Sunday, June 28, 2015

June 28 - Homily for Today

Our readings today are about the matter of life and deathThe first reading tells us how death entered into the world of life that God had made. He made in this world, man, to be imperishable (unable to die): the image of his very own nature. But by the envy of the devil (an angelic spiritual creation who had already failed a test given by God) – by his jealousy of God – death entered the world as the fitting punishment for those who wantonly disobey God (as he himself, the devil had done).

The object of this story then is to stay on the side of God’s good graces, on the side of right living, on the side of opposing temptation when it comes at us, and it will come at us! We do this by freely entering into a community of life – among all of our brothers and sisters who are now a part of his family – and even with those who are not yet members – to whom we constantly demonstrate our faith by actions of love (so to make membership attractive and desirable): we demonstrate our wiliness to help, by helping (not making ourselves poor) but by giving from a true abundance that we might have, so that the idea of “more and less” is foreign to us as Christians; the idea of having what we need, and helping others who have need currently is what life in communion / the Church is all about! There are a thousand ways in which we can help, beginning with prayer for others, but then our prayer must always be followed by some kind of tangible kindness towards them.

Jesus in the gospel passage went to help Jarius’ daughter because he had something that he could do for her – and he did it: Jesus had/has power over life and death, and so by simply calling her name and telling the little girl to get up: she did! And she began to walk around. When we help others because Christ Jesus has mandated us to do it, and out of love for him, some pretty amazing things can happen too. For in a sense we too have power (Jesus’ power in us) to encourage people to live healthier and happier lives, spiritual lives; we too have power (Jesus’ power in us) to heal those who have been wounded by the unkind mentally and spiritually and even physically aggressive blows, remarks and experiences that this cruel world can dole out – by simply listening, and encouraging them to believe that the Power of the Cross is also the Power of the Resurrection: and that it is for them, and that things can truly get better – with a little work, and a lot of being willing to have stronger faith in God!

Let us not fail in our Christian duty to be heralds of life, not death; and shiners of the light of Christ into all the dark corners of the world – so that the truth  can be known everywhere ,and the freedom of the children of God can become a reality for all!


We will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued us!

Thursday, June 25, 2015

June 25 - Homily for Today

Using God’s name to do what we want to will find us in trouble with him, unless what we want to do is what God would have us do. At the Last Judgment – which could happen at any time, we must always remember – it is not those who cry out: LORD LORD, save me, I did such and such, even a good such and such, using your name! who will be saved – but only those who can honestly add to it: that which I sincerely believed was YOUR WILL and NOT MINE in every instance! This is the one who will be saved.

So, it is our motivation that is very important: are we motivated in our actions by plugging ourselves into God’s loving design, and carrying out the part assigned us by God in the compilation of a magnificent piece of artwork – or are we into plugging ourselves, our short-sighted, self-seeking interests that will lead to making an unsightly blotch on the Royal Tapestry!

Abram of the first reading got impatient waiting for God to act in giving him a son as he promised, and so he took matters into his own hands – and Ishmael was the result. Ishmael and his descendants always seem to be at odds with the true son of Abraham, Isaac who would be born shortly thereafter. Not that Ishmael is a blotch on the canvas, but things might have been different if Abram was not so impatient!

May we patiently wait for God to lead us, by means of the Holy Spirit, the gift of our Confirmation, through the day and so that our words and actions are actually his, and are seen as generous and extravagant brush strokes of the Great Artisan Himself: God our Heavenly Father!


Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

June 24 - Homily for Today

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Birth of St. John the Baptist. John, of course, was a cousin of Jesus, the son of Zechariah, a priest of the temple in Jerusalem whose task it was to burn incense; and of Elizabeth, a cousin of the Blessed Virgin Mary. As we see in the gospel passage Zechariah’s tongue was released from silence only after the birth of his son, whom he communicated would be named John – because he doubted the angel’s word that his wife would bear a son in her old age, and that the child would be filled with the Holy Spirit from the moment of his birth.

John was the greatest of all the Old Testament Prophets because he was the last one of them: who literally had the exalted privilege and honor of literally pointing to Jesus, as he walked along the banks of the Jordan when he began his public life, and saying: Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world! Behold the Lamb of God, indeed – these very words are now restored to the celebration of Mass as the priest holds the Body of Christ before you to look at to see just before receiving him in Holy Communion.

