once he received it! We too are called to proclaim the truth once we receive and treasure it!

In the gospel passage we see the conclusion of the gospel of John. In it he refers to an encounter that Jesus had with himself and Peter. In effect he reaffirms the special relationship that Jesus and he always had. It was a model of the relationship of love that everyone was supposed to have with everyone else – when Jesus said "Love one another, as I have loved you." We can look at the devotion and loyalty and communion that John had with Jesus – the self-sacrificial service that John was always willing to perform – and see this kind of love. And we are given the hope that we can do the same thing: have an intimate and eternally rewarding relationship with Jesus the Messiah – Jesus the Word of God-Made-Flesh – Jesus Redeemer and Savior! Jesus – Best Friend! – based on truth and love!

The just will gaze on your face, O Lord. As we wait this day for the coming of the Spirit – help us to seek justice, to seek your face and to love and live forever!

Friday, May 9, 2008

Homily – 05-09-2008 – Seventh Week of Easter - Friday

In these last masses before the end of the Easter Season we are reminded of the centrality of the fact of the death of Jesus – and his glorious resurrection. King Agrippa could readily accept that Jesus was one who was put to death – but he could not so easily believe that the same man is now alive as Paul proclaimed and preached.

But it is true! Christ did die! Christ is now risen! and, as he promised – he will come again – from his throne that he has established in heaven.

In the gospel passage we have the very important post-resurrection interchange between Jesus and Peter. Peter had denied Jesus three times the night of his Passion – today he is offered an opportunity to make up for this. "Do you love me – more than the rest of the apostles?" Jesus asks three times. "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you!" Peter replies three times! – each time getting more perturbed because Jesus seemed to doubt his love.

Then Jesus commands him thusly, to: "feed my lambs, tend my sheep, feed my sheep!" - confirming his seniority among the apostles; and the true task at hand – protecting, guiding, caring for, tending and feeding the lambs and sheep of the Church all that they might need to make it to safe pastures in eternal life!

Peter accepted the commission, as did his successors – down to the present day! Thank you, Jesus, for thus taking care of us – all of us!

And thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit who reminds us of all these things and makes them clear, understandable and important to us!

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Homily – 05-08-2008 – Seventh Week of Easter - Thursday

We are in the last few days of the Easter Season. In the gospel passage we see Jesus trying to make a very important point! UNITY! LOYALTY! FIDELITY TO HARD WORK! Just before he ascended into heaven he sent his apostles to Jerusalem to be quiet, to be attentive, to be prayerful – waiting for the coming of the promised gift of the Holy Spirit – he wanted to complete the course he was teaching them about unity, loyalty and fidelity to hard work!

To the day of his ascension, Jesus made every effort to make the twelve a real team! Three marks of a good team are UNITY, LOYALTY! FIDELITY TO HARD WORK! What sports team can be successful without these elements! It is also true of matters of faith! To be successful Jesus knew that his new community – his new presence in the world by means of a mystical body – would have to be headed up by a team of administrators who were totally on the same page that he was!

And so after instructing them, he finally prays for them, in a very moving and intimate way – to his heavenly Father. "Father, I pray for these! – that they may be a real team! So that we can dwell in them – and that the world can believe that I came from you! The inverse is true – the world will never come to belief in Jesus and his Father – unless the team and its leaders are UNITED to each other; LOYAL to each other; FAITHFUL to each other! Why would anyone want to belong to an organization which did not have these characteristics?

Twice in this gospel passage Jesus makes this same impassioned plea: be a team – so that we can convert the world!

In the first reading – as a real team player – Paul is inspired and protected by the Holy Spirit as he delivers the gospel message to the Gentiles. He is completing his work in Jerusalem and now it is apparent that he will be going to Rome to do the same! Without the assurance that came from God dwelling in him, and his incorporation into the mystical Body of Christ – with its unity, holiness, catholicity – his apostolic work would have been in vain!

We thank God for being our hope and keeping us safe – come what may! May we be one with God today – that the world may believe in Jesus and his Father!

