Sunday, August 31, 2008

Homily – 08-31-2008 – Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

One thing that is clear from the readings today is that the will of God the Father was never meant to be easy – for any one of his people – all throughout salvation history – including Jeremiah in the first reading today, including Jesus in the gospel passage – and including all of the disciples and followers of Jesus including us! This is so as a result of the Original Sin, which brought with it the necessity of work and effort; pain and suffering. But the will of God is meant to be doable, achievable and even quite satisfying as the LABOR OF LOVE that it is also meant to be! And this idea of laboring fits right in with our national celebration of Labor Day this weekend.

The primary work that all of us need to be concerned about FIRST, however, is that which contributes to our eternal salvation. Jesus tells us in the gospel passage: what profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit the life of his soul?

Other, secondary work is, of course, vital and necessary for us in order to provide for the welfare of our selves, our families, and the economic stability of our country and world. But the priority needs to be kept that this is truly secondary to the primary spiritual work of determining where we will spend eternity!

Jeremiah – the prophet of the first reading – was but a teenager – who was selected by God to be his spokesman to the errant people of Israel. He did not like the job, as we heard in the reading! Not at all! People were mocking him and laughing at him and playing him for a fool – the very last thing that a teenager of any age and era needs. But when he tried to stop speaking out – stop doing what God would have him do – he said that the words became like a burning fire in his chest – and he had to let them out!

Sometimes it is like that for us – we get ridiculed for doing good things and speaking the truth, speaking about God – but when we plan on stopping – we find that we cannot keep it in because we know that deep down inside God wants us to be his representative – and so we speak!

In the gospel passage Peter tries to trip Jesus up and derail him from doing what God, his Father, wanted him to do – to suffer and die for our salvation! But Jesus quite bluntly tells Peter where to go – "Get behind me, Satan!" This is reminiscent of Satan tempting Jesus three times in the desert – to likewise take his sights off the cross and place them elsewhere - at the beginning of his public ministry. Jesus told Satan to be gone then too! Jesus had eyes, ears, mind, heart and will only for his Father's desires, wishes and will!

Jesus then tells Peter and everyone else that not only will he be accepting that cross and going through with all it involved – but that we would have to embrace our own crosses and do the same if we want to share the glory of the resurrection that lay at the end of his cross! It is available to us ONLY if we carry our crosses, die to ourselves, and lovingly offer our lives to our heavenly Father. There IS NO OTHER WAY!

This seems like a tall order: but St. Paul from his letter to the Romans today tells us how to begin: be transformed by the renewal of your minds – so you can know the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect!

Our minds – especially in this day in age – in this country – in this world – can be far from seeing things as they truly are: crosses are to be avoided (the world shouts at us), pleasure to all extremes are to be sought after; the high, the mighty, the powerful and the rich are to be envied. But St. Paul says: CLING TO THE CHURCH – READ THE SCRIPTURES – LISTEN TO HOMILIES – READ THE MANY GREAT SPIRITUAL AUTHORS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH – PRAY TO THE HOLY SPRIIT- RECEIVE THE EUCHARISTAND BE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWAL OF YOUR MINDS – then everything else will fall into place!

The distorted vision of the world around us will dissolve away – what is good and clean and beautiful and pleasing to God will become abundantly clear
and desirable to us– he will be first in our lives – and our crosses that we must still carry will become very light – because Jesus will be carrying most of the load: he does that for those who trust in him rather than in themselves!

It all comes down to this: our souls are really thirsting for one thing: and that is God! May we never satisfy that thirst with anything other than what God himself provides for us to quench and satisfy our thirsts – beginning with the words we are hearing right now, and the very Body and Blood of Christ which we will receive at this and every Mass!

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Homily – 08-20-2008 – Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time - Saturday

Though the reading of the gospel passage is long, the message is short: when we spend what God gives us on what promotes God's kingdom – we will always have enough to go around for all concerned; when we refuse to spend what God gives us to promote his Kingdom – what little we start out with will be taken away! GOD WANTS US TO BE USEFUL, INDUSTRIOUS and GENEROUS children who look out for the needs of one another!

In the first reading today, St. Paul reminds the Corinthians and us that those who have their priorities straight – and are thinking about the Kingdom of God first – are not the high and the mighty, the worldly wise and the strong – they are rather those whom the world considers foolish, weak, lowly and despised, the count-for-nothings!
God chooses to work through them so that he gets all credit for wonderful deeds done! It is only right – he is God, the author of all of the good works! We get credit
for giving ourselves wholly and entirely for his use; but what we do is always to give him glory, praise and thanks! Whoever boasts, should boast in the Lord.

Let us give ourselves entirely today to God to be his instruments! Let us use the talents he has given us to promote and increase the reality of his kingdom here on earth – so that one day, we can participate fully in it – when it achieves its perfection in eternity!

Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own!

Friday, August 29, 2008

In a homily about this very feast, St. Bede the Venerable said: his persecutor (Herod Antipas) had demanded not that he should deny Christ (whose cousin and forerunner he was) but only that he should keep silent about the truth:

the truth being that his marriage to Herodias – who was both his niece and the wife of his brother who was still alive – was adulterous and incestuous.

John would not keep silent! And so he was put to death because he stood by the truth; and since Jesus is truth – he was put to death because he stood by Jesus and the Christian way of life that was on the verge of being inaugurated.

The birth, preaching and baptizing of John, son of Zechariah and Elizabeth, bore witness to the coming birth, preaching and baptism of Christ (the Messiah); and by his own suffering he showed that Christ would also suffer and die!

But it doesn't stop there – it also follows – especially because Jesus said that it does follow – those who want to follow them both (John and Jesus) into eternal life – would also have to be born, receive and practice the preaching that would come to them; and be baptized into the forgiveness of sins and the gifts of the Holy Spirit that flow from that day on Calvary! We too would have to carry our crosses daily on the path marked out by Jesus and – with the help of God – one day reach the glory of heaven that we have longed for - where John the Baptist, Jesus and all those who believed in the truth and stood by it, and even died for it are now experiencing the amazing and indescribable life of beatitude and bliss forever.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for holiness sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven!

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Homily – 08-28-2008 – St. Augustine

Yesterday we celebrated the feast of one of the most recognizable mothers in Church history: St. Monica, the mother of St. Augustine. Today we celebrate the feast of this son – who was the object of her tears and prayers for over 30 years.

Unfortunately, Augustine took after his father early in life – who was not a Christian like his mother. He was a pagan nobleman who lived a life of carousing and drunkenness. Taking the example of his father, then, Augustine lived a kind of dissolute life – he even had a son out of wedlock!