And so John’s main job in the history of salvation was not just to point: but to prepare for the one who would be pointed to: to prepare the way of the Lord – by preaching a message of repentance for sin: only when the heart is clean can a person be open enough to receive all the God has to offer through his beloved Son – for salvation! John converted many to this stage of salvation, and then later encouraged them to follow the Lamb, Jesus, who is the true Messiah – the one they had been waiting for these many centuries – who would take them the rest of the way!

When Jesus finally did come on the scene he came to John at the Jordan to give credence to what John was doing, but also to be baptized himself, but not for himself (as he had no sin), but rather for us – to show us that one day baptism and confirmation would be needed by his disciples to bring them into his new and mystical body of His – the Church!

Later, John was imprisoned by King Herod because he told him that it was unlawful for him to marry his sister in law, Herodias. Herod knew that John was right, but when the opportunity presented itself the Baptist literally lost his head so that the King could save face at a dinner party in front of his guests. It was only fitting though – that the very last Old Testament Prophet would give his life as a martyr for Christ – whom he knew to be the Way, the Truth and the Life eternal that he and everyone else was seeking for!

May we each do our all for the Lord every day, even preparing the way for his coming into hearts who do not yet know him, or who may have forgotten about him, or who just seem lost! Jesus came to save the lost! Jesus came to save us all!


Amen!

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

June 23 - Homily for Today

What separates us from the dogs and the cats and any other animal is the human ability to anticipate our words and deeds by reasoned analysis, however brief. Man does not live by unbridled reflex instinct like the dogs, cats and other animals of the earth.

And so Jesus today gives the perfect concept which will aid in all our reasoned responses to what life sends us: “Say and do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the Law and the Prophets!” This means that we must always pause before any word or deed and if only for the briefest second place ourselves a brief moment after the execution of what would come forth from us – are we satisfied and pleased with how we feel at that time; but more than that: is God satisfied and pleased with us at our words or actions (do they image those of his Son, our Brother Jesus.)?

This slowing ourselves down momentarily to contemplate with faith and reason our measured response is the meaning of entering through the narrow gate of the gospel passage. The road that leads to destruction is wide and clear, those who speak and act first and think perhaps later on use this one freely. As we see in the news now this is becoming a kind of epidemic in our country: more and more seem to be speaking without charity and with no substance, and acting with no true compassion and charity.

Abram and Lot of the first reading were called by Lot to regard each other, and speak kindly and do just and charitable things for one another because they were brothers! We who are baptized are all brothers and sisters in the same family and ought to treat one another, the same, as we would want to be treated, in each and every circumstance and situation.

We are more than dogs, cats, birds, and fish – we are children of God!

Monday, June 22, 2015

June 22 - Homily for Today

In this gospel passage Jesus encourages useful fraternal correction by those who also see the need of correction in their own lives. No one is above the need for evaluation of motive and action; no one is exempt from judgment from God. It is when we, as creatures of God, try to “play God” in being judgers of others that we overstep our bounds.  And of course we must always remember God does not look at the surface of things, but he looks into the heart: what might appear out of line from our perspective might not be out of line by God’s. This does not mean that we refrain from truly helping one another when we see our brothers and sisters dangerously going astray: Jesus came for the lost and wandering sheep! We must help him bring back the wayward – by hook or by crook – but always in a charitable way. Charity and justice go hand in hand! A whole new world of responsibility opens up when these two are joined together in the mind and heart of the believer in Jesus.

In the first reading from the Book of Genesis we now begin our trek through the Old Testament yet another time. Abram and his wife Sarai are sent out on a whole new adventure in their lives – at age 75: God can use anyone he chooses to do his work, at any age, in any place! If Abram did not go, then there would be no Old or New Testaments; no promise or fulfillment; no Jesus or Church! But he did go, and he did cooperate fully with God’s plan for his life: and he became the Father in Faith of many nations – as many as who would want to be. May we count ourselves solidly among them this day!


The word of God is living and effective, able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart!

