One of my most favorite hymns in the entire repertoire of the Catholic Church is the hymn: Veni, Sancte Spiritus! Come, Holy Spirit! It was sung for us beautifully at the conclusion of the second reading today. I pray this hymn/prayer every single morning and have done so for over two years and I know that it has had a major influence in the quality of my spirituality and Catholic life. [I have made double-copies of it as a bulletin insert so that you might use it and share it with someone else. Pray it alone or better yet with someone.] I truly believe in the power of this 9th century gift from God! It can be the cause of great peace, joy, strength and healing any place, any time! And so today we celebrate the great solemnity of Pentecost: the coming of the promised Holy Spirit upon the now fully sent Apostles. Jesus sent the eleven, (now 12 with the replacement of Judas with Matthias) at the Ascension; and he already breathed on them and placed the Spirit within them for the forgiveness of sins on Easter Sunday night – but now he is "releasing them fully equipped" into the cold, cruel and even hostile world to invite it to become radically different: to become a place of Life rather than Death, a place of Light rather than Darkness, a place of Love/Friendship rather than Hatred/Anger. The coming of the Spirit on that day had several applications, but there were seven major Gifts from the Father released upon the Apostles, that were also released on Jesus after his baptism in the Jordan, and released upon us after our baptisms at our confirmations, and I am referring to: WUCKPFF! WUCKPFF???? What in heaven's name is WUCKPFF??? WUCKPFF is the way that I remember and have always taught other to remember the gifts of the Holy Spirit that we all receive at our confirmation which were released into the Church on Pentecost Day: Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Knowledge, Piety, Fortitude, Fear of the Lord! WUCKPFF! The definitions for these actually come from the "rite of Confirmation" itself: There you have it: WUCKPFF! Coupled with the gifts of our baptism: (the theological virtues or powers of FAITH – the ability to communicate with God on his own level; HOPE – the ability to yearn for a better tomorrow and the completion of this life which will transcend this one in heaven; CHARITY – the ability to self-lessly, self-sacrificially and self-giving-ly be-FRIEND others who are in need) – (coupled with these), the gifts of Confirmation /Pentecost can enable us to enthusiastically proclaim the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ. Evangelization was born on Pentecost: the Church filled with the Holy Spirit – everyone having their own general and specific gifts, and assigned a particular mission - is the Church as Evangelizer – sent to bring the good news and transforming power of the gospel to the ends of the earth - SO THAT ALL MIGHT BE ONE! It's a great day to be Catholic! We are so gifted! We are so primed! We are so ready to go out and make a real and lasting difference in our household situations, our work places, our schools, our recreation sites and into society as we come into contact with it! May we rededicate ourselves to being Spirit-filled-and-sent Catholics today! Happy Birthday to the Evangelizing Church! Happy Birthday to us! and thank you Holy Spirit for all that you continue to do for us - as you are with us -making of us - responsible citizens not only of our temporary home here on earth but also our lasting and "true native-land" in heaven! COME, HOLY SPIRIT COME And from thy celestial home Shed a ray of light divine! Come, Father of the poor! Come, source of all our store! Come, within our bosoms shine! You, of comforters the best; You, the souls most welcome guest; Sweet refreshment here below; In our labor, rest most sweet; Grateful coolness in the heat; Solace in the midst of woe. O most blessed Light divine, Shine within these hearts of thine, And our inmost being fill! Where you are not, man has naught, Nothing good in deed or thought, Nothing free from taint of ill. Heal our wounds, our strength renew; On our dryness pour thy dew; Wash the stains of guilt away. Bend the stubborn heart and will; Melt the frozen, warm the chill; Guide the steps that go astray. On the faithful who adore And confess thee evermore In your sev'nfold gift descend; Give them virtue's sure reward; Give them your salvation, Lord; Give them joys that never end. Amen. Alleluia!
To be SILENT, to LISTEN, so to OBEY!
Second Week of Advent
Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Homily – May 31, 2009 – The Solemnity of Pentecost
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Homily – May 30, 2009 – Seventh Week of Easter - Saturday
We are rapidly coming to the end of the Easter Season – and St. John rightly puts it that there really are not enough words to describe what Jesus actually did and taught while he was among us on earth: "I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written." And so it is summarized mainly in the One Book of Scriptures; and the Living Book of the Action and Teachings of the Apostles; and the Great Interpreting principle of the Teaching Authority of the Holy Spirit given to the Church! It is the living Christ that Paul preached about in Rome and that is still preached throughout the entire Church day in and day out. Jesus is the "hope of Israel" and he is our hope! Jesus is not a dead letter, any more than the communion we receive in our hand is a dead piece of bread! Jesus is living! The consecrated bread is the living Jesus! When we eat the bread we become more and more the living bread: Jesus – so that we can become more like him in the way we deal with our fellow men and women and ourselves. Tonight we will begin to celebrate Pentecost when the twelve will be filled with the gifts of the Spirit and sent out to make the world ONE, one in faith, one in hope, one in charity, one in baptism, one in confessing that Jesus the Christ is truly one only Son of Man and Son of God – now risen, ascended and glorified with the Father – and who will come again – at a time known only by the Father – to judge the living and the dead. May we rejoice always in the Father's gift of the Spirit of truth; we so desperately need to be guided to what is true and right – and this is now our guarantee of having it – if we keep wanting it and choosing it!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Homily – May 29, 2009 – Seventh Week of Easter - Friday
The gospel passage today is supposed to have taken place after the resurrection of Jesus from the dead and shortly before his ascension into heaven as one of the final acts of establishing a new community of believers sprung from an old one: believers in the Messiah who did show up on the scene, from the people of Israel who longed for the arrival of such a Messiah. [Jesus did not come, simply to "found a brand new 'church' of his own design" – the New People of God were directly linked and related to the Old People of God to which he himself belonged.] The passage today is all about the primacy, the authority and the responsibilities to St. Peter (and his successors). Having made his decision (which was the Father's decision) as who would head the New Testament Church, Jesus basis Peter's willingness to be of service to him on love! "Do you love me?" he asks Peter, not once, but three times; this, for emphasis and definition; but also, this, as an opportunity for Peter to make restitution for his thrice-time denial of him the night before he died. When Peter generously and genuinely and even affectionately affirms his love for Jesus, he is instructed to feed the lambs, tend the sheep, feed the sheep that belong to Jesus, as a true and authentic co-worker. Even though the sheep of which Jesus speaks are not real "sheep" – in a sense they are more challenging than real sheep because each has free-will and need to be gently led in the right direction; they need to be fed truth from God so that they can think and act rightly; they need to be healed when wounded; forgiven when they commit offences against themselves and the flock as a whole; they need to be fed with the very life of the shepherd himself spiritually! Peter, with the coming of the Spirit at Pentecost, along with the other eleven would become fully "up to the task" of launching this new "ship of faith!" And, now it is up to the successors of Peter, and their helpers and indeed the descendants of the flock itself to be good and faithful members and courageous in the midst of a twisted and oftentimes depraved world in which the ship floats. In the first reading today we see that God in truth does protect those he has chosen to deliver his gospel message of life, freedom and peace: not only the bishops and priests, but also and especially the lay faithful who are "in the trenches" everyday – the most opportune place to deliver the message. It does take courage, it does take faith; it does take the presence of the Spirit in a powerful way: but that is what the gifts of Pentecost – which we will celebrate beginning tomorrow evening - are all about! Come, Holy Spirit come! Fill us with your gifts so that we can be each what God has called us to be as both sheep and shepherds.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Homily – May 28, 2009 – Seventh Week of Easter - Thursday
We have in our gospel passage today that very familiar, almost circular, double talking of St. John the Evangelist and Beloved Disciple of Jesus. A lot of times it sounds like John is just rambling on to himself about this or that theological point. But on more careful inspection we can see that there really is no other way to express the almost inexpressible realities involved. Today, and in fact any day, it's all about UNITY! "In the beginning" there was UNITY, then came Sin and DISunity! Jesus came specifically to restore the lost UNITY and to bring the PEACE and JOY that result from UNITY! Jesus, in the gospel passage is telling us about the unity: he is talking to his Father with whom he is essentially united – sharing a marvelous life of love and friendship: this unity he wants to share with any who will have it so that the three might be united and experience almost incomprehensible peace and joy: the Father, the Son, and those whom the Son wants to share the unity and peace with – and that would be those who are willing to simply receive these gifts. He will not force the gift, even of unity and peace, on anyone who does not want them. Jesus goes on: since it is your desire Father that we all be one, I am looking forward so much to having these people with me where I am – in Paradise; not those of the world, who never knew me or us, but the ones you have chosen from the world and given to me: your faithful, responsive, loving people. They know that when they remain loving, then the experience of us in their lives only grows daily – and of course the opposite is also true – when they insist on being unloving, then our presence in them only diminishes. Jesus, prior to the coming of the Spirit on Pentecost, is moaning in his prayer and crying out to his Father: may they be ONE as you, Father, are in me and I in you; may they be ONE so that the world may believe that you sent me, and more and more in the world can be saved from a sure and certain negative fate (of their own making). MAY THEY BE ONE! The first reading today shows how God protects those who bring the Gospel to others according to his plan. You and I are called on today, as was Paul, to "preach unity and peace in Jesus, Risen" whether it is easy or difficult, whether it is raining or the sun is shining. That is the rub: anyone can preach and promise unity and peace; but only few can preach and promise unity and peace in someone who is truly risen from the dead: the Resurrection, and the Resurrected One makes it all entirely different: it gives it all an added dimension that makes it supernatural, wonderful and glorious – the UNITY AND PEACE OF THE REIGN OF GOD is something to preach about and to experience! Keep us safe, O God in your truth; you are our hope, our joy and our peace!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Homily – May 27, 2009 – St. Augustine of Canterbury
