Sunday Reflections

By Monsignor Paul Whitmore

Homilies on the Readings from the Sunday Liturgy

May 11, 2008

Feast of Pentecost

Today we celebrate the birthday of the Church. As the Holy Spirit entered into Mary at the Annunciation, making her fruitful with the Son of God, so, too, at that first Pentecost, the Spirit entered into the expectant twelve apostles (Mathias replacing Judas), swooping down with wind and fire. As breathing fresh air purifies blood, so too did the Spirit gave vigor to all that was dead or sluggish in the hearts of the apostles, freeing them from their fear of proclaiming publically the truth they knew and had experienced. The Spirit infused them with gifts beyond value - wisdom, understanding, knowledge, counsel, fortitude, piety, and fear of the Lord. As he breathed into them, they would in turn breathe out the Holy Spirit for the rest of their lives, even to death, for love of that truth.

And fire! We often joke about the heat from birthday candles. Can you imagine the heat from 2008 birthday candles today! Far greater is the heat from millions of flames radiating from those confirmed in the Spirit. Pray that our young people being confirmed by Bishop Cunningham this season will make a difference through the faith and love they could bring to their families and parishes here in the North Country. And they are only a part of many thousands throughout the world whose faith could create a "second spring" for the universal church. That faith could engender a revolution of love and the establishment of justice among the peoples of this bleeding earth.

Three years ago, Pope Benedict, in his Installation Mass homily, clearly set unity among all Christians as a central goal of his pontificate. Unity is the work of the Holy Spirit, to bind all into oneness with Christ...one faith, one Lord, one baptism. And surely it was the Holy Spirit who inspired his recent visit to the United States to assure us that in Christ is our hope!

On this feast of Pentecost, a new energy comes to the Church through the grace of the Holy Spirit. In the Spirit of hope, we can shed our fear, as individual Catholics, of calling attention to ourselves, or of creating resentment in the quieter ones in our community. We are called to be courageous in witnessing to our faith through an outpouring of prayer and activity inspired by the Holy Spirit. Especially do we need to show hospitality to those seekers of truth in our community who, with a little encouragement, might inquire about the Catholic faith. And how about all those who entered the Church at Easter? Do we know their names, and what they look like, and where they live? Do we invite them to our homes so that we can get to know them better? Or just a daily prayer that these new Catholics will persevere. The possibilities are truly endless.

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of thy faithful! And enkindle in them the fire of thy love. Send forth Thy Spirit, and they shall be created, And thou shalt renew the face of the earth!

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May 4, 2008

Seventh Sunday of Easter

What a wonderful whirlwind visit we had from Pope Benedict XVI just a couple of weeks ago. He brought us the message that Christ is indeed our hope, and reminded us that America's unique success as a democratic republic is based on the truth of the natural law and the truth of nature's God. God's truths are the bedrock for freedom, justice, and responsible striving for the common good, that all in our nation and abroad may sit in dignity at God’s table of plenty. And, as he spoke wise words of advice to Bishops, Priests and Religious, Educators, Seminarians and Youth, he helped heal the hurts of those scarred by sexual abuse of the clergy. He urged us to respect and love one another, and to work together in unity. His gentle presence and obvious care for America left us with a degree of nostalgia as we recall his ascent into the air at Kennedy Airport.

It occurred to me while thinking about this Sunday's readings, that the apostles experienced a similar nostalgia two thousand years ago. Just when they were getting used to their amazing glimpses of the Risen Christ, appearing here and there so dramatically, he suddenly ascends into the air before their eyes, and is lost to sight in the clouds. They must have thought in dismay, "He's left us again!" So what did they do? They withdrew together to pray and ponder what He had taught them. Wisely, they invoked the intercession of Mary in those nine days of waiting for the Holy Spirit.

They must have remembered what Jesus had said to them: "If you really love me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father". In other words, I have a better way to remain with you. I will live in you and in the Church through my Spirit and in my Vicar. And did they remember that wonderful farewell address in that same upper room just a few weeks before at that strange, sacred meal the night before he died? Did they now understand the reason for his institution of the Eucharist, that he might remain with them always?