Sunday, June 21, 2015

June 21 - Homily for Today

We have timely readings as we continue to ponder the notion of religious freedom in our country on any given day.  Because the Church exists in the world, there will always be cause potentially for tension and discord (for rough waters, strong winds and storms in the sea of life): for the Church exists primarily in the supernatural realm (where it conducts its business of saving souls), and the world exists primarily in the natural order to provide for the smooth interrelation of persons who have intents and purposes and freedoms that need coordinating, protecting and preserving. Reconciling and correlating the operations of these two in people who are citizens of both realms can be a very complex matter!

However, every man, woman and child,  no matter what his/her “religious” moorings may be, has a HOPE that some way, somehow the winds, the waves and the storms, the controversies, the discussions and politicizing will be conducted for the true good of the persons who live in both a supernatural and natural world at the same time! The only way to foster and promote this HOPE is by both the Church and the State conceding first that their members and constituents do in fact live in such a dualistic mode – even those who profess no religious beliefs at all, are still people who hope and yearn for what is just, peaceful and harmonious – and their perspective and rights need to be protected as well, temporary or permanent as they might be.

Once this concession is made, then the understanding that all freedom, including religious freedom - being SUPERNATURAL IN ORIGIN (because at one point way back there was only God), and rooted in DIVINE LAW – is meant for everyone: and it will boil down to the freedom to serve others in love, a love that is based on a particular religious framework and setting or not! When government interferes directly or indirectly with the process, then everyone loses and those who try to love as Christ taught them in real time, in real life situations across the board in living out their own vocations to be new creations in Christ – are cheated out of their divine and civil lawful rights and protections.

In our first reading today God himself takes Job aside as he was in the midst of a violent storm that God allowed him to be in to test his faith – and while Job was trying to assert his rights with God – God tells Job that he has it all wrong: God  says: I AM THE ALL POWERFUL GOD! I made the wind and the sea and the waves, I can make storms if I want to, I can test anyone that I want, and then I can turn everything peaceful again in the twinkling of an eye! Do you have any power whatsoever to tell me what I should or should not be doing in your regard? Job then shamefacedly realizes that it is a privilege not a right to be under God’s special care, and that when trials come – IF WE PERSIST IN OUR FAITH – then the storms will cease to the extent that we surrender completely and trust in the wind/wave/storm maker! It is out of love that God tests the faithful! He is testing the Church in our country at this time! Let us not fail the test! Let us pursue our status as privileged children of God whom he will protect to the end, especially as we strive to ensure universally applicable, God-given, civil rights, as they properly relate to government and the common good!

In any society on earth – freedom of conscience, freedom to worship, and freedom to express worship in multitudinous acts of charity and love and human helpfulness - are GOD GIVEN: and it is always appropriate to stand up to defend them from those who might misunderstand them completely and wish to dismantle them piece by piece, for the seeming best of intentions!


Give thanks to the Lord, for his love is everlasting!

Friday, June 19, 2015

June 19 - Homily for Today

In the first reading today St. Paul  is trying to convince the Corinthians that he is very much a man full of weakness, suffering trials and distress and in need of God’s strength and mercy as they are as well! In fact he boasts quite freely of his challenging experiences – not for pity’s sake – but simply for comparison’s sake, and to teach that when one boasts and glories in weakness, it is then that the power of Christ can come and transform what is merely human into something that is quite divine! It was true of Paul, it was true of the Corinthians and it can be true of us, if we actually try it!

In the gospel passage Jesus presents for us the object of our focus, that which we must keep our eyes fixed on during all experiences of trial and difficulty: and that is the beatific vision of God in heaven which awaits all who believe in his Son and live like they believe in him: where this treasure is (i.e. heaven) there hearts must be – and thus we will have a sure compass and guiding star to guide us through life’s rough waters!

If we do not keep our eyes focused on heaven, then their God enkindled brightness and light will be dimmed, and the corruption of the world will darken them into useless body parts that have lost their ability to function at all – and what a tragedy this would be!


Let our faces then, and our eyes, be radiant with joy, O Lord – as you deliver us from all our distress, all of our weaknesses, all of our trials! Amen! 

Thursday, June 18, 2015

June 18 - Homily for Today

The perfect prayer that Jesus teaches us says it all: God is not only a neutral almighty creator figure, but he is also Father, and not only a Father, but our Father; his Kingdom and will are supreme and loving; and his Will will be done by us. For in a sense, he is finished “doing things” – he now only supports and sustains what is already here and now. Now it is up to us to carry out his will, to populate and build his kingdom with children of his, who consider themselves part of one big family.