Monica, however, did not give up on either one of them; and it paid off: twice! By her prayers, tears and supplications to God, her husband was converted to Christianity a year before his death; and Augustine who followed his natural truth-seeking bent – moved through a bout with the Manichaean heresy (which overexaggerated mankind's depravity) – finally to conversion to full-fledged Catholic Christianity – with the help of Ambrose the bishop of Milan. At the Easter Vigil in the year 387 he was baptized by Bishop Ambrose.

Because of his grasp of philosophy and now theology it was clear that Augustine was called to the priesthood, and not only that, but to be a bishop as well. He soon found himself to be a young bishop of Hippo. He spent his ministry preaching, writing, administering sacraments, engaging in a broad range of other pastoral activities (especially to the care and relief of the poor), presiding over synods and councils, and adjudicating civil as well as ecclesial cases – all while living ascetically in community with his clergy.

His early years of experiencing "living and sinning" now served him well as a foundation from which he could expound the true theology of "living and loving" – which we hear about in the first reading today! When we find and then remain in love, we find and remain in God – (for God is love) – and then God will remain in us!

Augustine's speculative yet so very practical writings about the mechanics of being a Christian have had an enormous influence on the shape and character of Western theology, both Catholic and Protestant – since the 4th century. They are in the same league as those of St. Thomas Aquinas who is considered the most complete and well-rounded of all! (Thomas being known as "The Angelic Doctor" – so sublime was his grasp of theology!)

Nonetheless, Augustine of Tagaste, Bishop of Hippo, Doctor of the Church is certainly a giant in the field!

What is most endearing about Augustine is that he never forgot the sinful past from which God raised him; he humbled himself every morning in prayer asking God to use him as the instrument that he had in mind for that day! And as the gospel passage promised: because his humility was real, God did raise him, and exalt him, very much so – for the benefit of the spiritual life of the Church! And for this we are all grateful this day!

In the words of St. Augustine: Lord, help us to BELIEVE IN ORDER TO UNDERSTAND, rather than to understand in order to believe!

WE BELIEVE, LORD!

WE BELIEVE!

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Homily – 08-27-2008 – St. Monica

Today we celebrate the feast of one of the most celebrated mothers in Church history: St. Monica, the mother of St. Augustine, whose feast we will celebrate tomorrow. Both lived in the 4th century!

Constant, vigilant, prayer and fasting was Monica's most amazing gift from God to use for the benefit of others – and she used it well! Though married into a noble family – her husband Patricius was anything but a kind and loving husband. She endured much hardship just being married to him – and to compound the situation she had her mother-in-law living with her as well.

But she prayed long and hard for conversion for her husband – and the year before he died he was baptized! It was a wonderful event.

But even more wonderful is the fact that her ceaseless prayers for one of her sons named Augustine – who very much took after his carousing father as a young man – resulted in his conversion to Christianity with the help of his friend, Ambrose the Bishop of Milan. And Ambrose had a great effect on bringing about a deep moral conversion in Augustine – again as the direct result of a mother's prayers!

Augustine later became a priest and a bishop, and along with Ambrose one of the great doctors and Fathers of the Early Church.

What makes Augustine's writings so believable is because the first half of his life was spent "experiencing the full range of human living and sinning" – therefore, when he learned the right and true way of living and loving from the Church – he could more easily translate it into language and concepts that everyone could understand. He always regretted what he had done in his earlier life, which made him appreciate each and every morning – the great depths of God's mercy and favor that were shown to him – so that he could now share them with others – and hopefully show them some shortcuts so they wouldn't have to sink so low as he did in order to experience God's love!

But, chances are none of his great insights and example would have been possible without the help of the prayers of his beloved mother Monica.

In a sense, like the widow in the gospel passage, Jesus raised her son Augustine to the newness of life – when he was steeped in the death of sin and misery! May she intercede for us this day– and ask Jesus to raise us up as well – so that all the days of our life can be filled with joy and peace and hope as we continue to long for our eternal home in heaven!

I am the light of the world, says the Lord;

whoever follows me will have the light of life!

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Homily – 08-26-2008 – Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time - Tuesday

In the first reading today St. Paul gives the Thessalonians some very good advice: do not be deceived about the arrival of the "Day of the Lord!"

Some people were getting all upset and very much afraid at thinking about that promised event: "That day: what would it be like!" "It doesn't sound too pleasant!" "Jesus coming again on the clouds as Judge of everyone!"

But Paul reminds them (and us) that we are called to possess the glory of God: the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ – and that is an amazing thing – that is something very good – something to look forward to! So we need not be worried or afraid – if we are faithful to Jesus and his Church – if we hold on to what the Church presents to us and for us – for our salvation and eternal happiness!

Paul says to us (in the same reading): may Jesus and his Father encourage you and give you hope by the wonderful care that is available to you through the Holy Church – which is his guiding gift to you!

The only ones who really need to be worried at future events are the subject of the gospel passage today: the truly hypocritical: those whose outsides and insides do not match: those who do not practice what they preach; those who are all shiny on the outside but are corroded and rotten on the inside! These are they who neglect right judgment, mercy to others and fidelity to the things of God. These need to be very much afraid at the arrival of the Day of the Lord – for, most likely, fitting judgment and no mercy will be shown them.

The Lord will come to judge the earth – may we find ourselves on the right side of mercy!

Monday, August 25, 2008

Homily – 08-25-2008 – St. Louis, King of France

Today we celebrate the feast of St. Louis IX, King of France in the 13th century. He was known to be a wise ruler of his people, but also a very holy and devout man who put his faith into action by initiating many projects and benefits for the poor and the sick and the uneducated of his country.

The first reading today from the Prophet Isaiah was certainly one that Louis took to heart: sharing bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and homeless, clothing the naked, welcoming all as brothers and sisters.

Jesus, in the gospel passage, tells the spiritual leaders of his time, and rulers both temporal and spiritual of all times: the greatest commandment above all is to LOVE GOD, and to LOVE OUR NEIGHBORS AS WE LOVE OURSELVES. Louis, King of France proved his love for God by truly loving his neighbor and doing all he could to provide for his temporal and spiritual needs!

May we this day do likewise and demonstrate the love we profess for God, by simply loving our neighbor as we love ourselves – by respecting and in some way helping everyone we will come across this day – and considering them truly related to us in the family of mankind!

Then we shall call on the Lord, and he shall answer our cry for help! He will say: Here I am! and he will help you!

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Homily – 08-24-2008 – Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

One idea from the second reading today (on this particular teaching Sunday) summarizes what ought to be the stance of all of creation – but especially human beings (the highest form of creation) – and more especially among us human beings who have been baptized into the death and resurrection of Jesus – is the idea that: all things are from God, all things are through God and all things are for God! TO HIM BE GLORY FOREVER!

