Sunday, November 30, 2008

Homily – November 30, 2008 – First Sunday of Advent

The word "watch" was just used four times in the nine lines of this gospel passage: watch, watch, watch, watch!

Today we begin a new liturgical year with the Season of Advent in a "watchful" mode – the same mode as we ended the old liturgical year last Sunday. What we are watching for on this Sunday is the same object as last Sunday – Christ the King who is to come at the end of the world – as Judge.

If anything that we learned from the Scripture readings and homilies last year made any impact on us – we will understand how important it is to be in a "watchful, alert" kind of mode! For if we believe what Jesus said and did, then we will also believe it when he says that he will come suddenly – and those who are "watchful and alert" will be the ones who will find eternal reward with him!

We watch by prayer! We watch by studying the documents of the church! We watch by reading and listening to Scripture! We watch by going to church and receiving the sacraments: especially the greatest gift of all: Holy Communion! We watch by going to confession to keep the channels of grace flowing freely! We watch by going out from Mass to love one another in our own life settings – but also by reaching out to as many others as we possibly can – Catholics, non-Catholics – anyone and everyone! We watch by keeping our eyes fixed on the Cross of Christ Jesusand by willingly and joyfully carrying our own!

While we continue to wait for the full revelation of the Lord this day let us turn our face to God and pray that he show us his face – and we shall be safe today and in the days to come: including the Last One!

Show us O Lord, your love;

and grant us your salvation!

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Homily – 11-29-2008 – Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time - Saturday

The last words of the last gospel of the last Mass in the now completed liturgical year of grace is: be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.

In the first reading today from the Book of Revelation we hear how magnificent it will be: the new heaven and the new earth when the Son of Man Comes. It will be a place where nothing accursed will be found anymore. It will be a place of unending security. It will be a place of perpetual light! For those who find the words trustworthy and true the quick arrival of the transition day needs to be prayed for: In the reading the Lord himself says: Behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keep the prophetic message of this book!

Each generation thinks that it is the one whose calamities are worse than all others, and that therefore the Lord will come to them to change it all. For one generation it will be true. It could be for ours! But, in any event when our own individual day comes for our own transition from life, through death to what lies beyond we will be judged on how trustworthy and true we found the words of Life the Church has given us – and how well we lived them out!

If our consciences are truly free and clear then we can cry out:

Marana tha! Come, Lord Jesus!

Friday, November 28, 2008

Homily – 11-28-2008 – Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time - Friday

What will last is the word of God! Therefore what we need to grasp and hold onto is "the Word of God!" Not just "words of God" but the Word-himself-made-flesh: Jesus! If we accept the redemption that he won for us: then we shall be safe on that judgment day that surely is to come.

There will be signs of the coming: they will be: the excess of the godless, and the increase of the fervor of the faithful!

Drawing nearer and nearer to God each day in silent prayer, by public prayer, by almsgiving, by actively serving all we see in need: we will be ready for that great day when the current heaven and earth passes away: and when we will continue to exist and live and love: completely taken into and contained in the Word of God: Jesus Christ, who will be our King, Lord and Brother forever!

My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God!

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Homily – 11-27-2008 – Thanksgiving Day

If we look at the history of our country beginning really at Popham Beach and then Jamestown, Virginia, and then Plymouth Rock – and we look all the way though the struggles of its progress and growth to the present day…

If we look at the family settings that we find ourselves in - either or both as children of parents or now parents of children – and we consider all of what went into making us the family units that we are today…

If we look at this parish (as a part of the greater Church of Portland, Maine) – and we look at its growth and development throughout a 120 year span – and we consider all of the sacrifices and contributions that went into making it what it is today – especially the sacrifices and contributions that had to do directly with faith and its development, celebration and transmission from one generation to the next…

If we look at all of these things – we can only conclude as was prophesied in the first reading today from the Prophet Isaiah: only God could have gotten us through all of this – only God could have saved us over and over again when we needed saving – only God could have given us exactly what we needed when we needed it - to be successful in the ways that really count. The favors of the Lord I will recall and celebrate on this Thanksgiving Day!

The second reading today encourages us to see that brought safely to this moment by God – the only way to proceed from here is to be thankful to God for his great care and love – and to show it – in and by everything we do! If we do everything- out of gratitude to God who gives us everything we need - to accomplish everything that needs accomplishing: then we will have our priorities straight and the blessings of God will continue to overflow upon our country, our families and our church – both today and for as long as God would have it so!

Jesus – in the gospel passage today (in this particular instance) – told the man who was cured by him not to tell anyone about it (because at that particular point in his public ministry not many would have known what to do with the information); on this Thanksgiving Day, however, he would tell us this: if you truly hear my word, if you find healing in me, if you find nourishment in "the bread of angels" – the Eucharist - that I give for your spiritual nourishment, if you experience my presence in one another as you gather here, if you are motivated to go from here to give alms and to help other people: then, by all means tell everyone about it! Everyone!

Everyone needs a home – the Church is meant to be everyone's home! We are grateful from the depths of our hearts today that we have and always will have "a place to come home to!"

O Lord, we thank you for your faithfulness and love!

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Homily – 11-25-2008 – Thirty-fourth week in Ordinary Time - Tuesday

We would be clear about the intent of this gospel passage: we must not be deceived into thinking that anyone on earth at any given time is the "one who is to come again as judge" – no person on the face of the earth is its messiah or savior or ultimate judge: there is only One Messiah, Savior and Judge and that is Jesus Christ – and he will come when he comes.

And so Jesus tells us not to be too much alarmed when tumultuous things start happening and there are false sightings of him everywhere – these things are "bound to happen first." Nation will rise against nation, kingdom against kingdom. There will be powerful earthquakes, famines and plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky – but do not be afraid. Rather remain prayerful and vigilant and in the thick of a life of service to your brothers and sisters – and you will be prepared for the day of the coming of the Lord – whenever it might be!

The first reading from the Book of Revelation reminds us that it will be a day of harvesting. The sickle will be swung and the harvest will be reaped. It is our goal to be among that which is preserved and gathered by the Lord, and not that which is thrown into the fiery furnace! If we love God and others – he will gather us unto himself and them – in a place of refreshment and peace forever!

If we remain faithful until death, we will be given the crown of life!

Monday, November 24, 2008

Homily – 11-24-2008 – Thirty-fourth week in Ordinary Time - Monday

The ones who will have the places of honor at the heavenly banquet of the Lamb will be the ones who have the Lamb and his Father's names written on their foreheads (as the first reading tells us today); they will be the only ones singing a new hymn to God (learned from a special grace of intimacy they have had with the Lamb and his Father); they will be the ones who, while on earth, thought of the needs of others' first, rather than their own – who even gave their last coin for someone's else's benefit (as Jesus relates his approval in the gospel passage).