St. Matthew’s version of the presentation of the Lord’s Prayer ends with the emphasis on forgiveness: if we don’t truly forgive our brothers and sisters from the heart, then we do not live in the heart of God, and our prayers will simply not be heard – and our whole salvation will be in jeopardy.

And the fact that God already knows what we need before we even pray is very reassuring, and therefore we don’t have to babble on like the pagans: he knows the simple desire of our hearts – even if we can’t put things into words – and these he will definitely take to himself and answer.

May we enjoy our status as children of God the Father today, brothers and sisters to one another, and instruments of reconciliation and peace in imitation of our elder brother Jesus for the salvation of the world, the building of the kingdom and our own future place in it.

You have received a spirit of adoption as sons through which we cry: “Abba! Father!”

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

June 17 - Homily for Today

There appears to be a contradiction in the first and second readings today, at first sight; but on closer examination this is not so. The gospel passage (which is also the one used on Ash Wednesday) tells of doing righteous, helpful, useful deeds for others secretly and not for show (this should be the foundation of our Lenten sacrifices and the like). Whether it is giving alms, praying, or fasting for the good of others – we ought to do so in an inconspicuous manner: and make them acts that only God can see – the God who sees and rewards in quiet and secret.

But then in the first reading it seems like Paul is telling the Corinthians to sow bountifully and visibly, doing all kinds of things for people so that a rich, abundant and visible harvest may result. There is really no contradiction here: the result of generosity in this case is not directed at the one doing the works, but at the receiver – the poor ones who need our help.

The lesson common to both readings is that our personal motives must remain private, but the works themselves can and often times must be made public – and even with our involvement in them known. But, we do not have to take any credit for doing great things: all the credit and glory should go to God: who inspires the projects in the first place, and carries them through by means of his Spirit. We are only impartial servants!

Our Father in heaven will reward us if we try to strike the proper balance between doing great things for others; and doing them for ourselves using others!


Blessed is the man, the woman, who fears the Lord.

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

June 16 - Homily for Today

Jesus’ command to be perfect, is just the perfect thing that we need to hear. It is part of the power of Jesus speaking – Jesus who is God’s very speech-in-the-flesh – that his words are effective: that is they not only suggest, request and even command tasks to be performed – some of which can seem daunting – but because they are spoken by him, they carry with them the internal spiritual power to perform what they command.

And so today Jesus’ command to be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect is just perfect: for by it Jesus is telling us that it is not as impossible as we might imagine to act as God’s real children, but that it is, in fact, quite possible, quite doable – even in the most extreme of cases of “loving one’s enemies.”

In the days of the Roman Empire – and in imperial and intimidating regimes throughout history – and even on a personal level – between family members and friends – loving those who directly oppose us and our ideology and values has been simply out of the question. It would seem that there would be no reason to do such a thing.

But, as our gospel tells us today, if we don’t do this: love everyone everywhere because God loves and sustains them: then in a sense we become the enemy and we are no better off than they are. If sinners and enemies are kind and compassionate to one another – a band of thieves – then, ought not we do the same: but empowered by the Holy Spirit who soothes the rough edges and fills both sides with peace and joy!


May Jesus be our model today and the empowerment for our transformed behavior towards those we might not like, nor get along with – for he came and reconciled us with God when we were far from being friends, and yes, even enemies.

Going out into the world as a potential friend, will get us much farther than as being a potential adversary and enemy!


I give you a new commandment: love one another as I have loved you.

Monday, June 15, 2015

June 15 - Homily for Today

Today’s gospel tells us of an almost impossible task: to offer no resistance to one who is evil. It seems to be a part of human nature to want to “strike back” to “defend one’s self” to “retaliate in kind.” Yes, it seems to be a part of nature, alright – but we must add here: it is part of fallen human nature. It is the way of sinful Adam and Eve and their children beginning with Cain and Abel to want to strike back and retaliate in kind or even worse.

But for us who are baptized into the newness of life brought on by the transforming Resurrection of Christ: this is not our “natural” way any longer; for now our natural is “supernatural” – we see and can react now in its light and power and therefore there is no excuse for us to be violent people in any way shape or form any longer.