On this Seventh Sunday, as the Apostles we reflect on this new amazing life in the Spirit that will all become a reality on Pentecost, it's a good idea that we spend some time reflecting on the words of Christ’s Vicar that he spoke to us during his recent visit. When we think ourselves alone and abandoned, when the contrary spirit of the world depresses us, Christ is there! When we are tempted to give up, to feel far from God, Christ is there through the Spirit!

What Christ really wants of us modern-day followers is concrete, lasting action, a living out of his Truth. We must go simply and deliberately into our souls daily - into the core of our being - and there listen to him in silence. Then, strengthened by his grace, we can confidently go about our Mission. We need that grace more than ever in these days of rebuilding our nation and our world. Pope Benedict XVI has given us a wonderful blueprint for hope!

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April 27, 2008

Sixth Sunday of Easter

Although Pentecost is still two weeks away, this Sunday could well be called “Introducing the Holy Spirit Sunday” since the Gospel is all about Jesus’ promise to send another “paraclete” (one who pleads our cause) when he returns to heaven. The first reading tells of the marvelous workings of this Holy Spirit in Samaria when Philip, “filled with the Spirit”, goes there to evangelize.

The Gospel is part of Jesus’ Farewell Address to his apostles at the Last Supper. There, he prepares them for his death, resurrection, and ascension. He tells them they should be happy that he is leaving them, for now God the Father will send them an Advocate or Counsellor. As Jesus himself was the first “Paraclete”, so God the Father will now send the Spirit of Truth who will complete their education, reminding them of all that he said while on earth, and giving them full understanding and skill to preach the Word with great power and wisdom. This Holy Spirit will make it possible for Jesus along with God the Father to come into their hearts and dwell there. In this way, Jesus will be present to them always. Further, this Holy Spirit will fill them with courage to witness to the Truth. He will console them with great joy, and help them to live always in hope of their own resurrection.

The first reading from the Acts of the Apostles tells a story that shows how the apostles, following Pentecost, were able to perform miracles and healings very similar to the ones Jesus himself worked while yet with them. These signs gave such strong credibility to their preaching, that crowds of people immediately believed in Jesus, and were baptized. The story itself tells us that Philip, filled with the Spirit, goes to Samaria and there converts these traditional enemies into enthusiastic believers. When the apostles heard this astounding news, they immediately sent Peter and John to lay hands on them so they could receive the Holy Spirit. It was in Samaria that a certain magician names Simon, reverenced there as a god, was converted to Jesus. Unfortunately, he made a serious mistake of offering to “buy” Peter’s power. Even today, we refer to that as the sin of simony. Peter excommunicated him on the spot, but invited him to repent of this grave sin. We never do find out what happened to him.

The second reading today from a letter attributed to St. Peter, gives the early Christians a rule of conduct as they set out on their mission of truth and service. “Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence.” They should have no fear of their enemies, but be prepared to pay the price of discipleship. If they unite their sufferings to those that Jesus endured, then their personal reward in heaven is assured.

This Thursday is Ascension Thursday, a Holy Day of Obligation and the beginning of our nine-day preparation for the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. As a people of hope, we need to ready ourselves for a new Pentecost for our beloved Church.

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April 20, 2008

Fifth Sunday of Easter

It's a well-known teaching that only God can bring good out of evil. As Scripture says, “To those who love God, all things work together for good”. In today’s first reading, we see what could have been a serious division in the early Christian community become the cause for an important development in its growth. There were two languages spoken by the new followers of Christ. Those called Hebrews by St. Luke spoke Hebrew and Aramaic, while those called Hellenists in this reading spoke Greek. Tensions were bound to arise since each group had different ways of thinking and acting. All this came to the boiling point when the Hellenists felt discriminated against in the care given their widows. Very wisely, the Twelve decided to formally establish a new ministry of “table servers” (later known as deacons), so that they themselves could devote themselves entirely to prayer and preaching. They imposed hands on seven men of outstanding reputation. Actually, when the Holy Spirit came upon them, they did much more than wait on tables. In this way, God used a crisis in charity to further the effectiveness of Church in spreading the word.