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Homily – 05-07-2008 – Seventh Week of Easter Wednesday

During these last few Masses of the Easter Season we hear a kind of summarization in the two readings at Mass. The summarization of Paul's journeys with its powerful message of salvation to those elected by God to receive his word and his gifts: who were not originally of Jewish origins: the Gentiles. And the summarization of Jesus' thoughts to his Apostles – delivered as his Priestly Prayer after the Last Supper before he entered the Garden of Gethsemane.

Paul, speaking to the priests at the Church of Ephesus, tells them to keep watch over themselves and over the whole flock of which the Holy Spirit has appointed them overseers, in which you attend the Church of God that he acquired with his own Blood. He tells them that savage wolves will come and they will not spare the flock; they will try to twist and distort the truth and try to lead the faithful astray. Work hard to guard the flock and never lose hope!

Then there was a very moving scene when Paul knelt down and prayed with them all – and the wept and threw their arms around him and kissed him! They knew they would never see his face again – and they were very distressed.

In the gospel passage Jesus in his summary prayer asks the Father to keep his Apostles united and loyal to one another – in much the same way that the flock itself must become one and composed of those who are loyal to one another. They would not have an easy time in the world, but Jesus tells his Father to arm them with the truth that would see them through difficult time: the truth being: "to know God the Father and Jesus Christ his Son is eternal life!"

May we, this day, remain loyal to the flock of Christ – either as sheep or as a shepherd – and may God protect us all from the wolves that will try to scatter the flock until the very last day! Let us with Christ conquer the world through faith: faith in God, and faith in Jesus!

Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth!

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Homily – 05-06-2008 – Seventh Week of Easter Tuesday

The message for our readings today is that it is possible for us all to have a relationship of unity and security and peace which comes from God the Father – through his Son, Jesus – by the power of the working of the Holy Spirit.

In the gospel passage Jesus is praying for the apostles – shortly after the Last Supper. He is praying to his Father in heaven to make him and these, his best friends, united in knowledge and purpose of action. He is praying for their security and safety in the world – which will not treat them any better than they treated him. He is praying that – come what may – the peace and comfort and strength – that only the Holy Spirit can give - will abide in them and remain in them – and not only them, but also their successors.

In the first reading St. Paul is speaking to the Ephesians and telling them that they too must be united in their knowledge of Christ and the power of his death and resurrection which he has preached to them; they must find their strength and security in days and years ahead from the rock-like foundation in the faith that they had received from his own hands; they must too experience the peace and joy that only the Holy Spirit could give them from abiding in and remaining in God's love!

This day – let us offer others the joy and hope and peace that comes from staying the course, remaining united to Jesus and his Father – come what may – and allowing the Holy Spirit to have his way with us!

Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth!

Monday, May 5, 2008

Homily – 05-05-2008 – Seventh Week of Easter Monday

We are in the "novena week" of preparing ourselves with the Apostles, the women and Mary the mother of Jesus to receive the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost in just a few days. Though this happened two thousand years ago – on this Pentecost we can open our minds and hearts to experience an even greater outpouring of the Spirit in our lives than ever before.

While we wait we contemplate the two readings for Mass today. The first reading is about being "confirmed in the Holy Spirit." It is evidence of the separate ceremony that follows baptism with water for the forgiveness of sins. This imparting of the Spirit by the imposition of hands confers the exact same Gift of God: the Holy Spirit that was released in all its wonder on the day of Pentecost. These two sacraments along with the sacrament of Eucharist comprise the initiation rites of candidates into the Catholic faith.

We reflect today then on our own incorporation into Christ: the day of our Baptism, the day of our Confirmation, and our daily bread available every day at Mass, which began on the day of our First Communion. And we give thanks to God for loving us and gifting us so!

In the gospel passage – shortly before his Passion – Jesus bestows peace on his disciples encouraging them to remain steadfast regardless of what the world may do to them – just as he will conquer the world by remaining faithful to his Father's will. In the Father's will is our peace as well!

This day may we make use of all of the graces that God gives us to remain in his love and to convey that love to others!