The formula for success as God sees it – and his is the only perspective that counts – is: once empowered by incorporation (by Baptism), live as much as you possibly can a life of self-sacrifice and giving: and you will hear heavenly music: and your whole life will be the new hymn to the Lamb and his Father – and as a reward, one day you will be seated at a place of honor at the Marriage Feast of the Lamb!

Who can ascend the mountain of the Lord? or who may stand in his holy place? He whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean, who desires not what is vain! – and who gives to the needy and the poor!

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Homily – 11-23-2008 – Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King

There is a verse from a popular African American Spiritual that says:

John tells us of a time when time will be no more

in the days when the trumpet shall blow.

We'll meet over yonder in that heavenly place.

There we'll see each other face to face.

Then the refrain:

I can almost see the lights of the city

shining down on me.

I can almost see the lights of the cit,y

forever Lord, I shall be free.

I encourage each and every one of you to remember the words of this spiritual when you enter into this church building from now and and see its newly appointed lighting system. It is true! The lights of the new and eternal Jerusalem to which we are all invited are meant to be foreshadowed to some degree in the worship spaces in which we gather – to keep us wanting to come back each week to see them – to have something to dwell upon and remember during the week when we are not here – to remind us of our goal. Use well this new dimension of our experience of God's presence among us and our communion with one another as fellow pilgrims through life!

In the new configuration of the sanctuary there are three things to remember: Christ Has Died! Christ is Risen! Christ will come again! (These, you will notice, are the exact three elements of the Acclamation of the Memorial we proclaim and sing after the words of consecration.)

CHRIST HAS DIED! The central arch, the most prominent, containing the Altar of Sacrifice and the Crucifix has to do with the fact that Christ has come into the world to die for us – so that we can have the forgiveness of our sins and entrance into heaven. (It is fitting that the Mary statue is now in the sanctuary as it is she who gave birth to Jesus, and she who stood by him during his most horrible passion and death!) (It is fitting too that the Book of Gospels which announces the story of how it all happened is also there – for it is this very Word of God that became flesh in Mary).

CHRIST IS RISEN! The arch on the right has to do with the Risen Christ being very much present in the tabernacle. It is fortunate that there is a Risen Christ image to place there above the tabernacle. It really is an astounding fact that he is here with us – until the end of time – as spiritual food but also object of prayer and adoration!

CHRIST WILL COME AGAIN! The arch on the left has to do with an open invitation to the whole world to experience life in the Church while there is time to do so. It has to do with joining the Church through Baptism and Confirmation. It has to do with living the Catholic Christian faith that has to do with loving God first and then helping one another in self-sacrificial ways all the days of our lives – until Christ comes again to gather us all into the Kingdom of heaven – just as he promised that he would do!

With this three-part theme in mind for this sanctuary – let us truly proclaim and sing the acclamation of faith when it comes up in Mass each week with great enthusiasm and joy! For it is all about who we are and where we are going!

Now, to talk about the new crowning jewel of the sanctuary: the hand-carved in Czechoslovakia, wooden, St. Paul Series Crucifix! There is no greater symbol and sign in all of the world since that day on Calvary than the symbol and sign of the Cross! There is no greater image! It has a life all its own! By means of it the powers of the Evil One have been held back! By means of it Hope has dawned on the despairing! By means of it Peace has been restored! By means of it Reconciliation has been accomplished and man has once again become friends with God, adopted children and heirs of eternal life!

So long as we have breath in our bodies we ought never take our eyes off the Cross of Christ Jesus! For not only was suffering on it the necessary prerequisite for Resurrection of newness of life for Jesus – but it is also the same for us! Just as Jesus never took his eyes off his own cross throughout his entire life from the moment of his birth; so too we must not take our eyes off our own cross that he has assigned us! Just as he carried his cross, so too we must carry ours, so that we may enjoy the fruits of the reconciliation that he won for us all!

Our readings today for the Feast of Christ the King tell us that the purpose of the reconciliation of all of mankind was so that the way would be paved for the establishment of the One True Universal Kingdom that God the Father had in mind all along. The plan is spelled out very clearly in the second reading of St. Paul's letter to the Corinthians. Christ would bring about and be the reconciliation that was absolutely needed for man to be in right relation to God; his reward would also be our reward if we believe in him and do what he told us to do; then, his reign would extend over all the temporary "presidents, kings, potentates" of the earth and he would subject them to himself; then he would offer all of them and us, including himself to God his father who would make him king of all creation forever – and then God would be all in all – which was the original plan in the first place! After taking the very long way around – we will finally have made it! It will be quite the day: that final one!

As the gospel passage tells us: as we have heard so many times: "if you say you love me (Jesus says this) but do not take care of the least of my brothers and sisters – then you have not really loved me – and you will have no place in my kingdom." (This applies to the very least of the brothers and sisters wherever they may be found!) But if you did your best to care for me where I told you I would be: in the poor, the weak, the defenseless; in the sick, in the imprisoned, in the hungry, in the naked – you will be warmly welcomed into everlasting life – and you reward will be beyond anything you can possibly imagine now!

Lord Jesus, you are king of truth and life, holiness and grace, justice, love and peace! These are the hallmarks of your amazing kingdom! We want you to know this day that even above all of these things you are most of all KING AND CENTER of our Lives and our Hearts! We ask you to receive the crown that we bring forward during the offertory procession today as a symbol of our desire to live each day as if we truly believed in your Kingship and want to be among the sheep at your right hand on that day that is surely coming – and could arrive at any time!

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Homily – 11-22-2008 – St. Cecilia

Today we celebrate the feast of St. Cecilia who was born in the middle of the second century. She gave God a gift of virginity (even though she became married due to circumstances beyond her control), and God gave her the gift of martyrdom. In the estimation of the early Church she was therefore considered doubly blessed with two very powerful expressions of love of God!

Martyrdom, of course, was seen as a tremendous gift from God – because the one called to be a martyr engaged in sufferings equal to that of Christ: they truly "carried their cross" as Christ carried his: and we thus deserving of the joys of the resurrection as he won them and first experienced them.

But when martyrdom waned in the history of the church virginity was seen as a substitute: "carrying the cross" by total renunciation of what life had to offer, especially in the area of sexual expression, so to focus completely on Christ the Groom – Christ the Goal – Christ the One who would come one day to take us to the Marriage Feast of Heaven – was considered on the same level as martyrdom.

And so, Cecelia was doubly blessed to be both a virgin and a martyr. She is the patroness of music because she is said to have heard heavenly music in her head when she was married to a pagan husband who would be baptized because of her insistence on remaining a virgin!

The readings today are suited to this feast: Cecilia was like one "led to the desert so that God could commune with her and she with God" – her life was very focused and oriented on the goal: eternal life on high with Jesus and his Father. The gospel passage relates how she certainly was one of the virgins who had their lamps full of the oil of gladness, the oil of prayer, the oil of attentiveness, the oil of expectation, the oil of welcome: so that when the Lord bid her come: she went forth immediately!