The second reading from the first Letter of St. Peter uses the image of “stone” or “rock”. Peter, referring to Isaiah’s prophecy, tells us that God the Father long ago had established his Son, Jesus, as the “cornerstone, chosen and precious”. Peter, with warm and welcoming tone, urges us to come with hope and trust to the living stone of salvation, and there to become ourselves a holy temple. Now, it’s not all peaches and cream! There’s a price to pay. Through our own sufferings, we may offer sacrifice and praise to the Father along with the Son. How do we do this? Through our Baptism and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Then comes a warning. Just as many have rejected this rock of salvation to their own condemnation, so too, if we attempt to bypass Christ, then we will ourselves stumble and fall. Peter quotes Isaiah as his authority for referring to Christ as a stumbling block to those who reject him. All this will become clear on the day of judgment.

The Gospel is taken from the wonderful farewell address of Jesus to his apostles at the Last Supper. Here, he tells them not to be afraid, for after much trial, the kingdom with its many dwelling places will be theirs. A good teacher loves students who ask a lot of questions. We’re forever indebted to Philip who complains to Jesus that he doesn’t know the way to the kingdom. In answer, Jesus gives us one of his most quotable quotes: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me”. We could spend a lifetime exhausting the meaning of that sentence. It’s “Christology” in a nutshell. It means that we’ll never walk alone, that God will protect us against evil on the journey, that we’ll always be able to know the difference between good and evil, right and wrong, and that, best of all, if we are faithful to the end, we will live life to the full - now and forever.

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April 13, 2008

Fourth Sunday of Easter

This fourth Sunday of Easter supplies us with very rich images for our meditation. Jesus calls himself the "good Shepherd" as well as the "gate" to eternal life. He is the only way through which we have access to the Father. His listeners were very familiar with the crucial role that shepherds in Israel trained sheep. They would spend hours alone with each lamb, making sure that every one had a name different from any other in the flock, and would respond only to the voice of the shepherd calling out that name.

In the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, Peter is speaking at Pentecost, assuring his listeners that his fellow apostles are not drunk, but rather filled with the Holy Spirit. He tells them that, if only they repent of crucifying their Lord and Messiah through their sinfulness, they will be forgiven, Jews and Gentiles alike. If they allow themselves to be baptized, they too will receive the Holy Spirit. Amazingly, about three thousand persons heeded Peter’s preaching, and were baptized that day.

The second reading today is taken from another sermon of Peter in which he urges his listeners to model their lives on the patience of Jesus who "when he suffered, did not threaten...He himself bore our sins in his body upon the cross, so that, free from sin, we might live for righteousness." (We must be careful to distinquish “righteousness” from self-righteousness).

In the Gospel, Jesus tells us that he and no other is the shepherd of the sheep, the only voice we should recognize and follow. He is also the gate of the sheepfold, welcoming all to freedom from fear, security, and assurance of salvation. Lord, help us to silence those voices that would lead us into false paths, and lovingly follow only your voice.

To complete our meditation, read carefully the 23rd psalm today, "The Lord is my Shepherd".

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April 6, 2008

Third Sunday of Easter

The bodily Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is one of the best-attested events in history. If we can believe anything at all in history, we can confidently believe that Jesus Christ was seen alive in the flesh by a large number of eyewitnesses. This happened at different times and in different places over a forty-day period. These are established facts, and have withstood attacks by many critics throughout the centuries.

Our first reading today is the word-for-word speech of Peter in the streets of Jerusalem to an astonished crowd of onlookers. At first, they think that the apostles must be drunk. Then, after hearing the words of Peter, they are distressed and fearful, crying out for mercy at their culpable crime - crucifying the Lord of Life. Most amazingly of all, five thousand persons were baptized that same day, the day of Pentecost. What a stupendous beginning for the Church!