Our saint for today, Augustine of Canterbury was born in Italy in the 6th century. He was a very capable and holy man from his youth and entered the Benedictine Monastery at St. Andrew's in Rome. In 597 Pope St. Gregory the Great sent Augustine to preach the Gospel in England. He was aided there by King Ethelbert whom he himself baptized. With the help of Ethelbert he was chosen to be the first bishop of Canterbury. Missionary work in England, at that time, was still very treacherous among the still barbaric tribes. But Augustine was successful – with the help of the Holy Spirit – at converting many of them and establishing many dioceses, especially in the kingdom of Kent. He died on May 26, about the year 605. It is the evangelistic spirit of St. Augustine that needs reflecting upon today. His was the spirit of St. Paul as found in the first reading today. Paul tells the Thessalonians that he and his coworkers "drew courage through God to speak about the Gospel of God with much struggle," and that they preached this gospel "not from delusion or impure motives, or the desire to deceive – but they preached because they were judged worthy by God to be entrust with the Gospel." And so that is how Paul and his companions spoke – and how Augustine of Canterbury later spoke – and how I speak to you today – not trying to please you by flatteringly telling you what you want to hear (so that you will keep putting money in the collection basket): rather telling you what you need to hear for your salvation in a gentle, yet firm when necessary, sort of way. For a really good preacher shares not only the Gospel of God but his very self - because his listeners have become so very dear to him! In the gospel passage today Jesus is seen touring the towns and villages, much like Augustine did in England – and he saw so many who were in need of so much – needing physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual healing: he saw them as sheep without a shepherd: and his heart was moved to help them. He did all that he could for them but then made his memorable and distinct cry for help, cry for vocations, cry for fellow preachers and healers: THERE IS SO MUCH WORK TO BE DONE WITH THESE LOST AND OFTENTIMES MISGUIDED SHEEP – ASK GOD THE FATHER TO SEND HELP FOR ME – ask God the Father to send priests and bishops and qualified helpers of all sorts to help me tend to these beloved sheep of mine. The times we live in call for strong, courageous and holy priests; there are still many barbarians on the loose, even in our own country, even in places of authority and honor. In a few weeks begins the "Year of the Priest" as designated by Pope Benedict XVI – let us get into the habit of praying daily for good, strong, holy, healthy and saintly priests – priests who are interested solely in the spiritual lives of and the welfare of the sheep placed in their care – above all personal honor, gain and prestige - so that the quality of Catholic life will be preserved and carried forward for all – and we will all be pleasing in God's sight. St. Augustine of Canterbury, pray for us!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Homily – May 26, 2009 – St. Philip Neri
Our saint for today, St. Philip Neri was born at Florence, Italy in 1515. He was an impetuous and spontaneous youth. In fact one incident almost cost him his life. Seeing a donkey loaded with fruit for market, the little boy had barely formed the thought of jumping on the donkey's back before he had done it. The donkey, surprised, lost his footing, and donkey, fruit, and boy tumbled into the cellar with the boy winding up on the bottom! Miraculously he was unhurt! God had other plans for the boy! Philip as a young man was prayerful, interested somewhat in learning, but even moreso interested in helping other people – especially in learning about the spiritual life. He became a priest in 1551 and founded an Oratory where spiritual reading, singing and works of charity were practiced. Philip excelled in his love of neighbor, his gospel-oriented simplicity and joyous service to God. He died in 1595 at the age of 80. For a moment today, perhaps we can focus our attention on the role of the "spiritual director" – which was St. Philip Neri's chief activity. He applied all the impetuosity and spontaneity of his youth to this very much needed job. The first reading strongly urges us, as St. Paul urged the Thessalonians, to think rejoice in the Lord always, to pray to him, petition him and thank him all day and night long – in one way or another – so that the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. He also encourages them to constantly think about whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, gracious and excellent. He basically is telling them to not stray from what they have learned from their teachers in the faith. This is what spiritual direction is all about: having someone who knows the ropes, remind you of the things mentioned above, and guide you in applying them to the realities of life as you face them. It is in this way: in not only reading Scripture and listening to a homily; but also by studying what you have heard, discussing it with someone who has some God-given authority to help you practically put into practice - that you will remain in Jesus and bear much fruit. We ought to want the very best for ourselves. We ought to go to the professionals for help! The priests and those who have studied matters of the faith can be of assistance to us. One of the most sadly unused resources in the Catholic Church in our day is spiritual direction. By rights priests ought to be turning away in great numbers those wanting guidance and affirmation of their own religious practices because of sheer numbers – but currently I have only one spiritual directee. I exhort you to ask questions, to discuss, to seek spiritual guidance for whatever you need from me or any other priest: that is one of the main reasons why we are here: and no one of us ought ever to be too busy to do our job! Remain in my love, says the Lord; whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Homily – May 25, 2009 – Seventh Week of Easter - Monday
We have a very powerful gospel passage today – and a very comforting one: finding peace in Jesus is possible, even while in the world. You will have trouble and find all kinds of opposition because you believe in me and what I have to say. Comfort comes, though, in believing that I truly do know everything because I am God! Take courage, Jesus tells his disciples of that, and every generation: I HAVE CONQUERED THE WORLD. The "alleluia verse" puts it quite summarily: if then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. If you have been baptized into the name of Christ (as were the Gentiles in the first reading, and confirmed in the Holy Spirit) then believe that you are an entirely new creation! However, it is one of your primary duties as a citizen of the Reign of God to help transform the world, transform the darkness in it, transform the ugliness and disdain in it – by the life and freedom and joy that comes from participating fully in the life-of-Christ as he provides it and gives you the privilege of doing so! And when you hear the voice of God speaking plainly to you, and you recognize it – you will know you are on the right track – and will have what is needed to proclaim the Reign fearlessly! It is the time to debate boldly and with persuasive arguments about the Kingdom – as Paul discovered in the first reading today. He did it with the help of the Holy Spirit; so can we, because we have the same Spirit with us!
Your primary citizenship and allegiance and loyalty lies in heaven; the world in which you simultaneously live only a temporary, passing and not-always-friendly place in which you happen to reside.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Homily – May 24, 2009 – Seventh Sunday of Easter
Our gospel today is very powerful. Holy Father, Jesus prayed looking up to heaven, keep them (keep these men I have chosen as Apostles, and those who will believe in us through their preaching) keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are one. Jesus tells his Father: when I was with them, walking and talking with them, teaching them and encouraging them, feeding them – uniting them – giving them the first taste of real peace – I guarded them, and none was lost, except the son of destruction (in order that the scripture about him be fulfilled). My heartfelt desire, Jesus goes on, is that all of them experience the joy that I know and have the power to share with them, but they must be very vigilant and not be taken in by the (dis-unifying) world around them or else they will know no such joy! Jesus is now ascended into heaven – he is "seated at the right hand of the Father" – and he is interceding for us constantly – that we might REMAIN IN HIM – REMAIN IN TRUTH – REMAIN IN THE CHURCH: the one, sure and certain vehicle to get to where he is! While the Apostles waited, with Mary, in the Upper Room as they had been asked to do by Jesus before he ascended – praying for the coming of the promised Holy Spirit - who would remind them of everything that told them, who would teach them Truth and would lead them all safely to Paradise – they were to appoint a replacement for the betrayer, for the traitor, for the one who denied friendship with Jesus (Judas Iscariot) – by prayer and asking a sign from God. They prayed, they cast lots and Matthias was chosen because it was the Holy Spirit's choice and because Matthias was most qualified to die witnessing to Jesus and the newborn Christian faith. All of us are asked to give ourselves completely to the cause, as well – and perhaps, some, in one way or another, even literally give our lives – but in any event: witnessing to Jesus, to the Truth, to the Kingdom of God is what being a Catholic is all about. We all want to go to heaven; but know that it is our job to take as many along with us as we possibly can! We need witnesses more than ever – at this very critical time in salvation history! May the words you hear today, the songs you sing, the prayers you pray, the Eucharistic food you eat – be exactly the nourishment you need to be a committed, joyful and loving Catholic, this day, this week! God bless you!