We are all invited to the Marriage Feast of heaven – it is never too late to become as single-minded and focused in vision as St. Cecilia! We may even hear heavenly music in our heads as we come closer and closer to the object of our longing: JESUS, the CHRIST – KING OF THE UNIVERSE – KING OF OUR HEARTS!

The bridegroom is here; let us go out to meet Christ the Lord!

Friday, November 21, 2008

Homily – 11-21-2008 – Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Today we celebrate the dedication of the church of St. Mary which was built in Jerusalem near the site of the Temple. With the Christians of the East, the Latin Church also recalls on this day the tradition according to which Mary as a small child was presented to the Lord by her parents in the Temple.

We celebrate today, then, the Temple in Jerusalem which received Mary as was prescribed by Mosaic Law. Joachim and Ann, the parents of Mary, were devout Jews and fulfilled the law's demands with awe, respect and great devotion!

The Lord received Mary on that day – and the echo of the time when she herself would become a temple began to sound – when she herself would carry the Son of God in the temple of her womb before his birth!

And now today we have the opportunity to make our hearts a temple to receive her Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus in the astonishing gift of Holy Eucharist which he gave to us to be our spiritual strength and energy and motivation to accomplish good works in his name!

In the gospel passage Jesus says: my mother and my brothers and sisters are those who do the will of my Father in heaven! May we be a true relatives of Jesus today: by seeking out and doing what his Father, our Father, would have us do!

Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

The gospel passage today gives very clear reference to two historical spiritual realities:

first, the Lord's own people, the family of the Father's chosen ones, descendants of Abraham, who were preparing for many centuries to receive the Messiah, are not recognizing the fact that it is he and that the redemption, salvation, peace they have been looking for are to be found in his very person;

second, a great many people throughout the centuries since the time of Jesus up to this very day do not recognize the fact that he, the Messiah, has both been here historically, and remains here spiritually: in the Sacraments, in the Scriptures, in we the people who have been Baptized and Confirmed (Ordained) into his very life – and who are now Communicants of his very real spiritual Body and Blood in the Eucharist – he is present in the Catholic Church!

The first reading from the Book of Revelation describes this in an incredibly dramatic fashion. It tells that Jesus, the Messiah – is the Lamb slain who alone was worthy to open the book of life (at the throne of his Father in heaven), with its seals. The hymn to the Lamb that St. John relates to us as he heard it in heaven proclaims: Worthy are you to receive the scroll and break open its seals, for you were slain and with your Blood you purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue, people and nation. You made them a kingdom and priests for our God, and they will reign on earth!

This means that the One who alone is Worthy (Jesus) – by sharing his very life – through the shedding of his blood in death – has made everyone on earth (those from every tribe and tongue, people and nation) eligible to be not only members of the One Kingdom over which he will reign as King, but also priests who will reign over the new earth when it is established. And one day a new earth will surely be established!

May we this day acknowledge and acclaim Jesus as the Messiah who has come to his people as he promised; and pray that these his own people open their hearts to receive him! We hail Jesus as the Lamb of God slain for us – who is so generous in sharing the full fruits of his redemption with any who will receive them! We thank him for making us members of his kingdom
and priests who have the spiritual right to office pleasing "sacrifice of thanksgiving" to his Father!

Let us exult in glory today: let the praises of God be in our throats; let us sing for joy! Alleluia!

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Homily – 11-19-2008 – Thirty-third week in Ordinary Time - Wednesday

Our first reading today gives us the magnificent scenario of the heavenly sanctuary where one primary thing is happening: the one on the throne: GOD THE FATHER is receiving all worship, praise, honor, thanksgiving and glory as is his due – and as he commands!

The four living creatures ceaselessly do not stop exclaiming: Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God almighty! These are the very words that we shout out and proclaim at every Mass just prior to the Eucharistic Prayer! We do, in fact, join with these creatures and all the angels and saints in making this splendid acclamation!

At the same time the twenty four elders (12 patriarchs of the Old Testament and 12 Apostles of the New Testament) fall down before the one who sits on the throne and they worship him (who lives forever and ever) exclaiming: "Worthy are you, Lord, our God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things; because of your will they came to be and were created." This act of supreme homage reminds us all that of ourselves we are nothing! – but because of God's grace and mercy – we can have everything – meaning what is truly all: life on high forever with God and the angels and saints!

In the gospel passage today we have St. Luke's version of the parable of the talents we heard on Sunday from St. Matthew. In this version 10 gold coins were given to 10 servants with the specific instructions to "engage in trade with until the master returns."

When the master returned some came forward saying: "sir, your ten coins have earned an additional ten," to which the master replied "well done good and faithful servant – you have been faithful in small matters – take ten cities!" Some returned five additional coins and were given five cities. But the one who simply returned the coins with no profit nor interest was scolded by the master: "you knew I was a demanding man, you could have at least put the money in the bank so that I could have interest on it."

The coins were then taken from him and given to the one who had ten. When those standing there thought this unfair, Jesus replied: to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. Which means: think about it!

Jesus said this on the way to Jerusalem where he would be crucified in a few days! He would be fulfilling the wishes of the one who sat on the heavenly throne! He would be doing this out of great love for us! This parable was Jesus way of saying that for those who accepted his teachings, and invested them in the economy of their daily lives, especially a deep understanding of his upcoming death (and resurrection), so much more would be given when it was all played out completely; but those who had refused to really understand and invest what was given them for their own good, would indeed lose what little they even thought they had!
And it would not be able to be recovered – ever! These are strong words: but they are true words. Jesus is saying: my entire life from the moment of my birth until my death and resurrection is filled with events and actions and realities that are essentially important for you and your spiritual life and future! You must make a decision: yes, I believe this and will try to use the gifts; or no thank you, I will take my chances on my own! There are no other alternatives!

I chose you from the world, to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord!

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Homily – 11-18-2008 – Dedication of the Basilicas of Sts Peter and Paul

Two weeks ago we celebrated the feast of the anniversary of the dedication of the Lateran Basilica of St. John the Baptist (originally named Church of the Savior) in Rome. It is the oldest cathedral in the world and oldest basilica in Rome. It is the pope's cathedral and mother church of all churches everywhere.

On August 5th we celebrate the feast of the dedication of the basilica of St. Mary Major, also in Rome: another of the four major basilicas.

Today we celebrate the last two: the basilicas of St. Peter in Rome, and the basilica of St. Paul located on the Ostian Way outside the walls of the city. They are dedicated, of course, to the two princes of the Apostles, Peter and Paul upon whom the entire structure of the Church rests.

(Right here in Lewiston, Maine, we have a minor basilica named after both Peter and Paul – we remember the basilica parish on this their feast day!).