Going back in time to the very day that Jesus rose from the tomb, the Gospel delights us with the amazing story of the Road to Emmaus. When you think of what actually happened - Jesus celebrates the Mass with the Liturgy of the Word. He then joins it with the Liturgy of the Eucharist at the Inn. Let's take a look. These two disciples were getting out of Jerusalem, totally dejected, walking along with their heads down, gloomily talking about their broken hopes in Jesus, when a stranger joins them, asking them what their conversation was about. When they tell him the news, he professes ignorance, then points out how all of this was predicted in the Hebrew Scriptures. Fascinated, they invite the stranger to join them for supper at an Inn, since it is now nearly sundown. He agrees, and surprises them by taking the bread and wine into his hands, and quietly says the same words he had uttered just a few days before: "This is my Body...This is my Blood..." They look at one another, and recognize him in the breaking of the Bread! Then he disappears! No wonder they hasten back to Jerusalem, bursting into the Upper Room to tell their story. No wonder they cry out, "Were not our hearts burning within us as He explained the Scriptures to us on the way!"

What was the reaction of the Eleven? They greet their message with skepticism. It was only when Jesus himself appeared to them that they finally believed. And it took even longer for Thomas. It wasn't until the Holy Spirit entered their whole being that they embraced not only the event itself, but also the suffering and the ridicule that living their convictions would bring. Through the grace of that Spirit, they grew in humility, prayer, reflection, and holiness.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could feel that same enthusiasm each time we hear the Word of God at Mass, and experience again and again the great miracle of Eucharist? The best part is that Jesus doesn't disappear afterwards. He remains on our altars and in our hearts as we become part of him, and, hopefully, hasten back home to tell our friends how great God is to die for us, to live for us. And then - to share the Eucharist through our love and service - with some pain, but also with lots of joy.

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March 30, 2008

Second Sunday of Easter

Life will never be the same! Just when the apostles, huddling in fear in the Upper Room, were convinced that their days with Jesus were over forever, he appears through locked doors. It's beginning all over again! They should have believed the women - and the two disciples who gave them that outlandish story about the Stranger on the road! Now, here he is. "Peace be with you. Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them..." Does he mean us? We're supposed to leave this safe hideaway and start stirring up trouble again?

Or maybe we even doubt that part about doubting Thomas. Do you suppose he really had the nerve to put his hand in Jesus' side? Jesus rewards the likes of us who don't demand such proof.

We really have no idea what went through the minds of the apostles following the Crucifixion, but we can imagine their fright and their disbelief at the rumors on Easter Sunday. In any event, we know it took time for everything to sink in. Between Easter and Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit would change them forever, Jesus appeared many times and in many places to convince them of the truth - that he had risen from the tomb, and, since he would return to the Father, they were the ones who would do the leg work for the building of the kingdom.

Many people experience a definite letdown after Easter Sunday. Attendance at daily Mass gradually shrinks back to the "normal", and we lose the enthusiasm generated by Lent. If we're really attentive to Scripture, we'll feel just the opposite. The Easter Season is a most satisfying time to immerse ourselves in Scripture. From day to day, we just never know where the Risen Lord will "pop up"! At one point, he even provides the food for a shore dinner.

Like the apostles, it takes time for everything to sink in to our minds and hearts. For starters, we begin today with a focus on the Divine Mercy of Jesus. Our late Holy Father established this devotion for the Second Sunday of Easter. It makes special sense at the beginning of the Easter season. Just consider! Jesus showed incredible mercy in forgiving Peter his three-fold denial, in forgiving Thomas for his doubts, and in forgiving all the apostles except John for running away. And while dying on the cross, he forgave those who had nailed him there! He forgave all whose sins caused his passion and death. Our only appropriate response to his love and mercy is to imitate his love and forgiveness, and pray that all in our sinful world will surrender to his mercy - and believe!