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Homiily – May 23, 2009 – Sixth Week of Easter - Saturday
The gospel is a pre-ascension passage whose point today is to encourage belief in Jesus as the Christ, belief that Jesus and the Father are truly one, and belief that it is God's primary desire for us, his children to be filled with joy: to be happy – as much as possible in this life, but completely happy and filled with joy in the next life. For those who believe such things: prayer will be effective: ask the Father in my name, and it will be given to you; it will be given because you know what you ought to pray for: that which has to do with the life that I taught you about and demonstrated: if you need help living that out, and you pray, you will get what you pray for; anything else is "groundless prayer" and you can expect not to get what you ask for. The first reading today talks about one of this first Jews who came to believe what we mentioned above – especially that Jesus was the Christ; the one who fulfilled the Jewish Scriptures; the Messiah who lived, taught, showed signs that he was from God, suffered, died at the hands of the Jews, but then rose again from the dead: indeed, he is now the CHRIST! This was Apollos! He spoke boldly proclaiming the Way of God not only to the Jews but to the Gentiles. He worked independently but certainly with the full concurrence of Paul and Barnabas. We ask the Father then, in the name of Jesus his Son, our Lord and Brother and Friend – to give us what we need today to boldly proclaim to the world – to the people we see in it and run across today – someway, somehow that JESUS IS THE CHRIST; human and salvation history is now radically different, and that it will all work out according to his rules rather than our own. For it is God who is king of all the earth and will be so forever!
Friday, May 22, 2009
Homily – May 22, 2009 – Sixth Week of Easter - Friday
Jesus is now ascended into heaven – we are left with his greatest gift his very self present in the words that must be preached, the sacrament of Eucharist that must be celebrated and offered as spiritual food, the very activity of loving and friending others as he did. In these ways Jesus truly remains on earth as Light for the path, as Truth for the mind, as Spiritual Food for the heart, as Joy, as Peace, as Hope for all of us – for all our days! In the gospel passage Jesus tells the disciples that you will weep and mourn as the world rejoices – but your grief will become joy – if you persist – if you remain me – if you never give up hope! We live in a world that is gleeful about ungodly things, ungodly desires, ungodly ambitions, ungodly priorities, ungodly assumptions - and we, Catholic Christians, who have the Light of Christ can see plainly the error and the consequences that face those who will not let go of the ungodly parts of life. And so we weep and mourn – in a very true and real way – as for members of our own family who deliberately choose to live in death, darkness and hatred and self-centeredness and sin! In the first reading St. Paul – encouraged by Jesus who appears in a vision and tells him: DO NOT BE AFRAID – goes on speaking truth, speaking life in Jesus, life in love, life in hope – NO ONE WILL ATTACK YOU, JESUS ASSURES HIM there are many in this city I want to reach through you! He tells many of us the same thing today: DO NOT BE AFRAID TO SPEAK WHAT YOU HEAR THE SPIRIT TELLING YOU (there are many that I want to reach today through you!) – the only difference is now PEOPLE JUST MIGHT ATTACK YOU for doing this: BUT DO NOT BE AFRAID – if you hold out to the end, you will be victorious! It is preeminently better to hold on to the Eucharist and the Cross, as for dear life, than to sell one's soul to the devil! God mounts his throne amid shouts of joy: the Lord, amid trumpet blasts. Sing praise to God, sing praise; sing praise to our king, sing praise. In the Eucharist and in the Cross we see you seated at the right hand of the Father – Lord, King; Jesus our Friend and Brother! Amen!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Homily – May 21, 2009 – The Ascension of the Lord
"It is up to US now, to be and bring the Light of the Risen Christ to all the world – more at this time in history than in any other time in recent memory!" The great feast of the Ascension calls us to do two seeming contrary things, simultaneously, at the same time: but with God's ingenuity we can do it, because he asks us to do it. These are the two things: "KEEP LOOKING UP at me, Jesus, seated at the right hand of the Father, glorified, and reigning as King of the Universe, as your Advocate, as your Intercessor, as your Priest, as Your Shepherd, as your VERY BEST OF FRIENDS;" but also, at the same time: "look all around you at all the people you see and those who are far from you and you don't even see: your family, your nation, and people in all nations everywhere: every single one of you is now eligible to be here with me: in Paradise, in joy, in peace, and a never ending dynamic communion of Divine Friendship: in our Father's house! Now the way you look up, and around at the same time: is to FOCUS ON MY GREATEST GIFT: THE EUCHARIST! And in this Eucharist you will see The Broken Bread of Life as the Holy Bread of Friendship: you will also see my Cross and Resurrection. When you think about how the Bread is Me, (God's Friendship become a man like you); and you think that I gave my life for you, my "friends," so that you could truly be my friends again and friends of my Father – then you can see how you can do both things at the same time. When you adore the bread and eat the bread that is me, friendship; then, you are spiritually strengthened to go out and bring that friendship to others: and in fact, unless you do that: then you really do not understand me, the Friendship, the Cross, the Resurrection or how powerful and helpful they can really be. Now what qualifies you to participate in Eucharist: to be fed eucharistically at this table: is to be baptized and confirmed in your belief: something that Jesus commanded his apostles do for others moments before he ascended into the heavens. You are baptized, you are confirmed, you are communicants: therefore Earlier this week in the readings Jesus told everyone that those who know about these things, are moved by God's grace to investigate and accept them, but do not believe in them will be held accountable one day – and this is simply because he wants to make life as easy as possible for everyone: while allowing everyone absolute freedom of choice to make their own decisions, he strongly urges that everyone (before making any lasting decisions) at least get" inside information" from him and his Father as to the best way to live life in this world: and how our eternal destiny depends on these decisions This is the job of the Church, this is my job: to present the information to faithful members and to everyone else so they can integrate as much of the "Light-giving-information" as their now "rightly-forming conscience" leads them to – so that the yoke of life will be easy, the burden light: and it will end with a joyful reunion of all of us one day (hopefully) at a brightly lit throne in heaven where Jesus is now seated at the right hand of God his Father and ours! God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.
you have the ability to look up and around at the same time: choosing to help and friend other people because God has helped and friended you first. This ought to be producing much joy in the heart – the very joy that Jesus wants us to experience in ever increasing amounts, and promised we would. It's in the doing, the friending, that we find the joy, the peace and the Life!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Homily – May 20, 2009 – St. Bernardine of Siena
Today we celebrate the feast of a little known but very imitable saint in the Church: Bernardine of Siena: we all can find something about him to imitate and apply to the way in which we live our lives. Bernardine lived in the early 1400's. And one day, when he was twenty years old he went to the door of the largest hospital in Siena and announced that he wanted help. A plague was raging through the city so horrible that as many as twenty people died each day in just that hospital alone. And so Bernardine and some companions came to help tend to the ill! They tended the ill, and also organized and cleaned the hospital. Only at the end of the plague did Bernardine himself fall ill – of exhaustion. But that was Bernardine's way – whatever he did, he put his whole self into it. Immediately after he recovered he was back caring for the sick – but this time he was responsible not for w whole hospital, but just for one person – an invalid aunt of his. For fourteen months she got his full attention. Throughout his life, he put as much energy into caring for one person as for hundreds, as much commitment into converting one citizen as to preaching to a whole city. After his aunt died, Bernardine started to think about where his life should be going. And so, he threw himself wholeheartedly into prayer and fasting to discover what God wanted him to do. One might have expected him to continue his work with the sick but in 1403 he joined the Franciscans and in 1404 he was ordained a priest. The Franciscans were known as missionary preachers, but Bernardine did very little preaching because of a voice that was weak and hoarse. For twelve years he remained in the background, his energies going to prayer or to his own spiritual conversion and preparation. At the end of that time, he went to Milan on a mission (the city where centuries earlier Ambrose was Bishop, who was a very eloquent and powerful preacher). When he got up to preach his voice was strong and commanding and his words so convincing that the crowd would not let him leave unless he promised to come back. Thus began his life as a missionary preacher, one whom Pope Pius II called a second Paul. As usual, Bernardine threw his whole self, body and soul, into his newly found vocation. He criss-crossed Italy on foot preaching for hours at a time, several times a day about punishment for sin, reward for virtue, the mercy of Jesus and the love of Mary. His special devotion was to the Holy name of Jesus. He was later made vicar general of his order. All his energy during that period went to renewing the original spirit of the Franciscan order. He preached up to the very end and died peacefully in 1444 at the age of 64. May we imitate Bernardine in proclaiming the Name and works of Jesus loudly and clearly to all we meet each day: especially by the eloquent actions of loving service to all in need. May we throw our whole selves into our discipleship with Jesus and may we, like Bernardine, find an amazing reward waiting for us for doing God's will each and every moment of the day! Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Homily – May 19, 2009 – Sixth Week of Easter - Tuesday