But, since our bodies and minds however still are affected by the world in which they find themselves living, the only way for us to counteract the base natural instinct to fight back, is to discipline ourselves with a daily bath and soak in the spiritual pool of the Beatitudes and the Ten Commandments. Just a simple, shot period of reflection on these landmark collections of attitude forming sayings can remind us that we are children of God, rather than children of the Devil, and that we claim the Cross of Christ and its transforming power as our own source of strength and hope.

Just as St. Paul urged the Corinthians not to receive the grace of God in vain – telling them that they, like he, could rise above any distressing situation they found themselves in (by the transforming grace of God) – so could they – and so can we – all it takes is focus, prayer and petition – and confidence that we will be heard. Give us what we need today Lord Jesus to react and respond as you did to what life throws at us, having your priorities, focusing on your Father in heaven, who is also ours, who was the source of all of your right thinking and behaving and can likewise be ours!


A lamp to my feet is your word, Lord God, a light to my path.

Friday, June 12, 2015

June 12 - Homily for Today

The visual image we have of today’s Solemnity is the Sacred Heart of Jesus the Christ. The caption of the photo placed on the altar today reads: “As God Becomes the Flesh, So too the Flesh shall become God.” This says it all: Jesus, the reality of God who took on human flesh is everything there is to know about God the Father: for he is the exact re-presentation of the Father; the purpose of his coming to earth was to ensure that we, as fallen human beings, could once again become God – which was in the plan all along, from the time of Adam – though this time from God’s gift, rather than from man’s grasping at becoming God.

GOD IS LOVE; therefore, God is nothing but a giant Heart, full of love, full of gentleness, patience, kindness, compassion, mercy and truth; Jesus re-presents that Heart: and above that, His own human heart exists entirely for us. The Word of God did not need a body, he did not need a human heart; but He chose to take them on so that we could be forgiven of sin, so we could be healed of our defections. This is the totally selfless meek Heart we honor, adore and worship today in this feast.

This is the Heart that lived a solitary life for 30 years; this is the Heart that was excited about proclaiming a Kingdom of justice, love and peace for all humanity; this was a Heart that was moved to pity for so many, and who performed miracle after miracle to show His own personal care for people; this was the Heart that resolutely made its way to Calvary; this is the Heart that transsubstantiated bread and wine into his very self (including his heart) as a memorial of his Passion that would soon follow; this was the Heart that was pierced with a lance, at the site of crucifixion, allowing the last vestiges of blood and then water to flow from His Divine Heart; this is the Heart that was glorified and became the glowing image of peace and forgiveness for everyone, everywhere from that moment on; this is the Heart we celebrate today; this is the Heart that we love today; this is the Heart extraordinaire that we are called upon to go to, to hide in, be refreshed by and then moved by to reenter our lives calmed, joyful and eager to spread such a marvelous and wonderful love to all we meet, after having experienced it first ourselves!

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, “burning furnace of charity” – fire us up to imitate your self-sacrificial loving nature, this day and every day – and have mercy on us always!


Thursday, June 11, 2015

June 11 - Homily for Today

St. Barnabas was (of course) a Jewish convert, coming to the faith soon after Pentecost, taking the name Barnabas (he was born in Cyprus and given the name Joseph). Though not one of the chosen Twelve Apostles, Barnabas is mentioned frequently in the Acts of the Apostles and is included among the prophets and doctors at Antioch, and is considered an Apostle. We know him as the companion of St. Paul who introduced him to the Twelve. Like Paul, Barnabas believed in the Church’s mission to the Gentiles, and worked with him in Cyprus and Asia, but split with him over a non-theological matter. He evangelized in Cyprus with St. Mark and founded the Church in Antioch. He was martyred in 61 at Salamis; and at the time of his death he was carrying a copy of the Gospel of St. Matthew that he had copied by hand. His name, Barnabas means, son of encouragement and consolation, because he was always cheerful and had a gentle and sunny disposition!

Our first reading from the Acts of the Apostles situates Barnabas at the Church in Antioch; it also describes how during a worship service the Holy Spirit instructed the congregation to set aside for him Saul and Barnabas for the work to which they have been called. After completing the prayer and fasting, the community laid their hands on them and sent them off!

