Sunday, September 29, 2019

Sep 29 - 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time


+ It is important to define terms at the beginning of this homily: the rich man may have been a very “good man,” but was in at least one sense “bad,” not because he was rich, but because he just didn’t really care about poor Lazarus who was a real person in need right there in front of him. And Lazarus wasn’t “good” simply because he was “poor,” there are a lot of poor people who are bad through and through; but in his poverty Lazarus trusted in God and relied on brothers and sisters of the human family to help him in his need. And help did not come – at least from the rich man.



At the end of his life – the rich man who apparently made some other bad decisions along the way – ended up in a place of flames and torment; while Lazarus found a place at the very side of Abraham in heaven. The rich man begged Abraham to send Lazarus with just a drop of water to cool his tongue, but Abraham reminded the rich man that while he had it rather well during his lifetime, the poor man did not – and now he is comforted for his suffering, whereas you are tormented. Moreover between us there is a chasm that cannot be crossed – there is no crossing back and forth for any reason: the chasm is the finality of our spiritual dispositions at the point of death.



When the rich man pleaded with Abraham to send someone from the dead to warn his five brothers so they didn’t end up there with him – Abraham wisely told him that that too would be impossible. They have Moses and the Prophets – let them listen to them, Abraham told him. In other words – there is already ample warning in the sacred writings and teachings - and even if one should rise from the dead to warn them personally, it probably would not help – this is a reference to when Jesus himself would rise from the dead to verify everything he taught and did before his death but still so very many would refuse to learn from him or let his Person and teaching affect their lives in any profound way.



The real sin in today’s readings is complacency. It was certainly seen in the gospel, and it cost the rich man his eternal peace and happiness; it was present in the first reading from the Prophet Amos – when the prophet rails against the people of Israel: Woe to the complacent in Zion! Lying upon beds of ivory, stretched comfortably on their couches, they eat lambs taken from the flock, improvising to the music of the harp, they drink wine from bowls and anoint themselves with the best oils. Therefore, now they shall be the first to go into exile, and their wanton revelry shall be done away with. Was Amos prophesying about our generation as well? How complacent are we in a country where, despite our wealth, millions live on or below the poverty level and families struggle to make ends meet. In a world where nearly two billion people live on a mere dollar a day are we really doing all we can for our brothers and sisters in need?



Though the sin involved today is complacency – the overarching theme of God’s merciful forgiveness is strong. When we finally “see the light,” “turn” and make him the center of our lives – and detach ourselves from our possessions – and truly live for others – and ask his forgiveness for any wrong done in the past against faith and charity – he is right there immediately to make things right for us!  He loves us so – he will always welcome us – when we want to return!



The gospel tells us that the poor have a right even to our scraps – to our excess – to our leftovers – but it is so much more dignified, loving and Christian to give them what we would want to receive ourselves (which is the Golden Rule) – the best of the best! After all, this is what God gave us when we were all poor and needy sinners – he gave us his Son, as our Redeemer!   



Praise the Lord, my soul!                                                                              




Thursday, September 26, 2019

Sep 26 - Sts Cosmas and Damian


+ Nothing is really known of the lives of Sts Cosmas and Damian, (who died around the year 303) except that they suffered martyrdom in Syria during the persecution of the Emperor Diocletian.

A church built on the site of their burial place was enlarged by the emperor Justinian. Devotion to the two saints spread rapidly in both East and West. A famous basilica was built in their honor in Constantinople. Their names were placed in the canon of the Mass (Eucharistic Prayer I), probably in the sixth century: this is place of honor given only to the most exemplary and noteworthy saints.

There is legend that says that they were twin brothers born in Arabia, who became skilled doctors. They were among those who are venerated in the East as the “moneyless ones” because they did not charge a fee for their services. Of course, it was impossible that such prominent persons would escape unnoticed in time of persecution: so they were arrested and beheaded.

Oh, and, nine centuries later, if we recall, Francis of Assisi rebuilt the dilapidated San Damiano (St. Damian) chapel outside Assisi.