It is that simple!
TO GOD BE ALL GLORY! Everything is from him and his amazing love; it was fashioned and created through him and his amazing plan, and it was created for him – for his benefit, for his pleasure, for his happiness – but not that he needed any one of them, or that his happiness and pleasure and benefit were not fully complete otherwise! Actually he created all the things around us – for us! JUST FOR US! while he certainly enjoys them too – a beautiful sunset, a flower, the majestic mountains, the deep blue sea!

But out of all of the things that he created – people capable of loving – are his delight! He made us from love so that we could share love with him – and with one another! This is the purpose of life! This is the purpose of human life! And though we messed things up at the beginning and rejected his love in the Garden of Eden– he provided a way – by the death and resurrection of his own Son, Jesus - to repair the damage – so that we could experience JOY, and see his GLORY and share in it forever!

And so, from our responsorial refrain we see that God did not forsake the work of his hands, because his love is eternal – and his promise to share it with us forever is reliable!

Now, to lead us through life, through human living – as we exist in between the first and second comings of Jesus – this loving God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit – gave us the Church to be a never-failing guide that we can hang onto as we would a rock in a stormy sea! We will never drown so long as we hang onto the rock – so long as we hang on to the Church – so long as we allow it to be for us what it is meant to be: a reliable sustainer, a faithful friend, an experienced ship's captain in the sometimes perilous sea of life!

We read today in the gospel passage how Jesus promised that the gates of the netherworld would not prevail against the Church – and that Peter and his successors would hold the keys to the very kingdom of God. This means that by power of the Holy Spirit himself – working through Peter and his successors; and the other apostles and their successors – the binding and loosing power given would ensure that the Church would have spiritually everything it needs to care for its members – come what may, in the oftentimes stormy sea of life. The Church was given the right and the duty and the obligation to set policy – in the appropriate Spirit-guided way – and to enforce it – so that we would be safe, nourished, protected and guided in all truth!

Again, if we remember that our chief goal in life is to GIVE GLORY TO GOD – then, the Church – inspired and empowered by the Holy Spirit, who is God – can be counted on to show us exactly how to do that – and how to live spiritually enriched and helpful lives each and every day!

Perhaps our resolution today could be to open ourselves more fully, and trustingly and lovingly to the total reality of the Church – as Head joined to Members; as Clergy serving the needs of the Laity; as men, women, children all having but one goal and function: BY THE WAY WE LIVE, TO GIVE GOD ALL GLORY!

Saturday, August 23, 2008

homily – 08-23-2008 – St. Rose of Lima

Saint Rose of Lima was born at Lima, Peru in 1586. She led a virtuous life at home and, after reading and meditating on the works of St. Catherine of Siena, she received the habit of the Third Order of Saint Dominic. In this order she made great progress in a life of penance and contemplation. The crown of roses that she wore publically, which is identified with her, represents the crown of thorns that she wore privately to unite herself more closely to the Passion of Christ. She died August 24, 1617 and was canonized not many years later on the same day that another Dominican, St. John of the Cross, was canonized.

The first reading today speaks of the necessity to boast in the Lord, if there is any boasting to be done. None of us does anything on our own, even when it appears that we do so. Rose knew this and made Jesus her boast always and in all things! She knew she was a branch of which he was the vine; and that her existence and spiritual sustenance depended upon complete reliance on the spiritual life flowing to and from the root and stem of the vine: Jesus himself!

The gospel passage relates the great value that life in the vine, life in the kingdom, life in the Church are all about. It is so valuable, and vital and necessary that when one finally comes to the realization of its significance and importance one should be willing to detach oneself from everything that is not of the kingdom, buy the kingdom with acts of faith and hope, and then remain a member of the kingdom by acts of charity and self-sacrificial giving and caring – until the kingdom arrives in its fullness and giving God glory, praise and thanks will be at last our only true desire and activity!

Praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted!

Friday, August 22, 2008

Homily – 08-22-2008 – The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Heaven and earth stood still when Mary considered the angel's greeting and proposal! She was just asked to become the mother of the Son of God, she was just asked to play a major role in bringing all of the prophecies of the Jewish religion to fulfillment, she was just asked to take on an enormous responsibility in parenting the Wonder-Counselor, the God-Hero, the Prince of Peace! And so all creation paused and waited for Mary to exercise her freedom, her willingness, her desire to cooperate in such a wonderful plan!

And then she agreed! "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." And at that moment The Word of God became Immanuel in her womb – and the history of the world was changed forever – this time for the good! And creation breathed a sigh of great relief!

A week ago we celebrated the feast of the Assumption of this Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven – as the fitting conclusion of her earthly life. She always participated fully in the merits of her son's life, death and resurrection – so at the conclusion of her life it is only logical that she would immediately share in the effects that all of the faithful will participate in one day – when there is no more death – and we all live forever with God in glory!

Today we take the celebration one step further. It is only fitting that the one sitting at the right hand of the King of Heaven – that is Jesus – be the Queen Mother! Who, especially in this case, has great dignity and respect for her role in salvation history – and who desires nothing now but to praise her son, and to pray for those entrusted to her by him while he hung on the cross – that is, all of us! Historically, this is the stance and duty of a Queen Mother – to sit at the right of the king and to intercede for the king's subjects!

This Mary does with a very kind and maternal heart – drawing us ever closer to her son – so that at the Last Day – there will be one big family reunion of the members of the Body of Christ – a reunion that will last forever!

And then, forever we will sing the goodness of the Lord!

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Homily – 08-21-2008 – St. Pius X

St Pius the X – who was pope from 1903 to 1914 – was an enigmatic personage whose papacy had both positive and negative effects. He himself was simple, humble and yet full of strong-willed opinions. His strongest opinion before being elected pope was uncompromising obedience to the Holy Father.

When he became pope he intended to be a pastoral pope rather than a political one, but the political world forces of the time demanded political responses from him – especially as the storm clouds were beginning to gather prior to the First World War.

On the spiritual side, however, he was faced with the cultural ramifications of modernism which simply stated declared that mankind can be its own savior, having achieved new levels of technology and scientific know-how. In his encyclical letter: Pascendi Dominici gregis, "Feeding the Lord's Flock" – he condemned modernism as the "synthesis of all heresies." He even went so far as to introduce the oath against modernism to all clergy in the church. (This was rescinded fully by Paul VI). Pius was certainly correct in his appraisal of the problem here: mankind can never be its own savior – there is more to be "saved" than the "natural order" - there is One Savior and that is Christ Jesus the Lord, Son of God and Son of Mary – only he is capable of saving the whole of man – the natural and supernatural elements of him!

On the brighter side his pontificate reorganized the Roman Curia and created a new Code of Canon Law; seminaries were reformed, the Pontifical Biblical Institute was established, laity were encouraged to cooperate with their bishops in the apostolate, Gregorian chant was restored in the liturgy, the Breviary recited by priests was revised and shortened, and frequent Communion was encouraged.

