Father Bill Dinga's Blog

Background Photo for this Blog

2011-05-18T18:35:00.001-04:00

I captured this photo at the entrance of the Franciscan Monastery Chapel in Kennebunk, ME. It is a famous interpretation of St. Francis of Assisi embracing the Crucified Christ!

Truly Awesome Trinity Crib

2011-01-09T07:49:00.012-05:00

The Most Holy Trinity -Glorious Father, Son and Holy Spirit - it would seem has blessed us with an undeniable artistic image of their presence in the Christmas Crib at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, Richmond ME (part of All Saints Parish, Brunswick, ME). This spotlit, Thomas Kinkade inspired collectible figure of the crib was photographed by Fr. William Dinga, Jr. on Christmas Eve 2010. It is an example that - Spirit led - everything, every minute detail was in the right place, at the right time, at the right angle for the photograph to be taken. And what is seen gives TRUE MEANING to the obsessively overused word in our American vocabulary today: AWESOME. Only GOD and his WORKS are "AWESOME:" worthy of evoking a speechless, wondrous encounter and putting everyone in their place: God as God, and we as His humble, frail, weak, sinful, yet adoring children! For those who need some help seeing the Trinity: God the Son / Jesus is obviously the Christ Child: He is lying entirely on the right side of His Father's (God the Father) Face: Jesus' left elbow is resting on his nose; above the Father's eyebrow is a beautiful dove looking right at you - (God the Holy Spirit) of Love and Life! This is what is TRULY AWESOME - awesome indeed!

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Four related links are listed below regarding further interaction with this TRULY AWESOME photograph! God warm the heart, and bless abundantly all who pursue it meaning for them!

Until further notice...

2010-09-17T15:10:00.003-04:00

I will be posting daily homilies one at a time - with no archiving of them: as found above - this is due to a malfunction between Microsoft Word 2007 and Blogger - I hope the problem is resolved soon.

Homily – September 16, 2010 – Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian

2010-09-16T07:45:00.001-04:00

+ Today we celebrate the feast of two third century bishops and martyrs: Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian. Cornelius was reluctantly elected 21^st pope at a time when papal ascension was a quick death sentence: the Roman persecutions were still going on in full force. This was also a time of schism and apostasy. Novatian even went so far as to set himself up as anti-pope. But he called a synod of bishops to confirm himself as rightful pontiff. He had the support of St. Cyprian of Carthage. Cornelius welcomed back those who had apostasized during the persecution of Decius (without having to rebaptize them – which was another bone of contention at the time). Cornelius was finally exiled in 252 by Roman authorities to punish Christians in general who were said to have provoked the gods to send plague against Rome. He was martyred in 253. Interestingly, a document from Cornelius shows the size of the Church in Rome during his papacy: 46 priests, 7 deacons, 7 subdeacons and approximately 50,000 Christians.

St. Cyprian, who supported St. Cornelius, was born to wealthy pagan parents, taught rhetoric and literature and became an adult convert in 246. He was ordained a priest in 247 and Bishop of Carthage in 249. As a writer he was second only in importance to Tertullian as a Latin Father of the Church. He was involved in the great argument about if and how apostates were to be readmitted to the Church. He believed, as Pope Cornelius did, that they should be, but under stringent conditions – and without having to be rebaptized. During the persecutions of Valerian he was exiled in 257, brought back to Carthage and then martyred in 258. Both he and Cornelius are mentioned in the Roman Canon of the Mass.

Both Cornelius and Cyprian are examples of very close friends of Jesus – successors to the Apostles – who, knowing they were consecrated in the truth – spared no part of their lives or ministries in proclaiming and defending that truth – even to the point of giving their own lives in witness to it! And they were greatly rewarded with the martyr's crown! The first reading tells how they, like us, hold the treasures of the Gospel in earthen vessels, in human bodies which enables the surpassing power of God to shine forth from them. We thank Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian today for allowing themselves to be such vessels – and we pledge to the Lord our willingness to do the same – with his help, with his grace and with his love!

Blessed be the Father of compassion and God of all encouragement, who encourages us in our every affliction.

Homily – September 15, 2010 – Our Lady of Sorrows

2010-09-15T06:45:00.001-04:00

+ One week ago today we celebrated the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Today we celebrate a very important aspect of her life: the spiritual martyrdom that she was called to endure. Any parent knows that being an integral part of their childrens' joys and sorrows, successes and failures, triumphs and tragedies goes along with the job of being parent. But for Mary it was particularly intense because her son was also the very Son of God, he was pure goodness sent into a cold and dark world to redeem it, he was called to be love in the midst of hate.

As Simeon foretold he would be a sign of contradiction his whole life long, and Mary would, in witnessing it all, be wounded in her own heart continually. The seven chief sorrows of Mary have been recorded as: the presentation of Jesus in the Temple, the flight into Egypt, Jesus being lost in Jerusalem, the encounter with Jesus on the way to Calvary, the Crucifixion, the taking of the body down from the cross, and Jesus' burial.

Though Mary's joys were also a part of her life: the Annunciation, the Nativity of Jesus, the Adoration of the Magi, the Resurrection of Jesus, the Ascension of Jesus, the Descent of the Holy Spirit, her Coronation in heaven - they must be understood as counterparts of her sorrows.

In the end, though, they confirm the very message of redemption: that the Cross of Suffering, the Cross of Christ's Suffering, (a feast which we celebrated just yesterday) can now be transformed into a Cross of Victory and Triumph because Jesus also rose from the dead!

And so today we celebrate today Mary's sorrow, but also her triumph – and also our own participation in this dynamic. With her prayers our sadness can be turned into joy as well – we can count on it!

Blessed are you, O Virgin Mary; without dying you won the martyr's crown beneath the Cross of the Lord.

Homily – September 14, 2010 – Exaltation of the Holy Cross

2010-09-14T08:40:00.001-04:00

+ Today's feast – The Exaltation of the Holy Cross – celebrates the finding of the True Cross of Christ under a Roman landfill by the emperor Constantine's mother, Helen, and the subsequent dedication of a basilica built by Constantine on the site of the Holy Sepulcher and Calvary on September 14, 335. It is also known as "Holy Cross Day." There are other legends as to the actual reason behind the feast but this one seems most credible.

No matter the origin, the true single simple message for the feast is: salvation comes through Christ's death on the cross. Just as in the first reading Moses lifts up the bronze serpent in the desert to save the people from death, so Christ allows himself to be lifted up on the cross in order to save us and bring us to eternal life.

Last Sunday we talked about the fact that distributing mercy is what God does best. The Cross of Christ's death is meant to be for all time an unmistakable symbol of that mercy won, effected and ready for distribution. If Christ did not die on the cross then we would die in our sins and never see life forever with God. But he did die; he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness, humbling himself and becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross.

Yes, God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son – so that whoever believes in may have eternal life. May our belief in the death and resurrection of Christ be strong today: and may every day be a "Holy Cross Day" – as we ever keep before us the image of the great instrument of both death and life; defeat and triumph; darkness and light: THE EXALTED CROSS OF CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD AND KING!

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world!

Homily – September 13, 2010 – St. John Chrysostom

2010-09-13T07:37:00.002-04:00

+ St. John Chrysostom was born in 347 at Antioch. His father died when he was young. He was then raised by a very pious mother. Being well educated the boy studied rhetoric under Libanius one of the most famous orators of his day. He became a monk, a preacher and priest for a dozen years in Syria. While there he developed a stomach ailment that troubled him the rest of his life. It was for his sermons that John earned the title Chrysostom (meaning "golden-mouthed"). They were always on the point, and explained the Scriptures with clarity, and they sometimes went on for hours. He reluctantly became a bishop of Constantinople in 398, which involved him in imperial politics. He criticized the rich for not sharing their wealth, fought to reform the clergy, prevented the sale of ecclesiastical offices, called for fidelity in marriage and encouraged practices of justice and charity. He later became Archbishop and Patriarch of Constantinople. He revised the Greek Liturgy. Because his sermons advocated a change in their lives, some nobles and bishops worked to remove John from his diocese. He was twice exiled and banished to Pythius. He died on the road in 407 of natural causes. He was a Greek Father of the Church and proclaimed Doctor in 451.

As bishop and preacher, John Chrysostom championed what St. Paul was talking about in the first reading: peace-filled unity in the Holy Spirit as the goal of Christian life. There is one Body and one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. While at the same time there is a diversity of roles in building up the body of Christ: Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers all having the goal of bringing the Body of Christ to full stature one day! The gospel passage speaks of seed sowing and growth. The seed of the faith was planted in John Chrysostom and it grew magnificently because he surrendered to God's will entirely to become the episcopal plant God had in mind. John planted other seeds – and they grew because his hearers were open to something new being introduced into their lives – a new thing that would lead to their eternal salvation more surely! We thank God that John was faithful to his calling; we ask John's prayers today to keep us faithful to ours – to keep us united in faith, in the bond of peace, and producing a hundredfold of blessings for our world this day!

Here I am, Lord, I come to do your will!

Homily – September 12, 2010 – Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

2010-09-12T07:11:00.002-04:00

+ The theme of our celebration today is the extravagant mercy of God. The one thing that God likes to do most is to show us a father's love and shower us with mercy – a lot of times even before we ask for it. We can count on the fact that he understands us completely – inside and out – with our true weaknesses, limitations, and sinfulness – and that all he requires for the unleashing of oceans of mercy upon us –is a sign of willingness to admit that we are in need of it. God will not force anything upon us – not love, nor mercy, not forgiveness. But if we want it – he is right there with it.

The people of the first reading – God's own people of the Old Testament times – were so absorbed in themselves that a lot of them probably did not even know that they were sinners; others maybe knew, but at that point didn't care; others would be obstinate to the very end. Moses had his hands full just holding back the hand of God's justifiable wrath – reminding him that he is a God of mercy – and that the distribution of mercy is what he did best.

What was it that made God so angry with them as to consider even withholding mercy? The only answer I can come up with is that it was a double sin against faith and charity – as these two always go together. Those whose faith is very weak also have a great deal of difficulty "getting out of their own way." They need to hang onto something, so they hang on to their own selves and their own egos. The one motivating good in their lives is themselves. This goes against the first commandment, and is also a sin against faith; making themselves a god, they displace the real God and have faith in no one but themselves; thereby they also, steal charity – goodness and good works that others are entitled to - because they want to satisfy themselves. This sounds a great deal like the people Moses was dealing with. But even this people could erase all of that selfishness by sincerely asking God to have mercy on them and to forgive them.

St. Paul in the second reading tells us that he was a very great sinner. He was persecuting the church and trying to stamp it out at its origins. But the grace and mercy and forgiveness of Christ came upon him in a powerful way – like a great flash of light – and Paul was never the same. His life turned from one of self-service and righteousness – to one of amazing surrender to God's will and grace so that charity could prevail – the charity that is life in Christ – life in the Church.

May our faith and our charity increase this day because we consciously seek God's mercy, love and forgiveness – he is so very willing to accept our sorrow and contrition and help us transform them into a life of living for and loving others alone. We have the wherewithal – the graces, the love and even the material resources to share - so that others who are in need – no matter where they are in our lives, or in the world – will have what God wants them to have – using us and our outstanding generosity!

Homily – September 10, 2010 – Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time - Friday

2010-09-10T06:37:00.002-04:00

+ The blindness spoken of in today's gospel passage is in reference to the teachings of Jesus. Until the disciple has his eyes opened by the teachings of Jesus, then he remains blind and is in no position to be guiding others in a moral or ethical sense. The "plank" referred to in the passage is the concept that Jesus insists on of sharing possessions with others. Those who compromise in this area may see other people's errors along these lines in an exaggerated way. Remove the plank – share your possessions and your experience of being loved by God – and you will see all things clearly – and you will be able to truly and reliably help others not to fall into a pit!

The first reading today is full of Pauline imagery that is well-known and helpful to all disciples of Jesus. I preach the gospel because I am compelled to do so and woe to me if I do not preach it. Although I am a free agent, I have made myself a slave to all so as to win over as many as possible. I have become all things to all, to save at least some. Run the race in the stadium so as to win. Train yourself spiritually to win the race. And remember to stay the course or else you yourself may be disqualified at the end of the tournament – after having helped others along. These are powerful statements made by Paul. They are about true discipleship – they demonstrate the clarity of his vision of Christ and his commands – and there is evidence that there is a great love as a driving force behind it all – the love of Christ which impels him to strain on to the finish line! Paul was "once blind, but now he sees;" may any of us who are experiencing spiritual vision deficiencies find in the true, absolute and uncompromising teachings of Jesus and his Church the divine light we need to make our spiritual vision work properly.

Your word, O Lord, is truth; consecrate us in the truth.

Homily – September 9, 2010 – St. Peter Claver

2010-09-09T07:33:00.001-04:00

+ St. Peter Claver was among the first Jesuits. He was born in 1581 at Verdu, Catalonia, Spain. He was a farmer's son. He was very bright and studied at the University of Barcelona. He entered the Jesuits at age 20. Ordained a priest, he was influenced by St. Alphonsus Rodriguez, a humble Jesuit doorkeeper for forty years at the Jesuit school at Majorca, to become a missionary in America. But first he ministered physically and spiritually to slaves when they arrived in Cartegena (along the southern shore of Spain) converting a reported 300,000 of them and working for humane treatment on the plantations. Then he organized charitable societies among the Spanish in America similar to those organized in Europe by St. Vincent de Paul. Peter said of the slaves, "We must speak to them with our hands by giving, before we try to speak to them with our lips." He died September 8, 1654 at Cartegena of natural causes. In 1888 he was canonized by Pope Leo XIII.

The gospel passage today was part of St. Luke's Sermon on the Plain – as compared with St. Matthew's Sermon on the Mount. It is the summary of some of the most obvious and poignant of Jesus commands to demonstrate discipleship. Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. To the person who strikes you on one cheek, offer the other one as well, and from the person who takes your cloak, do not withhold even your tunic. Do to others as you would have them do to you. This is no doubt what inspired St. Peter Claver to minister to the slaves. This no doubt was the message that the slaves themselves needed to hear from Peter. This is also the message that we need to hear today – as sometimes it is difficult to say and do the right thing in the face of opposition – especially when the opposition are those closest to us.

If we don't do these things, however, St. Paul tells the Corinthians in the first reading, and we mistreat one another physically, mentally or spiritually then we are sinning against Christ who dwells in the ones we are hurting. Our goal is to be conscious of the fact that we all exist in God's very love, in his very heart, with his very power to do good and to love others ingrained in us by our baptisms. This ought to make loving easy – and the perfection of it a foreseeable conclusion for us.

Guide us, Lord, along the everlasting way – a way whose path-light is powered by good deeds well done out of love for God and one another – (today we remember) after the example of St. Peter Claver!

Homily – September 8, 2010 – The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

2010-09-08T06:31:00.001-04:00

+ Today's celebration of the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary is as humble and unassuming as she was. It was only after the church Council of Ephesus in 431 – when Mary was designated as true "Mother of God" that devotion to her spread far and wide in the Western Church. And among the remembrances of the life of Mary, no doubt, was the fact of her birth – though it was always quietly remembered and celebrated. It is not certain where she was born; some say Nazareth, others Jerusalem. But no matter where it was it was a special birth. She, who would give birth to the savior of the world, entered the world to prepare the first tabernacle of flesh for the living God – her womb - for the Son of God. And his greatness would reach to the ends of the earth – and he would be peace for those who wanted to participate in peace!

It was holy Joseph who would take Mary later as his wife – having found her with child of the Holy Spirit. To Joseph the angel announced that her son would be named Jesus for he would save his people from their sins: and he shall also be called Emmanuel, a name which means "God is with us."

The hallmark of Mary's life was obedience to the will of God; as was the hallmark of Joseph's. This too must be the hallmark of any who call themselves Christian – being baptized into the very life of Christ Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins.

The final stages of preparation for the arrival of such a Messiah and Redeemer began the day that Mary, daughter of Joachim and Anne, was born.

With delight we rejoice in the Lord who has been good to us – through a humble maiden of Nazareth!

Homily – September 7, 2010 – Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time - Tuesday

2010-09-07T07:23:00.001-04:00

+ The simple message from our readings today is that the ministry of Jesus and his Apostles and their descendants and helpers is one of healing and reconciliation. There was a sure and certain power coming from Jesus, as he walked the earth, that was easily recognizable, and so many came from all around to hear him, to be near him, to be healed by him. Those who were healed no doubt led a life of balance and equanimity afterwards. They knew how to deal with injustices when they came up in their own circles. They applied divine insight to legal matters – but not always. St. Paul had to remind the Corinthians to do this, as they were sometimes slow to make the connection between the gifts they had been given by God and real life.

May we make that connection today and everyday. Let us take the fruits of this Mass and apply them to the real concrete situations we find ourselves in. The Eucharist we receive will be all the encouragement and power we need – if we allow it to be so. God wants so much for us to help him transform the world into a glorious kingdom – may we let him use us today!

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

Homily – September 6, 2010 – Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time - Monday

2010-09-06T07:22:00.001-04:00

+ We can see in the gospel passage that Jesus is all for doing what is right, at the right time, no matter who is watching. He cures the man with the withered hand and deliberately cures him knowing that it would enrage the Pharisees present. The man is cured and the said Pharisees are enraged – and Jesus sighs!

In the gospel passage St. Paul does not have it so easy either: something right ought to have been done at the time that something wrong occurred, especially since the people involved were newborn Christians having the Holy Spirit freshly dispensed upon them: the case of the man who was living with his step-mother as in marriage was not handled appropriately by them. The Corinthians thought they were exercising their newfound "freedom of the children of God" by allowing this corner to be cut: but both Jews and Gentiles did not allow for such immoral concubinage. Therefore Paul has to remind them that he himself is present in spirit in their deliberations and that the man must be expelled (excommunicated) from the Christian community and delivered to Satan so his body can be purged, before the coming of the Son of Man so that perhaps his soul can be saved. (This gives rise to a kind of living purgatory that is possible for the good of the recalcitrant). Paul tells the Corinthians that their boasting was inappropriate – and that the real cause for boasting: the Holy Spirit of Truth and Right-living that is within them - should always be given priority. It is like new yeast that must leaven new dough in the new dispensation of Christ's reign – a dispensation of sincerity and truth.

May we today be such leaven wherever we go – may the reign of Christ ripple and spread forth because of the small acts of sincerity and truth that we administer today to all we meet!

Lead me in your justice, Lord.

Homily – September 5, 2010 – Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

2010-09-05T07:04:00.002-04:00

+ Among the things that we need to pray for daily is spiritual (or divine) wisdom! It is a gift of the Holy Spirit – especially intensified at our Confirmations – but it needs to be "stirred into flame again," not only at every Mass we attend, but also every day in prayer. "To see things and understand them the way God does" – holy wisdom – is indeed a very important and useful gift. (And those who do not have or use the gift properly can end up with a distorted view of everything – for example, scientists who promulgate theories of the origins of the universe devoid of the presence and activity of God).

But as in any other gift God gives us – this one too is not for our own private use or fame or glory – but is rather for the good of others – those he has placed in community life with us, in the Church to which we belong. Therefore, to pray daily for an increase and rekindling of wisdom can only be a good thing so as to give us an insightful edge on the nature of things and how to get along with one another more compassionately, lovingly and self-sacrificially.

One of the insights, however, that wisdom gives is that, even though we live in the community of the world, and of our families, and of our Church – we are responsible first of all for our own salvation: "we can save the whole world," Jesus tells us in another place, "and lose our souls." The gospel passage today relates what Jesus thinks about the whole thing: UNLESS YOU RENOUNCE ABSOLUTELY ALL POSSESSIONS (including the material, the psychological, the emotional, the intellectual, the familial – relationships with people: including your own family) YOU CANNOT BE MY TRUE DISCIPLE AND YOU WILL NOT INHERIT THE KINGDOM prepared for you!

This is very clear, and seems very cold; but actually it is far from it. It is when one really and truly jumps entirely into the pool of Christian discipleship that everything is immediately given back – only they now seem entirely different; there are no more "claw marks" of grappling on them, there is no more excessive compulsion and need to control and manipulate, there is no more selfishness and self-centeredness. The true nature of things becomes very clear! And so, what is left is the ability
to enjoy not only relationships with people, including family and parish, but also the beauty and verity of all of God's creation and everything in it, and Christian service that is made now so much easier. And here, the playing field is also leveled – we look at everyone, of every socio-economic class as our true brother and sister – as St. Paul urged Philemon to do with the slave Onesimus in the second reading today. EVERYTHING IS BRAND NEW ONCE WE SURRENDER OURSELVES COMPLETELY INTO THE HEART OF GOD!

He will accept your love and then ask you to prove it by loving the brothers and sisters that he has placed with you in this world. But that will be easy – because you will truly believe at that point that they really are indeed your brothers and sisters!