We are just two days before celebrating the Ascension of Jesus into heaven. Jesus is in the process of preparing his apostles for that moment when he will no longer be with him visibly, and their hearts and now filled with grief – where on Sunday we read that he wanted his joy to be in them completely as he was encouraging them to remain in him and to love. Today he needs to teach them that "remaining in him, and being joyful" means that they must "let him go away" – so that he would be able to send the promised Advocate, the promised Paraclete – the Holy Spirit. It would be in this way that he would remain in them, and they in he, and they would have the power, strength and insight to spread joy, love, peace to others: all others: who are willing to receive them! In the first reading today we have a dramatic story of how the jailer and his family came "to believe" in Jesus and were baptized – after an earthquake loosened the shackles of Paul and Silas – and after they had heard about who he was. Sometimes a sign accompanying an explanation can pave the way for belief in Jesus: which is the key to salvation! Joy came to the household that night! This is proof then that the Lord, through the action of the Holy Spirit will accomplish great things for men and women who believe. Most likely we each have our stories to tell on how we came to believe more fully in Jesus as the source of our spiritual life, joy and peace! And so we look forward now to the great feast of the Ascension when Jesus' work on earth (in his physical body) will be finished: he will return to God his Father (and ours) to be glorified; and three things will happen to tie a ribbon on the package of his earthly life and times: and the three are based on conscience: everyone's conscience from then on would have the possibility of being rightly-formed: and everyone will know (if they care to pay attention) that the world is now convicted in regard to sin, righteousness and condemnation. 1) Sin: those who tried to convict Jesus of sinning will realize that he was indeed sinless; and that any sin resided and still resides with them, especially the sin of not believing in him: thus they themselves are self-convicted; 2) Righteousness: Jesus is everything about right-living, all righteousness is him and now it will be rewarded in heaven; thus everyone else (Scribes, Pharisees) who thought themselves to be arrogantly self-righteous stand certainly self-convicted; 3) Condemnation: the battle was fought and won on Good Friday, the evil one has been defeated and is now condemned; but those who insist on following "the father of lies" – the condemned one - are self-condemned and unless they connect to the Passion / Death / and Resurrection of Jesus – through conversion of heart, repentance and restitution they shall be separated from God and everyone else forever. Hell is being completely alone FOREVER! I will send to you the Spirit of truth, says the Lord; he will guide you to all truth: and your hearts will be filled with joy to overflowing! Thank you Jesus for all you did and are doing for us; make us ready to receive the Holy Spirit: the gift you promised to send when you ascended into heaven amid loud cries and trumpet blasts!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Homily – May 18, 2009 – Sixth Week of Easter - Monday
Today Jesus – shortly before his Ascension – is preparing his Apostles for the roles that they would be undertaking in the world when he leaves them. He tells them that the Advocate will come to them from the Father: the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father. It will not be easy. Those who oppose you will think they are doing the right thing – even worshipping God – by ill-treating you. Expect this to happen. And when it happens do not be afraid; rather be concerned about the sheep that insist on wandering around with no real shepherd. Do what you can for them, pray for them, keep offering them the Gift of the Father: Truth as you hear it from him and not yourselves: and the Father will be pleased with you – and perhaps some of the sheep will find their way back to the center of the fold. Paul accepted the hospitality of Lydia, who offered him a place to stay after she and her household were baptized – the shepherd is worth giving a place to stay! It is not easy being an apostle! The Lord takes delight in his people!
His main job will be to testify to me, and he will teach you and anyone else who wants to know how to do the same thing – so that the world can be different – so that the world can be saved from self-imposed ignorance and sin.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Homily – May 17, 2009 – Sixth Sunday of Easter
This coming week we will be celebrating the feast of the Ascension of Jesus into heaven. His work on earth as Son of God / Son of Mary – Crucified and Risen is just about at an end, from a strictly earthly perspective. It is time for the Son to return to the Father, it is time for Jesus, Son of Mary to take his place at the right hand of the Father in heaven, to prepare a place to receive his Mother, when we celebrate her Assumption in August: and to prepare a place for us as he promised he would. It is an exciting time of year. We are still in the wondrous season of spring when everything is bursting forth green, flowering and fragrant. It is the great Easter Season! It is still –after six weeks - a fitting time to talk about baptism. That which brings us into the newness of life that Jesus won for us on Calvary and released by his Resurrection is Baptism. We use the water – so recognizable as spring showers and rain – to welcome into the Church those selected by the Holy Spirit to be members. In the first reading today, even Peter was surprised when the Holy Spirit fell upon the Gentiles who were listening to him preach. It was the same Sprit that fell upon him and the Apostles and many others on Pentecost day. It was quite obvious to Peter then that these Gentiles ought to be baptized right [Now, it seems that at this very early stage of the game – on this particular occasion – the Gentiles were "confirmed" first before they were "baptized." Not until later did the Church sort out and define the order of the full initiation rites of the Church: which now are Baptism – Confirmation – Eucharist]. The important thing here is that God does the calling; those who hear the call are graced to respond to the call: to receive the waters of Baptism, the fire of the Holy Spirit, and the Bread of Life – if they are attentive, alert & willing! Today we will celebrate – following this homily – the baptism of Cody Fournier. We are so fortunate to have this opportunity today to celebrate the human life of a child, and the new-spiritual-life that comes with Baptism. Parents, cooperating with God give the child human life; but their greatest gift to the child is to give him/her an opportunity to possess "newness of life" – the gift of "Divine Friendship; and the gift of becoming an adopted spiritual son / daughter of God – and a true adoptive brother and sister to everyone else who is baptized and lives in Jesus Christ: brothers and sisters in the Church. In the gospel passage Jesus tells us that by dying for us: our lost friendship with him and his Father was restored; and the possibility of true, deep and meaningful friendship with one another – which had also been seriously wounded by the sin of our first parents - was also restored: we were reconciled to God and to one another! Baptism is what connects us to that Divine Friendship that runs up and down (from and to God); and all around, to our brothers and sisters – who if they are baptized too, are qualified to be our very best of friends, not only for life but forever. This is what life in the Church means: life in a Community of Friends – who are united with one another by the amazing love of Jesus (God's own Son and our Brother and Friend) who proved that friendship by dying for us: no one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. [And to boot, Jesus died for us when we were still enemies – due to the technicality, that we couldn't even be friends of his until he did die – he loves us so very much!] He asks us then too: to do as he commands: which is to LOVE: to FRIEND as many people as we can, as he friends them: by being nice to them, helping them when there is something we can do to help, and to do this because we first have been loved and friended by him! Our Alms Program is called: Friends Helping Friends / Help Thy Neighbor – this is an excellent way for us to do what Jesus commands – along with many other of your own ideas. And now it is time for us to welcome into our parish family of caring friends: a young one whom we now promise to take under our wing to give spiritual support, sustenance, love and friendship to all the days of his life: it is time for the rite that has been passed on for 2000 years to begin: it is time to celebrate the great sacrament of Baptism!