What is important to remember is the symbolic value of these magnificent edifices: they demonstrate the majesty and power and reality of awesomeness of God that is our rock, our fortress and our defense against the wiles of the enemy – the Evil one – who prowls about the earth seeking the ruin of souls. But what cannot be forgotten is that these monuments of stone and glass are meaningless unless we have the faith to give them significance, value and meaning – unless we ourselves (who are the members of the Church) are living stones and jewels and glass that make up the One spiritual temple of God.

For one day: the stones, and the glass will disintegrate; but the reality of the spiritual Kingdom of God with its Temple of Glory will last forever – with the Apostles among which shine Peter and Paul, as the foundation – and us as living stones and mortar and glass and jewels.

We look to the basilicas of Sts Peter and Paul in Rome today to be our motivation to be the best Catholics we can be – so that we can be the best citizens of heaven in the world to come!

May our faith be strong – may we have the determination and single-mindedness of St. Paul; may we be able to walk on the waters of these troubled times as did St. Peter and not falter – because Jesus bids us come – and now we have what St. Peter did not have when he faltered – we have the presence of the power of the Holy Spirit himself to help our faith!

Sing praise to the Lord with the harp,

with the harp and melodious song.

With trumpets and the sound of the horn

sing joyfully before the King, the Lord.


 

Monday, November 17, 2008

Homily – 11-17-2008 – St. Elizabeth of Hungary

Our saint for this day: Elizabeth of Hungary (born in 1207), certainly lived out the spirit of the readings for this Mass. She was simply a loving person who always put family first, and then later after her husband died – with her three sons, she put the needs of the poor and sick first – she founded a hospital to care for bodies and souls.

In this way Elizabeth "tasted and saw the goodness of the Lord" where he promised he would be found: in the poor, the lowly, the sick, the imprisoned, the hungry, the thirsty.

In the spirit of the letter to St. John (in our first reading) we can verify that Elizabeth of Hungary loved not just in word and speech, but also in deed and truth.

The gospel passage today reminds us that the more we give, the more we will get (but only if we concentrate on the giving and not the getting); the more blessings we give others in the name of Christ, the more blessings and gifts we will receive from Christ – especially on that Last and promised Day when we will be judged on just exactly how much we did give, while not counting the cost!

May we like, Elizabeth of Hungary, have something worthwhile to offer the Lord – so that he in turn can offer us eternal life! Elizabeth died in 1231, but she is still very much alive and can intercede for us if we ask her to.

Elizabeth, help us to taste and see the goodness of the Lord, as you are.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Homily – 11-16-2008 – Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

At last! this is the last "Green Sunday (Sunday of Ordinary Time)" until well into January. Which means that it is the last of the "Teaching Sundays" – where we expound on various aspects of the teachings of the Gospel to make them more clear and more easily understandable.

On this last teaching Sunday I have decided to divide the instruction into two parts: the first: a short homily now; the second, a very timely and important instruction about something that needs mentioning, which will take place just before the final blessing.

The homily: if we could sum up the entire Church "year of grace" (which will end next Sunday) – we could say that it has been an attempt to remind us of what we have been gifted with already by means of our Baptism (and Confirmation and the gift the of Eucharist). I have spoken about this over and over again – and I will continue to do so over and over again – it is that important that we always remember that we are Baptized, Confirmed, Communicants! That's what being Catholic means! This is meant to and ought to make all the difference in our lives – and in the lives of all around us whose lives ours touches! We are meant to be with Christ the Light of the World!

In the gospel passage we read the parable of the talents: (gifts) given to each according to how much the Giver thought each was capable of using the gifts.

Some were given a large portion, others a medium portion, others a small portion. Portion size is irrelevant. What matters is what the receiver did with the gifts! Were they used creatively, skillfully, wisely, loving on behalf of other people's welfare and good? This is all that God will be interested in on that day when Jesus will come like a thief in the night.

Those who can show that they used their gifts this way – empowered by the Holy Spirit who was given specifically to help them in this regard – will enter into the glory of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Those who thought mostly or only of themselves – who used their gift for their own satisfaction, welfare, comfort and gain – will be cast out into the darkness forever. Thus: those who were given a lot will gain an enormous amount more in the happiness and beatitude of heaven! and those where given a small amount but who misused it* – will lose everything and end up in the nothingness of eternal separation for God and their brothers and sisters!

This, dear brothers and sisters, is not just a story: it is fact related in story-form so that we may come to know its truth, believe its content and let it make a difference in the choices we make every minute of our day! It's not too late – until the last trumpet sounds. Then it will be too late!

Blessed are those who fear God! Can any one of us afford not to believe his words or to trust that he will do what he says he will do? He told us from the very beginning that holding him in awe and trusting his ways will merit us eternal life! Let's take him for his word – let's believe him!

Blessed are those who fear God!
Amen! Amen! Amen!

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Homily – 11-15-2008 – St. Albert the Great

The gospel passage today is particularly suited for the celebration of the feast of St. Albert the Great. For Albert indeed was a "scribe who been instructed in the Kingdom of heaven and is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old." This is an obvious reference to the things of the New Testament as well as the Old Testament; but also, newer understandings and explanations of the old articles and essential elements of the faith!

Albert was born in Lauingen along the Danube about the year 1206. He studied at Padua and Paris, then entered the Order of Preachers: the Dominicans and excelled as a teacher. Ordained bishop of Ratisbon, he strove earnestly to establish peace among peoples and between cities. He wrote brilliantly on many subjects to the advantage of both sacred and secular sciences alike. He had a way of applying one to the other! Albert died at Cologne in 1280.

The first reading today from the Book of Sirach tells of the wonderful works that will accompany one who "fears the Lord," one who accepts the laws and wisdom of God as they are presented to him (rather than being one who "fears nothing" and accepts no laws or wisdom to be a guiding force). Albert the Great was one who never ceased searching for the depths of the statutes of the law of God: and he always had something refreshing, new, insightful, wise and useful to offer any who would listen! And his reward was the joy and gladness of everlasting remembrance!

We honor St. Albert the Great today, and ask his intercession to help us truly "fear the Lord" and "seek his statutes" so that we too may live in everlasting peace, joy and remembrance!

Friday, November 14, 2008

Homily – 11-14-2008 – Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time - Friday

"Where the body is, there also the vultures will gather!" This refers to the Second Coming of the Lord – though we do not easily or readily identify it as such. It is referring to the different unmistakable but evident signs that the second coming of the Lord will produce – (it will be as apparent as vultures circling around a corpse)! There will be overindulgent eating and drinking and unfounded and ungrounded marriage and giving in marriage; there will be selling and planting and building with no thought of the city of God which must also be prepared for and built. Some will just simply be seen to be taken, others will be left behind until the Final Day! There will be signs in the heavens! There will be disturbances on the earth! Where the body is there also the vultures will gather!