Yes, pray daily for the gift of Divine Wisdom – for it is the grace of God shining on you so that you can see everything and everyone clearly – even the laws of physics, even the law of human helpfulness!

God bless you!

Homily – September 3, 2010 – St. Gregory the Great

2010-09-03T06:47:00.001-04:00

+ One week ago today we celebrated the feast of St. Augustine of Hippo, one of the four original Western Doctors of the Catholic Church. Today we celebrate the feast of another (later this month we will celebrate the feast of yet another: St. Jerome; the feast of St. Ambrose, the last of them, of course is celebrated in December).

Gregory is only the second pope in all of church history, thus far, to be called "The Great" – Leo I was the first; but John Paul II of our own day might be the third and the latest. Gregory was the first pope to be a monk and was one of the papacy's most influential writers. His Pastoral Care, which defined the ministry of bishop as one of shepherding souls, became the textbook for bishops of centuries after.

Gregory was son of a Roman Senator, who entered the service of state as a young man – becoming prefect of Rome, but in 573 he sold his extensive properties – including his own house which he turned into a Benedictine monastery – and founded six other monasteries in Sicily. He distributed much of his wealth to the poor. The next year he entered his own monastery and was distinguished for his austere lifestyle. Although only a junior deacon he was unanimously elected to the papacy when Pope Pelagius II died in 590. He had a difficult time as pope because of the breakdown of civil order, but was committed to the spiritual and ecclesiastical concerns that were part and parcel of being pope. He continued to have great concern for the poor – and saw to it that local churches throughout the known world took on the project of seeing to the needs of the poor. He is said to have sent Augustine (not of Hippo), with forty other monks to England in 569, later making him archbishop of Canterbury.

Given his own monastic background, Gregory was a strong promoter of monasticism and of the liturgy, especially of its music. His favorite was a collection of plainsong chants that became identified with his own name: Gregorian chant. Many prayers in the Mass and in the Divine Office are attributed to Gregory. His writings were more practical than theoretical and more derivative than original. But he was such an effective synthesizer, especially of the work of Augustine of Hippo that he came to be included in 1298 with Ambrose, Augustine and Jerome among the four original Western Doctors of the Church. St. Gregory the Great died in 604, in Rome, of natural causes. Today, September 3 marks the day that he ascended the throne of St. Peter and became pope – in 590.

The gospel passage today was chosen well for the feast: "let the greatest among you be as the youngest" – St. Gregory the Great considered himself "the servant of the servants of God" (especially as he was only a young deacon when he was elected pope). Gregory knew that since Christ is truly greatest – any greatness a human being could possibly have comes from total and utter surrender to him and his desires for us. The first reading reminds us also of the humility needed to be a monk, a preacher, a Christian, a pope – we do not preach ourselves- but Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as slaves for the sake of Jesus. It is only then that our light – which is his light – can shine in the darkness – which is knowledge of the glory of God on the face of Jesus Christ.

Christ, be our light – this day – and all the days of our life!

Homily – September 2, 2010 – Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time - Thursday

2010-09-02T07:39:00.001-04:00

+ We have wonderful readings today! The first reading speaks of the one who is truly wise: the one who desires to be wise in the eyes of God rather than in the eyes of the world. Worldly wisdom usually has little to do with real wisdom – but rather craftiness and political correctness and nowadays a watered down version of truth so that it can apply to the greatest number of people, regardless of its true nature and essence. The reading reminds us that no one of us ought to boast about really wise thoughts that might be in our minds: they are gifts from God, and all we can do is thank God that we have the sense to accept the gift and have a willingness to use it!

The gospel passage demonstrates how Peter sizes himself and his wisdom up (even of his fishing business of which he considered himself somewhat of a professional) next to Jesus with his wondrous overriding miraculous powers – of knowledge of catching fish. Peter defers to Christ and realizes that anything Jesus would tell him to do would be OK by him, and that in comparison, he himself was nothing but a sinful man who didn't even belong in his company. But Jesus' response was to reassure Peter that his humble response was indeed the correct one – and that he was interested, very interested in using Peter's professional skills in "catching men" from now on! Peter thought that was a great idea, dropped everything, even the nets in his hands, and he followed Jesus!

May we this day bravely size ourselves up next to Jesus, realize our humble relationship with him, but welcome any ideas that he has in using our talents and professional skills for the good of others; and then cooperate with all our hearts in doing so. This is being truly wise, with a wisdom that will lead us into everlasting life one day – when all has been said and the work has been done!

Come after me, says the Lord; and I will make you fishers of men.

Homily – September 1, 2010 – Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time - Wednesday

2010-09-01T06:26:00.001-04:00

+ When we hear a gospel passage such as the one we just heard read it is easy for us to wish that we were there "at the time of Jesus" – to accompany him on his journeys, to observe him caring for the sick and sinful, to perhaps have him perform one of his acts of mercy and healing just for us – because we were there, when he was there!

But we must always remember – that, the way things were planned, and are working out – it is always "the time of Jesus!" Jesus is God – and God's life and love and ministrations are "eternal" – which means they are "time-less" – they are just as easily sought after and applied today as they were two-thousand years ago.

This is good news for you and for me! Jesus has therefore traveled to our town, proclaiming the gospel of the Kingdom of God! And for those who look outside themselves, who live for others, who seek and place the Kingdom above everything else – we can hear his gospel message clearly, and confidently approach him with our special requests.

We just need to always remember that it is God whom we seek, God whom we find; God who seeks us, God who finds us, and while God's ministers can plant the seeds of faith and charity in us, it is only God who can cause the spiritual growth. No man gets credit for doing that! We are all then God's co-workers, as St. Paul tells the Corinthians, God's field, God's building! God is in charge of the entire project. We can only be worthless servants – who are exalted because we stand in right relation with God – as hopeful children!

Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own! They will produce good works abundantly, by the life of God stirring within them!

Homily – August 31, 2010 – Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time - Tuesday

2010-08-31T07:39:00.001-04:00

+ What made Jesus a great prophet is that he spoke with a different kind of authority – a quiet authority, a genuine authority, an authentic authority – obviously based on something very valid, very true, and very reliable. And that, of course, was the will and words of God his Father. He was those will and words, so he, therefore, was very "believable." Jesus' power over unclean spirits was almost an afterthought – of course, the Spirit of the Living God would have power over any lesser spirits – especially, destructive ones.

But Jesus was not just a great prophet, who also did marvelous things: he was also Son of God whose act of self-sacrifice to the point of death on a Cross brought about the greatest miracle of them all: the true, authentic and genuine forgiveness of sin. For us, who have accessibility to the Sacrament of Penance, we sometimes take for granted the fact that our sins – that which really and truly chokes and even kills the Divine Life within us - can truly be forgiven by God. All God requires is that we be truly sorry for them, that we confess them to a priest of his Church, and do penance for them as assigned by him. But we ought never to take so great a blessing for granted. Without Jesus' sacrifice there would be no forgiveness, and we would have been enemies of God – forever – never having the possibility of living forever with him after our deaths.

The first reading today tells that it is the Spirit of God who not only takes our sins away in the confessional, but also gives us the very power to believe that it can be done in the first place. Our natural minds can only take us so far. They can never bring about the required forgiveness of the great Sin against God, and other lesser sins. But the supernatural power of God's own Holy Spirit can do all things related to our reconciliation both with God, with the Church and with ourselves.

May we rejoice today in the fact that the great prophet, risen in our midst, is also the great Savior and Reconciler of our souls with God.

Blessed be God forever. Amen.

Homily – August 30, 2010 – Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time - Monday

2010-08-30T07:39:00.001-04:00

+ So many times we hear this gospel passage and understand the lesson Jesus is teaching: those who are good, and speak truth are sometimes rejected by the people closest to them – but when it actually happens, it is not all that easy to experience. No one likes to be rejected or ridiculed, or taken to the top of a cliff with the intention of being thrown off. But, if one truly is doing what one has been called and empowered by God to do, then the strength will be there to do whatever that entails – until the very end.

St. Paul in the first reading today tells how he came "with fear and trembling" among the Corinthians to announce to them God's design to be active in their lives. They would recognize it as coming from God, because what they would hear would not be any worldly wisdom or clever political turns of phrases meant to bedazzle them with talk of God. But it would really be God talking to them, through the human instrument of Paul, who knew he was weak and told them so. He would tell them of Christ Crucified – not a popular approach to an intellectual group of people.

But in doing this, Paul, like Jesus, like so many anointed preachers throughout the ages since would bring glad tidings to the spiritually poor, bring freedom to spiritual captives, and recovery of sight to the spiritually blind, letting the spiritually oppressed go free. And these are the ones trapped, blinded and oppressed by the sinfulness of their lives. The Cross of Christ Crucified sets sinners free! And this is not foolishness at all!

May we today allow ourselves to be set free of any encumbrance that sin can apply to our lives – so that we can live the day with great joy – as we go about helping Jesus set as many as we can free to do the same: by our ministry of compassion and helpfulness to them – and by encouraging any and all we come upon to use the great sacramental system of the Church -which Jesus gave us to tap into his love, his mercy, his forgiveness and his peace!

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; he has sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor!

Homily – August 29, 2010 – Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

2010-08-29T07:28:00.002-04:00

+ The opening prayer for Mass today focused on God's many gifts: "every good thing comes from you, Almighty God!" Among those good things are late summer flowers, fresh farm produce, and the last days of summer vacation. Surrounded by such abundance and bounty and beauty, it is easy to trust in God's "constant care and protection" – also a phrase from that same opening prayer.

Today's readings suggest the proper attitude of those who have received so many gifts: HUMILITY! This humility has nothing to do with "groveling before the Almighty," but is instead a certain "down-to-earth-ness." The root of the words "humble" and "humility" is "humus": meaning "earth." A humble person is "earthy!" The true activity of the virtue of humility keeps us from reaching beyond ourselves, from excessive, unfounded pride; from lording it over others and thinking that rules just don't apply to us, no matter what our social or economic position might be. Humility reminds us of our oneness with the less fortunate – "the poor, the cripple, the blind, the lame" – whom Jesus commands us to invite to our tables. THE TRULY HUMBLE PERSON KNOWS THAT EVERYTHING IS GOD'S GIFT!

Of course, humility is not a highly treasured characteristic in our culture. How can we possibly "get ahead" if we don't exalt ourselves? It is only right that I should sit at the places of honor at fancy corporate banquets – I have certainly "earned" the right. Yet Jesus reminds us once again that God's standard of success is different from the world's – in fact, it is the opposite. The second reading gives us a taste, though, of the heavenly glory we stand to inherit when we are willing to set aside earthly standards and earthly fame: we will inherit "the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and countless angels [and saints] in festal gathering."

May we pray for the gift of humility daily – especially the greater among us, the ones with larger responsibilities. May we conduct our affairs with holy detachment, expansive love and "earthy" humility so that we may be able to appreciate and rejoice in the "proverbs of the wise," have the "mind of a sage" and have a place reserved for us in the new and eternal Jerusalem!

Take my yoke upon you, says the Lord, and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart!

Homily – August 27, 2010 – Sts Monica & Augustine

2010-08-27T06:36:00.001-04:00

+ As we celebrate the Feast today of two saints of the fourth century: a mother, St. Monica of Tagaste, North Africa (modern Algeria); and her son, St. Augustine, also born in Tagaste – we reflect upon the powerful impact these two had and continue to have in the history of the Catholic Church.

In his youth Augustine led a wild life. There is no other way to describe it. He lived with a Carthaginian woman from the age of 15 through 30 and was familiar with all of the distasteful and addictive habits of youth. He fathered a son whom he named Adeotadus, which means the gift of God. He was taught rhetoric at Carthage and Milan, Italy. After investigating and experimenting with several philosophies, be became a Manichean for several years; it taught of a great struggle between good and evil, saying basically that the material world was evil, and the world of the intellect and mind was good. This, of course, is not true: both are created good. This philosophy featured a lax moral code, and so a summation of his thinking at this time comes from his Confessions: "God, give me chastity and continence – but not just now."

Augustine finally broke with the Manicheans and was converted by the prayers of his mother, St. Monica; and the help of St. Ambrose, the Bishop of Milan, who baptized him. On the death of his mother he returned to Africa, sold his property, gave the proceeds to the poor and founded a monastery. Thus he became a monk, a priest, a preacher, and later the Bishop of Hippo in 369. He founded religious communities, fought the heresies of the day including: Manichaeism, Donatism, and Palagianism. He oversaw his diocese during the fall of the Roman Empire to the Vandals. Because of the insight and clarity and obvious divine origins of his writings he was declared Doctor of the Church – one of the four originating Western Doctors (who included also Ambrose, Jerome and Gregory). His later thinking can be summed up in a line from his writings: "Our hearts were made for You, O Lord, and they are restless until they rest in you." This is one of the most profound sentences in all of theology! St. Augustine died in the year 430 at Hippo.

St. Monica, the beloved mother of Augustine, who prayed thirty years for his conversion, was raised in a Christian family but given in marriage to a bad-tempered, adulterous pagan named Patricius. In addition to praying so long for Augustine, she prayed too for the conversion of her husband, who did convert on his deathbed. She died in 387. A pillar of power is the example that St. Monica gives to anyone who is intensely praying for the conversion to God of anyone for any reason! God hears each and every prayer – and sometimes it becomes a "second vocation" in life to pray for those who are "difficult cases." Monica's ceaseless prayers yielded one saint: one of the greatest in all of Church history; and no doubt a very grateful citizen of heaven, who almost missed the boat except that his good wife just would not give up on him!

Our first reading today reminds us that if we love one another, for the love of God, for his sake, then he will live in us, and we will be able to experience the reality of God as he is in himself! This is the experience that drew St. Augustine to conversion: the reality that God is so beautiful, and wonderful and marvelous and true – that he could not imagine life without a very close relationship and friendship with him. The gospel passage relates the tender story of Jesus giving back to a grieving mother a son whom he raised from the dead for her. Jesus raised St. Augustine from a kind of spiritual death – and because his mother prayed and begged for his life for a very long time – he was given back to her – so that he could do God's amazing will in his life and she could die in peace – having fulfilled his will for her.

With all my heart I seek you, Lord, let me never stray (again) from your paths!

Homily – August 26, 2010 – Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time - Thursday

2010-08-26T06:22:00.001-04:00

+ Stay awake! For you do not know when the Son of Man will come. These two phrases come from the gospel passage every year on this day, and I always get the same reaction when preparing the homily: it's
still August, barely, and already this reading makes us think of the first two Sundays of Advent which are not for another four months – when we consider the second coming of Jesus, as the first part of that season's introductory period!

But, on the other hand, it is always, a good time to hear about the second coming of Jesus – because it really could happen at any time – at all! Hopefully, each and every year, if we have tried to follow along with the spiritual growth program that the parish tries to provide, we will be that much better prepared in case it happens, today. And if we have supplemented this by our own increase of personal prayer, study, reflection and sharing of our faith with others – then we will be even more prepared.

But if we have learned the absolute necessity of translating all the prayer and reading, and worship and rosaries, and confessions and time spent in the Adoration Chapel (next door) (next to St. John's Church) – into selfless, loving service to others who are in need: a real concrete getting out of ourselves and our comfort zones and actually volunteering to help in any number of ways, in any number of venues including our own church and parish – then we will really be ready!

Happy the person the Lord finds "watching in action'- the action of helping someone else who has a true need at that particular time…he will be welcomed into the joy of the Lord forever………but the lazy ones will find out what wailing and grinding of teeth really means! It's up to us!

Make your pastor proud of you because of your faith and good works, like St. Paul was so pleased with the Corinthians at the outset of his relationship with them because of their amazing Christian faith, witness, but most of all practice!

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

Amen!

Homily – August 25, 2010 – St. Louis, King of France

2010-08-25T07:26:00.001-04:00

+ St. Louis was son of King Louis VIII and Blanche of Castile. He was king of France and Count of Artois at age eleven; his mother ruled as regent until he reached 22, and then he reigned for 44 years. Louis IX made numerous judicial and legislative reforms, promoted Christianity in France, established religious foundations, aided mendicant orders, propagated synodal decrees of the Church, built leper hospitals and collected relics. He ruled France at a time of great cultural achievement, symbolized in the building of great Gothic cathedrals, and the development of universities. He was personally a deeply religious man – becoming himself a Trinitarian tertiary. Before his reign as king, he married Marguerite of Provence at age 19, and was the father of eleven children. He supported Pope Innocent IV in war against Emperor Frederick II of Germany. He led two Crusades and died on the second one, contracting typhoid fever, on August 25, 1270 at Tunis. His relics were placed in the Cathedral of St. Denis in Paris, but destroyed during the French Revolution.

Our readings today tell of the life-dynamic of St. Louis, King of France. It was a Christian life-dynamic through and through. He lived the gospel command to love God first with all one's might, and then our neighbor as one's self.
It is in loving others, and only in loving others, providing for their needs, protecting them, caring for their wounds that we prove our love for ourselves and God. Isaiah prophesied about Jesus who would release prisoners and break every yoke, clothing the naked and being loyal to your own. Light would rise when one does these things in the name of God! The same goes for those followers of Jesus who renew their strength and produced guiding light daily by loving selflessly after his example and with the grace to do it that he gives.

St. Louis, King of France, may we imitate your life-giving Christian ways; may we tend the poor, minister to the rich and bring about the glory of the one true Kingdom that will last forever – the reign of Jesus Christ, the one eternal King!

Homily – August 24, 2010 – St. Bartholomew

2010-08-24T07:37:00.001-04:00

+ St. Bartholomew, whose feast we celebrate was either the Nathanael of the gospel passage or he wasn't; which means that either we know at least something about him; or else we know nothing at all - other than the fact that he truly was one of the Apostles of the Lord – as his name is always listed among the twelve close friends of Jesus.

If he is Nathanael then he was a close friend of St. Philip who was originally a disciple of St. John the Baptist, but later became an Apostle of the Lord at Jesus' invitation. And Nathanael is always mentioned in connection with Philip. It was Philip who brought Nathanael / Bartholomew to Jesus as we read in the gospel passage today. Jesus was impressed with Philip's find and remarked on his humility and innocence. Jesus told him that he would see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man (indicating the vision he would see when he suffered a martyr's death for him).

Bartholomew may have written a gospel, but it became lost; it is mentioned in other writings of the time. He may have preached in Asia Mino, Ethiopia, India and Armenia, leaving behind assorted writings and local tradition says it was Bartholomew.

In any event we celebrate the feast today of one of Jesus' best friends – handpicked to be the spiritual foundation of the Church of which we are members today. We too are called to be friends of Jesus, friends of one another in Christian community, and friends with all in the world who need our witness, our prayers and our gospel of hope, especially in the difficult times in which we live. May we spend the day giving ourselves for God!

Your friends make know, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom!

Homily – August 23, 2010 – St. Rose of Lima

2010-08-23T07:42:00.001-04:00

+ St. Rose of Lima is the first canonized saint of the Americas. Born in Lima, the capital of Peru, she was baptized Isabel de Flores. An Indian maid was struck by the infant's beauty and declared in a phrase that is still common in Spanish, that she was "como una rosa" ("like a rose"), and her mother agreed that this is how she was to be known. As an adolescent Rose took Catherine of Siena as her model, not only for her mystical experiences, but also for her acts of severe penance. She was so devoted to her vow of chastity that she used pepper and lye to ruin her beautiful complexion so she would not be attractive to men. She lived and meditated in a garden, raising vegetable and making embroidered items to sell to support her family and help the poor. She became a Dominican tertiary in 1606. She was a mystic, a visionary and received the invisible stigmata. She suffered from assorted physical and mental ailments. She was the founder of social work in Peru – thus, all in all making her a fitting candidate for sainthood in the Church. She died on August 24, 1617 at Lima of natural causes at age 31. She was canonized by Pope Clement X in 1671.

The readings today fit the saint. St. Rose of Lima made the Lord her entire boast. She never wanted to take credit for any of the good works that were accomplished through her. Her humility was outstanding and God visited her in person to bring her joy and consolation in her trials. Rose found in Jesus, his Church, in her ministry to the poor the treasure that is the Kingdom of God. And she willing "sold everything" she had to "buy the treasure" to "buy the pearl of great price." May we today value highly and deeply the amazing treasure we have in our restored relationship and friendship with God. The reconnected relationship that now makes our eternal salvation possible. And may we do all in our power today to preserve and protect this relationship – moving away from anything and anyone that would interfere with it.

St. Rose of Lima pray for us, as we share in your discovery of a great treasure!

Homily – August 22, 2010 – Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

2010-08-22T07:07:00.002-04:00

+ Perhaps a very valid and burning question is: considering the state of the world, considering the state of the Church, considering what justice demands: LORD, WILL ONLY A FEW BE SAVED? This is most definitely a "loaded question" and a serious one! More appropriately the question might read: LORD, WILL I BE AMONG THE ONES WHO ARE SAVED ON THAT LAST DAY?