Sunday, May 4, 2008

Homily – 05-04-2008 – Seventh Sunday of Easter

Today is "Novena Sunday" – as it could be referred to. We know that a "novena" is usually a nine day prayer in preparation for some event or feast. "Novena" coming from the two Latin words: "novem diem" – "nine days!" This Sunday is in the midst of the quiet, meditative period where we, with the Apostles, gather in the "Upper Room" to once again get the full effects and benefit of celebrating the great birthday of the Church a week from today on Pentecost.

Before ascending into heaven – after bringing the physical manifestation of his presence on earth as far as he could take it, according to his Father's will, Jesus was taken up in the clouds and resumed his position at the right hand of the Father in heaven. It was a wonderful day and a wonderful sight for the Apostles to see. It was also very important for them because now the time was quickly arriving for them to go and do what he had told them to do: to baptize, to confirm, to make Eucharist present, to forgive sins, to preach, to teach, to rule, to guide in his place – for the good of mankind until the end of time.

But first he told them to go back to Jerusalem and wait for the coming of the "other Advocate" – "the Father's Gift" – the "Spirit of truth" who would remind them of what he taught and teach in depth what it all meant – and not only them, but continually throughout the ages of the Church that would be launched on that day when the Spirit finally arrived.

And so they waited! And they prayed! There was silence! There was anticipation! There was joy in the air! There was a total emptying of themselves so that they could receive all that God would give them!

One of the things no doubt that they reflected upon was the very simple, yet o so powerful dynamic of the life of Jesus – their best friend – who was taken from their sight but never to leave them alone: the death and resurrection dynamic. Because of how Jesus embraced it, and endured it and lived it – it is now a reliable tool for all of us as well. It really works! And because of the merits of what he did: it is as effective for us as it was for him. Though it did not forgive his sins – because he had none – our sins can now be forgiven because of it; and the same newness of life would be available to all of us as it was and is for him!

In the second reading from the letter of St. Peter we hear that it is only to the extent that we share in the sufferings of Christ that we will be eligible to share in the glory of his resurrection. Another way of saying this is that it is only through the "red cross" of suffering that we can attain the "gold cross" of victory!

Jesus Priestly Prayer in the gospel passage is an amazing peek into the intimate and personal relationship that Jesus had with his Father. It is almost as if we are eavesdropping at a moment of intense prayer. For this "hour" Jesus proceeded resolutely, confidently and even joyfully every moment of his earthly life: the hour when the prince of darkness would deliver him to death. But he knew that this prince had no real power and that he and his Father would be victorious – but nonetheless it was for him in his humanity a moment of deep emotion, deep trust, deep hope, deep love that he was addressing to his Father.

And he prayed not only that his Father glorify him now; but he also prayed for the Apostles who were given to him to be his best friends, to train to become his ambassadors when the time was right. He prays for their protection and their safety in the world – who would respect them as much as they respected him.

Thank you Jesus for all you have done in becoming our Way, our Truth and our Life. Thank you for gathering your Apostles and preparing them for a difficult job that lay ahead for them. Thank you for the Gift of the Holy Spirit that we will celebrate next Sunday – when the novena is over – and we will recall the day that the Spirit was sent out to renew the face of the earth!


 

Saturday, May 3, 2008

Homily – 05-03-2008 – Sts. Philip and James

Today we celebrate the feast of two apostles of the Lord – James the Less (probably a cousin of Jesus) and Philip of Bethsaida. Both were instrumental in the spread of the Christian faith from its very first days after Pentecost.

James ruled the Church of Jerusalem, wrote an epistle and converted many of the Jewish people to the faith. He led an austere life and suffered martyrdom in the year 62.

Philip was called by Jesus himself and brought Nathanael to Christ. He was present at the miracle of the loaves and fishes. He was approached by Hellenistic Jews from Bethsaida to introduce them to Jesus after the resurrection. Just before the Passion, Jesus answered Philip's query to show them the Father. He was present in the Upper Room awaiting the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. He later preached in Greece and was crucified upside down at Hierapolis under Emperor Domatian.