The gospel passage gives us in outline form the traveling instructions for apostles: taking nothing with you, as the laborer is worth his keep, cure the sick, raise the dead and proclaim as present in the midst of the people the very Kingdom of heaven: use the offering of peace as the litmus test for reception: if the household or town accepts your greeting of peace, stay there and encourage them with truth and the gospel; if they refuse your peace and ridicule and insult you, leave them and take God’s blessing with you: at a later time they shall be held accountable at the very throne of God himself!

Of course the object of all this evangelizing and peace making is to ensure that what the Lord had said would be true: “I am with you always, until the end of the world.” He is with us when brave disciples speak his word and do what he did! LOVE! May we be brave and courageous disciples today!


The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power. 

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

June 10 - Homily for Today

Jesus came to fulfill and not abolish any part of the one thing that was the binding force between God and his people: the Law; he came not to abolish but, if there was to be any change, it would be a change of fulfillment, of development, and greater depth of understanding the meaning.

The Church, which is Jesus, extended in space and time, carries on his same intent and purpose – to fulfill and not invent. Jesus handed on to us what he received from his Father; and so the Church has only the authority to do likewise: to hand on what has been given to it, and not invent anything new or innovative.

Those steeped in the mindset of the world – even those of our very ranks – who “demand changes, innovations and revolution” in the Church do not know what they are doing: and their demands only show their short-sightedness and their real ignorance of matters of God.

St Paul tells the Corinthians today that laws will fade in the end anyway, but that the glory of right-thinking and right-living will endure forever. No, the Corinthians did not have to reinvent the wheel to get the glory, nor do we – all we must do is obediently and humbly walk with our God and use the tools he has given us to change the world and make it an amazing place to live here – and when it is transformed into the fullness of the Kingdom one day!


Teach me your paths, my God, and guide me in your truth.

Monday, June 8, 2015

June 8 - Homily for Today

Jesus always sets the pace and shows himself the model and example for what needs to be done in life. A meaningful life, St. Paul tells us, is one patterned after that of the life-dynamic of Jesus: and that dynamic is one of suffering with and for another out of true concern and sense of brotherhood, and not for any sentimental or emotional reason.

God is a God of compassion and encouragement; he suffers with us by sending his Son in the likeness of our own human flesh. And this Son suffers for us and then offers us the encouragement of knowing that what we suffer can be transformed into something glorious sooner or later. Though we may want it sooner, sometimes it may come later: but this will be because later is best for all involved.

And so Paul asks the Corinthians to join him in suffering (united to Christ’s) so that all may share his consolations, encouragements and strength provided by faithful adherence to his friendship.

In the gospel passage Jesus teaches that his Kingdom is not an easy one to belong to because it is all apparently backwards, backwards to those with worldly vision only. If the truly noble and royal are the poor, the mourning, the meek, the hungering and thirsting, the merciful, the clean of heart, the peacemakers, the persecuted – then the world wants nothing of this: for it wants power, honor, pleasure, self-centered complacency!


Only the true Christian, and friend of Jesus, who suffers with him and for him, could understand and choose the opposite as the standard behind which it would stake its life! Let us rejoice and be glad for Christ is our strength and our hope – taste and see his goodness!

Sunday, June 7, 2015

June 7 - Homily for Today

After having celebrated the three major feasts of the Church year and the summation of it all last week with the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, today the Church  puts an exclamation point extraordinaire on the entire exposition and display of God’s amazing love for us, his people: today we celebrate his most enduring and most precious gift, that is beyond the comprehension of even the angels in heaven: we celebrate the astounding presence on earth of the very Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ: our Lord, our God, our Savior, our Brother and our Friend as our Eucharistic Food and object of adoration.

The very breaking into human history of God himself in the form of a man was spectacular enough – but the caring and loving providence that moved him to make sure that our budding spiritual lives would be fed daily with the most excellent food of all: the very Body and Blood of his Son Jesus, the Redeemer – is just plain amazing! And so not only did God come to redeem and then return to heaven, but he also came to stay until the end of time – he came to entrust his very real and substantial self, though Risen and in glorified form - to mere human beings to make present, administer and offer for adoration!