Jesus, in the gospel passage, wisely does not answer the question directly. He does not say: YES, or NO! Because, he actually doesn't really know! Since, we each cooperate in our own salvation – the final tally is still very much up in the air. It is up to us in the final analysis to either seek "the real way, the real truth and the real life" or not! Strive to enter through the narrow gate: Jesus advises in the gospel passage -
which is only for the spiritually disciplined and strong – this includes those who have "endured trials because of their faith." Being in the right place at the right time at the end of our lives will not guarantee us entrance into the kingdom (just shouting Lord, Lord, here I am! will not be enough); but being a humble person, who tried to live the best he could, a life of prayer / action / joy for others will lead straight to the fore-gate of God's throne!

Therefore, being "strong enough" as Jesus would have it, means being willing to accept our utter weakness and total dependence on God for everything we need to live our lives. And then, to live outstanding lives in the service of God! When we acknowledge ourselves as weak, it is then that we are truly strong to do his will!

The second reading today tells us the discipline that is needed to form us in our spiritual weakness. Weak does not mean incapacitated! Weak simply means it can only be God's wisdom and will and ways that can make us truly strong enough to battle our way through this world's wiles (and there are so many of them out there beyond these walls), and strengthen our drooping hands and weak knees, guiding us along straight paths, where our disjointed feet may be healed – so that we may honor God and give him glory by the lives of holiness and helpfulness that we lead!

All nations are invited to salvation – not "just a few" – as our first reading tells us; but these same nations must present themselves before the Lord with docility, humility and openheartedness and willingness to be formed and disciplined by a loving Father – just as we must. We are all called to holiness - and when we demonstrate that we are beginning to truly be holy people, then God will be glorified as is his due, and we will be that much closer to attaining our place with him as a community of love, justice and peace residing deep inside his amazing heart!

God bless you!

Homily – August 20, 2010 – St. Bernard of Clairvaux

2010-08-20T06:31:00.001-04:00

+ St. Bernard of Clairvaux is an enormously large saint in the Catholic Church: he was one of the greatest monastic leaders and theologians in its history. He has sometimes been referred to as "the last of the Western Fathers of the Church." Born to an aristocratic family near Dijon, France, he became a monk at age twenty-two at a poverty-stricken, reformed monastery at Citeaux, located a few miles from his family's estate. It had the strictest monastic Rule of the time. He persuaded about thirty of his relatives and friends to join him there. Three years later he was made abbot of a new foundation at Clairvaux, a post he would hold for the next thirty-eight years. At first, and by his own admission, he was too strict on the monks, but later relented. The monastery prospered, establishing other foundations in France, Britain, and Ireland. By the time of his death there were some seven hundred monks at Clairvaux alone.

In spite of his commitment to a life of solitude and seclusion from the world, Bernard was extremely active in the affairs of the Church. He secured approval for the new order of Knights Templar, whose Rule he had written, dedicated to supporting the Crusades and to the care of the sick and of pilgrims. He was involved in Church politics, always defending the Holy See in Rome. He preached against heresies. He wrote classic treatises such as On Loving God. His best known work is his eighty-six sermons on the Canticle of Canticles (The Song of Songs in Scripture), which ranged from reflections on the practical life of a monk to the mystical union between Christ the bridegroom and the Church as the bride. He was also influential in promoting devotion to the humanity of Christ and to the Blessed Mother. Bernard died in 1153, was canonized in 1174 and declared a Doctor of the Church in 1839.

The readings today fit well the feast: Sirach speaks of one who is practiced in the law (of God) who will come to wisdom: which will in turn nourish him with the bread of understanding, will hold him up when his spirit is drooping, will fill him with joy and gladness, giving him an everlasting name as an inheritance. The gospel passage is from the priestly prayer of Jesus who prays for his Apostles and their helpers who would go out and down throughout the ages to make known the will and ways of God – for the sanctification of souls and the glory of the Father. When they have done this, they will share in the reward and joy that God has prepared for them as faithful servants and friends of his Son.

St. Bernard of Clairvaux, pray for us this day, that we may revel in the Lord's gift of wisdom, and labor for the good of souls – including our own – just as you did!

Remain in my love, says the Lord; whoever live in me and I in him will bear much fruit!

Homily – August 19, 2010 – St. John Eudes

2010-08-19T07:12:00.001-04:00

+ John Eudes was a farmer's son, born in 1601, who attended the Jesuit college at Caen, France at age 14. He joined the Congregation of the Oratory of France, studied at Paris and was ordained a priest in 1625. He ministered to plague victims. He was also a missionary and preacher working well over 100 missions. In 1637 he published The Life and kingdom of Jesus in Christian Souls which went into sixteen editions in his lifetime. For him Jesus is the source of all sanctity and Mary is the model of the Christian life. He also promoted devotion to the Sacred Heart and urged the establishment of a feast day – which was not approved in 1765. It was a time of weak religious practice among Catholics and of poorly educated, weakly motivated and unvirtuous diocesan clergy. He tried to establish a seminary in Caen, but was met with opposition within his own order. So he left the Oratorians and founded a society of diocesan priests, without vows, calling it the Congregation of Jesus and Mary (Eudists). These priests were dedicated to the formation of new diocesan priests in seminaries. Six seminaries were established in France for this project by 1670. He also founded a religious society of women, the Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Refuge, under the Rule of St. Augustine and dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Mary. It was intended to provide a refuge for former "women of the streets" who wished to rehabilitate and to do penance. John Eudes died at Caen on August 19, 1680, was beatified in 1909 and canonized in 1925.

With St. Paul of the first reading today, John Eudes, in humble adoration comprehended the riches of the glory and the strength that comes from the Holy Spirit alone to do God's work and will. And Jesus himself in the gospel passage tells how he reveals to simple, humble priests like John Eudes, what is truly important in life, and he provides strength for the accomplishement of the Father's will, with his own grace, for God's greater glory!

St. John Eudes pray for us!

Homily – August 18, 2010 – Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time - Wednesday

2010-08-18T06:27:00.001-04:00

+ We have two powerful and instructive readings today: the gospel passage is about God's way of thinking that does not always correspond with man's; the first reading is about God's way of thinking that does correspond with man's.

In this first reading: God himself, through the Prophet Ezekiel, relates his extreme displeasure at shepherds who are interested only in themselves and not the sheep. Woe to such shepherds of Israel who have been pasturing themselves! You have fed off their milk, worn their wool and slaughtered the fatlings, but the sheep you have not pastured. You did not strengthen the weak nor heal the sick nor bind up the injured. You did not bring back the strayed nor seek the lost, but your lorded it over them harshly and brutally. So they were scattered for the lack of a shepherd and became food for all the wild beasts. But thus says the Lord, I am coming against these shepherds. I will claim my sheep from them and put an end to their shepherding of them. And I myself will look after and tend my sheep! This I will do by sending my own Son as Chief Shepherd; and he will send his best friends to do this shepherding until the end of time. This kind of logic, reasoning and thinking of God's is easy for us to go along with! Now, it is still the task of the shepherds of the Church to be faithful to their calling and ministry: TO PUT THE FLOCK FIRST, RATHER THAN THEMSELVES! THE FLOCK AND ALL OF ITS NEEDS, ALWAYS FIRST!

The gospel passage is about God's generosity and mercy and the distribution of his graces and benefits: even to those who come by it rather late in the history of salvation! The parable, however, goes against human reasoning; and the modern American work ethic: "if I work harder and longer, then I should get more, and I should get mine first." But God, the employer, says: No! I choose to bring the last up first, and to give them the benefits of a full day's work: I choose to give them the fullness of redemption as surely as I would give it to those who for centuries have chosen my will and cooperated in their salvation! And this, thanks be to God, is how all of us receive salvation: we are the last on the scene: but we have it as good as those who were walking right along with Jesus, and listening to his words, and eating the bread that he provided! It is wonderful: God's way of thinking – it is wonderful when ours corresponds with it; and it is wonderful when it doesn't!

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want!

Homily – August 17, 2010 – Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time - Tuesday

2010-08-17T07:29:00.001-04:00

+ The message of the readings today is quite clear – those who pile up for themselves riches both in ego and in material wealth – are bound to be forgotten by God for all eternity. Those who say: Look at me! Am I not like a god! Look at all that I have produced by my wisdom and intelligence; look at all that I have traded for and procured! But the Lord says to such a man: No, you are not a god, you are a man – and you shall die an unpleasant death and not inherit the good things that I have promised my children.

And in the gospel passage, Jesus says to his disciples that it will be hard for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of heaven. In the same passage, he reminds them that when God is superior in the lives of his children – and when such children give up all that they possess to receive all and only what God wants them to have – then they will be truly rich – they will be truly blessed – they will be the last in the view of the world, who are truly first in the Kingdom of heaven.

May we today – be poor in spirit – poor in our egos, poor even in our pocketbooks – so that all that matters to us is Christ and his reign, Christ and his gifts, Christ and the life he has to share with us!

Jesus Christ became poor although he was rich so that by his poverty we might become rich!

Homily – August 16, 2010 – St. Stephen King of Hungary

2010-08-16T07:35:00.001-04:00

+ St. Stephen of Hungary lived between the years 975 and 1038. He united and Christianized the Magyars, who had settled in Hungary at the end of the ninth century. He was baptized Stephen at the age of ten when his father became a Christian. He married at the age of twenty and succeeded his father as leader of the Magyar people two years later, in 997. He consolidated his political power over rival leaders and established Christianity as the religion of his country. Pope Sylvester II gave him the title of king and a crown in 1000, when Hungary became a nation. By then he had already founded various dioceses and monasteries, the most famous of which was the primatial see of Eszterhom and the monastery of Pannonhalma. He reduced the power of nobles, abolished tribal divisions and reorganized political structures, thereby forming the Hungarians into a single kingdom. He imposed a narrow and strict form of Christianity on the nation as well. He was devoted to the poor and often distributed alms to them in disguise. After his death in 1038, miracles were attributed to him at his tomb.

Our readings today speak well of Stephen's Christian life. As Moses governed the people of Israel and urged them strongly to love God with all their might – so did Stephen to the people of Hungary. Just as the parable Jesus told in the gospel passage shows the reward of those who take the gifts that God gives them and uses them for his glory and the welfare of his people – so too did Stephen use his talents as political and religious leader for the glory of God and the welfare of the people of Hungary.

Blessed indeed is the man who fears the Lord, and does what is pleasing in his sight for the glory of God – and the good of all people!

Homily – August 15, 2010 – Solemnity of the Assumption

2010-08-15T13:55:00.001-04:00

+ Today we are in the height of summer and we pause to celebrate a feast of the Virgin Mary. We celebrate "the gathering of the Blessed Virgin Mary into the harvest of salvation." Christ her son was the "firstfruits" of this glorious company, as we heard in our second reading. Today's feast recalls that his Blessed Mother shared from the very moment of her death in that same fullness of life that she witnessed on Easter Day – and her body and soul rose from this earth to take its place beside her Son, the King of the Universe. Today's feast is ecumenical in its reach, as well: Orthodox Christians celebrate Mary's Dormition, or "falling asleep," while many Protestant communities honor Mary today as "Mother of the Lord." Our Roman Catholic tradition, however tells us on the other hand, that Mary actually died and not just fell asleep; and, of course that Mary is not just the Mother of the Lord (that is "Jesus the Man"), she is truly Mother of God – as his Divinity - his being Son of God - cannot be separated from his being also Son of Man at the same time. And so, if she is Mother of the Man, she is also Mother of God.

Most importantly, we will hear in our preface before the Eucharistic Prayer in just a few moments: Mary is the image of the Church; where God has taken her, we (who are the Church – the Mystical Body of her Son) hope to follow. This is no simple wishful thinking, but this hope is based on the promise obtained by the reality of the redemption wrought by Jesus her Son in his death and resurrection – just so that we could be with him and her and all the saints and angels forever in our Father's House!

O Mary, our Mother – splendorous woman, clothed with the sun, having the moon beneath your feet – pray for us all, now and at hour of our deaths, so that we may enjoy your company in that great experience of living in God's heart forever!

God bless you!

Homily – August 11, 2010 – St. Clare of Assisi

2010-08-11T06:19:00.001-04:00

+ St. Clare of Assisi became a friend of St. Francis of the same town after hearing him preach. Her father was a count and her mother a countess. On Palm Sunday in 1212, her bishop presented Clare with a palm, which she apparently took as a sign. And with her cousin Pacifica, Clare ran away from her mother's palace during the night to enter religious life. She eventually took the veil from St. Francis at the Church of Our Lady of the Angels in Assisi, Italy.

Clare founded the Order of Poor Ladies (Poor Clares) at San Damiano, and led it for 40 years. Everywhere Franciscans established themselves throughout Europe, there also went the Poor Clares, depending solely on alms, forced to have complete faith on God to provide through people. This lack of land-based revenues was a new idea at the time. Clare's mother and sisters later joined the order, and there are still thousands of members living lives of silence and prayer.

Clare loved music and well-composed sermons. She was humble, merciful, charming, optimistic, chivalrous, and every day she meditated on the Passion of Jesus. She wanted very much to give her own life like the Franciscan martyrs of Morrocco did in 1221, but she was restrained. However, once when her convent was under attack she displayed the Blessed Sacrament in a monstrance at the convent gates, and prayed before it, and the attackers left; the house was saved and the image of her holding a monstrance became one of her emblems. Her patronage of eyes and against their problems may have developed from her name which has overtones from clearness, brightness, brilliance – like healthy eyes. Toward the end of her life, when she was too ill to attend Mass, an image of the service would display on the wall of her cell; thus the patronage of television. She was ever the close friend and spiritual student of Francis, who apparently led her soul into the light at her death!

The readings for today's Mass are certainly well chosen for the feast: Clare ever strained for the greatest goal of life on high with Christ Jesus, her Lord. God was her entire inheritance, therefore she did not need the wealth of an earthly inheritance from her father. And from the gospel: those who give up everything to follow Christ – especially in Clare and her Ladies case – in silence and prayer - will inherit a large number of brothers and sisters and eternal life besides. May we today and perhaps each day, imitate Clare and her Ladies and spend some time silence and in prayer – simple, open prayer of abandonment to the will of God – and see what happens!

Homily – August 10, 2010

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+ Today we celebrate the feast of one of the most famous martyrs of the Roman Church: St. Lawrence. On August 6 of 258 Pope Saint Sixtus II and six deacons were beheaded in Rome, leaving Lawrence, also a deacon as the ranking Church official in Rome. While in prison awaiting execution Sixtus appeared to him and reassured Lawrence that he was not being left behind, they would be reunited in four days. This gave him an opportunity to disperse the material wealth of the church before the Roman authorities could lay their hands on it (while hiding valuable church documents). On August 10, Lawrence was commanded to appear for his execution, and to bring along the treasure with which he had been entrusted by the pope. When he arrived, the archdeacon was accompanied by a multitude of Rome's crippled, blind, sick and indigent. He announced that these were the true treasures of the Church. Later, as legend has it, Lawrence was killed on the gridiron – where he is said to have told his executioners to turn him over because he was done on the one side. There is another tradition, however, that Lawrence was beheaded in the fashion of the other deacons and the pope on August 10. In any event, Lawrence became an outstanding example of martyrdom: the living expression of today's gospel passage: the grain of wheat that must die in order to produce much fruit, one who loses his life in order to find it, one who hates his life in this world to preserve it for eternal life. He certainly was honored by the Father in heaven; but also by the Church on earth. Five basilicas were dedicated to his memory in the city of Rome alone.

Our first reading tells us that when we have to do something great for him, God multiplies the graces we need – he strengthens us beyond what we can even possibly imagine – so we can do his will. He wants us to be cheerful in our obedience – and joyful in our share of the crosses of life. Then we can be assured of the richness of his eternal blessings as the just reward for our labors on his behalf!

Homily – August 9, 2010 – Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time - Monday

2010-08-09T07:23:00.001-04:00

+ The short gospel passage today has two themes: the announcement again of Jesus' upcoming death and resurrection – which he constantly keeps in his own mind, and now wants to somehow get fixed in the minds of his disciples. These were necessary things for him to go through in order for us to be released from the spiritual prison that we all were confined to by sin.

The second is both the humility involved and the proper rendering that is involved in dealing with rightful civil government. Since Jesus was not entirely a citizen of this earth, he really did not have to pay the tax, technically – but, because "he became one like us" to free us from the prison of sin – he consented to pay the tax "as a foreigner" would. Thus Jesus shows his humility and willingness to give to Caesar what was rightfully his for the common good of society.

May we today, keeping our eyes fixed on heaven – where our treasure is – where the vision of the likeness of the glory of the Lord (from the first reading) resides: give everyone what is their due: beginning with God, then our brothers and sisters in the Christian community, then everyone else including those who govern us by right!

God has called us through the Gospel to possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ – let us revel today in that glory that dwells within us!

Homily – August 8, 2010 – Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

2010-08-08T07:09:00.002-04:00

+ Our gospel passage today is a continuation of last week's passage about "storing up treasure!" The man in last week's story that Jesus told, piled up his treasure in earthly storage bins, very large ones – thus thinking himself well-off, safe and "in good shape" for years to come. But God demanded his life that very night, asking – so now, you foolish man, who is all of this stored up wealth going to go to? The point was that we need to make our treasure where it matters most to God – and that is with him! Today the theme continues: do not be afraid little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom – what an amazing treasure that is! Place your heart here, in mine, he says and your treasure will be secure not only through this life, but well into the next! No thief can reach it here, or moth destroy it; the storage containers cannot wear out here!

"The one condition, however, to place your treasure here, in my heart, is complete and total detachment from the things of the world, so that you will have to live on complete and total trust in me: this trust is called faith: the faith of Abraham (of the second reading today). Abraham lives in my heart, and so can you!" [This does not mean that you cannot own things, but they must not own you, and you must be ready to give them up at a moment's notice – to drop it all when the Lord calls you – (which as our gospel passage tells us can be any time at all) - so that you can reach out for your treasure with open hands and hearts in heaven! Closed fists clawing on material goods will not get anyone anywhere when the Bridegroom comes knocking on the door!]

God, you have chosen us to be your own possession, your own people, your own children! We are fortunate beyond all imagining having you as our Father! May we this day, and the days of the coming week: open our hands and our hearts, and set our goal on seeing your Face one day, fix it there, keep it there – keep this desire above all other desires – so that we may not have anything at all to fear – in this life - or when the next one begins!

May your kindness, O Lord, be upon us who have put our hope in you!

Homily – August 6, 2010 – The Transfiguration of the Lord

2010-08-06T06:21:00.001-04:00

+ As our preface for today's Mass, that we will hear in a few minutes, tells us: the Transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain, in the presence of the Apostles Peter, James and John was meant to prepare them for the shocking reality of his crucifixion. Jesus would really be killed on the cross, he who was their friend, their master, their teacher. Jesus knew they needed something powerfully bright and memorable to think back on when the blackness and bleakness of Good Friday finally arrived.

Jesus also was transfigured – demonstrating the fullness of his risen glory – for us as well, so that we can endure our own "Good Fridays" – of any degree – we would have the promise of transformed glory to remember as well.

This transformed glory is not just promised to us as individuals, but to us together as a united community of faith: the Church. Then entire Church is to be strengthened by promised glory – when it goes through rough times – like it is today; and then, led to that glory by the life of grace and goodness available to all.

Just as the transfiguration showed a resemblance of Jesus to fullness of light and life; so too our life in his light shows our resemblance to him as Lord, God and Brother – and that is our goal: for the Father to look down on us, and see Jesus!

The Lord is king, the Most High over all the earth!

Homily – August 5, 2010 – Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

2010-08-05T07:31:00.001-04:00

+ Our gospel passage today is almost comical. St. Peter first gets is very right, and then he gets is very wrong. First he answers the question that Jesus poses as to "who people say I am" by being inspired by God the Father to say: You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. I am sure this response surprised Peter as much as it did Jesus and the rest of the disciples.

Then a few minutes later, when Jesus tells the disciples that he would have to go to Jerusalem to suffer greatly and be killed and then rise again on the third day: Peter hearing only what he wanted to hear blurted out: God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you. At which point Jesus turned around and blurted out: Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do. But Peter was a human being, and so he thought that way; and what is more, for that moment, perhaps Satan did speak to Jesus through Peter, just as he spoke to him in the desert during the three temptations. Jesus' reply here was the same as it was then – Get away from me, Satan! I freely choose to do what I am doing, and I will do it til the very end: until I am resurrected from the dead, after being killed on a cross!

This Peter, this human, who later was filled with the Holy Spirit, and became the true head of the one Church founded by Christ – is a model for us – who at one moment can be filled with God's graces and strengths and can do great things for him; but seemingly at the very next moment can be weak, unfocused, quite contrary and not a very pleasing asset to the Christian community!