In the first reading today St. John tells us of a sure defense against such a day: remaining steadfast in the love of God which they have been taught by Jesus himself. He encourages the Lady of the reading, and us to hold on to the commandment of love that we have heard from the beginning. He reminds us that the deceiver is the one who being in the world does not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. He is the "progressive one" who does not remain in the teaching of Christ (without dissecting it, manipulating it and rationalizing it for personal use) and therefore does not have God in him or her. Whoever remains in the teaching of the Christ has the Father and the Son – he simply has the Truth and can share it and encourage others to do so!

This is the time to stand tall, to raise our heads because our redemption is at hand! Blessed will they be forever who follow the law of the Lord!

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Homily – 11-13-2008 – St. Frances Xavier Cabrini

Today's saint: Frances Xavier Cabrini (1850-1917), better known as Mother Cabrini, was the first U.S. citizen canonized by the Catholic Church and is the patron saint of immigrants and hospital administrators. Born in Italy, she founded a group of missionary sisters and had the intention of going to China. But seeking the advice of Pope Leo XIII – he decided to send her to America instead – to New York, to minister to the Italian immigrants in the United States. She worked tirelessly with the immigrants – teaching their children, visiting the sick and feeding the hungry. Later she set up an orphanage and then a novitiate and a house for her congregation. Additional foundations were made in Chicago, New Orleans and other U.S. cities. She eventually extended her outreach to Central and South America where she contracted yellow fever after a trip through the Nicaraguan jungles.

In 1907 her rule was approved, and she also that year became a naturalized American citizen of the United States. She died working with the children of Chicago on December 21, 1917. Her body rests at Mother Cabrini High School in New York City. There are representations of her in the Immigration Museum at the foot of the Statue of Liberty in New York harbor, on the bronze doors of St. Patrick's Cathedral, New York, in the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., and by a statue in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.

Just as St. Paul write to Philemon today telling him that he has experienced great joy and encouragement from the love from the heart of this holy one – so too those who came into contact with Mother Cabrini and her work experienced great joy and encouragement from the love of Christ which radiated from her heart!

Mother Cabrini truly knew that she was a branch on the vine of Christ – and she knew that remaining in him would mean the production of much fruit on his behalf. This small statured Italian lady with a magnanimous heart left a lasting impression on the Church not only of the United States but of a host of countries across the world.

When the Lord comes – like a flash of lighting – as he says he will – may he find us ready for the fullness of life in the Kingdom he will usher in with its completeness. This should not catch us off guard because this Kingdom is already here – for those who believe in the Incarnation, who attest to the Crucifixion, who rejoice in the Resurrection, who use the gifts of Spirit of which they have been filled – and who live each and every day as though they really and truly did believe it – after the example of all of the saints: but especially today, we name St. Frances Xavier Cabrini.

I am the vine, you are the branches, says the Lord;

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

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Homily – 11-12-2008 – Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time - Wednesday

So often our prayers to God are long and persistent – and sometimes they are answered in the ways we thought they should have been, or sometimes in others way – but then so often, our returning to God to give him thanks is very short-lived – and almost a chore, sometimes.

If, on the other, hand we live our entire lives in a mode of thanksgiving – reminding ourselves each day that everything we have truly comes from God – and that when God provides for specific things that we ask for – this is only, in a sense, icing on the cake – the thanksgiving should only increase and ripple into days and weeks afterwards.

The most important thing to be grateful for is the fact that we have been bathed in the blood of Christ – poured out on Calvary – and now our souls are spotlessly white and clean of all sin. We are now eligible for entrance into eternal glory! There is nothing to be more grateful for than this!

This and every Mass is literally a Thanksgiving (a Eucharist) for that wondrous act of redemption and our participation in it. May the effects of our redeemed life in Christ be evident to all we meet in our day – may our communion aid in the union in peace and charity of the whole world.

The Lord is our Shepherd – he will always give us what we need. We are grateful! We give thanks! Amen!

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Homily – 11-11-2008 – St. Martin of Tours & Veteran’s Day (USA)

Our saint for today: Martin of Tours was born of pagan parents in Pannonia, a Roman province of what is now Hungary around the year 316. He gave up the military life (of which his father was a member) and was baptized. Being attracted to the life of a monk, he founded a monastery in France where he led a monastic life under the direction of Saint Hilary. He was ordained a priest and chosen bishop of Tours. He provided an example of the ideal good pastor, founding other monasteries, educating the clergy, and preaching the Gospel to the poor. He died in 397.

The readings today remind us that those who are chosen to be priest and bishop are anointed with the Holy Spirit who comes upon them in a special way so that glad tidings can be experienced deeply by the lowly, the broken hearted can be healed in an overwhelming way, liberty can be proclaimed unmistakably to captives, release to prisoners; a year of favor from the Lord announced, and a day of vindication proclaimed for all who mourn – to remove from all a listless spirit. Such activity is very important in a world where there is so much brokenness, lack of true freedom, captivity, unbridled irrational thought and behavior, and consequent listlessness and even depression!

The gospel passage gives us the key to how it all works: loving others! It is in actively loving: feeding the hungry, giving a drink to the thirsty, welcoming the stranger, clothing the naked, and caring for the ill that the very love of God is engaged and released and therefore experienced. When you do these things especially for the very least of my brothers and sisters you do them directly to me Jesus said and meant– and you will be rewarded for that – with life on high forever! Come, blest of my Father!

To reverse the evils of the world we must find Christ where he said he would be found: IN THE POOR, IN THE HUNGRY, IN THE THIRSTY, IN THE STRANGER, IN THE NAKED, IN THE ILL! IN THE VERY LEAST, TINIEST AND SMALLEST OF HIS BROTHERS AND SISTERS. Because if we cannot find him there – then we will never see him at all! It is as plain and simple as that! And we will hear on Judgment Day: "Depart from me, into the everlasting fires prepared for the devil and his angels!" There is no kidding around here!

On this Veteran's Day we also remember all of those living and dead who demonstrated their love for God and others, by placing the needs of their country on a very high priority level: those who serve and have served in the armed forces. "Duty, honor, country!" is a motto that is very much pleasing in the sight of God: Duty: each man and woman is called upon to do his "duty" – i.e. that which he discerns and determines to be God's will in all aspects of his life, but especially in regard to the common good; doing this with patriotic pride and for noble reasons gives the integrity of "honor;" applying duty, with honor to protection and defense of native land is application to "country!"

May God richly bless and take to himself those who gave their all in the ultimate sacrifice of giving their very lives for their country; and may he protect those still living who have served our country well and who deserve our appreciation, our respect and our love for doing what they did for us!

God bless America!

Monday, November 10, 2008

Homily – 11-10-2008 – St. Leo the Great

Today's saint: Leo the Great – was one of only two popes designated with the title "the Great" (the other being Gregory) – thus far - although John Paul II in our own day is in close running for the title at the present time.