In choosing ordinary, sinful, weak human beings to be empowered to consecrate bread and wine and make it himself – Jesus does an extraordinary thing. And what we must remember is that no matter how ordinary, how sinful, or how weak of a human being any priest is, he is empowered by God to make present his Son on the face of the earth – and for this God the Father himself has the most sublime respect for him – for when He looks down and sees the priest, he sees His Son!
Now of course this puts a great burden on the priest: it is up to him to conform his life as much as possible to Christ the High Priest and Shepherd of his flock – so that his outsides match his insides. And it is up to the faithful sheep to pray for their shepherds – so that they can be true, authentic, genuine and holy manifestations of the very love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which is ontologically what a priest is! [And so it is not coincidental that the final solemnity of the Lord in this time of the year will be celebrated on Friday with the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus – it is from this source came our salvation, came the sacraments, came the Church, came the Divine Friendship that we are now privileged to be a part of].

And so to summarize this day’s celebration: it is by the saying of words, in the sacred context, with the authorization and mandate of Jesus himself that bread and wine become really and truly his very self for our spiritual nourishment; may our words of praise and thanksgiving and humble adoration fill the heavens not only this day, but every day of our lives, every day that we partake of this wondrous daily bread, this very reality of Christ our Beloved himself!


Amen! Praise God! Amen!

Friday, June 5, 2015

June 5 - Homily for Today

St Boniface was born in Devonshire, England around 637. He was educated at the Benedictine monastery at Exeter. He chose to stay in Exeter to become a priest and to join the Benedictine order as a monk. He became a missionary to Germany in 719 assisted by Sts. Albinus, Abel and Agatha. They destroyed idols and pagan temples, and then built churches on the sites. Boniface became Bishop, and then Archbishop of Mainz – reforming the churches in his sees, and building religious houses there. He founded or restored the dioceses of Bavaria, Thuringia and Franconia. He evangelized in Holland, but was opposed there by a troop of pagans and died a martyr’s death with 52 of his new flock in 754.  St. Boniface is considered the “apostle to Germany” and its primary patron!

The readings today fit the feast: Boniface, like St. Paul, enjoyed the help of God in all of his apostolic work – testifying to the great and small alike – saying nothing other than what was handed down by the Scriptures of old, and the living testament of the fulfillment of it all: JESUS CHRIST who suffered, died and rose from the dead to be a light to all the nations: Jewish and Gentile as well – Germans too!

And of course, just as Jesus was the ultimate and supreme Good Shepherd, who, as God-Man, laid down his life for his sheep: so did St. Boniface of Germany: thinking never of himself but always of the task at hand: to bring the faith to the sheep that do not yet belong to the fold – Boniface was empowered by the Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead to see his ministry through to the end that God had in mind for it!

God has a ministry in mind for each member of his flock (whether as shepherd or sheep): may we be dedicated to it, with heroic faithfulness – for with the assignment comes the power to perform it!


Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.

Thursday, June 4, 2015

June 4 - Homily for Today

In this interchange between Jesus and the scribe, Jesus is asked what the greatest commandment is. I suppose that people of all ages want to know what the bottom line “rule that must be obeyed so that I stay in God’s favor” is. This is not really a trick question because both Jesus and the scribe know what the answer is: it comes from the Jewish Scripture: Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God…with all you’ve got! And the second is like it: you shall love your neighbor as yourself.

The scribe complimented Jesus on his response, and Jesus complimented the scribe on his interior grasp of what were the most important idea and action to be treasured: loving God, and loving others as we love ourselves.

And of course the very ancient Jewish Scripture quote itself was nothing new or original: for it came from God’s indelible and internal transcribing on the heart of every person born into the world: which basically says: I am God, I created you, I love you, put me first, others second and yourself last – help one another out and everything will be fine! This is one of the ancient covenants that God instilled into the hearts of the inhabitants of the earth years ago: and it is still there now: may we help others today to know that it is there, and to perhaps lead them to the fullness of celebration of it reality and power which is found in life in the Church of Jesus: where it is all lived out to the full each and every day.


Blessed are those who fear the Lord!

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

June 3 - Homily for Today

Charles Lwanga (ca. 1860-86) and his companions are regarded as the protomartyrs (first martyrs) of black Africa. He was one of twenty-two African Catholics who were executed for their faith. Twenty-four Protestants were also martyred.