But, it is nice to know that God loves us in both instances, and he understands us in both instances, and he offers his love and peace and forgiveness in both instances! We are his children!

Homily – August 4, 2010 – St. John Mary Vianney

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+ We celebrate the Feast today of the Cure of Ars. John Mary Vianney was born to a farm family in Lyons, France in 1786. In his youth he taught other children their prayers and catechism. He had little education and was not a good student but in 1815 he was ordained a priest. His second assignment in 1818 was the parish of Ars-sur-Formans, a tiny village near Lyons, which suffered from very lax attendance. In his parish at Ars, John Mary began visiting his parishioners, especially the sick and poor; he did penance for his parishioners and lead the people by example. He had great devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. He had the gifts of discernment of spirits, prophecy, hidden knowledge and of working miracles. Though he only got about 3 hours of sleep a night, these hours were often disturbed by the attacks of envious evil spirits. Crowds came to hear him preach, and to confess their sins because of his reputation with penitents. By 1844 there were 20,000 pilgrims a year to Ars. John Mary Vianney spent 40 years as a parish priest in that tiny village of Ars – which has certainly been on the spiritual map ever since. He died August 4, 1859, and was canonized May 31, 1925 by Pope Pius XI. In 2009-10 he was held up as the focal point of the Year of the Priest – and named patron saint of all priests – by Pope Benedict XVI.

Our first reading reminds us that as Christians, priests and lay, we must call things as we see them and help lead the sinner back to a virtuous life – if only by simply pointing out error. If we do – then we shall have done our duty! What happens to the sinner is up to him! But he must always know there is a place for him to come home to and repent and be forgiven by God and the Church. The gospel passage reminds us of the ever-present need for more vocations to the priesthood and religious life: the harvest is rich, but laborers are few – in fact very few in this day and age: we pray to the Lord of the harvest to send more laborers into the fields – those especially who have the generosity, the heart and the love of St. John Mary Vianney!

Homily – August 2, 2010 – Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time - Tuesday

2010-08-03T07:27:00.001-04:00

+ We have two wonderful scripture readings today to reflect on: the first reading from the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah tells us in a very poetic kind of language how delighted God is that his errant people have opened a way for him to return to their hearts so that he can in fact come back to them; and in return they will be welcomed once again back into their own lands – from which – out of justice God expelled them, because of their sins. How often has God had to expel himself from our lives because we just didn't want him being there? But, he is so willing to come back to us, when we once again turn back to him and open the door of our hearts to him!

The gospel passage from St. Matthew is powerful indeed. A Canaanite woman – an outcast from the Israelite community – and therefore a gentile – asks for healing for her daughter who is tormented by an evil spirit. Knowing full well that he will grant her request, Jesus nonetheless tests her faith and says in effect: you are a gentile and are asking a healing that is reserved for the people of Israel – it is not right to take food for the children of God and throw it to dogs! This seems a very harsh and insulting thing for Jesus to say: but the woman passes the test by simply saying– in faith, in fact with great faith: Please, Lord, even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters! Jesus, in hearing this response, is highly impressed and greatly relieved that someone is able to use faith in its proper way and allow it to bring blessing and healing into their life. May we today use our faith rightly – we who are not outcasts (unless we have made ourselves such) but children of God; may we ask for what we think we need, but rely on God to give us what we truly do need – for this day!

As the responsorial psalm refrain tells us: the Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock!

Homily – August 2, 2010 – St. Peter Julian Eymard

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+ Saint Peter Julian Eymard grew up in a poor family during the anti-clerical, anti-Catholic aftermath of the French Revolution. He entered the seminary against his family wishes and withdrew later due to an illness that he never really recovered from. But later he returned to the seminary and was ordained on July 20, 1834 in the diocese of Grenoble, France. He joined the Marist Fathers on August 20, 1839. He was a friend of St. John Mary Vianney. He became superior of the Society of Mary in 1845. In addition to his strong Marian devotion, he also had a great devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and founded new religious societies: the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament in 1856 and Servants of the Blessed Sacrament in 1858. His vision of priests, deacons, sisters and lay people dedicated to the spiritual values celebrated in the Mass and prayer before the Blessed Sacrament anticipated many of the renewals brought about by both the first and second Vatican Councils. Peter died in 1868.

Our gospel passage today reminds us that we are branches on the vine that is Christ. The divine life that flows through the veins of these branches is the life of the Eucharist. And anyone who is devoted to the Eucharist will have abundant life and produce much fruit, and will also share the love and protection of the Mother of Vine – the Mystical Rose herself: The Blessed Virgin Mary.

May our devotion to the Eucharist, and to the Blessed Mother Mary increase today as a result of honoring Marist Father Peter Julian Eymard.

Homily – August 1, 2010 – Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

2010-08-01T07:17:00.002-04:00

+ Our readings today have that "Jacob Marley / Ebenezer Scrooge kind of twist" about them. In "A Christmas Carol," Jacob Marley tells Ebenezer Scrooge that his greed is forging chains that will bind him to this earth. "It is a ponderous chain!" – as Dickens describes it. This indeed is a stark reminder to those who are attached only to their wealth: especially material wealth. All the readings today call us to store up treasure in the one place that really matters most – with God! If we try to hold on to our wealth in this life, if we become so attached to that which we think we deserve, we can be sure that it will weigh us down – like Jacob Marley's ball and chain - and make us unable to accept the light burden of Christ.

Unless we become detached from our possessions, the readings warn us, we will be unable to accept the gift of salvation. And what a tragedy that would be – both theatrically and in real life.

We need to stand with open hands, and minds and hearts - always ready to receive and share the graces that God, in Christ, offers us through the Holy Spirit. This is the simple but difficult message that we hear in these scripture passages today, and it is also the message that we see played out every day in our world, where so many are living in want. Today, in a special way, as we are fed in the celebration of this Eucharist, let us also call to mind the command that we have from the Lord, to share our wealth, to share what we have with others – who are truly in need! It is never too late to put our Christianity into practice – until the last chime: and then it truly will be "too late" – and we will be held accountable for any possible good deeds NOT DONE! Let us "share the Christmas Turkey" while we still can!

Homily – July 30, 2010 – Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Friday

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+ It is so very true that "familiarity breeds contempt!" Even Jesus had his problem with this dynamic. Another way to say it is: being unable to see the "forest" because of the" trees." Sometimes we can be looking directly at something, and think we know exactly what it is – but are unable to know it at all – or to actually see what we are looking at.

Today it is easy for us to point a kind of judgmental finger at the folks in Jesus' hometown and say: he was right there in front of you, that little boy who grew up into a man is the real Messiah – why can't you see it? why can't you see him? why didn't you pay attention to him more closely after he left home?

Well, it is just as easy today to point fingers at one another and say: did you not see him? he is right here in our midst - we have looked right at him when we see the poor and the needy, the challenged and the lonely, the sick and the imprisoned – but we too fail to see him.

Among the very important things that Jesus asked us to remember about him it is that he himself is present "in the least of the brothers and sisters" – and unless we see him there, sense his presence there and help him there – then our own eternal salvation is in jeopardy. And this is a fact!

May we today see Jesus truly present here in his Word, in his Sacrament and in our actions of loving and serving others (the least of his brothers and sisters) in his Name.

Homily – July 29, 2010 – St. Martha

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+ Today we celebrate the feast of St. Martha who was sister both to Mary and Lazarus. We recently heard in a gospel passage how Mary "chose the better part" when Jesus came to visit their home – "better part" being her close attentiveness to Jesus at his feet. But, this does not preclude Martha's attentiveness to him in a similar way "from the kitchen" – where she was preparing a wonderful meal for them to eat together. What woman in the kitchen does not know exactly what is going on in the rest of the house?

But today, we remember Martha for another reason as well – a distinction that Mary did not share in. It is Martha, we hear in the gospel passage who proclaims her belief in "resurrection from the dead" for those who die in faith, at which time Jesus uses the opportunity to proclaim that he, himself, is the resurrection and the life – and that whoever lives and believes in him will never die. This is one of the central statements that Jesus made – all at the prompting of Saint Martha, at the occasion of the death of her brother Lazarus.

Jesus raised her brother Lazarus from the dead as a sign of what he said about being the resurrection and the life; to show his true power over death. For a short while anyway the family was reunited until they all died their natural deaths again! And now they, like all of us – wait for the general resurrection when we will rise from our graves and receive our just deserts from God – if we have been good and faithful to the end: life with God on high; if we have not, a place reserved for us as well, where God is not.

I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life.

Homily – July 28, 2010 – Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time - Wednesday

2010-07-28T06:51:00.001-04:00

+ Our gospel passage today is about "finding" and "selling" - finding something really valuable, and selling all in order to be able to buy it.

The most valuable thing there is in the whole world is our life in God. Nothing can surpass this treasure, this pearl of great price. It is one of the greatest discoveries in the world that anyone could make: I LIVE IN GOD, GOD LIVES IN ME! not near me, nor beside me, nor behind me nor even over me: but IN ME, deep in my soul; and I live not near him, beside him, or behind him or under him: but DEEP IN HIS HEART!

Now if this "life" is the most valuable, then the price has to be great as well: "life in God" is a big-ticketed item. But some great news is that God himself has already paid for most of it for us! By the Death and Resurrection of his Son, Jesus, that life in God can really and truly be ours. However, the balance needs to be paid for by us: we have to cooperate in our attainment of this life in God:
we have to sell what we have, and buy the field, buy the pearl, by ridding ourselves of everything
that might be contrary to that life, or the cause of its eradication from within us. We do this by setting our heart on God, his will, his way and then offering him fitting service and praise all day long. It's both as easy and difficult as that: setting our heart on God and then doing things his way, all the while offering him loving service and praise.

O God, my strength, your praise will I sing; for you are my stronghold, my merciful God! I will praise you today; and I will help you in any way I can to do your work of healing and transforming the world – let it begin with me!

Homily – July 26, 2010 – Sts. Joachim and Ann

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+ Today we celebrate the feasts of Sts. Joachim and Ann, the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary and grandparents of Jesus. Ann bore Mary when she was on in years. It is said that when Joachim was away on a trip an angel appeared to both he and Ann separately announcing the fact that they would be parents of a very special girl. When Mary was three years old, Joachim and Ann presented Mary in the temple for the Lord's service. Devotion to Ann began very early in the Eastern Church, but it was not until the 16^th century did it spread to the West and shrine began to be built to her. The traditional statue of Ann seated, speaking with the child Mary, standing by her side is well known throughout the world now!

The first reading today speaks well of the godly couple: Joachim and Ann: godly persons whose virtues have not been forgotten; their wealth remaining in their families, their heritage with their descendants; at gatherings their wisdom is retold, and the assembly proclaims their praise. The alleluia verse takes up the theme: They yearned for the comforting of Israel and the Holy Spirit rested on them. Their grandchild would be the one true and lasting comfort of not only Israel but of the whole world. And the gospel passage certainly refers to these holy persons who saw and heard what many prophets and righteous people long to see and hear but did not!

May we be among the one who both see and hear their grandson, Jesus Christ, today – beginning right at this Mass – and then allow that to make a real difference in the way we live our day, as he travels with us along our paths living deep in our souls!

God will give him the throne of David his father!

Homily – July 25, 2010 – Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

2010-07-25T07:17:00.001-04:00

+ Today we have very instructive and powerful readings. They teach us a lot about the inner life and workings of God – which is one of the main reasons we come here on Sundays: to learn about God, so we can love him and serve him better!

The first reading is a dramatic rendition of how much God wants to accept repentance for sins when it is made, and to withhold his justified anger in not reducing to ashes the sinner! Even in a society as bad as that of Sodom and Gomorrah, the reading tells us that if even ten innocent people can be found, he would save the whole region for the sake of the ten. That is some pretty powerful language. And it speaks so very well of what is actually going on in our own society – and on the world stage in which we live – which is in so many ways even worse than Sodom and Gomorrah: it is the good, holy, decent, justified lives of a relatively few people that is actually withholding God's justifiably angry hand from wiping out the entire planet: holy lives of hopefully groups of fully practicing Catholic persons like ourselves (and others), we are the ones doing this! O yes! What we do when we come here is very, very important to the spiritual well-being not only of ourselves and our families and our parish – but the entire Church – and the world at large.

And what is it that we tune in to when we come here week after week? It is the very life of Christ that we share in by our baptisms and confirmations. In baptism, as St. Paul tells us, in the second reading, we are truly buried in the ground with Jesus, as he was on Good Friday Night; and we are also raised to newness of life with him as was such for him on Easter Morning. By doing these things Jesus freed us from our sins, our transgressions, the things that could separate us from God forever after we die. And if this is so, and we stir up this reality within us each time we come to Mass, and each time we pray at home, or wherever we are – then we are among those courageous, holy few who are holding the world together – so that it can achieve the end for which it was created: fullness of itself as a Kingdom ruled by Jesus as King forever! This is not just rhetoric, or pie-in-the-sky, or a fantasy – this is the reality of what the world is headed for whether it knows it, or likes it, or not!

Finally, dear brothers as sisters, I return to a theme that actually should be part of every Mass – a reminder that God pardons us, and forgives us and is willing to transform our world into a glorious place for us to live – because he is our FATHER! It is only by means of the Holy Spirit working in us that we can even say that! God is our adoptive Father! Only Jesus is his Son by nature – he cannot be otherwise. We are true sons and daughters
by adoption (through baptism) – it cannot be otherwise. The gospel passage today tells us that God is FATHER. Jesus taught his disciples to pray using that term and it was a definitive prayer, and a definitive term: which means it cannot be debated or otherwise interpreted. Jesus is the eternal Son; the Father (his Father) is the eternal Father: and now Jesus tells us we can call his Father "ours!" What an astounding privilege! We must never tamper with the theology behind that term, that name, that Person, that prayer. God delights to have us call him Father! May we delight him thusly many times a day!

Thank you Father, our Father, for loving us so very much as to reveal yourself to us fully by means of Christ, our Lord, but also our older Brother and our dearest Friend. Through him, show us the way that leads directly to your house and the room that you have prepared for each of us in it! God bless you!

Homily – July 23, 2010 – Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time - Friday

2010-07-23T06:29:00.001-04:00

+ I could not possibly give a better homily than Jesus himself gives in the gospel passage today! May we be among the ones who hear the word of God, understand it and then allow it to make a very big difference in the way we treat other people, beginning with those in our own surroundings, then emanating out from there to wherever God would have us extend his love!

Blessed are they who have kept the word of God with a generous heart and yield a harvest, through perseverance. (hmmm that was the same complete homily that I gave last Saturday afternoon when it was so hot!)

Keep the word of God alive by giving it away!

Homily – July 22, 2010 – St. Mary Magdalene

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+ We have very little solid information about Saint Mary Magdalene, and both scholars and Eastern / Western traditions differ on what we do know. I have the sense that she was all of the following: a friend and follower of Jesus, filled with sorrow over her sin (could it have been adultery?), the one who anointed the feet of Jesus with her tears and dried them with her hair, the one that Jesus cast seven devils from, one of those present at the Crucifixion of Jesus and finally the first one to see the Risen Christ.

The three things that are most important are the fact that she is the repentant sinner and was in need of a good spiritual house-cleaning. The driving out of the seven devils represent the dismissal of the seven deadly sins that we are all prone to commit to one degree or another: lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy, pride. We, of course today, have much more benign and politically correct terms for these things. But, in actuality they are what they are. And Jesus then filled her with the seven opposite powers for good (virtues) of chastity, temperance, charity, diligence, patience, kindness, humility. We can sense these traits in a person such as we know the Magdalene to be – we can even envision ourselves being such personages – with God's grace and help.

Next, it was important for Mary Magdalene to be present at the Crucifixion because being the repentant sinner, it only makes sense for her to be immediately present to the event that would make real and lasting forgiveness available for everyone: the moment of Christ's death on the Cross.

Lastly it was of extreme importance for her, as repentant, forgiven sinner – already filled with the powers of right-living - to be the first seen by the Risen Christ. Jesus entire mission was to die for our salvation – which means the forgiveness of our sins. Mary represented all of us who now have the opportunity to be forgiven and reconciled with the Church, the Mystical Body of Christ, if we ask for it in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the Sacrament of Confession for major or mortal sins committed, and at Mass for venial or minor ones committed.

For these reasons – it is reasonable to conclude that Mary Magdalene is the compilation of possibly three different persons in Church history. Or just one whose identity just never got clearly defined at the beginning.

In any event, we ask her to pray for us today – so that we can be freed from grievous sin, filled with wonderful virtuous powers, and witnesses in our own right to the Resurrection of Jesus – because we sense his resurrected presence deep within our hearts as we try to live the life of beatitude that he prescribed for us!

Tell us, Mary, what did you see on the way? I saw the glory of the risen Christ, I saw his empty tomb.

Homily – July 21, 2010 – St. Lawrence Brindisi

2010-07-21T06:27:00.001-04:00

+ St. Lawrence of Brindisi was an Italian Franciscan who lived in the late 16^th and early 17^th centuries. Orphaned early in life he joined the Capuchin Friars in Verona at age sixteen, taking the name Lawrence. He developed a reputation as a scholar at the University of Padua, and was particularly adept at languages, ancient and modern alike. After ordination in 1582 he became a renowned and respected preacher in Padua, Verona and other Northern Italian towns. He was elected provincial of Tuscany and then of Venice. He was called to Rome by Pope Clement VIII to take special responsibility for the conversion of the Jews. He also spent considerable time and energy combating Protestantism at its inception. He had a deep devotion for the Eucharist and would spend sometimes three hours celebrating Mass.

Lawrence saw the need to clearly and concisely present the word of God for consideration, for contemplation, and for imitation. The word, he believed, comes first as a tiny seed, that we must cooperate with in the growing process or it will die in our minds and hearts. The fruit of the seed is everlasting life with God in heaven. This fruit is essential for all to produce. With God's own grace and strength we can be a fertile ground for the seed to sprout and flower, and we ourselves can be planters of the same seeds of contemplation in the minds and hearts of others, as was Lawrence of Brindisi.

Especially in our day and age we must continue to be willing to plant the seed of God's word and wisdom, for the world is more and more a pagan, godless, generic arena of smoke and illusion every day. Our faith, and our love and our willingness to pray for its conversion and then work for its accomplishment is very pleasing in God's sight – and wins the help and support of holy men and women in heaven who are praying for us, holy men such as St. Lawrence of Brindisi. The seed is the word of God, Christ is the sower; all who come to him will live forever!

Homily – July 20, 2010 – Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time - Tuesday

2010-07-20T06:37:00.001-04:00

+ We have a tremendous first reading today from the Prophet Micah. He is one of the last few prophets of the Old Testament. There is gathering momentum for the arrival of the long-awaited Messiah, who would be the fulfillment of the whole Law and the Prophets that came before him! But all of this has as its theme the faithfulness that God has to his promise of mercy that he made to Abraham, our Father in faith, and all his descendants, which includes us. He will shepherd his people with his staff, he will feed them as in days of old. Who is like you God who removes guilt and pardons sins from the remnant of your people? You do not persist in your anger, but delight rather in clemency. You will again have compassion on your people and "cast into the depths of the sea all our sins!" What amazing imagery, power, passion and truth that is being told here.

Our God is now here to save us, to heal us and to forgive us of all our sins – if we turn to him and his ways – as Jesus refers to in the gospel passage – and ask for his help and his mercy!

Whoever loves me will hear my words of promises made, promises kept, and my Father will love him and we will come to him and dwell in his heart - both now and forever!

Homily – July 19, 2010 – Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time - Monday

2010-07-19T07:47:00.001-04:00

+ Our readings today are short but powerful. The first reading begins "God's case against his errant people" who will just not pay attention to the urgings of their consciences, the voice of God speaking directly to their hearts – 'O my people, what have I done to you, or how have I wearied you? Answer me! I brought you up from the land of Egypt, from the place of slavery I released you, I sent you Moses and Aaron to lead you into a brand new life of protection and prosperity. But you turned away from my ways, and thought you animal sacrifices could assuage me, but they do not! This is what I ask of you: only to do what is right, to love goodness and to walk humbly with your God.'

The gospel passage is equally moving: Jesus, the very fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets: the fulfillment of the entire Jewish religion walks among his own people as the great "sign of signs" – as the visible manifestation of God's clear message of mercy, forgiveness and love – yet these people are still looking for "signs and wonders" as credentials from him. Jesus is not pleased and says that because they fail to respond to the grace given them to see him for who he really is, it will go easier for those who also did not see him, but had more of an excuse because he himself, the truth of all truths, was not standing right there before them.