Leo was probably born in Rome and was raised to the See of Peter in 440. He was a true pastor and father of souls. Laboring strenuously to safeguard the integrity of the faith, he vigorously defended the unity of the Church – especially as it is gathered around the primacy of the See of Peter with the aid of the ministry of all priests everywhere – for one sacramental priesthood is celebrated throughout the entire body of the Church – and the priest is on always on the front lines of faith building and guarding. He pushed back or at least softened the onrush of the barbarians, including Atila the Hun. He deservedly won the title "The Great." He died in 461.

The gospel passage today reminds us of the primacy of the person of Peter, and the Church that was built upon him! Sometimes we might think that the Church was built simply on Peter's confession of faith. But actually it was built upon the person of Peter himself (this is why enormous veneration and respect must be given to all successors of St. Peter, by virtue of their office – no matter what their personal lives may reveal or portray). It was Peter's confession that – surprising even him – set the tone for all authority in the Church: you are the Christ, the Son of the living God. Peter needed to hear that as he would be head of the Church; we need to hear that today. Yes, it is true Jesus, the Christ is the Son of the Living God – and he put Peter and his successors (and their helpers) in charge.

And when we form a deep and lasting relationship with Jesus (as Peter had) – which he invites us to and enables us to have – then everything in life becomes more and more clear – our priorities are straightened out – and we stride eagerly for the finish line: life with Christ – on high – forever.

The first reading today encourages us to "study about these things" – because if we go after understanding of the things of God – he will provide for our thirst and satisfy our search. And we will be able to ground our thoughts and words each day on the law of God – which is spoken gently, quietly, calmly – yet forcefully, enthusiastically and energetically to our hearts – for our own good – and the good of the whole church – and the whole world!

The mouth of the just murmurs wisdom: let us murmur wisdom today because we have to it murmur!

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Homily – 11-09-2008 – Dedication of the Lateran Basilica

We begin our homily today in Portland, Maine. There is a chair there that is the most important chair in all of Maine for Catholics. It is the chair that Bishop Malone sits in when he presides over liturgy. The Latin word for chair is "cathedra" – and so, it makes sense that the church building that houses the chair is called a "cathedral!" And so, we start our homily today at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland. It is a beautiful edifice – and makes an impressive presence in the Portland skyline that one sees driving down I295. Most likely many of you have been inside the cathedral and have seen "the chair."

Now since not everyone can get to the Bishop's Mass every Sunday as we ought to be doing – since he is the only one in the diocese authorized by the Church to preside here - "smaller cathedrals" or "churches" have been set up in various locations all across the diocese - and delegates from him have been sent out to preside in his place: these delegates being priests - of which I am one. (I, however, in this case am but a "delegate of the delegate" – as I am Fr. Steve's representative because he can't be here on Sunday.) I too, in his place and the bishop's place, preside from "a chair" in this "church."

Now this same pattern happens all across all the countries of the world. And it in this way that the One Church exercises the same ministry, celebrates the same sacraments, listens to the same Scripture readings and is united in one and the same purpose: to love and serve the Lord until he comes again!

Now where this all began, takes us across the ocean to Rome, Italy. When the Church was being developed and organized there in the early centuries, one cathedral was considered not only the duly designated cathedral for the Diocese of Rome (of which the pope is presiding bishop), but it was also considered the mother of all the other cathedrals (and even churches) in the world – and this is the Cathedral of St. John Lateran on Celian Hill in Rome. Now some churches have a special ranking because of their historic or spiritual significance – these are called "basilicas." Again we only have to go as far as Lewiston, Maine to see a real basilica (though a "minor" one, in the scheme of things): designated such because of its architectural majesty and the dedicated service of the Dominican Fathers who ministered there for over a hundred years.

Now, there are four major basilicas in the world and they are all in Rome. St. John Lateran – whose dedication feast we remember and celebrate today – is the first and oldest. It is a very historic place: five key ecumenical councils of the Church were held there throughout the centuries. The official title is the Patriarchal Basilica of the Most Holy Savior and also St. John the Baptist at the Lateran – as it stands on the site of an ancient palace belonging at one time to the Laterani family. (Others: St. Peter, St. Paul O.W., St. Mary Major).

The Emperor Constantine received the Lateran palace as part of his wife's dowry and then donated it to the Church. Thereafter it was the official residence (patriarchum) of the popes until their departure for Avignon, France in 1309. It has undergone many renovations due to earthquakes, barbarian invasions and fires. It was only finally completed in the middle of the 17th century. This feast today commemorates the original dedication of the basilica by Pope Sylvester I on November 9, 324.

What makes this feast so important - that it is celebrated on any day of the week on which it falls – even Sunday – is the fact that this cathedral
is
a sign of devotion to, and unity with, the Chair of St. Peter ( the "rock" on whom the Church was founded by Jesus,) which is situated on the very back wall of another of the four major basilicas in Rome bearing his name - which as St. Ignatius of Antioch wrote: "presides over the whole assembly of charity."

And so, the most important thing that any pope, bishop or priest can do from the chair (which technically is what I am doing when I am even standing here at the ambo) is to be an administrator of charity: which begins with the proclamation and explanation (The Readings, especially the Gospel & Homily) of the story of GOD'S TREMENDOUS LOVE FOR US THAT WAS MANIFESTED BY THE INCARNATION OF HIS SON – AND THE LOVE WHICH CAUSED JESUS TO GIVE HIS VERY LIFE FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF OUR SINS AND POSSIBLE ENTRY INTO ETERNAL LIFE – possible, but not yet a done deal – as we still have to cooperate in our own salvation until our very last breath!

The readings today remind us that what is always more important even than a church or basilica edifice or building: is the fact that the people in it, the "assembly of charity" who gather there to worship God, to be nourished and strengthened by him and sent forth to love and serve others in a self-sacrificial way – are the "real, living, breathing stones" which make up the "real spiritual temple of God!" This is so because the Spirit dwells in our hearts and enables us to do all these things!

May we be God's temple this day! May we let the streams of the river of grace flow through us to others; may we honor our own bodies and selves as we honor the Body and Blood of Christ which we receive – which truly is the resurrected temple he talked about! And may we always be "God's 'assembly of charity'" willing to assist all in need- in season and out of season, when convenient and inconvenient: for it is the
loving
thing to do- and one day we will be judged on how we really tried to love one another!

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Homily – 11-08-2008 – Thirty-First Week in Ordinary Time - Saturday

What an incredibly timely gospel reading we have today. "When a person is trustworthy in very small matters, he also will be trustworthy in great ones; and the person who is dishonest in very small matters will also be dishonest in great ones."

This reading applies to us as we take responsibility for our own thoughts and words and deeds as they reflect the life of faith in Jesus that we profess. Do they reflect the life of faith in Jesus, is the question that we can ask ourselves here. If we are honest with our own lives – then we will find ourselves always inclined to love others as we have been loved by God. But if we are dishonest with ourselves – we will find ourselves inclined to go through motions that ultimately can be harmful to all involved.