Our first reading today from the letter of Paul to the Corinthians relates the facts of our faith: belief in the gospel – primarily that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures; that he was buried; that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures; that he appeared to many beginning with Peter and the Twelve (including Philip and James) and lastly of all to himself, Paul. It is this faith that has been faithfully transmitted throughout the ages by the working of the Holy Spirit within the community gathered around and filled with the presence of Christ the Risen Lord.

In the gospel passage we read about the dialogue Jesus had with Philip about the Father. One of Jesus' most important tasks was to make it very clear to his Apostles, and through them to all his followers, the absolute, real, undeniable, unquestionable connection between himself and his Father. "The Father and I are one!" THE FATHER AND JESUS ARE ONE! " They are "consubstantial" – though they are each their own Person. Jesus tells us that the Father is greater than he – not because he created Jesus out of nothing: but because he is eternally his Father, who is eternally loving him, and he is eternally returning that love – which love is the Holy Spirit. The eternal exchange of love between Father and Son by the working of the Holy Spirit is an accurate definition of the Blessed Trinity itself; God, as it were, in himself.

And so Jesus does his best to gently explain to Philip this very important point!

We rejoice that Philip and James and the rest went out and brought the message of Christ and the gospel to all the world! Life in God, life in the Church – anticipating eternal life in our Father's Kingdom is a very exciting thing, the news of which we cannot and should not keep to ourselves!

Let us share the Good News with someone personally today!

Friday, May 2, 2008

Homily – 05-02-2008 – St. Athanasius

Today we celebrate the feast of St. Athanasius, a very important bishop and doctor of the Church who lived in the 4th century. He fought courageously against the Arian heresy which stated that Christ was of "like substance" with the Father and not the "same substance" – consubstantial. It was the Council of Nicea – which Athanasius attended that clearly defined Christ's divinity as "consubstantial with the Father."

Athanasius wrote his own creed or "symbol" defending the Church. Point by point he elaborated the theological definitions of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. It is a brilliant work guided and formulated most assuredly by Athanasius' cooperation with the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

In the gospel passage Jesus warns his apostles that they would be hated because of their commitment to him and his truth! – for example when they fought against heresies. But Jesus reassures them that whoever endures to the end will be saved! He tells them that they treated him the same way – and they should not expect any better treatment. Do not give up! Do not call it quit! Do not be afraid! Keep going from one town to another – until you cover the earth with my invitation to holiness and eternal life.

In the first reading from the Letter of St. John we hear John telling us that if we believe that Jesus is the Christ – God will come and dwell within us. And if we keep Jesus' commandments regarding love – then we will not only build up the Kingdom on earth, we will also be victorious over the mortally wounded reign of the evil one on the earth.

The mouth of the just murmurs wisdom; and his tongue utters what is right!

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Homily – 05-01-2008 – Ascension of the Lord Jesus

Today we celebrate the conclusion of the historical earthly life of Jesus Christ – Word-Made-Flesh. Jesus came from the Father to do the Father's will. Now that it has been accomplished to this particular stage, it was now time for him to return to his place at the right hand of the Father. It is the day of Ascension.

But Jesus did not go before setting the stage for the next act in the amazing drama of salvation history: the coming of the Holy Spirit and the manifestation to the whole world of his abiding presence until the end of time, by means of his one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.

Before leaving them Jesus told them not to leave Jerusalem but to wait for the promised gift of the Father: the Holy Spirit; and then to go into the whole world and proclaim everything they had seen and heard and to baptize in the name of his Father, himself and the coming Holy Spirit. And that because of this baptism – and all of the other sacraments that would become fully instituted and defined: he, himself, would be present to us until once again, on a cloud, he returns in glory to inaugurate the fullness of his Father's kingdom.

As we, who are baptized, wait for that glorious coming, we celebrate at this and every Mass, his death and his resurrection – and we proclaim and prove by our lives of faith and service to God's people, our brothers and sisters, and to the whole world – that Jesus is Lord, we are his brothers and sisters, and God is our Father who wants so much for all of us to make it home safely to his house – where there will be merriment, and joy, laughter, music and dancing, and praise, honor and worship – forever and ever!

God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.


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...