Jesus stands not only before us today, but, by our hearing of his Word, and supping at his table, he resides deep within us. This is the truth of all truths – and he is our Friend – and he asks us to walk humbly with him right inside our hearts all day long – and to allow this presence to make an absolute difference in how we treat everyone we will run across today beginning with those in our very own households!

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

Homily – July 18, 2010 – Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

2010-07-18T07:42:00.001-04:00

+ Today's gospel passage needs to be carefully and clearly understood. BOTH listening to, and then serving, the Lord are necessary and important; welcoming him into our presence, and then allowing his presence to make a big difference in the way we treat people afterwards; sitting at the Lord's feet; and then being his hands and feet and arms to embrace all who need his compassionate care!

If Jesus was reprimanding Martha today, perhaps it was just to emphasize the point that service must always be preceded by prayer and listening
to God for his will. Otherwise, our service, our work, what we do for others could be aimless and less than it could be. But what he is not saying is that one is more important than the other in the total picture! BOTH ARE NECESSARY AND IMPORTANT! It is possible to be both attentive to Jesus ("the better portion") and to attend to the needs of others (Martha's portion) at the same time. Perhaps this is the real lesson here.

What is also to be understood clearly from this passage is that not only men are called to be disciples of Jesus, but also women. Women too are equal to men insofar as they can be hearers and doers of God's will and ways – each in the design and way that God has in mind.

In the first reading today we have a holy man and a holy woman
welcoming God into their lives. Some say that the three visitors represent the Holy Trinity itself. And that our Father in Faith, Abraham, and his wife Sarah in being so hospitable to them – serving their needs – were rewarded by the announcement that Sarah – even in her old age – would in one year's time be the mother of a son – Isaac.

When we welcome Jesus into our lives, we also welcome the other persons of the Trinity as well: Father and Spirit. It cannot be otherwise! And it is their dynamic, effusive, ever-expanding life of giving and service within us that motivates us and moves us to live not only like them, but to be them, for our brothers and sisters.

This love, this service, is not always an easy thing – as our second reading tells us. And we must, by our willing self-sacrifice make up for what is still lacking in the sufferings of Christ: in the now physical manifestation of his Body, the Church, which is still in so many ways imperfect. May we gladly offer our own crosses and sufferings* so that the Church will become purified and perfect – and become the spotless Bride of Christ that it is intended to be in heaven; and that the world may be transformed into the glorious Kingdom of God with Jesus reigning as King forever!

Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart and yield a harvest through perseverance.

Homily – July 16, 2010 – Our Lady of Mt. Carmel

2010-07-16T06:45:00.001-04:00

+ Today we celebrate a feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mount Carmel is located about three miles south of Haifa in present-day Israel. It is here that the Carmelite Order began around the year 1200, when a group of lay hermits formed a community on its western slope. Between 1206 and 1214 they received a "formula of life" from the Patriarch of Jerusalem, encouraging them to daily Eucharist, continual prayer (especially the psalms – The Divine Office) with silence otherwise, manual labor, and other traditional forms of spiritual asceticism. It was to be a life of both solitude and community, with a physical structure of individual cells surrounding an oratory (a communal place for prayer). The order received formal papal approval in 1298. From the very beginning the Carmelites identified themselves with the Blessed Virgin Mary. The oratory was dedicated to her, and the Carmelites became known as the Brothers of Our Lady of Mount Carmel whom they saw as their patroness. Noteworthy Carmelites in the history of the Order have been: Sts. Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross and Therese of Lisieux. The Order is still going very strong today with about 2000 members worldwide.

Our first reading today speaks wonderfully of the desire of God to dwell among his people, not only in tents and tabernacles but also in their hearts and minds. It is in silence that the full effect of this magnificent presence can be experienced; but then it is only in action that it can be sustained – the action of loving service – labor of love! This is the will of the heavenly Father spoken of in the gospel passage: doing all to help build up the Kingdom of God – a spiritual superstructure of living stones – is the duty of any and all disciple of Christ, and member of any religious community. Any who listen for, hear and then observe the Father's will – are very pleasing in his sight! May we be so today!

Homily – July 15, 2010 – St. Bonaventure

2010-07-15T06:50:00.001-04:00

+ Today we recall the life and holiness of the great Franciscan Theologian and Doctor of the Church: St. Bonaventure of Tuscany, Italy; Bonaventure being his religious name given him when he entered the Order of Friars Minor, the Franciscans, in 1243 at the age of 22. It is said that Bonaventure was healed from a childhood disease through the prayers of St. Francis of Assisi. After joining the order, Bonaventure studied theology and philosophy in Paris, where he became a friend of St. Thomas Aquinas, and King St. Louis IX of France. He became General of the Franciscan Order at age 35, then Bishop of Albano, Italy and then Cardinal. He spoke at the Council of Lyons, which sought ways to heal the division between the Eastern and Western factions of the Church. He was a writer on theological themes, a biographer of St. Francis, and declared a Doctor of the Church in 1588. He is known as the "Seraphic" or "Devout" Doctor.

In his writings, Bonaventure emphasized not the acquisition of knowledge of facts as a way to get to know God, but rather seeking to experience him and know him through love! He also is the one who described the spiritual life as a process that begins with "purification" (a turning away from sin), moves on to "illumination" (based on imitation of Christ and experiencing the 'splendor of truth') and finally leads to "union" with God (the sweetness of love).

Our readings today speak of the spirit of St. Bonaventure's life and works: the first reading reminds us that God is our Father, and that our goal is to unite with him in the Spirit that he gives us for that very purpose, so that we can imitate Jesus fully and thus host the fullness of God within our very selves. The gospel passage situates us as humble children of a loving Father. When we have this perspective – we know who is in charge and where our responsibilities lie and the measure of authority that we possess in carrying out our God-given duties. St. Bonaventure, pray for us to keep things straight!

Homily – July 14, 2010 – Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha

2010-07-14T06:30:00.001-04:00

+ Today we recall the life and holiness of one who is well on her way to sainthood in the Catholic Church: Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, who was a daughter of a Christian Algonquin Indian, captured by the Iroquois and married to a non-Christian Mohawk chief in New York State. She was orphaned during a smallpox epidemic which left her with a scarred face and impaired eyesight. She was converted and baptized in 1676 by Father Jacques de Lamberville, a Jesuit missionary from France. Kateri was shunned and abused by her relatives for her faith. She escaped from them and went across the border into Canada to the Christian Native American village of Sault-Sainte-Marie. There she took a vow of chastity in 1679. She was known for her spirituality and austere lifestyle. She was a miracle worker. Her grave became a pilgrimage site and place of miracles for Christian Native Americans and French colonists. Her cause for canonization was started in 1884 under Pope Leo XIII. And in June of 1980, Pope John Paul II declared her blessed. Her canonization is now pending.

Known as the "Lily of the Mohawks" – Kateri Tekakwitha considered herself to be like one espoused to God forever, espoused in right and in justice, in love and in mercy and in fidelity – as we read in the first reading today from the Prophet Hosea. And she did all the she possibly could to protect and nurture her espousement, her intimate relationship with God – who first came to her and invited her to companionship!

In the gospel passage we see Jesus himself tell us that the mysteries of the kingdom will simply be given to the childlike – to those like Kateri Tekakwitha who are chosen by Jesus to be the recipients of such amazing knowledge.

We pray that we today may be childlike enough to receive and understand the simple truth and reality that we are God's adopted children, he loves us so very dearly, and that we therefore will always have all we need to sustain both our supernatural as well as our natural lives – why wouldn't we, with GOD as our Father!

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

Homily – July 13, 2010 – Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time - Tuesday

2010-07-13T06:32:00.001-04:00

+ Today we see an example of how Jesus became impatient with, and critical of those who heard him bring Good News to them of God's wonderful Kingdom, and saw him perform great deeds of care and concern for the people's needs but failed to respond by repenting of their truly self-centered, evil rooted ways in order to turn to him wholeheartedly and be safe forever!

We often think of Jesus as the most patient one, but on many occasions he also showed himself to be the most exasperated one. No doubt in prayer he chatted with his Father and said: "Father, this is not an easy thing I am doing! These people are so stubborn and thick-headed! Give me patience!"

The first reading today is about the ancestors of the people of the gospel passage who likewise were hell-bent on doing their own thing hell-bent being the operative term! God promises destruction to those who refuse to mend their ways, but he also promises good things to those whose faith is strong, and who change their ways to those favored by him.

May our faith be strong today, may we find our safety in God today, and may we be among the repentant children of God today who constantly need to turn to him, so that we do not lose sight of him or his graces or his blessings!

If today you hear the voice of God speaking to you, harden not your hearts!

Homily – July 12, 2010 – Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time - Monday

2010-07-12T07:32:00.001-04:00

+ There is no need to add much to Jesus' own preaching today by means of a homily. His intentions are quite clear, quite disturbing and quite challenging. Combined with the intent of the first reading: to encourage the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah away from their dissolute way of life so that God can give them the richness of his blessings – we have today a message from the word of God that encourages us seek God where he may be found: in the living out of seeming contrary gospel values: finding life, by losing it; picking up a cross and carrying it in order to be free; giving a cup of cold water to the poor and those you would rather not.

We must realize that it is by standing firm in the truth of the gospel that our spiritual lives will be saved – no matter what family members, or friends or the world-at-large has to say about it. May we receive our eternal reward for being faithful to the end!

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.

Homly – July 11, 2010 – Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time / Feast of St. Benedict of Nursia

2010-07-11T07:41:00.002-04:00

+ Our gospel passage for today is a compelling one. It asks very pointedly and directly: "Who is my neighbor?" It seems that the scholars of the law were in agreement as to the theory of loving God first, and loving neighbor as self, after that, – but they split the hair by asking Jesus "just who then is this 'neighbor'?" What they were implying is: "just how far-reaching does your definition go, Jesus?"

In reply, Jesus told them a story about an unfortunate person who was beat up by robbers. They did quite a job on him and left him half-dead. Three people passed by the wounded man – a priest, a Levite, and a Samaritan. Two of them ran across the street and passed on the opposite side: the priest and the Levite. But the Samaritan, the one you would least expect (coming from a hybrid form of Judaism) came to him immediately, poured oil and wine over the wounds and bandaged them. Then he put him on his own beast and took him to an inn and cared for him. Asking which of the three was "neighbor" – the scholar was forced to admit that it was the one who treated the man with mercy! Then Jesus told the scholar – he tells us all – go and do the same! Your neighbor is anyone at all who needs compassion, mercy and forgiveness – go and bring God's healing love to all who need it!

Today the Church also remembers the Feast of St. Benedict of Nursia – a sixth century monk and founder of Western monasticism- who chose to serve his neighbor in a special way. The Spirit of God led Benedict to Monte Cassino to organize a way of life that would offer the possibility of spending a more concentrated time, in an environment of quiet and peace for the pursuit of holy wisdom, gotten from the law of God in written form (the Scriptures) and discovering, as the first reading from the Book of Deuteronomy tell us, that the mysteries and secrets to a holy and perfect life are not too remote or far away; they are actually fact already written in our hearts – and all we have to do is to be still, listen and then carry out by word and deed what we thus experience. This, for the monk, and for the lay-person: everyone is called to be a monk or a nun for at least an hour or two a day!

Today we, the Joyful Servants of the Cross, acknowledge with gratitude the contributions that St. Benedict, composer of the Rule of Life that we follow, made to the Church. The Cross of Christ was very important to St. Benedict – and his own Crucifix is still held in highest esteem in the Church as a focal point for our meditation of God's love for his people, and as a source of defense and protection against the snares and wiles of the evil one – who though mortally wounded – is still trying to take down with him into hell as many as he can!

We, on the other hand, exist to pray and work for the purification and perfection of the Church on earth as it makes its way to heaven to be the Bride of Christ in her fullness, and the spiritual transformation of the world into the glorious Kingdom of God – that is its destiny – whether it even knows or cares about it or not!

Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life; you have the words of everlasting life. May we attend to your word at every minute of the day – in one way or another; and may it lead us to acts of kindness and true supernatural charity to any "neighbor in need!" This is our Christian vocation – this is our Monastic vocation – this is our Holy Catholic Life! Amen!

Homily – July 9, 2010 – Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time - Friday

2010-07-09T06:09:00.001-04:00

+ Our gospel passage today continues St. Matthew's accounting of what we heard St. Luke report about last Sunday: Jesus sending out the disciples (and Apostles) to proclaim that "The Kingdom of heaven is at hand." Again, these disciples are sent as sheep in the midst of wolves; they are to be as shrewd as serpents and simple as doves. They are to beware of men who will mistreat them and hand them over to courts to defend their seeming antagonistic religious ways. But they are not to worry about their defense, because the Holy Spirit will speak the truth through them. Because of the name of Jesus all will hate them – even their own family members. They are to flee from town to town – spreading the true gospel – and not being afraid. They will not run out of towns before the Son of Man comes in glory!

May we today be willing to be used by the Holy Spirit to speak the truth of the gospel in our own day in age – which is in many ways even more pagan than the world of the Roman Empire. We will not be popular for doing so, maybe even hated by some, but then we are in good company, popularity is not the reason to be a follower of Christ. We must take up our Cross and follow him who carried his own for us and for our salvation!

May we always declare God's praises – who rewards those who are faithful to him, come what may!

Homily – July 8, 2010 – Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time - Thursday

2010-07-08T07:49:00.001-04:00

+ Our gospel passage today is St. Matthew's accounting of what we heard St. Luke report about last Sunday: Jesus sending out the disciples (and Apostles) to proclaim that "The Kingdom of heaven is at hand." Again, these disciples are encouraged to travel lightly, to give what they themselves received without cost, using peace wish as a testing of the environmental climate: if a peaceful person receives your greeting it will go well with them, if not, then it will go easier for Sodom and Gommorrah on the day of judgment than for those consciously belligerent people. Sodom and Gommorrah only stood in the light of the promise of redemption: but the announcement that the Kingdom is at hand means that JESUS HIMSELF IS THE KINGDOM and it is indeed right then and there. Those who consciously deny that fact or make light of it are literally playing with fire and their own eternal destruction!

On the other hand, we hear in the first reading today, from the Prophet Hosea, that God wants very much to turn his blazing wrath away from his erring people, as a child he loved the people of Israel, he does not want to destroy them for their sins; he promises that if any even has the slightest bit of remorse and faith in him, he will not let the flames consume them!

May we today, as every day, continue to consider our lives, our spiritual lives, and continue to turn away from what is sinful and deserving of eternal punishment, and turn to the Life and Light and Love of the Gospel: the Life and Light and Love of God our Father, our Brother and our Friend!

The Kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the Gospel!

Homily – July 7, 2010 – Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time - Wednesday

2010-07-07T07:06:00.001-04:00

+ At this point in his ministry Jesus is concerned about "going after the lost sheep of the house of Israel." He is primarily concerned at the outset with redeeming his own hereditary family, the one that his Father provided for him to be born into. We know that many of them did, finally, at Pentecost, come to believe in him at the preaching of St. Peter – but many never did, and for the purposes that only God has in mind, still don't.

Later, of course, Jesus will initiate a world-wide sweep for converts by means of the teaching and preaching of St. Paul. And that is where we come in. We are members of that "Gentile contingency" that was included in God's will and plan of salvation.

Today we are reminded that – because of the merits of the Passion of Christ - "The Kingdom of God is still at hand!" It is here! It is now! It is in us! It is in this Liturgy! It is in everything we say and do – especially in our acts of divine charity, if we consciously make it so! May we make it so today!

Homily – July 4, 2010 – Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

2010-07-04T07:02:00.001-04:00

+ Our gospel passage today is a continuation from last week. Jesus is still resolutely making his way to Jerusalem. He is still determined to embrace the Cross of Calvary that will save so very many people, including you and me, from eternal separation from God and punishment. He loves us so very much!

While on the way there, today Jesus sends out into towns where he intends to visit on the trip, seventy-two pairs of helpers – whom he asked to courageously go among all kinds of people and announce that the Kingdom of God is at hand for them. These helpers (these disciples) were to travel very lightly. They were to keep as their main focus their job, the task that Jesus gave them to do. They were to test the waters of their visitations by announcing peace. When peace is offered to someone – it pretty much speaks for itself. If a peaceful man hears the offer, he will accept it gladly and offer it back to you. If not, there will be a lot of mumbling and even cursing and the offer of peace will be thrown right back into the face of the giver.

Jesus is actually calling us to do as these disciples: follow him to Jerusalem, where we will have the privilege of witnessing God's tremendous love for his people – by an unprecedented act of forgiveness, reconciliation and setting free – by means of the Cross. Later he would have us boast of the Cross of Christ as the sure hope of salvation for all in the world, but also he would have us carry our own crosses, boasting of them as well; for if we do not carry and boast about our own crosses – then we shall not share in the glory of the resurrection, the grace of forgiveness, the fullness of freedom, the fullness of peace forever!

God wants our hearts to rejoice because we feel so very much loved by him – even as a mother loves her children (I - Isaiah). We are his children – by baptism – and this is huge – this is our access point to so very many gifts, the greatest being faith and charity: belief in Jesus and the ability to love as he did with a love that emanates from the heart of God the Father himself.

Our greatest joy, our greatest freedom, then, is the freedom of the children of God! It is only as free children of God – operating on the supernatural level of faith and charity that we can even begin to understand how human life both individually and in community, the secular society, ought to be lived. In this we can see clearly how all natural law is based on and derivative of supernatural law. It cannot be otherwise. It is very difficult for a real Christian to live in the world – but no one ever said that it would be anything other than that. Jesus himself said it quite plainly: the world will hate you and persecute you if you believe in me and live by my brand of charity! In fact unless the world does look askance at us, perhaps we are not as Christian as we ought to be.

And on this fourth day of July, may we remember that the independence that this country was founded upon sprung from a desire for religious liberty – which was so very welcomed back then. Today it seems however to be so much the opposite case: exercising the legal right of religious freedom – especially by Church members - can get one labeled an enemy of progress and of the state.

It's time for freedom – true freedom – freedom of the children of God – to ring out throughout the land; whatever other kinds of freedom there are out there can only be valid if they participate in this fundamental God-given freedom – paid for by the Death of Christ Jesus on the Cross! It's time for the lamb to lie down with the wolf – in peace, peace that can only come from God alone!

Let the peace of Christ control your hearts; let the word of Christ dwell in you richly! Be transformed by the renewal of your minds!

Homily – July 2, 2010 – Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time - Friday

2010-07-02T06:23:00.001-04:00

+ Yesterday we saw how Amos became a reluctant prophet of the Lord. He made it clear that it was not his idea to become a prophet. He neither was a member of a prophet's family, nor did he attend a prophet's school. He was a shepherd who God handpicked to go and warn the people of Israel that sure punishment and exile from their nativeland would be their lot unless they changed their hearts and minds and turned once again completely to God and his will and ways. As we see in our reading this morning the people still did not repent, and in fact they became worse than ever. They lied to and they cheated their own fellows. They extorted money and caused all kinds of ill things to happen among themselves. And the Lord did begin his punishment by sending causing all kind of disasters to befall them, bringing famine upon the land, and a draught. They shall then search for the word of God's encouragement and not find it; and finally they shall be exiled from their own land! But as we heard yesterday, so it applies today: the judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just: God gives fair warning before he does anything drastic or far reaching, but then he follows through with it!

The gospel passage shows Jesus associating with sinners and tax collectors, many of whom were notorious for the very things we heard about in the first reading from Amos. They cheated people and extorted money; they dealt unkindly with one another and were not worthy of God's favor – but the difference here is that Jesus sees this crowd now as teachable, malleable, redeemable. He sees them as ignorant and errant potential children of God his Father and he treats them with mercy. Mercy is the great manifestation of the reality of God and the expression of his divine heart! God would much rather show compassion and grant forgiveness than show a father's hand in discipline and dole out just punishment. It is when we acknowledge ourselves as teachable, malleable, redeemable sinners that God can shower us with the grace of mercy and forgiveness. We are all sick in the eyes of God and in need of the healing ministrations of Jesus the Divine Physician. May we accept the treatment that Jesus prescribes today: a little dose of mercy, followed by a day of loving service to our fellows because we all exist in the heart of God! This will make us different from the hard-hearted people of the time of Amos the Prophet!

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

Homily – July 1, 2010 – Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time - Thursday

2010-07-01T07:27:00.001-04:00

+ In our first reading today Amos, the reluctant prophet of the Lord, makes it clear that it was not his idea to become a prophet. He neither was a member of a prophet's family, nor did he attend a prophet's school. He was a shepherd who God handpicked to go and warn the people of Israel that sure punishment and exile from their nativeland would be their lot unless they changed their hearts and minds and turned once again completely to God and his will and ways. This he did! And the people still did not repent and they were indeed expelled from their land! But in all this: the judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just: God gives fair warning before he does anything drastic or far reaching.