The healing power that goes out from both apostles and physicians is proof positive of the breaking into history of the reign of God. May we open ourselves to this restorative power as God wishes to bestow it upon us.

It is evident from our readings today that God is very much present to those who are persecuted for his sake, and even the tortures of martyrdom are no match for the loving embrace of an almighty, loving and merciful God. We rejoice today to know that all of our tears of suffering and endurance, and those we encounter as we try to help others in Christ’s name, will be rewarded with a never failing crown of glory, and a choice spot in the heavenly kingdom!

Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing!


Friday, September 13, 2019

Sep 13 - St John Chrysostom


+ St John Chrysostom was born in 347 in Antioch, Asia Minor. His father died when he was young and he was raised by a very pious mother. Being well educated, John studied rhetoric under Libanius, one of the most famous orators of his day. He became a monk and then later a priest noted for his preaching 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: golden” mouthed. They were always on point, and explained the Scriptures with clarity and they sometimes went on for hours. Reluctantly he was made bishop (and patriarch) of Constantinople in 398, a move that 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 also revised the Greek Liturgy. Because John’s sermons advocated a change in their lives, some nobles and bishops worked to remove him from his diocese and he was twice exiled. He was finally banished to Pyhthius where he died. He is a Greek Father of the Church and considered one of the Three Holy Hierarchs along with Basil the Great and Gregory Nanzianzen. His commentaries on the Bible and his treatise on the priesthood are among his most enduring writings. He died in 407 of natural causes and was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1568.

Our first reading today gives us a glimpse into the mind of St. John Chrysostom and his motivation: with St. Paul, John simply did the particular job that he was given to do to build up the Body of Christ (the Church) to full stature. And with the grace of the Holy Spirit he did it well!
And, of course, in the gospel passage, with the parable of the sower and the seed, we see what happened when John sowed the seed of truth and justice and God’s will and God’s ways: it fell on all kinds of ground, and had all kinds of receptions, and brought forth all kinds of reactions and actions: some were against him directly and personally; but John Chrysostom did not cease proclaiming this powerful word and he bore the brunt of self-sacrifice that comes with being configured to Christ the Preacher, Teacher and Victim.

St. John Chrysostom, pray for us today, that we may be unafraid to minister always as you did, with joy!


Wednesday, September 4, 2019

Sep 4 - 22nd Week in OT - Wednesday


+ Today, in the gospel passage, we read about the joy that fills St. Paul at learning that the Colossians have securely received the real essence of the Gospel of Christ and that it has taken strong root in them. He reminds them that it is the same good news that is filling the whole known world as it was meant to because of the ones sent to bring the good new to them.

And the good news is this: victory, through suffering; joy, through sorrow, light, through darkness, richness through poverty, and eternal life through persecution and even death. This is a “live happily ever after ending” – but – the honeymoon is quickly ended and the love-life of self-sacrificial giving is what remains: thanks be to God – or there would be no happy ending for those who want it and choose it.

In the gospel passage Jesus demonstrates his willingness to infuse this good news into others by means of miracles of health of mind, body and spirit – but not in any one location – but in all locations – to the ends to the earth.

The good news. the best news, is that the kingdom of healing, the kingdom of righteousness, the kingdom of justice, peace and love – is already here – is already deep inside of everyone, everyone on the face of the earth. It is the mission and task of the Apostles and their helpers to help anyone, everyone, to become aware of this truly awesome gift – and to use it wisely, judiciously and with all compassion, forgiveness and tenderness.

The Kingdom of God is deep with us first, or it is no place. May we spend some of our free time today to sit very still, in silence, and in solitude if possible, and rest in the knowledge and presence of the God of your life, who dwells in the tabernacle of your own soul. It is a place where there is no thoughts, no feelings, no emotions, no anything but the Radiant and Tender Mercy and Fullness of the God who made you, sustains you, and holds you forever in the palm of his hand.

May we trust unconditionally in the goodness of God for each and every person on our planet.

Sunday, September 1, 2019

Sep 1 - 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time


+ 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!

Happy New Year 202

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