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March 23, 2008

Easter Sunday

Easter has come suddenly, with a burst of light. Now we know that Jesus stands by his promises. In a flash, Christ has changed darkness and death into light and life. Our journey through the struggles of Lent and the pain of Holy Week is over. With malicious sacrilege, evil has done its worst to the sacred body of God's Son. With Mary and John, we saw him die. We wept at the tomb. Then, before dawn on Sunday, Christ broke through the rock, shattered the power of sin, and, according to tradition, appeared first to his Mother, then to the women and the apostles.

As we listen to the first reading, we hear one of Peter's very first sermons. The curious bystanders were astounded at the change in this man. He comes fresh from the fiery tongues of Pentecost, still in shock at the dream he had on the way to Cornelius' house. Nothing any more was to be considered unclean. So he is free to preach to Gentiles the Good News of God's forgiveness and freedom for all. Peter and the others are commanded to baptize any who believe in the Christ. So the word spreads through the whole countryside and beyond. Resurrection is the hope of every living person. No wonder the apostles preached with such courage and enthusiasm!

They preached about a God who cared first for people who were poor and powerless, a God whose love governed all his relationships. And he taught us to not only believe in justice, but to act justly.

The Scripture readings during these fifty days between Easter and Pentecost are among the most exciting in the Church year. We give burst into "Alleluias" over and over, and joyfully shout "Christ has Risen" this Sunday. But more than just singing, we settle into a new time of reflection on our own program for resurrection in these very troubled times. After all, it is our mission to bring new life to a troubled world. If we don't do it, who will? So let's repack for travel!

As followers of the Risen Christ, the time has come for greater efforts on our part to influence politicians and others on all the vital life issues that are integral to the teaching of Jesus Christ - from abortion and stem-cell research to corruption in government and all institutions - to proper medical care for the sick and elderly. Jesus teaches respect for every human person, whether alien or citizen. We need to study the document of the Bishops on Faithful Citizenship. Hopefully, many of us will continue our Why Catholic groups. Faith and action begin with understanding and loving the teachings and plans for action of our Church. We have so much to do as hope-filled Easter Catholics. These are critical times, and we must not fall back into laziness or complacency now that Lent has ended.

Let's hope our spiritual blood-pressure is just a bit higher as we proclaim the Good News. Christ is Risen, Alleluia!

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March 16, 2008

Palm (Passion) Sunday

Today we begin the most sacred week of the year - Holy Week. It all begins with the Lord's triumphant entry into Jerusalem, seated astride a donkey, with the crowd shouting "Hosanna", and it ends with the most astounding event in history, the God-man, Jesus, rising from a borrowed tomb. He rises with the light shining from the wounds of His horrible passion and death.

As our Saviour rode towards his great confrontation with the powers of evil, the words of today's first reading were very possibly in His mind: "I have set my face like flint, knowing that I will not be put to shame". No, the shame is ours that our sins and those of the millions before us have brought him to this hour. This is the week for us to bow our heads and hearts in sorrow and compassion as we put aside our daily distractions and focus on the events of the dying and rising of our loving Redeemer. We need to reflect prayerfully on the ancient Christian hymn that forms our second reading for this Mass: "...he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave...he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross." No wonder every knee must bow at the mention of his name! The early Church fought long and hard to establish the doctrine for all time that it was both God and man that took up that cross for our redemption.

So what is our cross? It's the cross of responsibilities, the cross of sickness, the cross of loneliness and failure. We gain so much strength to carry those crosses when we take time this week to journey with Jesus to Calvary.

The Church is a master of drama in the liturgies of this week. Through the use of the celebrant and two readers for the Passion this week, and in the voices of the congregation, we all become part of the action. Most feel embarrassed to cry "Crucify him" with the palm branches still in our hands. We feel like hypocrites. Yet it was our sin which brought him to Calvary.