The gospel passage shows Jesus healing a paralytic, and at the same time forgiving his sins. This shows Jesus' power of nature and sin. In so many ways people are still exiled from their spiritual homeland – and they become paralyzed spiritually, and crippled in so many other ways because of their sins, because of their willfulness, because they insist on having things their own way! Simple faith in Jesus, Son of God, Son of Man, can bring forgiveness and wholeness into one's life.

May we today, just a little bit more than yesterday, let go of our willfulness, confess our sinfulness, profess our faith in Christ Jesus and receive the blessings and health that he has to offer us.

God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation!

Homily – June 30, 2010 – First Holy Martyrs of the Church of Rome

2010-06-30T06:30:00.001-04:00

+ Today we celebrate the great feast of the First Martyrs of the Church of Rome. The deaths of Saints Peter and Paul, which we celebrated yesterday, were part of the relentless persecution of the Emperor Nero. Clearly a psychopath, Nero burned down two thirds of the city of Rome, in the already scorching heat of summer, reportedly laughed while it burned and then blamed the Christians for this deed. This gave him public leave to exterminate mercilessly large quantities of Christians in a sordid variety of ways.

God, however, brought great victory from such a dastardly deed: for it was from the blood of the martyrs that the roots and shoots of the early Church began to take root and spread. These great many men and women were gifted with the opportunity to follow Christ to the point of shedding blood: and their reward was very great in heaven, as promised; and a fragrant crown of the glory of God himself was bestowed on them to last forever!

The first reading today tells us that if God is for us – and he is at all times, in every circumstance of our life, most especially when we are persecuted – then it matters not who is against us. We, by the grace of God, will always be victorious. In the gospel passage Jesus relates that he who perseveres to the end will be saved – he who uses the graces that God gives and refuses to be sidetracked by difficulties of any kind, will see the fruits of his labor.

May our hope remain a reserved place in the Kingdom of heaven – with the First Martyrs of Rome – and all subsequent martyrs of both the red and white variety. We all can unite our sufferings and crosses to that of Christ and emerge unscathed, renewed and victorious!

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.

Homily – June 29, 2010 – The Solemnity of SSs Peter and Paul

2010-06-29T07:26:00.001-04:00

+ The Church's praises ring out with joy this day as we recall the feast of Saints Peter and Paul. It is the keys of Peter and the words of Paul that assure the Church of its never-ending call of holiness of life and the beatific vision of God's face forever in heaven to those who are faithful to such a call, and respond generously with lives of love and service. Today we also celebrate the Fifth Anniversary of the Founding of a religious group called the Joyful Servants of the Cross. It has been from the very beginning the desire of the participants in this group to seek holiness of life and a means of channeling loving service for the good of those in the Church on the local level and the world at large.

I should like to combine these two celebrations by addressing the simple vows that will be pronounced by the members today and demonstrate how they are a true outgrowth of the spirit of Peter's profession of faith, and Paul's mission to all nations to convert all who would be converted to the Lord.

The three vows are: stability, conversatio morum and obedience. These reflect the vows taken by true Benedictines, who serve as a model of structure and way of life for the Joyful Servants. Saints Peter and Paul were both stable and committed spiritually to the task given then each personally by Christ the Lord himself to raise up a Church – for the glory of the Father – and for the salvation of all people everywhere. This stability, perseverance, commitment, stick-to-it-ive-ness, persistence and loyalty both in season and out, in good times and in bad, in all kind of assaults and persecutions both externally and internally encouraged and sustained by the working of the given Holy Spirit within them made the Church alive, effective and the hope of the world. The Joyful Servants commit themselves today to such a spirit of stability both internally and externally: binding themselves to live together for life (so long as ordinary circumstances allow), understanding that perseverance, commitment, stick-to-it-ive-ness, persistence and loyalty both in season and out, in good times and in bad, in all kind of assaults and persecutions both externally and internally will also be their lot. But with the same help of the asked for and given Holy Spirit they will endure and flourish with the help of God.

The second vow is conversatio morum – a Latin term not easily translatable – best left in Latin. It has everything to do with "conversion of ways," conversion of mores, transformation of patterns of life, a real total spiritual turn-about – it has everything to do with "dying to sin" and "becoming alive in God;" it has everything to do with becoming holy and perfect as we have been commanded by God to become. The monastery is a specially treasured incubator where such holiness and perfection are nurtured and groomed. It is the Holy Spirit's own workshop! It is the goal of conversatio morum for the monk to actually be holy – which means not being anything which is profane, crass, worldly or unholy. Its fruit is JOY – the sentiment and expression of deep abiding SPIRITUAL JOY come what may. It was this conversatio morum (that actually comes in seed form at Baptism and is strengthend by Confirmation) that gave Saints Peter and Paul the inner resource and strength to be what God called them do be and to do his will, and his will only!

Which leads to the third vow of obedience – the entire redemption of the world revolves around the love that is obedience. Jesus obediently, but o so very lovingly obeyed his Father, came to earth, became one of us, took upon himself everything that is sinful and then died in order to break the curse of sin and death forever! That is powerful love, that is powerful obedience, that is the spirit that ought to be behind every act of obedience that anyone gives anyone else. If, there is a true and God-given, chain of command – then obedience by all involved in the chain will produce not only JOY but PEACE, deep abiding peace that the world cannot give. In the monastery the Abbot – the very representative of Christ himself – obeys God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit – he passes on what he hears and experiences to those under him; the monks obey the Abbot as though they were obeying Christ himself and with a love and devotion that they would show him. Both Abbot and monks – as St. Benedict tells us in the rule – then obey each other, serving each others' needs, in mutual respect and placing the others before one's self always. This type of monastic life not only then produces joy and peace, but also hope in the face of all of life's difficulties.

It was the task of Peter and Paul to be the first to pray and work for the purification and perfection of the Church on earth so that it can be made ready to meet its Lord in heaven, and also to transform the world into the glorious kingdom of God with Jesus reigning as King – this is also the primary mission of the Joyful Servants of the Cross, who pray thusly, and impact the world in whatever ways the Spirit has in mind for them to do.

As Peter and Paul gave their lives for Christ entirely both in this life, and in their deaths, so may we the Joyful Servants of the Cross do the same.

Homily – June 29, 2010 – St. Irenaeus

2010-06-28T07:51:00.001-04:00

+ St. Irenaeus was a disciple of St. Polycarp of Smyrna. He was ordained a priest in 177 and later became Bishop of Lugundum, Gaul – which is now Lyons, France. He worked and wrote against Gnosticism, basing his arguments on the works of St. John the Apostle and Evangelist whose Gospel is often cited by the Gnostics. Irenaeus is considered the first great Western ecclesiastical write and theologian. He emphasized the unity of the Old and New Testaments, and of Christ's simultaneous human and divine natures. He is a Father of the Church and received the crown of martyrdom in Lyons in 202.

A quote from St. Irenaeus's writings reads: For this is why the Word became man, and the Son of God become the Son of man: so that man, by entering into communion with the Word and thus receiving divine sonship, might become a son of God. This corresponds exactly with the theme that I have been developing in my own homilies as of late: the most astounding fact of our lives is that by baptism we are adopted into the family of God – he becomes our Father, we become his children and brothers and sisters of Jesus and one another; and members of the one Church. This theme obviously has been promiment in the Church from the very beginning.

The gospel today speaks of Jesus' own prayer for the unity of those who would believe in him, choose him and stand by him: a unity that would provide stability for the Church as well as the promise and hope of an eternal union in heaven one day when faithfulness would be rewarded. In the first reading Paul tells Timothy to deal gently with potential converts so that they are drawn by the sweetness of the life that is in store for them – that will last unto eternity. May we today contribute to the unity of the Church by following in the footsteps of Irenaeus and celebrate our childhood in God!

Remain in my love…and bear much fruit!

Homily – June 27, 2010 – Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

2010-06-27T07:47:00.001-04:00

+ Even though the message of the readings is short today, it is a hard message, and it shall not be softened. Following Jesus is not meant to be an easy thing – in any way, shape or form – but it is meant to be extremely rewarding for those who go all the way with him – all the way to Jerusalem – all the way to the Cross – carrying their own!

Jesus resolutely made his way to Jerusalem – knowing exactly what awaited him there. Jesus determinedly reached out for what would bring salvation to all of mankind including us. Jesus perseveringly refused to be distracted in any way from his goal and the glory that it would give to his Father. Are we still with him?

Both the first reading and the gospel talk about discipleship – about leaving behind and going forward with Jesus – but both warn us that this turning must be decisive, immediate and uncompromising: "Go back" – Elijah answered Elisha called to discipleship – "why do you want to go back when God is calling you NOW?" And in the gospel: "Bury your father? Let the dead bury their dead." "No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God."

When we choose God, when we choose Jesus, when we choose to be members of his Church – we are turning away from darkness and sin – we are turning away from anything that would lead us back into that place of shadows and terror – we are turning away from all that has to do with death and destruction. And we are turning instead to life – to light – to love! Do our daily choices reflect this major choice that ought not to be withdrawn?

In the second reading, St. Paul tells us that it is for freedom that Christ has set us free, so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery, the yoke of sin, the yoke of death. LIVE BY THE SPIRIT and you will truly be alive both in your body and in your spirit. And you will have dismissed from your vocabulary and your actions that which is contrary to the Spirit of God that does indeed dwell within you by your baptism and confirmation!

How radical is your discipleship? How powerfully does the Spirit live in you? How far along the road to perfection in the spiritual life are you? Either you are heading towards the fullness of spiritual life, with your cross on your back; or you are heading towards the fullness of spiritual death, crossless but also ultimately lifeless! Jesus' death on the Cross made it so that you don't have to endure that punishment, that separation that unending pain and torture – if you don't want to! It is entirely up to you – but just remember: real discipleship is all or nothing! But the payoff is complete never-ending bliss Who would not want that?

Speak, Lord, your servant is listening;[I believe what you are telling me!] you have the words of everlasting life!

Homily – June 25, 2010 – Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time - Friday

2010-06-25T06:28:00.001-04:00

+ In this gospel passage, Jesus simply cures someone when he is asked confidently to do so. But we must remember that it is faith in Jesus - and not just a sporadic wish that the man could have made to anyone who was pedaling cures – that was the cause of his cure!

Jesus tells the man to tell no one because, at this point, this is a private matter between him and the man alone. The testimony of a witnessing priest will be enough to fulfill what the law demands regarding healings. Later would come a time when healing would become a public matter – used by Jesus to bring many to faith in himself.

On this Friday we remember that it was in virtue of his own Passion and Death that brought about the possibility of healings in the first place. Because he bore our illnesses and diseases – he could thus heal and transform them into life.

May we approach our Lord with trust, and confidence and faith today: and ask for healing – and expect to receive it – and in his way and time, we will have it!

Christ took away our infirmities and bore our diseases!

Homily – June 24, 2010 – The Birth of St. John the Baptist (Solemnity)

2010-06-24T06:22:00.001-04:00

+ Today is obviously a special day of celebration for those who belong to this church dedicated to St. John the Baptist, now a part of All Saints Parish. Just as John is recognized as "the herald of Christ" when at last he came – so too the members of this church for well over 100 years – mostly under the gentle guidance and spiritual leadership of the Marist Fathers – have also heralded the good news of the arrival of Christ in Midcoast Maine!

Just as John was always aware of a special calling in his life, so too must we be constantly aware of our own special calling to holiness and perfection of life. These qualities are not just for priests and monks and nuns; they are for everyone. Grace is for everyone! Divine Life is for everyone! God's personable Friendship is for everyone!

Now we must ask ourselves – how do we respond to these gifts of grace, life and friendship? John gave everything he had for the cause of receiving and utilizing them – including his life! How much of our life are we willing to such a project today?

May our response be honest, and true and generous – as was that of St. John the Baptist! The world still needs to hear today those infamous words: PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD! MAKE A HIGHWAY FOR OUR GOD! For one day he will come again. It could be any day! It could be today!

And may we hear him say to us as he said to his cousin John the Baptist at the end of his short but o so powerfully significant life: COME, BLESSED OF MY FATHER – INHERIT THE KINGDOM PREPARD FOR YOU FROM THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD! YOU HAVE HUMBLED YOURSELF IN THE SIGHT OF MEN, NOW I EXALT YOU IN THE SIGHT OF MY FATHER! WELL DONE GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT! ENTER INTO THE JOY OF YOUR LORD!

Homily – June 22, 2010 – Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time - Tuesday

2010-06-22T08:30:00.001-04:00

+ Jesus continues in the gospel passage with short thoughtful sayings and good solid advice: protect the holy gifts that God gives you free of charge: treat others exactly the same way that you want to be treated: expect that the passageway to eternal reward is narrow and not found by many, do all you can to be among the few who understand that and find the "door!"

Jesus is the "door," he is the way, he is the life and the light! The person of Jesus will comfort us, teach us, feed us and lead us – if we let him!

In the first reading we see what happens when God's people forget him, how death and destruction comes to them and their nations – but even in this God is faithful to his promise to David to protect his City and to raise from it a shoot – the King of Israel who would rule forever: Christ the Lord! It behooves us to remember that God is in charge of everything!

God uphold his city forever!

Homily – June 20, 2010 – Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

2010-06-20T13:20:00.001-04:00

+ Our message for today is short and to the point: Christ Jesus is God; and as he had to suffer much, and even die to fully attain this position, so, if we want to be his followers and recipients of a share in the new life he attained – then we too must suffer much, and even one day die!

In the gospel passage today Jesus separates out two levels of understanding of himself: the one circulating among the people (John the Baptist back from the dead, or a dead prophet from the past like Elijah); the other, the one hopefully different, emanating from his own chosen band of Apostles, who by this time should have gotten to know him a little better. Peter – inspired by the Holy Spirit of Truth – blurts out: YOU ARE THE CHRIST OF GOD! Peter could never have come up with this on his own, or any of the rest of the Twelve.

The Spirit teaches us something extremely profound and important here: in fact the most central fact of the Incarnation: JESUS, THE CHRIST (the Anointed One) IS GOD! Belief in this fact
is the hinge on which the salvation of the world swings. CHRIST IS GOD – the first-fruit of the likes of all of us – who, by faith in this fact and baptism (as our second reading tells us today) – become children of God in Christ Jesus and an heir to the promise God made to Abraham of mercy, grace and salvation! The first reading today from the Prophet Zechariah foretells that it would be from the pierced heart of Christ that salvation and the sacramental life of the Church would flow beginning with the moment of his death on the Cross: and among the sacraments Baptism is the first and most important. Becoming a child of God and a member of Christ is meant to make all the difference in our lives and the lives of all in the world.

People in the world are thirsting, thirsting, thirsting after something deep, primordial and satisfying: the only thing that can possibly satisfy that thirst is to drink of the spring of life welling up from the pierced side of Christ. This is not just religious poetry and rhetoric: this is fact, plain and simple. Only God himself can fill up what he made, knows and understands - and can see is so broken and anguished by the sin of Adam, and personal sin. It is up to us to witness to the fact that incorporation into Christ and the voluntary placement of ourselves underneath the streams of grace flowing from His Most Precious and Sacred Heart – is the sure way to peace and joy that will have no end.

Part of our witness is that we demonstrate that the attainment of such peace and joy can only come, as Jesus himself told us and modeled after much cross-carrying, suffering, and eventually death! But we rejoice in this process because all of our red crosses will be turned into gold crosses of victory! Jesus promised – and he always keeps his promises!

My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.

Homily – June 16, 2010 – Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time - Wednesday

2010-06-16T06:24:00.001-04:00

+ Today we hear a familiar gospel passage. It is actually the one from Ash Wednesday. In this section of his gospel, St. Matthew is laying out the conditions that must be met in order to surpass the supposed holiness and apparent hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees. He says: "Don't be showy or flashy in your almsgiving!" "Don't be ostentatious or flamboyant in your prayer-posture!" "Don't be pretentious or sensational in your fasting!" This outward show, if it does not have an inner matching spirit of humility, contrition and desire to do God's will wholly, is a farce and is to be avoided.

How often does pride taint our spiritual activities? How often does love of God take a back seat to love of self in our motivations? How often do we fail to follow the spirit behind the laws given for our spiritual growth in holiness and perfection?

Just as Elisha the prophet simply succeeded his teacher Elijah before the great prophet was taken up to heaven in a flaming chariot, and carried on his work faithfully and in a humble manner; so ought we be faithful servants of Jesus sent to carry on the work of saving souls – our own and others' – and not get a swelled head about it!

We are already amazing new creations from our baptism; that is show enough! It is the gentleness and compassion that we show that proves that we are these new creations: sons and daughters of a heavenly Father; brothers and sisters of a divine Brother and Savior. May we be such amazing new, right-intentioned, right-motivated creations today!

Homily – June 15, 2010 – Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time - Tuesday

2010-06-15T07:14:00.001-04:00

+ Today we hear Jesus telling us to be perfect just as God is perfect. That sounds like a tall order, but actually it is quite doable – with the grace and strength that God himself gives. If we truly live the life we receive at our baptism, then we know that we are not like ordinary earthly men and women; we have always a "different" "godly" way of seeing and doing things. We are called to "holiness and perfection of life:" this is our lifelong goal and task. And with the command comes the power to achieve it.

The legal prescriptions of the Old Testament were effective to keep spiritual and moral "law and order" until Christ Jesus could arrive in person to explain them all fully and summarize and restate them in a simple command of LOVE: indeed, love, (he says) as I love you. This is a very expansive, self-sacrificial kind of love; a love that is kind, merciful, forgiving and compassionate – even to those we don't like, even to those who are our enemies.

All men and women are at least "creatures of God" – and some, like us, are "children of God" and "members of Christ!" We owe all at least "common courtesy of recognition and acknowledgment" as "fellow objects of God's care and concern." But we here rejoice and celebrate the "fullness of holiness and perfection that God calls his children to". May we today do nothing to impede our progress along the road to this fullness which will be complete one day in our heavenly homeland.

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

Homily – June 14, 2010 – Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time - Monday

2010-06-14T07:17:00.002-04:00

+ Our gospel passage today is about being positive in every event: reacting and responding in a way that is proof that the divine life of our baptismal cleansing is truly effective in us. Those who are not connected to God's supernatural life have no way of responding in a purely positive way in every situation; but we who do possess that holiness of life can respond in such a godly way. The supernatural divine way is an ever-expanding way of love and service; it is outreaching and comprehensive; it is kind and merciful. It has Jesus as a model for us as well as source of the grace to accomplish holy things.

In the first reading today, Naboth was killed by conspiracy against him, caused by the wife of the King. This act had an evil intent and thereby could in no way be considered good. No good can come from evil intent. No divine life can grow where the ground is littered with the connivings of deeds done in selfishness and greed.

May we not be like the wife of the King today who wanted to remain in the favor of an earthly King, but rather revel in the fact that we are brothers and sisters of a heavenly king and sons and daughters of the Father of all – with his divine and supernatural life flowing through us!

You are my inheritance, O Lord.

Homily – June 13, 2010 – Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

2010-06-13T07:22:00.001-04:00

+ Today we begin once again the green season of the year which the Church gives us "to feast on the banquet" that God provides for his people, his children, the flock he loves to shepherd. Just as it is time now to break out the picnic baskets and barbeque grills, let us not forget this veritable Banquet of the Word of Life, and the spiritual Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus that he provides here each Sunday, so that we can appreciate the Eucharist that we receive at the table, and so that we can be the living Eucharist for others whom God places in our lives so that we can encourage, nurture and help along the way.

During these next several months, I would like to once again take up my New Year's Resolution to keep my homilies a bit shorter and more to the point (I may have stayed a bit now and then) – and so: today's point is this: the Lord has provided a very specific way to forgive the wrong that we do!

King David, and the Penitent Woman were each different in their motivation to sin, but they both had one thing in common – that we can also have in common with them - they both turned to the Lord / and were forgiven / because they asked to be. One came to the intellectual and heartfelt
realization that he had sinned and announced this fact to a representative of the Lord (this being David), and Nathan told David that the Lord for his part had forgiven his sin;

the other literally turned to the Lord Jesus, approached him, and out of great love simply washed his feet with her tears, and wiped them with her hair (this being the Penitent Woman). He knew who and what sort of woman she was and it was her faith and love that was the cause of the forgiveness of her sins.

If we put both of these rather beautiful and dramatic penitential stories together we come to a model for ourselves.
We can see that the story of King David confessing to Nathan prefigures the great Sacrament of Penance, Reconciliation and Peace. The Church tells us we must confess serious sin to the priest – to God's specially appointed representative – and we shall be surely forgiven. This Sacrament is not optional!

But before this happens, we can also turn privately to the Lord like the Penitent Woman did and pour out our sorrow, our love and hopefully our tears on his feet. And we will hear him tells us two things: everything will be alright: your faith is working and now useful to you, so go to the priest and confess your sins. This is implied, by the later institution of the Sacrament of Penance. Should the woman sin again, she could avail herself of the Lord's forgiveness directly in that wonderful sacramental encounter.