On a personal note: I am fortunate and honored enough to have St. Pius X as a link in my own apostolic line of succession extending to the bishop who ordained me. In many ways I feel myself carrying out his Episcopal motto of: "To Renew All Things in Christ."

In the first reading today we hear St. Paul telling the Thessalonians that he shared the gospel with them in spite of all kinds of struggle – and that was because he was not just a messenger – he was truly a brother, a friend who was interested in the spiritual welfare of the flock entrusted to his care! A pope is not just a messenger – he too invests his own self in the process of sharing the manifold gifts of God.

In the gospel passage Jesus receives Peter's three-fold apology for denying him three times: by means of the dialogue of commitment that he engages him in. IF YOU LOVE ME – FEED MY SHEEP! "Peter, and your successors – feed my sheep, take care of the flock, guard them, guide them, love them – and see them safely home to me!"

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Homily – 08-20-2008 – St. Bernard of Clairvaux

Saint Bernard was born in 1090 near Dijon in France. After a religious upbringing, he joined the Cistercians in 1111 and later was chosen abbot of the monastery of Clairvaux. There he directed his companions in the practice of virtue by his own good example. Because of schisms which had arisen in the Church, he traveled all about Europe restoring peace and unity. He wrote many theological and spiritual works – centering many of them on the theme of Christ the Bridegroom of the Church; and on loving God – which made clear the type of relationship that is possible between the Bridegroom and the Bride: the Church.

In one of his sermons Bernard writes of love: Of all the movements, sensations and feelings of the soul, love is the only one in which the creature can respond to the Creator and make some sort of similar return however unequal though it be. For when God loves, all he desires is to be loved in return; the sole purpose of his love is to be loved, in the knowledge that those who love him are made happy by their love of him.

In the first reading today we see that the intimate relationship between God and his people produces wisdom and understanding and even glory in the loving interchange between them. But the key to accessing the wisdom is to stand in great awe and respect before God – and to trustingly and lovingly and hopefully open ourselves to his gifts.

The gospel passage reveals the great love that Jesus personally shows to his apostles who will spread the gospel message to the world. In loving them, he intends for them to share and spread that same love to others throughout the centuries and throughout the world – right down to our own day and age – right here to this place at this time! All we need do is to receive that gift, receive that love, receive that guiding light and let it make a difference in our own lives, and the lives that ours touches!

Remain in my love, says the Lord;

whoever lives in me and I in him will bear much fruit.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Homily – 08-19-2008 – St. John Eudes

John Eudes is the founder of the Congregation of Jesus and Mary. He was born in 1601 in Ri, Normandy. He was educated by the Jesuits and joined the newly established French Oratorians in Paris and was ordained to the priesthood in 1625. He gained a reputation as one of the great preachers of France.

John published The Life and Kingdom of Jesus in Christian Souls which contained the essence of his devotional thought.

This was a time of weak religious practice among Catholics and of poorly educated and weakly motivated diocesan clergy. In 1641 he began giving conferences for priests directed toward improving the performance of their pastoral duties. He even tried to establish a seminary for the more proper training of future clergy. To this end he founded his Congregation of Jesus and Mary. Five seminaries were eventually established in French cities.

The first reading today from the letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians reminds us all that while knowledge of Christ Jesus is of the absolute essence in being a good and faithful disciple and follower, what is more important is to experience the love which is Christ Jesus – the love that exists because the Holy Spirit comes to make his presence known and felt in our hearts – making it possible for us to have a person to person relationship with Jesus! Through a simple act of faith we access this type of experience and knowledge which is the most amazing experience that anyone can really expect to have!

The gospel passage reminds us that the knowledge and experience of the love of Christ is especially accessible by the simple and the lowly, indeed the child like – and it shall not be taken from them. As loving and trusting children we are to place all our hope in God – give all our troubles to Jesus – and find the rest, the solace, the strength and the peace we need to live from day to day – until the Last Day!

In you, Lord, I have found my peace!

Monday, August 18, 2008

Homily – 08-18-2008 – St. Jane Frances de Chantal

Jane Frances de Chantal was a 17th century French woman who had it all, and then nearly lost it all. She was married, for a while until her husband was killed in a hunting accident. Her three eldest children died in childbirth; she raised three more children. Her husband was a baron, however he left her with a great debt upon his death.

But Jane was a woman of great faith and becoming friends with St. Francis de Sales she was always dedicated to helping the poor and the sick. She wanted to enter the cloister when her children were of age, but Francis persuaded her not to. Rather, they together founded the Sisters of the Visitation comprised of women who had been rejected from joining a religious order because of ill health. They were dedicated to helping the poor and the sick modeling their virtuous lives after the scene of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to St. Elizabeth.

Jane said that the secret of happiness was finding yourself, finding love and finding the right job. She said that we must "throw ourselves into God as a little drop of water into the sea, and lose ourselves indeed in the Ocean of Divine Goodness."

We can only find ourselves as we exist in that Ocean of God's love, we can only find real love there; and the right job is doing what we feel him calling us to do to exercise and promote that love wherever we feel he is assigning us to do that! Even in the smallest details of hospitality and care there is the amazing reality of God's presence and power!

Our first reading today talks of a worthy wife! Jane Frances was certainly that! The gospel passage speaks of those who do the will of God as true and authentic family members of Jesus! Jane Frances was certainly that, as well!

We are invited to be and do the same! We do not have to belong to a religious order to do works of charity and loving helpfulness! We all can do our little part this day to make someone else's life brighter and more enjoyable!

In you, Lord, I have found my peace! Let me share that peace with all I meet today!

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Homily – 08—2008 – Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

In our second reading today from the Letter of St. Paul to the Romans, Paul proclaims: "the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable!" And they are for "both Jews and Gentiles!" It had already been established at this point that St. Peter would be the Apostle to the Jewish people – in order to convince them that the long-awaited Messiah had indeed come: and that it was Jesus who was murdered by them and the Romans, and indeed all mankind by reason of inclusion in the family of Adam.

St. Paul was chosen by Jesus to take the gospel message to everyone else: to the Gentiles – telling them, that it had been God's desire all along to include them in the plan of salvation. God delivered all to disobedience, that he might have mercy upon all: by the obedience of his Son, Jesus – who was obedient even unto death on the Cross, for us!

The beautiful imagery of the first reading reiterates this universal call to all people to gather on the holy mountain of the Lord [as they would in a house of worship]. Not only those who were allowed on the mountain – the people of Israel could now go there – but foreigners as well – so long as they kept the Sabbath and held to the covenant. This would be a time of rejoicing and feasting and prayer on that mountain. Sacrifice to God would be acceptable to him; and just as on that holy mountain, the house of God anywhere, would be a house [a mountain] of prayer for all people!