This reading can apply to our prayer that the new administration of our federal government be honest in each and every small detail of its planning and execution of projects and policies – because dishonesty here – will cost all of us deeply!

We each are heading for our own day of judgment and this passage tells us that we will be given what belongs to us (happiness, eternal beatitude) – to the extent that we were trustworthy with what belonged to others and we were sent to help them out. Again, this applies to us – and it applies to the new administration. We pray that they will be given what belongs to them on judgment day as a result of being trustworthy with the precious gift of life and liberty that belonged to others which they were sent to protect, preserve and defend – especially the poor, the defenseless and the marginalized.

May God supply what all of us needs, as St. Paul tells the Phillippians today – so that we can have what we need in living out the intricacies and the never-ending series of decisions-for-loving-like-Jesus-loves that come our way!

Friday, November 7, 2008

Homily – 11-07-2008 – Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time - Friday

The "children of light" belong to the "family of God:" and the light of Christ shines in and through them to a darkened world. The "children of this world" belong to the society of self-seeking, self-centered individualists who would rather stumble in the darkness than have the benefits of the light.

Jesus, in the gospel, passage remarks on how ingenious the children of this world are in dealing with their own kind – while trying to make sure everything goes well for them when they are in trouble. The children of light, on the other hand – who depend entirely on Jesus, all of the time, to be their light – find their genius in the ways they try to respond freely to grace given them, and simply accept everything that God has to give them – so they can in turn give it away to others in acts of loving kindness and sincere concern. They always have enough for themselves, their families and their neighbors!

We know all of these things because of the word of the Lord that has come to us. The word of the Lord is everything to us. And whoever keeps his words, the love of God is truly perfected in him. And those perfected by the love of God are the ones who know that their true citizenship is in heaven – and not among the children of this world.

May we stand firm in the Lord of Light – who will guide us to our everlasting place of rest and peace – after we love others for all we are worth in this life– and try to bring as many with us as we possibly can!

Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Homily – 11-06-2008 – Thirty-first week in Ordinary Time - Thursday

Observance of the strict prescriptions and dictates of the Law of Moses – with the coming of Jesus – was replaced by the supreme and simple good of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord (as St. Paul tells the Phillippians in the first reading today!) Having a life saturated with the knowledge of Jesus and all that he is – his words, his ways – is worth anything at all that it takes to possess. Paul says that he considers whatever gains he thought he had made in zealous righteousness based on the law as rubbish – and everything else – because he is now so loved by Christ and is in love with him!

In the gospel passage we see that heaven rejoices when even one person comes to his senses and allows himself to be found by Jesus, as the Good Shepherd who gently carries him back to the center of the flock; by Jesus, as the woman who lost a coin and found it again. What a relief it is to be found by God. What a joy!

May we, this day live like one who is found by God – and who has found the knowledge and love of Christ Jesus – and now is ready to deal with whatever life may send – knowing that it is either a good that God wills or an evil (masquerading as an apparent good) that he allows so that he can draw from it a greater good– as we help one another out, especially with spiritual consolations and needs when they are most needed – journeying as we are to our eternal resting place beside restful waters!

Let hearts rejoice who search for the Lord!


 

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Homily – 11-05-2008 – Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time - Wednesday

In the first reading today, St. Paul is reminding the Phillippians of something very important: that it is God who in his good purpose works in you both to desire and to work. This means that the very wish and desire that we have to do anything good comes from God, and that the actual carrying out of that desire – the power to do it – comes from God as well (for of ourselves we can originate and do nothing).

According to the reading we – as Christians – as meant to shine like lights in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation. This is our baptismal mandate! We were given a lighted candle on the day of our baptism – as a sign of our very real new life in Christ – as a reminder that he is the true light and we share our brightness from his.

Each and every day we are called to hold on to the words of life that are available to us and to continue always - in season and out, when convenient and inconvenient - to spread the truth of God's love, God's care, God's providence – to all we meet.

As the alleluia verse tells us: if we are insulted for doing these things in the name of the Christ – blessed are we – for the Spirit of God rests upon us. The one consoling and comforting thought for all of us needs to be that it is God who will have the last word! After all is said, and all is done – he will simply want to know if we found Christ his Son in all of the places both obvious and hidden that he placed him for our benefit – so that we wouldn't miss him!

What will our answer be?

In the gospel passage Jesus tells us that disciples can always find him(and sense his presence and his help) as they carry their own cross and follow him! And the only way to use both hands on the cross is to give up grabbing onto and possessing anything and everything else – as much as possible! This means: possessing Jesus above family members, above careers, above material possessions, above our own well-intentioned projects. A true disciple of Christ holds on to him for all he is worth – and finds that Jesus is worth a very great deal and that therefore he, the disciple, lacks nothing at all, both in this life – and into the next!

If you feel that you are lacking – in any way – it means simply that you are not holding on tightly enough to your own cross and the Cross of Christ – which are united seamlessly!

The Lord is the light and salvation of the world. We can help him save the world – by allowing his light to shine through us, as we daily carry our crosses towards the final Crucifixion and Resurrection!

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Homily – 11-04-2008 – St. Charles Borromeo – Election Day

Today we celebrate the feast of an important bishop in the history of the Church: Charles Borromeo, who was born at Arona in Lombardy in 1538. After taking honors in both civil and canon law, he was made cardinal and bishop of Milan by his uncle, Pope Pius IV. As a true pastor of his flock he tirelessly promoted Christian life by the reform of his diocese, the convocation of synods (including influencing the reopening of the Council of Trent for its third and fourth sessions), and the promulgation of regulations intended to foster the Church's mission. He is the patron saint of bishops, catechists and seminarians. He founded The Oblates of St. Ambrose – The Ambrosians – a society of diocesan priests to help him carry out his work. He died in 1584 at the age of 46 and was canonized in 1610. Pope John XXIII had a special devotion to St. Charles and chose his feast day for his consecration as pope even though it fell on a Wednesday. (We are privileged to have within our cluster churches named after both St. Charles and St. Ambrose.)

The first reading today from the letter of St. Paul to the Romans clearly points out St. Paul's desire for the Romans to think clearly and soberly at all times – each person thinking according to the measure of faith that God has apportioned. This is good advice especially on this Election Day in our country. If we each consider ourselves but members of one Body in Christ and individually parts of one another our whole lives long – each having something unique and useful and beautiful to share with everyone else – then we will know how to love: and our love will be sincere: it will hate what is evil and hold on to what is good; it will be a mutually affectionate love; it will be a love that anticipates the other in showing honor and respect. And we will be both good members of the Church and citizens of our country.