That's it for today! A man and a woman sinned. A man and a woman were forgiven. Men, women and children like us, in fact us, are invited to partake of the "Sumptuous Banquet of Forgiveness" that is offered in all our parish churches weekly on Saturday afternoon! Penance is the great unforgotten sacrament of our day! And it is a shame, because it is absolutely essential for everlasting life, for anyone who sins - in an even remotely serious way - after baptism – to confess his sins to a priest!

Lord, forgive the wrong we have done!

Homily – June 11, 2010 – Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

2010-06-11T07:24:00.001-04:00

+ Today we celebrate an immeasurably profound and wondrous reality: the Divine Heart of God! And we must take care to perhaps get a fuller understanding of it today than ever before. What we know as the "Sacred Heart of Jesus" is only half of the story! If Jesus is the perfect image of the Father's reality – when we see Jesus we see the Father – then, when we see the amazing and Sacred Heart of Jesus, we are seeing the amazing and Divine Heart of God the Father.

The Divine Heart of God the Father has been long underestimated and underscored. It was the Divine Heart of God the Father that was responsible for immediately planning our reconciliation and salvation after He, Himself was offended and treated in a dastardly way! It was the Divine Heart of God the Father which was the "home" of God the Word, before he became Flesh in order to obey his Father and save the likes of us. It was the Divine Heart of God the Father, as well as pierced heart of Mary the Mother of Jesus,
who received their Son, when he was taken down from the Cross. Good Friday was an incredibly painful day for both of them!

This is the "Heart of the Shepherd" that was referred to in the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel in the first reading today. This passage refers both to the Heart of the Son and the Father – to shepherd the flock (as one) and gather the scattered sheep, rescuing them from every place that they were scattered when it was cloudy and dark, leading them from foreign lands back to their own country, finding good pasture for them, giving them rest, binding up the injured, healing the sick, shepherding them rightly! THIS IS THE WORK OF GOD THE SON AND THE FATHER – because of the presence of their very LOVING DYNAMIC ENERGY itself – a third Person – the HOLY SPIRIT. It is the Spirit of God who accomplished these things – for he IS LOVE – he is HEALTH – he is STRENGTH!

Jesus, in the gospel parable, makes the point that we need always remember: it is He, and his Father, and their Spirit who are the Good Shepherd – and it is the repentant sinner sheep that is most highly favored by them – otherwise, they did everything for nothing. If the forgiveness and reconciliation are available but no one makes use of it, then what good is it? The one repentant sinner sheep brings joy not only to those who are trying to help it here on earth, but also those who are pulling for it in heaven!

What is so amazing is that while we were all still sinners – Jesus did what he did – suffered ignominy, torture and death! He loves us so! He would do it again! In fact he does it again at this and every Mass! We are there at Calvary and we see the depth of his love poured out from a heart that gave forth blood and water so fully did he give himself for us!

Let us take the Lord's yoke upon us, and learn from him – how to give ourselves to others fully and out of great love – for he is meek and humble of heart!

God bless you!

Homily – June 10, 2010 – Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Thursday

2010-06-10T07:08:00.001-04:00

+ Jesus came that we may have life and have it to the full. Our gospel passage today tells us that our response to his gifts must be as generous as his giving of them or they will be withheld from us. Skimpily obeying God's commandments is not good enough. There is a "spirit" behind each "letter" of law, and unless we search out that spirit and ask God for the grace to live it out – then the law is lifeless and obedience to it is hollow and fruitless.

Elijah cooperated in receiving what God had to offer him: his divine presence in the work he had Elijah do: the work of making the glory of God known to a pagan world. Because of his cooperation, a cloud as small as a man's had rose from the sea – and then heavy rains fell on a land that was drought for many years. Should Elijah have cut corners on what God requested of him: another great sign of the presence and power of God would have been withheld.

May we this day not be the cause of withheld abundance of life and blessing being poured out as a heavy rain upon us and those we think about and pray for – which in some way or another should be everyone. May we say "yes" to both the "letter" and the "spirit" of the New Law – the law of love, the law of compassion, the law of merciful acts done out of love of God! And may God's rich, abundant blessing be poured out upon us all!

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

Homily – June 9, 2010 – Tenth Week in Ordinary Time - Wednesday

2010-06-09T06:19:00.001-04:00

+ Our readings today are about "signs and wonders." The Old Testament is filled with such external manifestations of "God's power and glory" – all for the purpose of establishing him among a "pagan Who's Who?" of minor deities and gods. Faith, of some sort, was operative in most of the people in these ages. It was just a matter of truly demonstrating a god with the best credentials. Our God wins - for he is the One and Only True God – the Origin and Source of Everything; the others being but "smoke in the wind." The story of Elijah and the fire lighting at Mt. Carmel is a wonderful example of how God can do not only marvelous deeds, but in a most unusual and even contradictory sort of way: lighting a fire in the midst of a pool of water! God can do, and does whatever he wants!

Why then does he not do such "signs and wonders" today – very much? Because in our world faith in mostly lacking altogether. Science and technology have taken over. If it can't be proved under a microscope, then it is probably not true, says popular culture. And so, "signs and wonders" from God would simply be wasted and considered too flashy for our modern tastes – therefore he withholds such acts. However, this does not mean that faith cannot be responsible for marvelous and even miraculous things being accomplished – especially as the result of prayer. Jesus still is very much a God of Wonder, Power and Might! He can do what he wants – but he chooses to do it in a way that will not show up on the CBS Morning News Show tomorrow. What is still essential is our faith in him and his power! Lord Jesus, we do believe today in your care for us and your power to save and heal. We believe that you can light a fire in our souls for good this day!

The gospel passage is about Jesus not being flashy or showy about doing his work fulfillment. He says quite plainly that he has come not to abolish anything at all that came before him, but simply to fulfill it – to show how it indeed foretold and announced his arrival and upcoming work – and was a kind of blueprint for what it would be like! The One Great Sign and Wonder that he saved up to the end was his being raised up on the Cross to prove the depth of his love for us – for our salvation! There is no greater Sign and Wonder than that of the Cross of Christ Crucified! May he be praised and thanked forever for his astounding compassion on the likes of all mankind, including us!

Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope!

Homily – June 8, 2010 – Tenth Week in Ordinary Time - Tuesday

2010-06-08T07:12:00.001-04:00

+ Our gospel passage today serves to remind us that the flavor (salt) that we are for the good of our relationships and projects, and the light that we are to help not only ourselves but also others find their way in life come directly from God.
He wants us to make a difference in each others' lives. He wants us to be of as much use as we can be to him as he helps his family grow to full maturity. He wants us to share always what we have and not worry about running out of resources.

Just like the widow of the first reading did not run out of food and oil for a year and a half (until the rains came again) at the bidding of Elijah to trust God and serve his (Elijah's) needs as well as her own and her sons – so too we are called to trust God's promises and understand that even difficult to understand requests from him are really for the best.

In any and all events – it is the trustworthy Father who is to be thanked, praised and glorified for all of his direct, intentional and precise care, concern and the help that he so willingly gives to his children in need – whatever that need might be.

Lord, let your face shine on us!

Homily – June 7, 2010 – Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Monday

2010-06-07T07:40:00.001-04:00

+ The first reading today relates how the Lord provided sustenance for Elijah in a hiding place that he made for him at the Wadi Cherith, east of Jordan. Ravens brought him bread and meat, and he drank from the stream. God provides especially for our spiritual needs in the secret hiding place of our hearts where the Holy Spirit comes and feeds us the very Word of God and even his Sacramental Presence from the Eucharist we receive at Mass.

The Lord helps his people when they are in need.

In the gospel passage, Jesus turns upside down the value system of the world, making the poor in spirit the truly rich ones, the meek the interiters of the land, the clean of heart those who see God, the persecuted those who are to rejoice because of ill-treatment on account of being filled with the life and love of Jesus. May we today experience the true rewards that come from belonging to such a revolutionary kingdom: a kingdom of love, justice, peace: a kingdom with Jesus reigning as King.

Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

Homily – June 6, 2010 – The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

2010-06-06T07:19:00.003-04:00

+ Last Sunday we celebrated the "summary" Sunday of the Most Blessed Trinity: One God who is Three Divine Persons: each Distinct, Separate and Real; but One, Equal, Holy and Essential Being. This is the "uncreated God" who is an eternal dynamic relationship of love – having no beginning, and no end – who exist in an eternal now of supreme joy and peace! We said last week that this amazing Being – completely sufficient and content within itself – had no reason whatsoever at all to go outside Itself EXCEPT for the fact that BEING LOVE – they wanted to share what they have with other beings, who they would create, to be like them, created in their image: meaning, PERSONS sharing their GLORY and their POWER. That is where Adam, Eve and their children - that is, you and I - came from.

It was an amazing relationship that they had – Adam and Eve – until they were tricked by the Devil into demanding something that they already possessed: life in the divinity of God himself. They were already like God, created in his image; but Satan twisted it 180 degrees and told them that he could make them gods in their own right, after their own imaginings and likes and dislikes– quite divorced from any dependent relationship on anyone, most especially GOD THE FATHER! And that was it! Like a great clap of thunder sin cut though the family relationship between God and his children. Mankind was mortally wounded – and would be for all time, unless a totally unprecedented event took place: a Man-God offering his very life for the likes of sinful men!

It was the offended, God the Father, who went so far as to devise the plan and send his only-begotten Son to be the one to die for the salvation of the human race! What a tremendous reality the Divine Heart of God is! He loved and loves his creations so very much. And then thanks to the effectiveness of the action of the Holy Spirit who has been present to the community of believers in God's love, his salvation and the whole process based around the person of Jesus, his Son – access to the Divine Life is now once again possible by means of the Sacraments of the Church which begin with BAPTISM!

When one chooses to be baptized "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" an entirely super-natural event takes place: the son or daughter of Adam, becomes instantaneously a son or daughter of God himself (once again) by means of the grace of reconciliation merited by Jesus Christ who is not only our Savior, but also our Brother and our Friend. This is amazing! We, of course also, become members of the Church, the Body of Christ, the Bride of Christ, Branches of the Vine, a community of believers! But first and foremost and most magnificently WE BECOME CHILDREN OF GOD! We become children of God! Everything follows from that!

And the great message of today's feast is that God provides for his family: he provides the greatest spiritual food that could ever possibly be imagined: food which is the spiritual Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of the same Savior and Lord, Brother and Friend who promised to stay with his people, his Church, his Body, his Bride throughout all of human history, until the very end of the world: CHRIST JESUS, his Son. This angelic food, this Bread of Life, this Eucharist that was instituted on the night of the Last Supper, contains also the very death of Jesus on the Cross the next day because Jesus had exactly the same intention at both events: to lay down his life completely for his only then potential and possible brothers and sisters: so that they could have life and have it to the full!

It is absolutely necessary to eat this bread and drink this cup, in order to gain everlasting life. Jesus says this quite plainly and he means it. That is why it is vital for all of us to get the message out that this is so: that fullness of life must be tasted and experienced here, before it can even be recognized, tasted and experienced later in heaven. While baptism is also a requirement for salvation – and alternative ways of being baptized are recognized by the Church – there is only the slightest way around not eating and drinking the bread and wine consecrated by a duly ordained priest of the Catholic Church - whose ordination is verifiable in the true apostolic line of succession. There is surely a legitimate means of "spiritual communion" for those who cannot in any other way avail themselves of the true Eucharist in their lifetimes directly!

Just as Baptism creates holy childhood of God in us and Confirmation strengthens it and gives it gifts to use for the good of all in the family: so Eucharist completes the initiation process with a family meal that can be partaken of daily if wanted, weekly as prescribed for our own spiritual welfare by the Church. It is of extreme importance to know that the Divine Life begun at Baptism and strengthened at Confirmation would quite literally die if it is not nurtured and nourished by participation in the Holy Eucharist, and by prayer and works of charity done for love of God. Perhaps this is why so many lukewarm and fallen away Catholics, and members of other religious persuasions who have baptism as part of their initiation rites seem so miserable, disjointed and generally unhappy: their own unattended, neglected, forgotten but spiritual lives are smothering them!

Let us prune ourselves, if necessary, let us pray, let us help others for love of Christ and let us appreciate the depth of love that went into the creation of the Most Blessed gift of Eucharist - for the Divine Life of our very souls – and let us eat and drink and proclaim the death of the Lord joyfully and happily until he comes again – so that we can go with him home and live forever in our Father's house!

Homily – June 4, 2010 – Ninth Week in Ordinary Time - Friday

2010-06-04T07:31:00.001-04:00

+ This is a very short but strange gospel passage that needs to be interpreted very carefully to be understood well. [Stay with me on this one]: The bottom line is that Son of David
is not meant to be a completely adequate and exhaustive definition of the Messiah. Something more lofty like "Kyrios" "Lord" is need to capture the character of Jesus' messiaship! Assuming that David is the speaker of Psalm 110 (which is being referred to here), "The Lord said to my lord," (regarding the second "lord") – he must be speaking of someone other than himself. The first Lord is God, the second "my lord" must be someone different from and superior to David. Therefore the Messiah is not adequately and exhaustively described as Son of David. What delights the crowd is that Jesus turns around easily the claim of the scribes that "son of David" fully defines who this Jesus is, therefore making him less than he can be in his full majesty and power.

Jesus suffers opposition, tricks and persecutions small and great in his public life, and in the first reading today St. Paul tells Timothy that anyone who wants to follow Christ and live religiously in him will be also opposed, tricked and persecuted but if they hold on fast to what they have learned by means of the Scriptures and valid teachings about him then they will be equipped for every good work in saving themselves and others along the way!

Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him and we will come to him – and they will experience who the true Lord and Messiah is - Son of David, and o so much more – and they will have the strength needed to stand fast in the world day by day!

Homily – June 3, 2010 – St. Charles Lwanga and Companions

2010-06-03T07:46:00.001-04:00

+ Today we celebrate the feast of Charles Lwanga who was servant of King Mwanga of Uganda in Africa. He became a convert in June 1885. He and his companions are considered as the protomartyrs (first martyrs) of black Africa. He was one of twenty-two African Catholics who were executed for their faith under a persecution by King Mwanga. Twenty-four Protestants were also martyred. In 1920 Pope Benedict XV declared Charles Lwanga patron saint of youth and Catholic Action for most of tropical Africa.

Our readings today are suited to the feast. The first reading is about – once having set course in a definite and true direction, refusing to look back – once converting to the Christian faith – never to look back, renege, or take back old practices. Keeping the dietary code was essential to faith before Jesus came and declared all food clean – and so even death by martyrdom regarding keeping the rules was hailed by men and women of the Old Testament.

But when Jesus comes, everything is different, not only dietary rules: the entire standard of life is changed: worldly values were turned asunder and a true vision of a Kingdom of God that is available to all was unveiled. In this Kingdom the poor are rich, those who mourn are comforted (even in the darkest places of Africa), those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are satisfied and those who are persecuted for their faith are rewarded with a crown of glory!

May we choose today to be poor and meek; clean of heart and persecuted: and our reward – as with Charles Lwanga and companions and the twenty-four Protestants – will be great in heaven!

Homily –June 2, 2010 – Ninth Week in Ordinary Time - Wednesday

2010-06-02T06:17:00.001-04:00

+ Our gospel passage today shows how Jesus deals with those who try to put trick questions to him to discredit his teaching. Here he quite easily turns the tables. He reminds all that marriage has to do with this world, and not the world to come. But he also tells us about that world to come when he teaches that for those who would one day be baptized there is a true family relationship that would endure through this life into the next. All who are baptized become adopted children of God, and therefore brothers and sisters of one another both in this life and the next. And so, we marry our "brother or sister in Christ" here below, and will spend eternity in heaven with them when the marriage ends at death but the family relationship lasts forever! God is the God of a living family of loving members!

In the first reading St. Paul tells Timothy to stir into flame the gift that God gave him at his ordination. For it is never easy bring the gospel message to anyone – and the Apostle and teacher, the Bishop and the priest need the special help of the Spirit of God to do it. The teaching today is that Jesus is the resurrection and the life, and that whoever believes in him (who is our Brother) will never die but live as a brother and sister forever!

Homily – June 1, 2010 – St. Justin

2010-06-01T07:41:00.001-04:00

+ Today we celebrate the feast of a noted saint in the early second century: Justin, who was actually born in Palestine, moving later to Rome. He was a pagan philosopher who converted to Christianity at the age of 30 by reading the Scriptures (thus really coming into contact with the living person of Jesus in his word) and witnessing the heroism and faith of the martyrs of the church – and during this time of heavy persecution, there were many martyrs. Justin used his philosophical and oratorical skills to dispute with pagans and explain the faith, becoming one of the first great Christian apologists. His writings on Baptism and Eucharist are noteworthy. He opened a school of public debate in Rome. Of course, all this naturally brought him to the attention of the authorities and under the persecution of Marcus Aurelius he died a martyr's death, himself, in 165.

Our readings today are especially chosen for the feast: it is as though Justin and St. Paul were talking to the same people – and in fact they were only about a generation or two apart: Paul talks about the really wise one, the really smart intellectual, the really philosophically learned one: this would be the one who was not just a clever debater on the human level, but rather one who clearly understood the message of the cross of contradiction – that power comes from weakness, strength comes from foolishness. But, this understanding can only be gotten by faith. Both Paul and Justin knew that the philosopher can only go so far, and then the theologian in us must take over in order to thoroughly satisfy our ardently longing soul!

In the gospel passage Jesus insists that there is no compromise in the truth of his message and that persecution and even death may come to those who – being filled with the spirit – spend their lives being salt and light for the world. Christians, especially Catholic Christians are called to make a real difference in the world in which they live – here and now. If we do not, then we are not obeying Jesus and his commandment to take care of one another and love one another. We are truly brothers and sisters to each other and we owe it to each other to lay down our lives!

Let your light (the light of an exemplary life) shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.

Holiday – May 31, 2010 – The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

2010-05-31T06:28:00.001-04:00

+ Today we celebrate a Mystery of the Rosary and an example to us all of what having the Divine Life within us ought to inspire. Today we remember that after the Holy Spirit overshadowed Mary, and Jesus – the Man-God – began to exist within her womb by means of a purely super-natural occurrence, the presence of her Creator, her Redeemer, her Sanctifier made Mary immediately eager to spread their outward-tending life of giving and serving the needs of others. And so Mary went with haste to visit her elderly cousin Elizabeth who – through the angel – was told was also with child, in her old age (the child being John the Baptist).

The meeting of the two cousins – because God was so strongly present in both of them – produced great joy and acclamations of praising the greatness of God. Elizabeth blessed Mary for believing that what the angel told her will come to pass: that she would be the mother of God's only Son. And Mary proclaimed God's greatness by intoning the great prayer of Hannah of the Old Testament: My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoice in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant…He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our father, to Abraham and his children forever.

At the meeting, also, John the Baptist in the womb of Elizabeth leaped for joy as well: thus confirming the sacredness and the sensitiveness to all that goes on around it of unborn children who await their time to be brought forth into the light of day!

Then Mary remained with Elizabeth for three months to help her as her time for delivery approached: this was done with peace and joy because the amazing new presence on earth of God himself was right there in the midst of it all! Having received the Eucharist today – the same presence of the same Lord and God and Savior, let us seek out others to whom we can bring the kindness, the care and the love of God to, by words and deeds of true charity and helpfulness: let this be a day of "visitation" for us as well.

Blessed are you, O Virgin Mary, who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.

Homily – May 30, 2010 – Trinity Sunday

2010-05-30T07:16:00.002-04:00

+ Today is "summary Sunday" – that is: S U M M A R Y, as well as "summery Sunday" S U M M E R Y as we celebrate also Memorial Day and the beginning of the "summer season" here in Vacationland – the beautiful state of Maine. We welcome any visitors from out of town! "Welcome to you all!"

First we consider S U M M A R Y: on this solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity we celebrate really ONE AMAZING FACT: that God who is a dynamic loving relationship within himself – One Relationship of Three Distinct, Real and Interrelated Persons – not by any necessity at all - chose to share "personhood" with other created creatures with whom they could enter into a very special, dynamic and familial, filial, relationship. God the Father wanted not only one Son, in the Word, but also many sons and daughters who would participate in a family relationship the only way they could really do it: by spiritual adoption. Only Jesus is Son of God by nature; God predestined and calls everyone else to family life with him, with and in Jesus, by adoption: that can only be accessed by Baptism, strengthened by the sacrament of Confirmation and nurtured daily by the Eucharist – the very bread of Divine Life for our spiritually starving souls!