We are standing right now in such a place – this is a house and a mountain of prayer – and ALL are invited to come in and be with us and to investigate the possibility of learning about the "New Covenant," the "New Commandment," and the "New Lamb of God" – JESUS CHRIST! as he manifests himself fully in the Catholic Church.

In the gospel passage today Jesus tests a woman's faith in order to point out to her (and to all of us) what is important for those who gather here in this place: and that is FAITH. Even those who might feel themselves to be outcasts, like the woman that Jesus goes so far in his testing of her to call a "dog," - if they have FAITH IN JESUS (even the smallest amount) and believe in his power to MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THEIR LIVES – they can ask for his help, and he will help them!

Would that Jesus could say of us: Child of God – what great faith you have!     

It is not as difficult as one might think! God the Father freely gives the gift of faith to those who ask! All we need to do is to foster it and nurture it, once we possess it! Let us ask for an increase, or a birth, of faith: NOW!

O God, let all the nations praise you!

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Homily – 08-16-2008 – St. Stephen of Hungary

Stephen of Hungary was born in the year 969. Being baptized at age 10, he was crowned king of Hungary in the year 1000 at the age of 31. In his relationship with his subjects he was just, peaceful and pious, exactly observing the laws of the Church and ever seeking the welfare of his people. He founded many dioceses and spent great energy in fostering the work of the Church. He died in the year 1038.

To his son, who would be king after him, Stephen wrote, be merciful to all who are suffering violence, keeping always in your heart the example of the Lord who said: I desire mercy and not sacrifice. Be patient with everyone, not only with the powerful, but also with the weak. Be strong lest prosperity lift you up too much or adversity cast you down. Be humble in this life that God may raise you up in the next. Be truly moderate and do not punish or condemn anyone immoderately. Be gentle so that you may never oppose justice. Be honorable so that you may never voluntarily bring disgrace upon anyone. Be chaste so that you may [attain the joys of purity of heart], and the crown of everlasting life!

The motivation for Stephen's life and work, no doubt originated in love of God and his command for us to love others as we love our selves. This was not only something that Stephen embraced and practiced but also exhorted and encouraged others to do. Stephen truly lived like one who constantly stood before the judgment seat of God: which is the ideal and recommended way to live.

The gospel passage tells us about the relationship that Stephen had with Jesus: one of being a good and faithful servant who used well the abilities, talents and gifts that he had been given to use for the good of others! He multiplied them and returned them to Jesus many times over. And Jesus was pleased! He did this out of love and not misguided fear – even though standing in awe of Jesus was always part of his stance and attitude! Jesus is our Brother and our Friend always, but he is first our Lord and our Savior.

Pray for us today, Stephen, that we like you may be rewarded for using faithfully the gifts we have been given for the good of others!

Friday, August 15, 2008

Homily – 08-15-2008 – The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Today we celebrate the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven. It is a wonderful feast and the fitting way to remember her "dormition" – her falling asleep for the last time on this earth, and then her "elevation into the realms of heaven!" It must have been so exciting for Jesus to welcome his mother to her true and now lasting home – safe with him, and her husband Joseph – always now to be considered blessed and honored!

It is interesting: the woman – in the reading from the Book of Revelation - who appears clothed with the sun, with the moon beneath her feet, having a crown with twelve stars can be considered to be both symbolic of Mary (reigning as queen of heaven), but also of our Mother the Church, who through travail and labor gives birth to its own self in the fullness and completeness of her perfection. This is accomplished
by her obedient adherence to the words and commands of the one who comes to purify her, Christ the King of the Universe, who resides in her and moves her at every moment toward this time and experience of great fulfillment!

In the second reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians, that Mary was sinless her entire life - and worthy to be the Mother of God and Mother of the Church - was because she always shared fully in the merits of the redemption of her own Son, who was himself the firstfuit of the new creation. She always dedicated herself to the will of God the Father; she was always filled with the Holy Spirit; she was always in direct and intimate communion with her Son Jesus, even when he left her to undertake his public ministry - which ended in his brutal death on the Cross, but subsequent resurrection from the dead, in which she firmly believed!

She now waits with him in heaven – until all of his enemies are placed beneath his feet and the last enemy, death, is destroyed – and the faithful begin to live a glorious life in the grand communion of heaven – with her, her son and all of the saints and angels forever.

When Mary, in the gospel passage, visits her cousin Elizabeth – Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit - cries out: BELSSED ARE YOU AMONG WOMEN, AND BLESSED IS THE FRUIT OF YOUR WOMB! Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled!

Today we too call Mary blessed, and we call the fruit of her womb: LORD, BROTHER, FRIEND! We call him JESUS because he saves us from our sins and restores us to life! And we believe that all that was and is spoken to us about him is
true
and that all of the promises that have ever been made by God to us will be fulfilled!

For God has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our Father, to Abraham, and his children forever!

Mary is taken up to heaven; a chorus of angels exults!


 


 


 

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Homily – 08-13-2008 – St. Maximilian Kolbe

Today we celebrate the feast of a great Franciscan martyr: Maximilian Kolbe – who gave his own life so that another could be spared death in a Nazi concentration camp.

In the gospel passage we are reminded how Jesus tells us that there is no greater love than one person can have for another, than to lay down their life for them. This is the kind of love that Jesus had for us: this is how he loves us and expects us to love one another.

It is not always easy to love another person, especially when there is not even much to like about them. But our experience of loving the least of the brothers and sisters shows us more clearly what Jesus did when he willingly suffered and died for us – WHEN WE WERE STILL THE ENEMIES OF HIS FATHER – we were still unredeemed children of Adam.

Because Jesus loved us to death (a death which was followed by a glorious resurrection), so too we can love others – even to death, because this love participates in the same resurrection.

Maximilian Kolbe rests certainly now in the hands of God – as the first reading relates – and no torment shall touch him, because he is in peace – God's peace – which came as a result of being tested in his faith, and passing the test.

May we, this day, accept the tests that God sends us for our good – and, with the help of St. Maximilian may we pass them as well – strengthened and nourished by the food of the Eucharist and the help of the Holy Spirit.

Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of his faithful ones.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Homily – 08-12-2008 – Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time - Tuesday

Our gospel passage today seems to be about two different themes: humble children, and lost sheep. But they are actually both about who it is that is greatest in the Kingdom of heaven!

Jesus tells us here that the great
one is the small one, the humble one, the trusting one, the one who serves the needs of others. Children are like this: they are small ones, they are humble ones, they are trusting ones, they love to do things to help other people out! Those who are not childlike are those who think themselves in an over-exaggerated way, they are the self-inflated ones, the constantly pessimistic and suspicious ones, the ones who want to have their own way, the ones who like to have things done for them out of a false sense of entitlement. Sometimes these people like to call themselves "grown-ups."