away for the forgiveness of their sins; and in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. And they were.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Homily – May 16, 2009 – Fifth Week of Easter - Saturday
The gospel passage today reminds us that being for Christ is an all or nothing sort of deal. Either one is with him or against him. You can't have it both ways. And if you are with him, who was rejected, maligned, persecuted and eventually killed – Jesus tells us in the passage – don't think that you will be treated any better – you who were chosen to be my disciples, my "sent-ones" – those I am counting on to make the world different. Some would be persecuted even to the point of a red martyr's death, but everyone qualifies – with focus, dedication, devotion and determination to be a "white martyr" – one who very concerned about the spiritual well-being of others to the point of sacrificing one's own comfort, places of honor, and levels of acceptance. In this day and age with the ethical and moral deterioration of our country progressing at an alarming rate – and with a political engine in place which is pushing the immoral envelope to the very limits – Catholics need to sit up and take notice – and offer themselves to Jesus and the Spirit to be used in any way they see fit, on any given day, to arrest this situation and help bring about its reversal – before it is too late for our country. If not – when the science fiction of the past is front and center, as it is rapidly becoming daily – and even worse than expected – the Church will be able to say two things: "we tried to tell you, but you would not listen;" and "come home, now, to the Church, before you are lost eternally!" Christ is the Light of the World – and he promised to be with us until the end of the world – when he will become King of all King, President of all Presidents, Lord of all Lord: and reign over all of us: forever and ever.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Homily – May 15, 2009 – Fifth Week of Easter - Friday
It all comes down to three words: love one another! These words coming from Jesus also have the power to see to it that they can be accomplished. In this gospel passage Jesus tells us exactly the kind of love he is talking about – the kind of love that he is empowering us to carry out: the kind where you lay down one's life for [your] friends (whether you even know them or not – we are all potentially friends in the sight of God). Then, he says: you are my friends if you do what I command: and that is to love as a friend loves. It's a kind of energizing, dynamic, never-ending circle: loving others, friending others [this can only multiply in kind]. In the loving, in the friending comes to power to love some more and friend some more! This is the power of the resurrection given by the Holy Spirit. Jesus chooses each of us to love, to friend in different and unique situations: but we are all called to give our all doing this loving and friending. He says that in the process we may ask for whatever we might need to make the loving and friending successful and we will get it – this is praying properly, not simply for what we want for ourselves, but rather for how we can best be used as instruments in the hands of God so that he can loves those he wants using us! May we ask God to give us just what we need today to generously and lovingly friend others – all others, whether we know them personally or not! Everyone at least deserves "godly respect" as the starting point to establishing a communion in Divine Friendship with them! I call you my friends, says the Lord, for I have made know to you all that the Father has told me!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Homily – May 14, 2009 – St. Matthias
Today we celebrate the feast of the election of Matthias to replace Judas as one of the twelve so that the number could be complete. This occurred shortly after the ascension of Jesus into heaven (which we will celebrate next Thursday) and before Pentecost: the arrival of the Holy Spirit and the launching of the evangelizing missionary activity of the Church. The maintaining of the number twelve was important at the beginning of the Church because of the twelve tribes of Israel: if the new Israel (the Church) was to come from the disciples of Jesus, a twelfth apostle was needed.' Now, since Jesus chose the original twelve, how would this eleven know whom to choose? The best way was to find out through the method of prayer and action. And so, it is thought that one hundred and twenty people were gather for prayer and reflection the upper room (where Jesus had his Last Supper with the twelve) – it was here that Peter stood up to propose the way to make the choice. Peter had one criterion: that like all of the rest of the eleven, including himself and his brother Andrew; and James and John, the new apostle would be someone who had been a disciple from the very beginning, from Jesus' baptism by John until the Ascension. The reason was simple: the new apostle must become a witness to Jesus' entire ministry. By witness it meant that he would be willing to tell others about Jesus in the face of the wide variety of acceptance of the message delivered: all the way from enthusiastic welcome to the threat of, and actual act of, being killed for the cause! The new apostle must have followed Jesus before anyone knew him, stayed with him when he made enemies, and believed in him when he spoke of the cross and of eating his body – teachings that made others turn away with dismay, disgust and disbelief. Two men fit this description – Matthias and Joseph (Barsabbas). Both were equally qualified, for the most part, but only Jesus knew which one had the heart to witness fully and fearlessly on his behalf. Only Jesus knew who ought to be chosen. And so after the prayer to discern this will of Jesus (which of course was the will of the Father – because Jesus would never will anything apart from his Father's will, and that of the Holy Spirit) – lots were cast – and Matthias was chosen! Obviously, if used in this carefully guarded formula playing the lottery is fine by the Church! For when one prays NOT to change God's mind, and NOT to manipulate him to see and do things our way – but simply to find out which of two apparently equal choices ought to be made: a simple blind-straw drawing will work just fine! In any event, as far as apostles and disciples go – it is God who does the choosing – he sends out to do his will, those whom he wants to send out – to bear fruit that will last. All we (the sent) need do each day is to prayerfully discern what that "fruit-bearing activity" for the day entails and then actually go out and do it – because we love God – because it is our way of witnessing to the truly awesome life, death and resurrection of Jesus, his Son. St. Matthias indeed was the correct choice: he did his job very well as apostle, and ended his life by selflessly giving all of it for Jesus and the new Israel: the Christian Church by a martyr's death sometime in the latter half of the first century! May we each, be edified by his example and strengthened by his prayers and bear fruit in the vineyard of the Lord this day and every day – and if we come to a fork in the road: let's close our eyes, pray to the Spirit, draw straws and then proceed confidently on the Way!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Homily – May 13, 2009 – Fifth Week of Easter - Wednesday
Today we have the magnificent image of Jesus as the Vine, and the faithful, as the branches on that vine - branches which draw their life entirely from him. The type of life I am talking about here is SPIRITUAL LIFE! Life in the Church, really, has absolutely nothing to do with our earthly, biological lives – directly – but rather it has to do with our lives as re-born persons in the very life of God himself: SPIRITUAL LIFE! And it is this spiritual rebirth, this spiritual life that is the most important aspect of our lives: all of us: those who know about it and believe it to be so; and even those who have considered it and rejected it, or those who could simply care less. And we each, will be accountable for, and responsible for how well we lived these spiritual lives of ours – over and above our biological and physical lives. This is why the image of the vine and the branches is so wonderful: God himself, through this method, has provided a way for our spiritual lives to be "brought up to a code" that will make us eligible for eternal life: we must be "reborn SPIRITUALLY" as Jesus tells Nicodemus, in order to become united with him, the vine; to share his spiritual life, the life of the vine; to share the benefits of spiritual life on the vine: most importantly of which is adoptive spiritual sonship with God the Father. This is enormously important: the only way to live the family life of God in heaven in the future is to become a member of the family now; and since Jesus is the only one true family member: the Only-Begotten Son of the Father: our membership can only be in him, in a true and real adoptive sort of way, by the grace of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. Adoption into God's life, and the life of the branches on the vine are exactly the same thing! It is up to us to safeguard our life, then, as a branch on the vine, as an adopted son (and daughter) of the Father – by using all of the tools that Jesus gave us: the sacraments, especially Eucharist; prayer; and works of charity and mercy and self-sacrificial giving. The Holy Spirit will be with us (as promised) – and he will do his job of making us aware of God's Presence in us – so long as we have an open mind and heart! The first reading today: is about Paul and Barnabas facing their first major difficulty in bringing the good news of LIBERATING SPIRITUAL LIFE IN GOD to the Gentile people. Paul and Barnabas were instructing the Gentiles with one story; but "visiting Jews" had also come down and were teaching a different version of the story: they were telling the Gentiles that they first had to become Jews – if only briefly, in order to become Christian (circumcision)– because salvation first comes to and from the Jews: Jesus' own people! This was a very good point: a technical question. Rather than argue the point then and there, Paul and Barnabas decided to take the matter to Peter and the other Apostles and presbyters (priests) in Jerusalem – the headquarters of the Church at the time. When they arrived they presented the issue: and some of the Pharisees (the learned religious leaders of the Jews) said that, yes, it is necessary to circumcise the Gentiles (to make them Jews first) and to require them to observe the Mosaic Law from then on, as well as any other "Christian" rules. But the Apostles and presbyters decided to meet separately and behind closed doors about these matters! And thus, the first council of the Church was opened for its first session! The Council of Jerusalem was engaged: and the direct influence of the Holy Spirit in resolving the matter was sought after through prayer and discussion: a vote was taken and the results were promulgated as the very first "disciplinary ruling" of the new Christian Church! But we will have to wait until tomorrow's readings to find out what happened! Stay tuned! Remain in me, as I remain in you, says the Lord whoever remains in me will bear much fruit.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Homily – May 12, 2009 – Fifth Week of Easter - Tuesday
We have just heard Jesus say two very important things: that "the ruler of the world is coming for me, but has no power over me;" and that" I voluntarily go through with what the Father has commanded me to do:" save souls, save lives, save people for him. Sometimes I suppose it is easy to think that this was some kind of an evenly matched battle that was going to take place on Good Friday: and it was anyone's guess as to who would be victorious. This is not so. Jesus was going to win: the power of evil is like a "puff of smoke" compared with the mighty power of God! But Jesus had to go through the enormously painful motion of such a brutal death – to accomplish our redemption. Remember, after Pope John Paul II viewed Mel Gibson's "Passion of the Christ" he said: "[This] is as it was!" It was an incredibly agonizing experience for Jesus! We hear Jesus often speak of the fact that his "sent-ones" – his Apostles – and disciples – would in a similar way be treated – even some to the point of an agonizing death - as witness to their faith – but that they would experience the amazing "gift of peace" through it all – of which he speaks in the gospel passage today! Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. And so even in the midst of your persecution I will be there will my peace to carry you through so you can do what our Father has in mind for you to do in this particular situation! In the first reading we see Paul and Barnabas out in the Gentile – Greek-speaking world preaching the Gospel of Jesus – but being countered by conservative Jews who wanted nothing to do with their message: they stoned Paul and left him for dead; but the peace of Christ was with Paul, and the strength of the Holy Spirit – and he got up off the ground and proceeded with Barnabas to more cities in the area: going on to Pisidia and Pamphylia; Perga and Attalia – and finally to Antioch. The grace and peace of God worked through them both as they brought the faith to the Gentiles – as was the will of the Father. You and I have been called by God to bring his message to someone today: either for the first time; or as a reminder. The message is: JESUS IS RISEN FROM THE DEAD and this makes ALL THE DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD – for everyone – believers and non-believers alike! both for now, and for later – for what lies beyond death's door for us! His death is our death; and his resurrection and life, are our resurrection and abundant newness of life forever! What a wonderful message we have to ponder on today ourselves, and to share with others: and all of this is fact, not opinion, or some kind of limited fiction – it is reliable, always valid, licit and substantive TRUTH! We are called to be God's friends: and to make known the glorious splendor of his Kingdom – as it begins here and now, and will blossom into fullness and completeness one day in the future, in the Kingdom fully revealed!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Homily – May 11, 2009 – Fifth Week of Easter - Monday