THIS IS ASTOUNDING! When we are baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit we instantaneously become forgiven "children of God," brothers and sisters of Jesus and one another, and heirs with Jesus of eternal life! WOW! God is very clear – his creatures, born into the world with Adam's sin attached to them, must in some way, shape or form be baptized in order to become forgiven children and family members of his. The pouring of water and saying the words is the ordinary means, but there are other legitimate means that the Church allows for and are enumerated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

That's really all there is to it! And we have just taken six months to explain in great detail the process of how this salvation came about: how the plan of transforming the sin of Adam into the grace of eternal life began with a babe at Bethlehem, continued with a man who revealed everything there is to know about God, including the nature of total self-gift to the point of self-sacrificial death on a Cross, and whose resurrection from the dead into a newness of life was the great break-though event that made Jesus unlike any other human being in history. That newness he made available to any who would believe in him, and in his Father and in their Spirit.

Last week we celebrated the great Gift of the Father and the Son: the Holy Spirit: who not only was sent to affirm and confirm everything that Jesus ever said and did, but was also to be the continued presence and source of spiritual power in the community of believers that became the Church, upon his arrival: a source for Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist – and the rest of the sacraments, as well as the entire life of the Church that we are so privileged to be a part of! No matter what human inadequacies infect the Church with scandal and veritable hypocrisy: the Church is still and will always be DIVINE in its source, its root and its very life! There is every reason to cling to it, as if to a floating timber in the great rough sea of life!

May we now meditate upon our amazing membership in God's own family: we, being his children, he being OUR FATHER: a title which God delights in hearing us call him: Jesus told us to call him OUR FATHER!!! ABBA!!! DADDY!!! because he likes it, he deserves it and nothing else suffices to describe the precise and exact nature of the relationship – and may we affirm our faith in the works and working of the Most Blessed Trinity by answering the following questions?

Priest: (PLEASE RESPOND "I DO BELIEVE," if indeed you do believe)! Do you believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen?

Do you believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, one in Being with the Father? Do you believe that through him all things were made? Do you believe that for us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven? Do you believe that it was by the power of the Holy Spirit that he was born of the Virgin Mary, and became man?

Do you believe that for our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered, died, and was buried? Do you believe that on the third day he rose again in fulfillment of the Scriptures; ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father? Do you believe he will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end?

Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son? Do you believe that with the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified? Do you believe that he has spoken through the Prophets? Do you believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church? Do you acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sin? Do you look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come?

This is our faith! This is the faith of the Church! We are proud to profess it in Christ Jesus our Lord! AMEN!

Homily – May 28, 2010 – Eighth Week in Ordinary Time - Friday

2010-05-28T06:34:00.001-04:00

+ In our gospel passage today three important things happen: 1) Jesus curses a fig tree for not producing figs in the off-season (this seems odd); 2) Jesus casts out the money-changers from the temple (this too seems a bit odd); 3) Jesus connects faith and forgiveness (again, a seeming odd thing to do). Perhaps the key to understanding these odd events can be found in the first reading from St. Peter when he reminds us that WE ARE IN THE END TIMES: "The end of all things is at hand, Peter says, therefore be serious and sober-minded so that you will be able to pray. Be loving and hospitable. Serve the needs of one another with your God-given gifts. And don't be surprised that a trial by fire is occurring among you, but rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that when his glory is revealed you may also rejoice exultantly!" Remember, this was said by the same Peter, who not being filled with the Holy Spirit at the time, tried to dissuade Jesus from his own sufferings and Cross. Peter understands and preaches now the need for identifying with and bearing a share in the Passion of Christ in order to share in the glory of the Resurrection.

And so in this light, super-naturally, a fig-tree (symbolically representing us) ought to be expected to produce the fruits of grace both in and out of season; making a living – even as a banker (a modern-day money changer) – is okay so long as it is done not to cheat people and for the glory of God; and lastly, understanding and experiencing forgiveness from God and one another, and freely giving it, is the key that unlocks so many things including the peace of Christ and the very ability to have faith in the one who is the source of the forgiveness, the source of all grace, the source of all blessing: the source of all that we need. We can therefore do as Jesus tells us and ask for what we need and it will be given, but not unless we are familiar with forgiving and being forgiven!

Yes, we truly are living in the end times. It has been so for two-thousand years now. But with God, a thousand years are as yesterday! One "today" will be the "Last Day" – and it just makes sense to live all of ours as though it just might be this one. And, if we have the Divine Life of God already pulsating and energizing us from within because we are Baptized, Confirmed (and in my case Ordained) children of God – then we should have nothing whatsoever at all to fear about that Great and Terrible Day. For us it will be like an amazing and joyful family reunion, the likes of which we can only begin to fathom!

I chose you from the world, to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord, (both in season and out of season)!

Homily – May 27, 2010 – Eighth Week in Ordinary Time - Thursday

2010-05-27T06:24:00.001-04:00

+ If we could only grasp the fuller meaning of this gospel passage, our day today would be filled with the light of God's very truth, and our steps would be sure and confidently decisive. The passage tells us that Jesus is interested very much in our physical ailments and defects. It tells us that he wills and chooses to do something about them, because he can, because he is God. It tells us also that he can deal with our spiritual ailments and defects as well. It tells us that he can do something about them as well: IF WE HAVE FAITH (ON BOTH ACCOUNTS) – even the size of a tiny little seedling! It is not the quantity of faith that is important, it is its actual existence in our souls at all that really counts!

Jesus wills to and cures Bartimaeus of physical blindness! Bartimaeus receives his sight and then follows Jesus. And he probably became a regular follower of his from then on: this is certainly an appropriate response to one who received such a blessing in one's life. But, equally true is the fact that Bartimaeus is restored spiritually as well: or he would not have had the inclination to follow Jesus after he got what he wanted.

Jesus can affect a change in our physical infirmities (in his way and time, sometimes more quickly than others); and he can also affect change in our spiritual lives as well (sometimes more quickly than others, as well). Knowledge of this is vital to the Christian. We must be able to see clearly who God is, who we are, how we relate to one another and what we are called to do in this life with God's help alone. When we can understand this, then we are no longer spiritually blind. Only God alone can be the cause of our seeing this way! Otherwise, we are quite literally the blind leading the blind, whether we can see physically or not!

God is our Father, we are his children, we are brothers and sisters of Jesus and one another, and we are called to help one another through the pilgrimage of earthly life until we reach our Father's Mansion in heaven! This is spiritual reality! This we must
see, with the grace of God! This sight, the Eucharist we share at the this Mass can increase, if our faith is the size of the tiniest seedling!

Lord, we want to see! Lord, give us light! Lord, give us sight! – and we shall follow you into eternity!

Homily – May 26, 2010 – St. Philip Neri

2010-05-26T06:27:00.001-04:00

+ Today we celebrate the feast of a well known Italian saint: Philip Neri, founder of the Congregation of the Oratory (the Oratorians). Their most distinguished member was Cardinal John Henry Newman, who founded the Birmingham and London, England Oratories. Born in Florence in 1515, Philip left the city when the Medicis returned to power in 1532. He disavowed a budding career as a merchant near Naples, and went to Rome after a possible conversion experience in 1533. He lived a life of poverty and helpfulness to the poor and needy – especially youth. In 1544, while on one of his frequent vision to the catacombs he is said to have experienced a vision in which a ball of fire entered his mouth and dilated (enlarged) his heart – a condition that is said to have remained for the rest of his life. He also founded the Confraternity of the Most Holy Trinity. With the encouragement of his spiritual director he was ordained a priest in 1551, lived with a community of diocesan priests and spent long hours in the confessional and spiritual directions. He is said to have extraordinary insights into people's hearts. It was the time of vigorous reform and pastoral renewal in the Church with the counterreformation. He did much to update the Church and make it strong, sure and vibrant. He was a close friend of Cardinal Charles Borromeo. Philip died on this date in 1595 of natural causes. He is patron of the city of Rome.

The first reading today tells us to rejoice always in the Lord. Have no fear or anxiety at all…and let the peace of God that surpasses all understanding guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. This was Philip Neri's message – this is the Church's message for all the in the world today. Live in Christ and you will have it all!

In the gospel passage, Jesus asks his Father's protection on his Apostles and ministers who bring glad tidings to the world. Their job is great, but the aid given is even greater. They too ought to rejoice that everything they need, will be given them – if they stay close to Jesus and his Father's heart – by prayer and works of self-sacrificial love.

Remain in my love, says the Lord; whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit!

Homily – May 25, 2010 – Eighth Week in Ordinary Time - Tuesday

2010-05-25T07:36:00.001-04:00

+ We are now in the "teaching – green vestment – season" of the Church year which will last all the way up to Advent in late Fall. It is the time to more closely examine the truths that have been set forth in the Advent/Christmas, Lent/Easter Cycles that we have just finished celebrating for six months. We do this further investigating each year not to learn anything new, but to more fully understand
what Jesus has already revealed - led by the Holy Spirit – which was sent to guide us into all truth.

Today's "truth" is that those who indeed give up everything to follow Jesus will have everything in return to sustain them in this life – and in the world to come. The first being last, the last being first; those having nothing, ending up with more than those having something are spiritual principles that God deals with us with. And it is important for us to know and to play by his rules rather than any we may cleverly make up about him.

In the first reading we have a summary of God's wish for all of us: to be perfect, to be holy as he is holy! This is not an impossible request. Actually it is quite achievable – with and in Christ Jesus his Son and our Brother. Apart from Christ, no! no one can do anything pleasing, perfect or holy; but with the grace of Christ – given at Baptism, strengthened by Confirmation and rekindled at every Mass – we can be more pleasing, more perfect, more holy today than we were yesterday – as we constantly move towards the fullness of our perfection and holiness – when we dwell in the heart of God forever, with Jesus, Son of Man, Son of God and all our brothers and sisters forever!

All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. Sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands; break into song; sing praise!

Homily – May 24, 2010 – Eighth Week in Ordinary Time - Monday

2010-05-24T06:50:00.001-04:00

+ We begin now the "teaching season" of the Church year and the first lesson is two-fold: from the first reading – Jesus risen and ascended is now our hope, and our aim and our goal – even if we have to endure some trials here below, it will all pay off handsomely in the end when we attain the fullness of life that is awaiting us; and, in order for the hope to be real, it must be absolute and completely detached from human concern – our hope must be based on our spiritual poverty (and even our material poverty if it gets in the way of our envisioning of the goal: Jesus and his Way of Life).

The "possible way of God," that Jesus suggests in the gospel passage, is the way of voluntary self-denial, penance and spiritual discipline. We are all called to such perfection and holiness. It just takes a little effort on our part to get out of our own way!

The Lord will remember his covenant forever, his end of the bargain - that is not the problem; whether we will remember our part
of the contract could be problematic: let us not only celebrate but also make our remembering a normal part of our daily Christian life, by prayer and by works of mercy!

Jesus Christ became poor although he was rich, so that by his poverty you might become rich.

Homily – May 23, 2010 – Pentecost Sunday

2010-05-23T07:39:00.001-04:00

+ One day after the celebration of the Ascension of Jesus into heaven (ten days ago), the space shuttle Atlantis was launched for the last time. We have all seen space shuttle launches. There is GREAT FANFARE! GREAT LIGHT! GREAT SOUND! GREAT POWER!!! While this may not be a good analogy to what happened on the day of the Ascension: Jesus actually simply went up into the clouds, with a gesture of blessing as he made his way. But this is exactly what it was like on the day of Pentecost! The Spirit came down like the experience of a space shuttle going up – and the house where the Apostles were SHOOK! There was BRIGHT LIGHT! THERE WAS GREAT SOUND! There was POWER! And there was the de-scending, rather than a-scending of tongues of flame and fire that landed on the heads of the Apostles and filled them to overflowing with the JOYOUS, PEACEFUL, POWERFUL PRESENCE OF GOD – deep down in their souls - like they had never experienced him before. Everything immediately became different – the very newness of life of God began to surge inside of them like never before – and they knew who God was, they knew who Jesus really was for the first time, they knew who they were, they knew how they were now related to one another in a new and sacred relationship, they knew how eager they were to bring the message of all of this to all others – no matter what the cost might be! It was a magnificent day!

The first reading today from the Acts of the Apostles tells the narration of what exactly happened: when it was time for Pentecost, the apostles were together in one place, and suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim. They began to proclaim the glory of God and his will for the salvation of the entire human race to the residents of all the various nations who were gathered in Jerusalem for the Jewish Feast of Pentecost – and each person heard the same message in their own language. This is the gift of tongues – and a foretelling that the gospel would be spread to every land – as Jesus had commanded.

In addition to the impetus behind evangelization, the Spirit gives different gifts for the benefit of the whole body of the newly formed community of believers – each new member is given at least one gift to use to keep this new Body of Christ alive and well: to keep the shuttle flying to use the alternative analogy! It is up to each member to more fully discover his or her gift (or gifts) and put it (or them) at the disposal of the whole community.

As I mentioned two weeks ago, Jesus promised "two parting gifts" when he would finish his work on earth and ascend to the Father's right hand – PEACE and THE HOLY SPIRIT ….today those combined gifts are delivered – in great force, with great power - for the purpose of renewing the face of the earth. But as I said at that time, this peace, given by the presence of the Holy Spirit, is the result of the experience of heartfelt giving and receiving of forgiveness. The beginning of the sending of the Apostles occurred on the night of Easter when Jesus actually introduced forgiveness to them, after abandoning him (all except John) at his Crucifixion, by appearing in their midst and greeting them saying (twice) "Peace be with you!"Then he breathed on them and said "Receive the Holy Spirit, if you forgive sins they are forgiven, if you judge in a case that they ought not to be forgiven, then they will not be forgiven." This means that SUPERNATURAL FORGIVENESS IS REALLY POSSIBLE and must be the key to a full reception of the Spirit and his gift of Peace and all the other gifts besides! And so, may we forgive those we need to forgive in our lives, and ask forgiveness of those we ought to ask it of as well – so that the rush of the Spirit may fill us to overflowing with God's joy, God's peace and God's strength for the purification and perfection of the Church on earth, and the spiritual transformation of the world into the glorious Kingdom of God, with Jesus Christ, our Lord and Brother, ruling as King, forever!

Come, Holy Spirit, Come!

In your sevenfold gift descend;

Give us virtue's sure reward;

Give us your salvation, Lord;

Give us joys that never end.

Amen.

Alleluia.

Homily – May 21, 2010 – Seventh Week of Easter - Friday

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+ This is an appropriate gospel passage for – technically – the last weekday Mass of the Easter Season – tomorrow afternoon we begin the celebration of Pentecost which will be the last Mass of the Easter Season, indeed! We see in this passage today Jesus confirming Peter as head of his brothers and head of the whole flock of believers as the one who would be loving servant, selfless nurturer, self-sacrificial follower of Christ. Sunday the Apostles would receive the promised Gift of the Spirit which would empower them to go out and do what he taught them to do – with power, with authority, with love! As the ministers were sent in such a way, it also implies that those ministered to who receive the message be open, attentive and willing to be loved, cared for and fed. Life in the Spirit of God is a dynamic life that energizes both the Apostle and the faithful! May we pray today for the gift of being good shepherd and good sheep in a family that only God could create!

The Holy Spirit will teach you everything and remind you of all I told you.

Homily – May 20, 2010 – St. Bernardine of Siena

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+ Bernardine of Siena was a Friar Minor who was born in Massa de Carrara, Italy in 1380, and died of natural causes in Aquila, Italy in 1444. He was a priest, itinerant preacher, and theological writer. His preaching skills were so great, and the conversions so numerous that he has become associated with all areas of speaking, advertising and public relations. He was a renowned peacemaker, in the Franciscan tradition, who tried to calm feuding clans and factions in the turbulent political world of the Renaissance. His preaching visits (which would sometimes last for four hours) would often culminate in mass reconciliations, as listeners were persuaded to exchange the bacio di pace, or kiss of peace. The crowds were so large that they had to be held in the open air, rather than in a church. Bernardine was sensitive to the demands of secular life, and tried to negotiate between Christian ethics and a conflicting code of honor that stressed retaining face in a public world. He wrote theological works in both Latin and Italian and established schools of theology for his fellow friars, insisting that ignorance in a friar was as dangerous as riches. He is known as well for his devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus – which he protected, defended and touted with all his might. It is he who designed the "IHS" emblem surrounded by rays, as if from the sun (these are the first three letters of Jesus' name in Greek).

This from a sermon of St. Bernardine:

When a fire is lit to clear a field, it burns off all the dry and useless weeds and thorns. When the sun rises and darkness is dispelled, robbers, night-prowlers and burglars hide away. So when Paul's voice was raised to preach the Gospel to the nations, like a great clap of thunder in the sky, his preaching was a blazing fire carrying all before it. It was the sun rising in full glory. Infidelity was consumed by it, false beliefs fled away, and the truth appeared like a great candle lighting the whole world with its brilliant flame.

By word of mouth, by letters, by miracles, and by the example of his own life, Saint Paul bore the name of Jesus wherever he went. He praised the name of Jesus "at all times," but never more than when "bearing witness to his faith."

May we with St. Paul, with St. Bernardine and with all the saints in God's family bear witness to the faith by proclaiming his deeds in our lives, and uplifting, protecting and professing his precious and glorious Name wherever we go, whatever we do. AMEN!

Homily – May 19, 2010 – Seventh Week of Easter - Wednesday

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+ Our readings today tell us of the "trouble" that will exist when the sacred message is proclaimed in the world. The world itself will always be contrary to the gospel, as darkness is opposed to light: this until the final trumpet when whatever is worthy in the world is saved, and the rest is destroyed as withered and burnt branches. Paul is an example of one who endured the trouble involved, with the grace of the Holy Spirit and persevered to the end. In the gospel passage Jesus asks the Father to consecrate his apostles and their followers in the truth and to protect them from the evil one as they go about trying to make a difference in the world in which they live.

May we today do our part in a troublesome world to shout out the Gospel Alleluias to a people who for the most part have no idea what we are trying to do: but there might be just a few who will understand, and so we must persevere and do our job until the end – so that they may be saved with us for eternal life!

Your word, O Lord, is truth; consecrate us in the truth!

Homily – May 18, 2010 – Seventh Week of Easter - Tuesday

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+ We are now in that in-between period: the Ascension of the Lord occurred last Thursday, Pentecost will be commemorated next Sunday – and with the Apostles we are asked to sit, and wait, and pray, patiently and expectantly. Just as the Spirit came on the Day of Pentecost and the Church was born – so this Pentecost he may stir up in us old gifts given (which are ever new), or new ones that he wants to give us to deal with what we need to deal with. We must remember that the Spirit always is one step ahead of us, lighting the way and preparing us for where we must go and what we must do to remain faithful to God and helpful to one another.

In the gospel passage, Jesus asks the Father to glorify him with the glory he had before the foundation of the world. He prays for the Apostles as well that they may see the glory and might know for certain that Jesus comes from the Father: for if they miss that detail, they miss the whole point of his coming. It is the Father who cared immensely that he could no longer call his human creatures "children." It is the Father who devised the plan of sending Jesus to bring about the "adoption process" so that these creatures could be true spiritually adopted members of his family. If Jesus is the reflection of the Father's image, (which is most certainly is), then when we see Jesus we see the Father; and we can understand that he could be sent to earth by no one other than the Father.

It is up to us, along with Paul of the first reading today, and so many others to bring this message to the whole world: that Jesus is Lord and our Brother, that he is sent from God the Father, that adoption into his family is essential for salvation, and that living a true and authentic Christian life is the goal for all human beings. This is not easy, but this is why we are clothed from on high with power given by the Holy Spirit of God himself. Let us pray earnestly these next few days for an outpouring of Spiritual Gifts – just the ones we each need each day – to do whatever God asks us to do for him!

Homily – May 17, 2010 – Seventh Week of Easter - Monday

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+ In our first reading today we have the rough outline of the division of the Church's sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. We see that before the laying on of hands and the coming of the Spirit with its gifts, there is to the baptism that the Lord himself commanded before his Ascension into heaven. These two sacraments are to be the welcoming ceremonies that bring people into the Church – making them first God's children, brothers and sisters to one another and to Christ Jesus himself - and then renewed at each celebration of the "family meal" – The Eucharist – that Jesus gave to be our spiritual food for our pilgrimage through life!

Millions have been added to our Church family in two thousand years – they are still being added, most likely daily or weekly. The Father rejoices to have new children added to the numbers!

In the gospel passage Jesus tells the disciples – who are so eager to get one step ahead of him in their understanding of the mysteries of his life – let the situation unfold as it will – which will not be pleasant for anyone involved – but remember that even though they would abandon him, he would never be alone because the Father is always with him; and he would be at peace because of the presence of the Spirit – who is also available to us because Jesus has indeed overcome the world. When we feel abandoned at times – and who doesn't – we need to know that Jesus, his Father and their Spirit are with us because we are baptized and confirmed and fed eucharistically the very bread of Life!

Sing to God, chant praise to his name for he is Lord of all!