Charles was born in Buddu County, Uganda and became a catechumen after learning of Christianity from two members of the chief’s court. He served as an assistant to Joseph Mkasa, who was in charge of the king’s pages. On the night of Mikasa’s martyrdom by beheading upon the orders of the new chief, Charles requested and received Baptism. He then became head of the pages and spent much of his energy protecting them from the chief’s sexual designs upon them. He instructed the pages in the Christian faith and then, when their lives were threatened, he baptized them.

Charles and the pages were forced to confess their faith, arrested, and then taken on a brutal sixteen-mile march to a town on Lake Victoria. Three of the youths were killed on the way. Charles and six others suffered martyred by burning on the feast of the Ascension (June 3, 1886). It is said that their courage and cheerfulness in the face of death were reminiscent of the spirit of the early Christian martyrs.

These martyrs were beatified in 1920 and canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1964.

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven: may we like the Uganda martyrs, put our faith on the line, not just because it is fashionable, but because we are impelled by the love of Christ for us, who loved us first and gave his life so that we might be “freed from the hunter’s snare!”

Let us rejoice and be glad that we are counted worthy to suffer for Christ and to imitate his total trust and confidence in the Father. He was rewarded for such unconditional trust – and so will we be!


Amen!

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

June 2 - Homily for Today

Is it a coincidence or not, that our gospel passage today is about giving God what is his due FIRST, and then giving to Caesar what is his due – without fail or grumbling.

As our apostolate today begins its first full day as a business entity – we must keep this lesson firmly in mind. We are monks first – and the monastic observance and lifestyle – prayer times, moods and reflective states – are our first and top priority; then comes the business-like “apostolic work” of providing a retail setting for one who is so deserving of security in life.

If we dedicate the entire project to the glory of God – it will surely prosper, and all involved will soon learn their roles, and find their places in the establishment of the structure of business. And so, this we do, generously!

Our first business always – anyone, anywhere – is to provide joy, hope and peace in the manufacture and distribution of our product. We have a “beautiful product” which reflects the majestic joy and peaceful essence of God in himself – and we have as our goal the beautification of the world by sharing the product with all who would want to purchase it.

Lastly, we recall, that one of the beneficiaries of the whole process is a young person in need of special care and attention. And for this alone – we all sacrifice and use the God given grace that he supplies to make it all fruitful and productive.


May God bless the venture: in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit – and may it always stay on track as an APOSTOLATE OF JOY of the Joyful Servants of the Cross. Amen.

Monday, June 1, 2015

Jun 1 - Homily for Today

St. Justin, whose memorial we celebrate today, is a very important second century saint. At this time in history of the Roman Empire, and Church history, what was hoped to be an experiment gone awry had staying power: the Romans knew they had a formidable foe in the new Church of Rome, the Catholic Church in its infancy. But though an infant chronologically, the Church was a fierce opponent to the world and its ways, a fierce opponent to the ways of the Emperors who thought themselves to be gods among a great many gods in the pagan pantheon.

It was such a pagan who converted to Christianity at age 30 by reading the Scriptures and witnessing firsthand the heroism and faith of the first martyrs of the Church. These things impressed Justin of Samaria very much. Justin was born to wealthy Greek parents, was well educated and a student of many philosophies. But coming to full maturity he knew that the only true philosophy was the Christian one: he believed that the word of truth came to all people, but that it resided fully in Jesus Christ who was the very essence of the Church of Rome! And so, with his keen mind, deep faith, and oratorical skills, Justin became one of the first apologists of the faith: an explainer and defender, using words both written and spoken!

The cross of Christ – which Justin preached and taught – was a great threat to Rome – the victory of a dead man, who is still alive – was too much for them to comprehend – but this did not deter Justin from doing what he was called to do: stand up for the faith, stand up for Christ, stand up for the Church. We are called to do the same – especially with the repaganization of society that is unfolding in our world every day. We must let our lights shinethe light of faith – so that the entire world can see: and so that we all may give glory to our Father in heaven!

Time and circumstances would lead to the Roman authorities’ attempts to silence Justin – as a threat to the supremacy of the Empire – and so in 165 he was beheaded in Rome. I ask you this question: how far are we willing to go to “stand up” for our faith in the Person of Jesus Christ – God’s only Son, our Lord, our Brother and our Friend?


Justin is considered then above all a great martyr and the first great Christian philosopher.

Happy New Year 202

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