Our readings at Mass now are beginning to shift in content to the theme of Jesus' finishing his work on earth, ascending into heaven and sending the promised Holy Spirit. Every day until these feasts occur we will peel off a layer of understanding of the nature of these events – so that when they happen, we will have a fuller grasp this year, perhaps, than ever before. The first reading from the Acts of the Apostles is a post-Pentecost reading: and it demonstrates the very real presence and power of the Holy Spirit who were with Paul and Barnabas on their missionary journeys. They proclaimed the Good News of sin-being-forgiven, life-being-transformed to the Gentile people: who for the most part welcomed them with great joy. Today's reading however, shows how, even the Gentiles, got carried away with their enthusiasm and how they wanted to make pagan gods out of Paul and Barnabas because of the healing of the crippled man that they facilitated. Paul strongly objects, telling them that they are of the same nature as they are: human beings – and are not to be regarded or treated or sacrificed to as if they were gods! But these words could scarcely contain the crowds! In the gospel passage Jesus again repeats what he will repeat on a regular basis from now until his ascension: if you love me, here is a way to prove it: keep my commandments: and then my Father will love you too – and we will come to you and make our dwelling place with you (referring to Baptism, Eucharist). And the Holy Spirit will come upon you to teach you most fully about these things (Confirmation); and to remind you of all that I have taught you: you will have the possibility of knowing the Truth, and the Way that does lead to Life abundant and eternal! Thank you God – Most Blessed Trinity - for providing exactly what we need to live fruitfully and joyously each and every day! The Holy Spirit will teach you everything and remind you of all I told you.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Homily – May 10, 2009 – Fifth Sunday of Easter
St. Paul had such an extraordinary experience in meeting Jesus because he was such an extraordinarily stubborn man! But the old saying is absolutely true: "the bigger they are, the harder they fall;" and when they rise again, they are a completely new creation! Saul, as he was known then, thought he was doing the right thing: persecuting this young upstart of a religious sect which followed a young, crucified and now supposedly resurrected carpenter turned rabbi: Jesus of Nazareth. Saul was a stalwart Jew, an educated man in the law of Moses: this blasphemous outrage of one claiming to be God's Son – and now proclaimed and preached as still alive by this traitorous group of rag-tag followers – had to be stopped once and for all. But it was actually he who was destined to be stopped once and for all. And in a dramatic sort of way: (the bigger they are, the harder they fall); Saul, on his way to Damascus to persecute the disciples of Christ saw very plainly and distinctly the very LIGHT WHICH IS CHRIST JESUS! And he became physically blinded by it and was unable to see until God deemed it the right time. With the LIGHT came the VOICE that said: Saul, Saul why are you persecuting ME? Saul was persecuting Christians, but the voice said ME! The reason Jesus said this is because of the reality given in the gospel passage: Jesus is the Vine, and his Father is the Vine grower. Just as branches of a vine cannot exist apart from the vine, can disciples of Jesus exist apart from him. And they did exist in him! And so, if the branch is persecuted, then the vine is persecuted; the "ME" Jesus was speaking about! Now, if you say you are a disciple, as St. John relates in the second reading, a branch of his vine, then you BELIEVE in him, and LOVE as he commanded: self-sacrificially, with acts of usefulness and helpfulness to all in need – even those who persecute you. Now, the Father also prunes the vine, making the fruit-bearing more fruitful, cutting off the decaying and the withered to be burned. The Father here then is pruning Saul. He has deemed him worthy, even in his misguided zeal, to be an instrument in his hands for the conversion of the Gentiles – and so now he stops him in his tracks, gives him an ample period of darkness and powerlessness so that he can think things over and get his facts straight before sending him off on his way as one of the full-fledged, even super-Apostles – with a ranking right up there with St. Peter, the rock on which the Church is built. The message today is that God has a plan for every one of us. Last week we called it a vocation. It is perfectly suited for us. And sometimes he has to take some pretty drastic measures to get our attention, and aim us in the right direction in order to discover it. But if, like Saul, we cooperate with grace, with light, with the new incoming information: when it comes – we will be, filled with the Spirit and sent on our way to make a difference in the world around us: to make it what it ought to be and can be! More than ever it appears that "the world" is changing into something that is oftentimes unpleasantly "unrecognizable." But the one, true, stable, never-changing, always reliable, steady, promised, safe and protective reality that we can count on day in and day out, night in and night out is God's love for those who love Him, God's delight in those who "love" others, God's friendship for those who "friend" others; God's healing, calm and mercy for those who bring healing, calm and mercy to others: very much like our mother's did and do for us – no matter where they now are. We can count on the Catholic Church to nurture, mother and love us through it all! Happy Mother's Day! Happy Day as a Branch on the Vine that is Jesus! Happy Day of Life for all those committed to and defensive of life as God gives it and intends it to be lived! God bless you!
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Homily – May 9, 2009 – Fourth Week of Easter - Saturday
Satan is the Father of Lies. He lied to Adam and Eve. He has been lying to their children ever since. And the one unfortunate aspect of it is that he is very good at it: he is so good that he can make you believe anything – anything at all; he can make you think that up is down, left is right, and bad is good. This is exactly why Jesus was sent: to offer the possibility of not being seduced by evil any longer; and to offer real Truth about everything. And by his death and resurrection this happened. We need not be thusly seduced; we now have available the truth that cancels out the lie: we have it in verbal form (Scripture) – we have it in physical form: Jesus! Jesus is TRUTH-in-the-flesh; we need not be deceived any longer – unless we want to be! Our first reading, today again relates how the Jewish people were to be the first to be freed from lies, deception and corruption; some did believe that Jesus was the source of this freedom, and some were freed; but when most of the Jewish people refused the freedom and the one who provided it – it was offered to everyone else, to the Gentile world – which includes you and me. And the Gentiles (as it says in the first reading today) were delighted when they heard this and glorified the word of the Lord (who set them free). They now too with the believing Jews were destined for eternal life: they were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit. In the gospel passage Jesus tells the Apostles and disciples that believing in him and his works would lead them to the Father: they were the way to the Father. Philip questions this; but Jesus makes the point very clear: when you hear me speak and see me doing works – you hear the Father speaking and see his works: for we are one, and I am the Way, and the Truth and the Life that leads to Him. If you truly believe this you may even ask for whatever you want in this life – and if it is according to the Father's will – you will get it! This means: if it has to do with Life and Truth, and the way to obtain eternal happiness, you can be assured that some way, somehow you will receive your answer! Thank you Jesus for being the "flip-side of the Great Lie"; the path to Eternal Life; and the Truth about everything: we so desperately need in this day and age! If you remain in my words, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, says the Lord.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Homily – May 8, 2009 – Fourth Week of Easter - Friday
So often we hear it said, or have said it ourselves: if only there was a clear cut way through this particular situation, through the ups and downs of daily life, through this whole adventure called human life; if only there was some perspective that stands as objective, as opposed to what is subjective: what I make it out things to be (for I often do not have an "eagle's-eye view of things"); if only there was some kind of guarantee that life is of supreme value and that it survives death – and goes on forever – and that I truly will be accountable for my deeds. There is exactly such a guarantee, such a truth, such a way and it is: THE PERSON OF JESUS, the Christ – not simply ideas about him, concepts, doctrines, disciplines: but THE REAL PERSON OF THE RISEN JESUS. He truly does make all the difference for us! The thrust of the readings as we approach soon the Feast of the Ascension is that, in summary: Jesus is the Messiah, he was rejected and killed by his own people; redemption, however, was not withheld, even from those who killed him, but it is even offered now to everyone else: he died for all; and now this good news of redemption and mercy and forgiveness will be preached to everyone everywhere and for those who believe in HIM (not just the words – but in HIM the person); those who want to enter into a Friendship with Divine attributes with HIM will be escorted one day to a place that Jesus promises (in the gospel passage) is already prepared for them. There is no reason to be afraid of life or death now; Jesus, our Friend and Shepherd has everything in his gentle, yet powerful control! If we believe in HIM deeply, whom we receive in transubstantiated bread and wine, we shall enjoy an amazing depth of quality of life today; and we will have something wonderful to share with all who need it: we will have the PERSON OF JESUS to offer as comfort, strength and joy to others! I am the way and the truth and the life, says the Lord; no one comes to the Father except through me.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Homily – May 7, 2009 – Fourth Week of Easter - Thursday
Yesterday we had a wonderful proclamation of Jesus himself in the Gospel passage: Jesus shouts out: I CAME INTO THE WORLD AS LIGHT, SO THAT EVERYONE WHO BELIEVES IN ME MIGHT NOT REMAIN IN DARKNESS; then he went on to say that it is the will of the Father that no one stumbles around in the darkness of ignorance and sin – except for those who insist on it. (And who would insist on such a thing? but there are actually a great many who do!) At the end of the gospel passage today, Jesus, after washing his disciples feet at the Last Supper told them in so many words that when they finally do go out into a godless world – as they would be sent – not to expect to be accepted or treated any better than he was. They would be misunderstood and mistreated – but they ought not to be afraid because they have been chosen by the Father to go and bear much fruit. And God gets his way! Jesus tells them that when you hear me speak you are actually hearing the words of my (our) heavenly Father; and when you go out, those who receive you will receive both me and my Father! The first reading today is remarkable in that St. Paul in just a relatively few short sentences gives the entire history of the people of Israel which ends with the coming of the Messiah and in fact extends right up to the activities of the very last prophet of the Old Testament: John the Baptist, who literally points to Jesus and says to the crowds at the Jordan River: Look, there he is, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world! As you know – if you read the newspapers and listen to the radio and television – the State of Maine is in the process of accepting something as law that just "cannot be" – even with a signed piece of paper, it simply cannot be: signing a piece of paper cannot make an orange and apple. It doesn't matter how either side "feels" about the issue – oranges are oranges, and apples are apples – and only apples make applesauce, oranges can never make applesauce. What is needed at this particular stage is the eagle's-eye-view of the situation: an objective overview of the entire context and history of personhood, marriage, celibacy, and vocation; as well as how "exceptions to rules" fit into the picture – how are they regarded with respect and dignity, while maintaining their status as exceptions. Bishop Malone is launching such a program – and I for one am willing to do all I can to help him in his task as chief teacher and pastor of the diocese. There are three things that you – and all the parishioners of St. Mary's can do to help: 1) you can attend any classes offered, or request them if they are not offered regarding an overview of marriage; 2) you can contact state officials and the governor by letter or email and let them know your concerns – signing them "A Concerned Catholic" would be quite appropriate; 3) signing a referendum in November (which most likely will be offered) against same-sex marriage and encouraging everyone you know to do the same; this would be a tremendous help: only 55,000 votes are needed to overturn the bill: there are 200,000+ Catholics in Maine: we can definitely turn the tide here! This would certainly send a signal to the whole country that the Church is alive and well in Maine, and that it is on the side of the Light, the side of her Lord Jesus, who is at his Father's side! Jesus Christ, you are the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead; you have loved us and freed us from our sins by your Blood.