The likes of these are the truly lost ones: the ones who have turned themselves into senseless sheep who oftentimes wander away from the flock simply because they can, and they have no sense of attachment to the flock, sense of belonging, a sense of really caring for the other sheep! They don't even know how poorly off they are! But the shepherd knows! And he goes and finds even the ONE who wanders away: so committed is the shepherd to each and every member of the flock; so deep is his sense of keeping his flock together as ones who belong together in this particular grouping! Jesus is the shepherd and he searches for each and every lost sheep!

But Jesus, in effect warns us not to despise these lost sheep! We must regard the lost sheep not as errant ne'er-do-wells, but rather as those invited to be the same kind of children of God (sheep) as we are! – we must regard them as someone whom Jesus would go and search for because they are worthwhile and valuable to him! And, perhaps, by means of our understanding, our care, our bringing to them words of promise and hope of a better today and tomorrow; and by our loving actions of trying to help them out the best we can – perhaps we can deliver the same kind of message of encouragement as Ezekiel did in the first reading! We can help people change the lamentation, wailing and woe in their lives into shouts of wonderment, laughter and joy!

In the way of your decrees I rejoice, O Lord, as much as in all riches! Yes, your decrees are my delight! How sweet to my palate are your promises, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

Homily – 08-11-2008 – St. Clare

Clare of Assisi was, like Francis, born of a noble family – and she like Francis was called to a life of total commitment to the Lord by means of renouncing all possessions and finding Christ where he said he would be found: in the poor, in the suffering, in the sick, in the very least of his brothers and sisters.

Our first reading today from the Letter of Paul to the Phillippians gives us the point of reference that Clare used, as it was modeled by Francis: KNOWING JESUS BY HAVING FAITH IN HIM, being freed by this knowledge from what truly enslaves – our selfishnesses, our sins – and believing in the power of his resurrection – the power which forgives sins – and makes possible everlasting life! She sees her prize at the end of the journey of faith through life as being completely possessed by Christ Jesus – something that through prayer and works of charity she now experiences already, working with Francis, in an extraordinary measure.

Clare ran away from home to join Francis and his monks. He received her and gave her a rough brown habit to wear. He cut her long golden hair very short as a sign of her dedication and devotion to God. Her sister Agnes joined her, as well as others young girls from the city. And Francis established them as a separate branch of his own order: the second order: THE POOR CLARES! Their task was always to pray for the poor and work for their eternal salvation in ways approved by Francis and his successors.

In the gospel passage Peter asks Jesus what he would
get from giving up everything and following him. Jesus was no doubt amused with the question! How human Peter was! I am willing to give – but just what is it that I am going to get! Jesus tells Peter, he tells Clare and Francis of Assisi, he tells us here today that if you give up everything to follow me – not only attachment to possessions but also attachment to all relationships – even members of your own family – even a relationship with yourself – you will get them all back a hundred times more – plus persecution – but you will inherit everlasting life. We don't like to hear about the persecution part – but it is absolutely necessary to gain eternal life. Jesus carried his cross and he tells us that we MUST carry ours if we want to share in the newness of life that he gained for us all by his death and resurrection!

If we can only remember this day that it is God who is our inheritance – if we keep him ever in our sight – no matter what else is going on in our lives, no matter what we are doing, then, one day, we will be shown the joys and the delights at the right hand of God forever! And it will be WONDERFUL!

You are my inheritance O Lord.

Saturday, August 9, 2008

Homily – 08-10-2008 – Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

The great, grand, glorious, mighty and majestic God is BEST accessed when there is SILENCE - so that when he comes in the sound of a tiny whisper he can be heard in such a great contrast! GOD IS SO GREAT – THAT HE CAN BECOME SO TINY – and apparently weak! Jesus, crying in the night, in a manger in Bethlehem is another example of GOD IN HIS GREATNESS becoming small and apparently weak to PROVE HIS GREATNESS!

When we are still enough and attentive enough we can experience the presence of God. And then we can do even some extraordinary things. We can help people in ways we never thought possible. We can even, if the Lord bids us, "walk on water" – so long as our faith is strong, and our eyes stay FIXED ON HIM!

St. Paul is so concerned about the churches lack of stillness, lack of quietness, lack of focus on Jesus that he even says – because he wants so much for them to get the message – to share the same experience with God as he himself does – that he would even cut himself off from Christ if it meant that they would become more attached to Christ. This is pure, unselfish, self-sacrificial love! – the very kind of love Jesus himself had for us!

Today, let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus – let us keep an aura of silence around us, no matter what is going on in our lives, and let us even "walk on water" – let us do good and wonderful things as instruments of Jesus – who wants so much for all the world to experience his presence, to give him their trust, so that he can lead us all HOME TO EVERLASTING LIFE!

Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation!

Friday, August 8, 2008

Homily – 08-08-2008 – St. Dominic

St. Dominic was born in Spain around the year 1170. He studied theology at Palencia and was made canon of the church of Osma. He worked effectively, through preaching and good example, against the Albigensian heresy (which stated an inescapable dualism in man which caused him to do evil things: that he was made up of both a good and an evil principle). To carry on this work he gathered together companions and founded the Order of Preachers, the Dominicans or Black Friars. He died on August 6, 1221.

In the first reading today we see that the true essence of a preacher – in the tradition of St. Dominic is to be an instrument for God to use to deliver words of instruction, encouragement and comfort! The good preacher does not have to be eloquent in mind, as a political orator would be; but rather, convincing to the heart, and therefore able to communicate God's word to even the simple, the humble and the lowly – in simple, plain and even unadorned terms! To these the message is meant to be preached! To these the message is to be entrusted! Among these the message is to be celebrated!

Since Jesus is the light of the world, his gospel is then light – and the proclaimers and preachers of his gospel are lamplighters in the darkness of the world! Though we do not have Albigensiansianism in our midst today: we have other much more serious kinds of heresies and errors attacking the vine which is Christ. The insistence of the political machine in our country to de-spiritualize, de-religionize, de-moralize our country – and the desire to make it into a hedonistic, secular carnival of wreckless, tantalizing delights, is frightening, to say the least.

But the Church – the Preaching – the Proclamation – the Gospel – the true Light of the World is still here for those who want it to be their "morning star," their guiding light, their "word of Life!"

St. Dominic pray for us, that we might continue to preach the Word of God's freedom and Light, as you did – and then live out what we hear proclaimed.

The world will be transformed – in spite of itself – this God the Father promised! Christ is the victor – and all his opponents and enemies shall be placed beneath his feet! May we not be among them – but rather among the faithful ones who BELIEVE in him and his transforming gifts even now – and who now live as though we truly do believe!

Proclaim God's marvelous deed to all the nations!