On this important day in American history we pray that the citizens of our country do not grow slack in zeal for the things of God; we pray that they be fervent in spirit, remembering always that they first serve the Lord. We pray that the leaders of our citizens always rejoice in the hope that only God can give, we pray that they endure in affliction, persevere in prayer – and always be willing to contribute to the needs of the holy (and the lowly) ones (and indeed everyone), exercising hospitality to all their constituents from those in the womb to those in the tomb.

Jesus tells us – in the gospel passage today to remember always that HE ALONE IS THE ONE, TRUE AND GOOD SHEPHERD. And that if we rely completely on him – he will take care of us – and he will see to it that we have proper and qualified leaders (in both the ecclesial and civil realms) to show us the way. A hired man – who is interested only in himself, will not know how to shepherd selflessly – and will ultimately let the sheep wander around aimlessly – while apparently being well-intentioned. We pray to Lord today that we keep the end goal in mind: that there may be one flock, having one shepherd - Jesus: and that what we do, each in our own particular nations, is but a "dress-rehearsal" for the real calling forth of the elect that will happen One Day – when Jesus will come – and sort us out by the decisions for right, the decision for love that we made in life – and begins his reign as King of Justice and Love forever!

Forever, we will sing the goodness of the Lord – in the Kingdom of God our Father!

Monday, November 3, 2008

Homily – 11-03-2008 – St. Martin de Porres

Our saint for today: Martin de Porres was born at Lima, Peru of a Spanish father and an African mother in 1579. As a boy he studied medicine which later as a member of the Dominican Order he put to good use in helping the poor. He was so noted for his kindness and gentleness with the sick and needy that he was called "Martin the Charitable." He led a humble and disciplined life, having great devotion both to Christ Crucified and the Blessed Sacrament. He found great strength in meditating and contemplating these great mysteries. Martin died in 1639, and was canonized by Pope John XXIII in 1962.

The first reading today from the letter of St. Paul to the Phillippians reflects the motivation for charitable living that comes from knowing that Christ is ever near to us. In a calm and positive atmosphere of prayer and thanksgiving we ought to always lead our brothers and sisters to what is true, and honorable, and just, and pure, and lovely, and gracious and excellent – so that the God of peace may be with us – in our minds and in our hearts and in our bodies.

The gospel passage reminds us that those live in God's presence most fully who love most – love God first – love brothers and sisters to prove love for God. Martin de Porres loved God very much, and he loved the brothers and sisters God gave him to minister to proving the depth of that love.

May we today experience God's love by loving, and support those who seek what is honorable, just, pure, lovely, gracious and excellent – so that the God of peace will be with us – in our minds and hearts – and that ourselves, our families and our country will be safe and secure!

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Homily – 11-02-2008 – Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed

We have wonderful readings today for this special celebration! It is the day that we remember all the faithful departed; the day we remember all who have gone before us "marked with the sign of faith (the cross of Christ)"; the day we remember our own mortality and the fact that in God's great merciful plan and loving providence, we shall one day join them. It is a wonderful day!

A celebration like this – one which hits especially close to home for all of us – each of us – most likely - having known someone who has passed on before us – is an occasion to sharpen our focus on what really matters in life and what doesn't.

Those who are most qualified for a greater depth of eternal happiness are the ones who loved the most – who thought of themselves second – who as much as possible tried to look out for the needs of other people, as many as possible – who treated all others with great dignity and respect - who trusted in God's strength and resources to do these things through them, rather than their own willfulness. These are the wise ones who shall shine brightly like the splendor of the firmament (as it says in reading I today).

The reading goes on: the ones who lead many to justice – because they took the time to learn about God's justice – and applied it whenever and wherever it was necessary in their life styles and current situations – will be like the stars forever.

It is because of our baptism that we are most eligible and empowered to learn about and do what is truly good, right and just. It simply comes with baptism! It comes with incorporation into Christ Jesus! It comes with being cleansed from the debilitating negative-life-filter which is sin that is forgiven by Baptism (and the Sacrament of Penance after Baptism). It comes with being equipped with real and powerful gifts of the Spirit at Confirmation to live a truly useful life that will merit eternal reward. It comes with this and every Eucharistic celebration which rekindles the fires of God's love in us – purifies our perspectives once again – and sends us on our way to love and serve God in others – refreshed and renewed.

Those will not be rejected by God – at the end of their lives – who chose him – and his will and way – and his truth, and goodness and justice. Those will be accepted by God and raised up on the last day who believed in Jesus and who tried to live a life of discipleship which was meant to make a positive, life-affirming difference in their own lives and the lives of others!

And so today, as we remember our family members and friends (especially those represented by these lit candles) and all the faithful departed, who – being still very much alive by means of their souls are now further along the process of full incorporation into Christ than we are – we pray for the success of their full incorporation – and we ask them to pray for us that we may come to know and do what is right and good and just, in a way that pleases God – so that one day we may join them – and together with them be escorted to our eternal place of blessedness and happiness and reward!

The Lord is our shepherd! And if we let him – he will provide all we need to make it through life's rough way to the shores of the stream of everlasting rest!

May we let him provide what he will, and may we use what he provides– this day – and every day! Perhaps this is what our relatives and friends now gone before us would say to us if they could come back for even a brief moment from where they are. Perhaps they would o so lovingly, gently, yet persuasively encourage us: "Yes! Let him! Let Jesus be your shepherd! He really is the Way, the Truth and the Life! Listen to him! Do what he says!"

________________________

When you go to the polls on Tuesday – first pray – pray for wisdom, and it will be given you; then remember to keep it all in perspective, and know that your vote can be like a "star of justice" that shines in the dark night of these troublesome times!

Remember, too that God is with you in that booth – and to really keep it in perspective: imagine it to be Judgment Day as well as Election Day - and that God is praying for you that you make your voting decisions based on what he has tried to teach you throughout your whole life!

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Homily – 11-01-2008 – Solemnity of All Saints

Today we celebrate the feast of all the saints in the church at one time – all those on general and particular church calendars and those too numerous to be celebrated officially and publically.

The reason we remember them and honor them all today is because it is fitting – and because it is good motivation for us – for want to live excellent Christ-centered lives so that one day we can surely join them in blessedness.

The gospel passage today tells of the lives they led while on earth. They are the ones who – sooner or later – in their own experiences – came to know the immense reality, significance and truth of the fact that the life of beatitude is the life of lowliness, and thirst for holiness; and being merciful and a maker of peace; of being pure hearted and being ill-treated even to the point of death all for the sake of God and his will and the coming of his Kingdom.

We are just as eligible as any of them to be saints – if we keep responding to God's love for us with faith, with hope and with an active and lively charity towards all others around us: if our lives, like theirs, are truly rooted in love – God's love!

We thank the saints for laboring for God – for rooting their lives in love, so to give God glory– and we are happy for them that they are now enjoying rest from their labors – and we ask their constant help and protection!

Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest, says the Lord.

Happy New Year 202

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