It is important to keep things in context; to see the bigger picture, to see things from an eagle's eye view! This can be quite settling, quite calming, quite informative.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Homily – May 6, 2009 – Fourth Week of Easter - Wednesday
This pre-death/resurrection discourse of Jesus cuts to the heart of his purpose of coming to earth: I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness. Then he goes on to say that it is the will of his Father that no one stumbles around in the darkness of ignorance and sin. Stumbling will no longer be unavoidable; now such stumbling will be voluntary and willful – for those who insist on it. Those who hear his words and do not observe them Jesus will not condemn: but the words themselves will do the condemning, because they are from the one who has every right to condemn: God the Father. And he would only "condemn" as it were – those who freely and deliberately shout out by their stubborn, hard-hearted words and deeds that they have considered the ways of God, the ways of the mind and heart, the ways of conscience and want to have nothing to do with them: these will suffer an unimagined punishment that will never end: all of which could have been avoided, if they only "saw the light" that was sent for their behalf and "listened to the voice of God speaking" reliable truths rather than the voice of the Evil One. Just as Paul and Barnabas – filled with the Holy Spirit – went where the Spirit led them to proclaim the light and the truth of the Gospel: so we each – filled with the same Spirit – are called to go where the Spirit leads us; and assured of his powerful aid, we shall be able to proclaim the gospel message of balance, and reason and spiritual logic to those who need to hear it. The results we leave up to God the Father; we are only the messengers; he will bring about his kind of results, his kind of justice, his kind of just rewards and punishments in his due time. Of course, the direct application of these readings today apply to the fast-approaching signing of the bill to allow same-sex marriage in the state of Maine. Every rule of spiritual, psychological and emotional balance, reason and logic say that this is an incongruous, ill-advised and potentially devastating venture. One cannot take what cannot be and does not even exist in any way shape or form and make it a legal entity simply by passing a piece of misguided legislation; and then forcing tolerance and wide acceptance of it by further legislation to protect how one feels about it. When one thinks with ones feelings, and hormones and body parts: one will always end up with the wrong conclusion. We pray that the Diocese of Portland – under the committed leadership of Bishop Richard Malone – on this topic - will create such an thoroughly comprehensive educational program about the true nature of marriage: what it is and what it isn't; what it can be and what it simply can never be – so that the 55,000 votes needed to send the bill to a statewide referendum in November will be assured: and an overturning of the bill will be obtained for the good of all involved. The Catholic population of Maine could definitely be the deciding factor here. Living the life that God gives us – in the bodies that he has given – with the inclinations that he has given – can be done in a way that corresponds with his rules and regulations – and the results can be quite joyful, peaceful and productive for the good of all. May the light of Christ which can make this way known shine as never before! I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Homily – May 5, 2009 – Fourth Week of Easter - Tuesday
This gospel passage today takes place before the death and resurrection of Jesus. The Jewish people are getting very curious about Jesus and ask him to speak plainly to them and tell them if his not the expected Christ or not. Then Jesus tells them: I did tell you but you didn't believe me. The works that I do in my Father's name even testify that I am the Christ, but still you do not believe me. Then he uses the imagery that is prevalent at this time of the year: Even though you do not believe me, because you are not among my sheep, there are those who are my sheep who hear my voice: I know them, they know me, and they follow me; and I give them eternal life, they shall never perish. What an amazing statement that is: the sheep of Jesus can follow him into everlasting life – they can live forever in a home prepared just for them. The first reading today tells us that it is obviously not only the Jewish people who were and still are eligible to be among his sheep (even though many of them did and still do continue to listen to the voice of other shepherds), but it is also everyone else, the Gentiles, who are now eligible for the full benefits of the redemption of Christ. The faith began to spread and be persecuted because of the preaching of St. Stephen, and because of this dynamic many of the Gentiles came to believe: if something was worth fighting and dying for as much as this group of Christ-followers, there must be something to it. And many Greek-speaking people were added to the community of believers; Saul of Tarsus being one of them. (Saul of course would become the great St. Paul, Apostle to the Gentiles). When Saul met with a group of disciples for about a year, in Antioch, the group was the first to be called "Christians." This group, including us, is still called Christians! For us today it is important to remember that Jesus' sheep hear his voice and they follow him. If we truly are his sheep, we will know as much as we can about him, and do as much of what he recommended as we can possibly do – and thus be in step right behind him, as he leads us all safely home to the shores of restful waters in the greats meadows and pastures of eternity! My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Homily – May 4, 2009 – Fourth Week of Easter - Monday
Today's readings are particularly striking, each in their own right. The first reading shows how redemption begins to be extended to the Gentiles with the concurrence and affirmation of St. Peter, the first Pope. This occurred, however, not without Peter's initial objection. Preaching to the Gentiles was one thing that Peter went along with, but having them as "confirmed" members of the faith was another. But with the occurrence of this three-times-repeated vision and revelation from God, Peter began to change his mind, and when he saw the same Spirit descend upon the Gentiles that descended upon himself and the other three thousand on that day he stopped objecting and glorified God saying: who am I to be able to hinder God in doing what he wants to do: God has then granted life-giving repentance to the Gentiles too. This is pretty astounding news! Salvation was always thought of to be solely for God's special family – the people of Israel. But now God is saying that, actually, salvation for all is what he had in mind all along: it was not God who changed his mind. The sin of Adam touched all men; Jesus gave his life for the sins of all: including Gentiles! The gospel passage continues the wonderful good shepherd theme of this time of the year. Jesus calls himself the sheep gate – the door through which the sheep come and go to find pasture. He calls each sheep by his own name, sheep of his Jewish family, and all others races – and invites them to follow him to safety, refreshment, food and everlasting life. Jesus is not like the hired shepherd who is interested only in money, and does not know the names of the sheep, does not care for them, and will simply abandon them when difficulties with the sheep arise. What is amazing here is that God's true sheep (his baptized members) know his voice from the day of their baptisms and confirmations; they sense they ought to follow this true shepherd, and not follow a stranger posing as a shepherd. They certainly can tell the difference between the two. May we this day spend some time reveling in the fact that Jesus is our One, True, Loving and Noble shepherd who will provide exactly what we need when we need it – for our own salvation – and for the good of all other – especially those we will come into contact with today! I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly! Thank you Jesus for doing this. I will live today to show you did not do this in vain!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Homily – May 3, 2009 – Fourth Sunday of Easter – Good Shepherd Sunday
Have you ever wondered what it meant for "the shepherd to lay down his life for his sheep?" Why would he do that? They are only sheep? I heard it once said that, especially back in those very olden days, sheep were everything to a family of sheep-farmers. They meant survival for them. It was not unheard of, then, for a shepherd, while defending the flock from attack by wild animals – to end up dead himself – for the good of the rest of the family. The gospel passage tells us today that the hireling – a non-family member – who was simply into shepherding for the money was not about to sacrifice himself for any sheep. There was not family oriented responsibility in it for him. He simply ran away and left the sheep to the wolves. Jesus uses this powerful imagery of sheep farming not to illustrate how much we are like real sheep: dirty, smelly, unruly, always getting lost and being basically unintelligent – but rather to tell us about himself as SHEPERD of us his beloved flock of BEAUTIFUL BROTHERS AND SISTERS – whom he wants very much to be able to have all the benefits that were lost for us by our first parents in the Garden of Eden. He wants to forgive our sins; he wants to nourish us with his own self, spiritually; he wants to lead us by safe paths to the shores of everlasting life. He calls us each by name – and he would love it if we would follow after him! Then he tells us that the manner in which this would be brought about would be for him to voluntarily lay down his life – at the moment planned from all eternity – and die on the Cross of Calvary; and then three days later voluntarily to take it back up again, in a newer fuller format: all of this in obedience to God the Father who was in charge of the whole thing, and still is in charge of everything. What the Father and Jesus planned as well was that, with the Holy Spirit, they would empower men and women and even children to carry to others the Good News about all of these things that had happened; and that everyone was invited to join the new people of God called the Church. In this Church, all new members are called to carry the message to other possible new members. But the coordinators, preservers and ministers of the very special gift of the Sacramental System of the Church (his chosen method of dispensing grace and peace and strength), along with the official teachings of Jesus - would go to St. Peter, his fellow Apostle friends, and their successors and helpers throughout the ages, in an unbroken line of transmission – until as Jesus said: he comes again! Today I celebrate the day on which, 34 years ago, I became one of those coordinators, preservers, administrators (of the second order) of the Sacramental System of the Catholic Church – I was ordained a priest at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Richmond, VA.