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Homily – 08-07-2008 – St. Sixtus II and Companion Martyrs

Today's readings beautifully describe the spirit of the martyrdom of Saint Sixtus II and his companions. Sixtus was elected Pope in the third century when the emperor Valerian was ending his period of toleration for Christianity. And so at one point he ordered the rounding up of and execution of bishops, priests and deacons.

Sixtus, the Pope and seven deacons of Rome were among those who persevered in the hour of persecution and were rewarded with the crown of life: the glorious martyr's crown!

In the gospel passage Jesus reminds us that we are not to be afraid of those who can kill the body and not the soul! We are worth more than a flock of sparrows (whom God loves very much and knows every actions of theirs). He loves us even more than the sparrows and will take care of us and all of our needs – especially when he asks us to do something that is difficult and challenging! It is our Christian duty to acknowledge Jesus and witness about him before others – even if it is a dangerous and life-threatening thing – for on behalf of such as these Jesus will acknowledge them before his heavenly Father!

Sixtus and his companion deacon martyrs were considered among the greatest of all martyrs in the Church – in fact, he is even listed in the Roman Canon – the First Eucharist Prayer we use at Mass. We ask his prayers that we might be faithful to Jesus and the Church – come what may!

Blessed is the man who perseveres in temptation, for when he has been proved he will receive the crown of life!

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Homily – 08-06-2008 – The Transfiguration of the Lord

The Transfiguration of the Lord was a very important prelude to his suffering, death and resurrection! It took place about a week before Palm Sunday. It had to do with evaluation, summation and preparation!

Jesus takes Peter, James and John up the high mountain – because great experiences with God usually take place when the person, and/or the soul is lifted higher to be closer to God. And Jesus was transformed into a brilliant white image. His face shown like the sun, and his clothing glowed with an amazing bright whiteness. He revealed himself here as the one who truly reflected the glory of God, and who was TRUE LIGHT OF THE WORLD!

Peter, James and John, therefore saw Jesus in a whole different light – a heavenly light! His glory was no longer veiled. And he saw with him two figures from the history of their people: Moses and Elijah – conversing with him. Jesus was discussing with them what would happen in a short time when he voluntarily went to his death on the Cross. He was thanking them for being faithful and true instruments in the preparation of his arrival on earth, and for getting his family – the people of Israel – and indeed the whole world – ready for what would happen on that amazing weekend.

He told them that everything that had happened in their time, with the Law and the Prophets would not be abolished, but brought into a new state of completion and fulfillment. The new would replace the old, but would forever be dependent on the old as a building is dependent upon its foundation!

And so Jesus as the New Moses (the new Law-giver), and Jesus, the Suffering Servant (as prophesied by Isaiah), would bring light to the world by lovingly embracing the self-sacrificial events of what we now know as Holy Week! Peter, James and John, because of their presence at the Transfiguration would now be prepared somewhat for the scandal of the Cross. They would better understand that the true Messiah was not to be a political hero, but rather a Savior who would bring ultimate victory by laying down his life for his flock, his people, his brothers and sisters!

God, his Father, and ours shows how very pleased he is with Jesus – his beloved Son, who so generously and willingly is about to give himself completely – and he appears on the scene in the form of a cloud as he did on Mt. Sinai, and in the desert wanderings of the freed people of Israel – and his voice was heard to say: THIS IS MY BELOVED SON ON WHOM MY FAVOR RESTS: LISTEN TO HIM!

This is the last time that God the Father speaks in the gospels, and it is so very appropriate for him to say what he did: LISTEN TO HIM! LISTEN TO JESUS! HE IS MY WORD! HIS GOSPEL IS MY WORD! THOSE WHO PROCLAIM AND PREACH THAT GOSPEL ARE SPEAKING MY WORD: LISTEN TO THEM! … and then act on what you hear!

…then you will find comfort, you will find encouragement, you will find light for the paths of your lives: and one day you will be rewarded for reflecting my glory (by lives led in union with Christ Jesus), by coming home to me and taking the place I have gotten ready for you!

Come, blest of my Father, yours is the kingdom prepared for you!

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Homily – 08-05-2008 – Dedication of St. Mary Major

One day in August in the early years of the Church, on the Esquiline Hill in Rome there was an unusual snowstorm for that time of year! And who should appear there but the Blessed Virgin Mary – Mother of God and Mother of the Church. Legend has it that she left her footprints in the snow there.

In the fourth century, the Council of Ephesus had just concluded, which defined once and for all time the fact that Mary was indeed Mother of God: if she was Mother of Jesus the man, and Jesus the man was also God, then she was also very properly called "Mother of God."

To commemorate this important definition, Pope Sixtus III ordered that a church be built on that Esquiline Hill and named Our Lady of the Snows. It would be the first church in the West named in honor of the Mother of God. And so in the fifth century the church of Our Lady of the Snows was built.

Later it was renamed the Basilica of St. Mary Major (being still the first church named in honor of the Mother of God). It is one of the four major basilicas of Rome – St. Peter's, St. Paul outside the Walls, and St. John Lateran being the other three.

Our first reading today tells us of the spirit of a basilica: they are majestic and beautiful places reflecting the glory and splendor of God and the New Jerusalem in the heavenly Kingdom that awaits us all. It is a place where God dwells in a special way with his people. He enjoys intimate communion with them, as a husband does with his beautiful bride!

The gospel passage reflects, in just two sentences the heart of the life of beatitude and glory that we are all called to: so that we can be like living basilicas and churches ourselves: blessed and happy are those who hear the word of God and observe it!
LISTENING, in the silence of our hearts for the voice of God speaking, and then OBEYING is what life in God is all about!

This is how Mary lived her life, this is how Jesus lived his life, this is how we are to live ours!

Monday, August 4, 2008

Homily – 08-04-2008 – St. John Vianney

St. John Vianney was a 19th century French priest who was instrumental in relieving the burdens of sinners and those who would come to him for guidance and counsel. It could be said of him: The Lord sent [him] to bring glad tidings to the poor and to proclaim liberty to captives.

One of the most, if not the most captivating aspects of human life is the slavery to and subsequent inability to free oneself from sin and its consequences. Divine intervention and help is needed.
That is why Jesus was sent to us! To free us from our enslavement to sin – if we want it; to give us the possibility of a life of joy and happiness both here and hereafter – if we want it!

The first reading tells us that there are those who simply don't want it. They choose instead not to take God's own warning nor the warnings of those whom he sends in his name to help them see "the true Light" – people like John Vianney, people like you and me when we act as his instruments. All we can do is our part. When we see someone straying we can try to help them, because that is the obligation of Christian fraternal correction. But once a humble, gentle and sincere warning is sent – then our conscience is clear, and the spiritual life and death of that person is no longer our responsibility.

The second reading tells us that Jesus himself went around releasing people from their sins and restoring them to health – the two always seem to go hand in hand – fraternal correction and rehabilitation were important for him. He asked that helpers for him be sent by God his Father to bring the message of hope and reconciliation and health and peace to all who so desperately need it!

Again, if today we feel God the Father enlisting us to help in this regard, may our response be YES, may it be generous – so that as many as possible can be set free from what ails them but spiritually and physically!

Let us remember: the Lord is sending US to bring glad tidings to the poor and to proclaim liberty to captives who have various enslavements!

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Homily – 08-03-2008 – Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

The hand of the Lord feeds us; he answers all our needs!

If we all could fully understand and believe this one sentence – our lives could become very different – they could become all that they are meant to become!

God the Father KNOWS WHAT WE NEED!

He made us! He planned for us – each one of us - to make a very specific and certain contribution to the world in which he has placed us! He has every intention in seeing that we are provided with absolutely everything we need to do this, his will, his bidding – all the days of our lives!

However, since the days of Adam, Eve and the apple WE THINK THAT WE KNOW BETTER THAN GOD THE FATHER WHAT WE NEED! We thus have essentially taken God's Fatherhood away from him, preferring instead to be our own Father, to provide for ourselves what we think we need – oftentimes grasping and groveling - day in and day out- in an all but futile attempt just to survive – to make any sense out of our lives!

It doesn't have to be this way! This is why GOD THE FATHER SENT JESUS, HIS SON, OUR BROTHER, TO US - TO HELP US COME TO OUR SENSES – to see that the PROVID-ENCE of GOD THE FATHER is the very best way to go! In his life on earth, Jesus demonstrated what a successful human life could be like – a life filled with TRUST IN GOD! ACCEPTANCE OF THE FATHERHOOD OF GOD! and the living out of certain and necessary spiritual principles. This life is not all sunshine and roses, but it is not all dungeons and dragons either! Jesus shows us that our SPIRITUAL LIVES are the most important part of us – and everything that we can do to perfect this aspect of us is worth every ounce and moment of our effort!

And so, he (and his Father,) wants to FEED OUR SPIRITUAL LIVES with SPIRITUAL REALITIES that we need in order to LIVE SPIRITUALLY PLEASING AND ACCEPTABLE LIVES in the sight of God! That is why he provided the very BREAD OF SPIRITUAL LIFE: THE BODY AND BLOOD OF HIS SON JESUS to be our spiritual nourishment, our spiritual
energy, our spiritual
motivation to live and love and Jesus taught, demonstrated and then commanded!

The multiplication of the loaves and the fishes in the gospel passage relates the overabundance of SPIRITUAL GRACES AND HELPS that come to us each time we receive Jesus in the Most Holy Eucharist! IT IS AMAZING FOOD – that can make our lives so much more tolerable, livable and even joyful! It really and truly can do this!

The first reading today from the Prophet Isaiah makes very clear that there is absolutely "no charge" for coming to the source of spiritual nourishment! What we receive is priceless anyway! There is not enough money to pay for it! The water and the grain that is available for anyone to partake of, is THE VERY WORD OF GOD, and bread of ETERNAL LIFE! If we come to LISTEN to the word of God – to heedfully hear it and resolve to incorporate it into our lives, strengthened by the bread and wine that is really and truly spiritually transformed by the words of Christ and the action of the Holy Spirit at this and every Mass – then we will have all we need to STOP GRABBING AND GRASPING and keep our hands off our own will – our own way – and TRUST GOD ABSOLUTELY TO TAKE CARE OF US IN THE FATHERLY WAY THAT HE SO VERY MUCH DESIRES TO DO!

You are our "Abba," Father; you are our "Daddy" – you will feed us and take care of ALL
OF OUR NEEDSTHIS - WE - BELIEVE!

If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts!


 

Saturday, August 2, 2008

Homily – 08-02-2008 – St. Eusebius of Vercelli

St. Eusebius of Vercelli was born at the beginning of the fourth century on the island of Sardinia. He became a member of the Roman clergy and in 345 was elected first bishop of Vercelli. He spread religion by his preaching and established the monastic life in his diocese for his clergy. He lived a monastic life among his diocesan priests. Because of his faith he was driven into exile by Emperor Constantius who was an Arian (an Arian denied the divinity of Christ, saying Christ was not equal to the Father, but simply made by him) – and endured much suffering. Returning to his country he worked tirelessly against the Arians for the restoration of the faith especially by endorsing and promoting the Athanasian Creed which clearly defined the divinity of Christ. He died at Vercelli in 371.

The first reading today relates how the true victory that conquers the world – with all of its misgivings, its false senses and its error regarding religious and secular affairs – IS THIS FAITH OF OURS! - those who believe in God and listen to the one whom he sent, and keep his commandments is victor over the world!

The gospel passage tells us who are most qualified to have faith in good working order: and they are THE POOR IN SPIRIT! – those who have left an enormous amount of room in their hearts and minds in order for God to come and fill them with all the good things, all the true riches, the spiritual riches, that they need in order to get through this life's difficult journey – to the joys of complete victory when the Kingdom comes in its fullness.

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

Friday, August 1, 2008

Homily – 08-01-2008 – St. Alphonsus Liguori

St Alphonsus Liguori was born at Naples in 1696. He was renowned as a doctor of both Canon and Civil Law. But he left the legal profession and entered the priesthood. Thereafter, he founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (The Redemptorists). To foster the Christian life, he applied himself to preaching among the people and writing books on moral theology of which he is considered a master. He was chosen to be bishop, but resigned shortly after to continue his humble priestly work among his confreres. He died in 1787 at the age of 91.

One of Alphonsus's favorite themes was the "love of Christ," and from the perspective of Christ (and his Father) having loved us FIRST, before there even was any creation at all. And then loving us, each as individuals, he created us, he made us in order to share love with us. This also involved his agreeing to be our salvation, our redemption, our sacrificial lamb which would reconcile all of us to his Father and reestablish a good and working relationship between us!

The first reading from the Letter of Paul to the Romans tells how Jesus came in the likeness of sinful flesh, to redeem that flesh, and make it possible for us to live not according to the impulses and desires of the flesh which enslave and keep us earthbound, but rather to live according to the higher impulses of the spirit which free us and allow our spirits to soar to the heavens.

The gospel passage reminds us that as individuals and as a group (a Church) we are called to be LIGHT and SALT in the world. We are called to provide a REAL DIFFERENCE in our families, our friendships, our nation and our world by illuminating and flavoring the environment with the very love of God that we first experience, that we as Christians share together, that we feel it right to give away! We do this by cooperating with the grace of the Holy Spirit that is given as a result of the redemption wrought by Jesus' amazing gift of himself!

Heeding the teaching of Jesus, St. Paul and St. Alphonsus, let us today be LIGHT and SALT – because we have heard of God's LOVE FOR US and for all – and we feel moved to do so!

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...