* At that moment I became joined to Christ the Head of the Body; Christ the Vine which has branches; Christ the Shepherd who has sheep (faithfilled people of the Church) to take care of; Christ the Teacher who has much to share with those who want to know; and Christ the Priest – who prooves his friendship by becoming a piece of bread and then by dying on the Cross – and then made it so that I would have the supreme privilege of making that ordinary bread really him, by my (which are his) words as a priest, and the working of the Holy Spirit. Being a priest is an extraordinary thing – and I am humbled beyond belief every morning when I open my eyes to face another day in the pasture, in the vineyard, in the "classroom," at the altar! Pray, my dear branches, my dear sheep, my dear students and my dear fellow priestly-people of God for me and for vocations to the priesthood! God will never leave his flock untended – but he wants us to pray like it just might be! Of course, vocation to the priesthood is only one way in which God calls his children to spend their lives for others. Marriage (between one man and one woman) and ensuing family life together is another. Sacramentally it is extremely beautiful in the way that marriage is a reflection of God's own love for all of his people. The way husband and wife and children all give to one another, and to the world-at-large, is the way the family of God the Father is meant to interact with one another – and the way we will interact one day, when we go to our Father's house in heaven to live forever. The celibate, consecrated, religious life is also a very special way to spend one's days! It is said that experiencing the celibate life of a religious brother or sister or priest – if it is done according to the intent of the founder of the order – is like being in heaven already. The only thing is that you are still alive here on earth and do not yet have those seven attributes of the risen body that we talked about a couple of weeks ago. The celibate non-consecrated person – those who simply live life in the single state – of any age – are also invited by God to live life fully in a relationship of Divine Friendship with him first, and loving service to others as proof of their love for him, secondly. Do all you do – in work and play for God and for your brothers and sisters in the human family – and you will be very happy! Everyone is called by name to do something for someone else; everyone is called to give their all doing it; everyone is called to be JUST LIKE JESUS! I am the good shepherd, says the Lord; I know my sheep, and mine know me! I have laid down my life for them! and now I live again – to be with them always to help them give themselves for one another!
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Homily – May 2, 2009 – St. Athanasius
St. Athanasius, the great champion of the Faith was born at Alexandria, Egypt, around 296, of Christian parents. Educated under the eye of Alexander, later Bishop of his native city, he made great progress in learning and virtue. In 315 Athanasius went to the desert to spend some time in retreat with (St) Anthony (of the Desert). In 319 Athanasius became a deacon, and began at that point to take an active part against the rising heresy of Arius, an ambitious priest of the Alexandrian Church who denied the Divinity of Christ. This was to be the life struggle of St. Athanasius. In 325 he assisted his Bishop at the Council of Nicea, where his influence began to be felt. Five months later Alexander died. On his deathbed he recommended St. Athanasius as his successor. And so it came to be that Athanasius was unanimously elected Patriarch in 326. His refusal to tolerate the Arian heresy was the cause of many trials and persecutions. He spent seventeen of forty-six years of his episcopate in exile. After a life of virtue and suffering, this intrepid champion of the Catholic Faith, the greatest man of his time, died in peace on May 2, 373. St. Athanasius was a Bishop and one of the very first Doctors of the Church. Our first reading today no doubt was read often by St. Athanasius and understood: he who is begotten of God (Baptized) conquers the world: if he follows the commandments of God love, if he believes that Jesus is the Son of God. Athanasius did these things. He fiercely defended the fact that Jesus was truly the Divine Son of God, as well as being the human Son of Man (Adam). The gospel passage certainly applies to Athanasius: you will be hated by all because of my name, but hold out til the end and you will be saved. He held out and he was saved. In our world today there is so very much that is not of God – and it is up to us for our own sakes to not let this spirit of the world infect us like a virus; it is up to us to become inoculated against certain spiritual death, with the soothing balm of the grace of the Holy Spirit – who will be our ally and our strength in defending the Church – not only for the good of the Church – but for the good of the whole world. We, the Church, with Christ are the one true Light of the World – if this light ever dims significantly, the world will be left to a darkness that it has not known for a very long time! With the fire of God's spirit may our light shine for us, for those we will meet today and for everyone, everywhere. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Homily – May 1, 2009 – St. Joseph the Worker
Today we celebrate one of the two feasts in honor of St. Joseph in the church calendar. His official feast day is March 19; May 1 is the celebration of him as patron saint of the universal church, social justice and of honest, faithful and dedicated work doing God's will as husband to Mary, foster father of Jesus and carpenter – in order to provide for his family. Everything we know about Joseph comes from Scripture. He was not rich; but despite his humble work as a carpenter he came from royal lineage, a descendant of King David himself. Joseph was compassionate and a caring man – always ready to protect those he loved from outside harm and disgrace: Mary and Jesus. Joseph was a man of faith, obedient to whatever God asked of him without question, and without knowing the outcome. He took Mary as his wife under unusual circumstances; he took his new family and fled to Egypt at the bidding of an angel, without knowing why or asking questions. We know that Joseph loved Jesus – he regarded him, cared for him and respected him as his own son – as any good foster-father would. Joseph probably died before Jesus' public ministry – in the company of Jesus and Mary – and is therefore known as the patron of a happy death! Joseph is patron of the universal Church because the Church is the Body of Christ, the Christ who is his foster Son – and as he was protector and provider and compassionate advocate for the Holy Family – it is only right that he be considered protector, provider and compassionate advocate for the Holy Church! He is often times the forgotten member of the Holy Family; but thanks to feasts like this one today we are reminded of his position, his power, his presence and his desire to befriend all who would come to him! The first reading today reflects the spirit of St. Joseph: whatever you do, do it for the love of God. Joseph did everything he did because he loved God first; and those God put with him in life, second, to prove that love. May we do the same today! The gospel passage tells us that being a member of the Church would not be any easier for us than it was for Jesus who was not accepted in his own hometown. There is something about Truth and Light that many people are afraid of, for a variety of reasons. But with St. Joseph as our protector and intercessor we can continue the work that God has in mind for us to do to share his Friendship with others, to further the growth of his Kingdom and to prepare the world for the transition to eternal life. St. Joseph the Worker, our protector, our advocate and our Friend, pray for us! Lord, give success to the work of our hands!
Original Documents, Treatises, etc. Reflecting an Ongoing Development of Thought and Inspiration...
- REFRESHER: The Proper Manner of Receiving Holy Communion in the Hand
- "The Tale of White Socks" - A Theological Cat - (print on two sides)
- In Defense of Marriage as God Gave It; and the Welcome Place of Gay Persons in the Catholic Church
- SPIRITUAL WARFARE PRAYERS - An absolute essential Series of Prayers for Every Christian Person
- On Life Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness
- By their Fruit They Shall be Known...
- ON THE FINAL BATTLE
- FOCUS ON [DIVINE] FRIENDSHIP - a short theology of redemption!
- Modern HIPPOCRATIC OATH - FYI
- CONSCIENCE...
- On My Morning Exercises
- Trinity Cross - suitable for framing
- Father, Son, Spirit - suitable for framing
- Hell / Heaven - The Ultimate Decision - suitable for framing
- Morning Prayer for Everyone
- Sunday Homily Series
- ON APPLYING THE GRAND PARADIGM
- ON AN ECCLESIOLOGY OF FRIENDSHIP (print 2 sided)
- ON CHASTE BODIES AND PURE MINDS - FRIENDSHIP (print 2-sided)
- ON LIFE AND OUR REPONSIBILITY TO PROTECT AND DEFEND IT (print 2-sided)
- A LARGE BOOK - (scale to "booklet" format to print - or use two-sided printing option)
- The Third Cross - Order of Spouses
- Faith-Reason / Religion-Politics / The Media
- Our Life - Now and Forever
- On Christ Mass
- On God's Name And Our Participation in It
- On the Revival of the Tridentine Mass
- On the Subject of Women Priests
- On the Fullness of Time
- Everyone is Called to Holiness
- On The Beginning of Love
- The Third Cross - Vocation to the Catholic Priesthood