The Passion narrative of Matthew is a reminder of the ugliness of sin - his betrayal by Judas, the denial of Peter, the hearings before Caiaphas and Pilate - the awful scourging by the Roman soldiers, the thorny crown jammed upon his weary head, the whip cutting slashes into his flesh, the blood running down his shoulders and back, the cursing by the crowd, the nails tearing through his hands, the thud of the cross into the ground. As he hangs on the cross, he cries, "I thirst!" How that cry echoes down the centuries as a reminder of his search for our love.

The shock of Palm Sunday's liturgy compresses two thousand years into this present time. We have no place to hide. We need to suspend all other activities, quiet our busy-ness, and focus on the events of this week - the local penance services, the Stations of the Cross, the Thursday night adoration, and the Good Friday veneration of the Cross. All this will prepare us for the coming out of darkness into the new fire, the new light, the new saving water of the Easter Vigil - and Resurrection.

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March 9, 2008

Fifth Sunday of Lent

We’re on the last lap of our Lenten journey ... just a couple of weeks left. And, as the drama intensifies in the tension between Jesus and the Pharisees, so, too, our personal struggle to overcome the weak spots in our spiritual armor should also “heat up”. There’s so little time remaining before our well-deserved Easter joy!

What great symbols we’ve had to tease our imaginations and challenge our minds – water to quench our thirst on the Third Sunday, light in place of darkness on the Fourth Sunday, and now life coming forth from the tomb of Lazarus on the Fifth Sunday.

It’s such a startling story - Jesus arrives in Bethany only to find that his dear friend Lazarus has died. Martha has broken the news, “Lord, if you been here, my brother would never have died!” Is she reproaching Jesus, or merely expressing her faith in him? And what does he do? He bursts into tears, his heart torn with sorrow. What! God is crying! How grateful we are for this glimpse of the tender heart of God! Then Jesus tells them to roll the stone back. They try to stop him, warning him of the stench. But Jesus persists. And the Spirit of God enters into the body of Lazarus, and he comes out alive. When the Spirit enters, death departs, for death cannot prevail over Life.

It looks so easy, this miracle of Jesus, but the people are astounded. No one has ever come back from the dead before. He must be the promised Messiah. Yet, in a few short days, how skillfully the propagators of deceit will convince the people that it must have all been in their imaginations! And, through innuendo and suggestion, the crowd will prepare themselves to betray Goodness, and demand an end to innocence, and a cross on which to hang the Compassionate One.

As we go forward on our journey to Calvary, we should not fear the power of evil that so clearly fuels the plotting of the Pharisees. All evil in this world will have a short life. We need fear only our own weakness and vulnerability to falsehood and betrayal. While the action of this divine drama builds to a seemingly final catastrophe, the end is not the end. The epilogue plays out on a bright Sunday morning, and a whole new drama begins. We are the characters of this second and final drama - sharing in the role of the Hero-God whose victory is shared with millions upon millions, suffering a million crucifixions on a million crosses, right to the present moment.

How amazing and loving and compassionate is our God in the person of Jesus! He wept over Lazarus, wept over Jerusalem, weeps over those killed through terrorism and war, through famine and disease, through murders and rapes - weeps when we fail to forgive one another. In these days of continued wars, terrorism, and ethnic hatreds, may we reflect on the truth that Jesus had to give his own life that we might be assured of life. May we appreciate more each day that we are privileged to share with him his continual work of bringing the world from darkness to light, from hatred to forgiveness, and from death to life.

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March 2, 2008

Fourth Sunday of Lent

The Fourth Sunday in Lent is filled with light and celebrated in joy. In fact, we call it “Laetare Sunday”. At the beginning of the Mass today, the Church commands us: “Rejoice!” (Laetare). If your parish is fortunate enough to own a set of rose-colored vestments, the celebrant will probably wear them at Mass. It’s even o.k. to have flowers on the altar today.

Why all this joy? Because it’s break time from the journey, when, like mountain climbers, we stop and look back to see how far we’ve come! The readings are all about walking in the light, all about seeing things and people as God sees them. In the first reading, Samuel is forced to choose a new and better king than Saul. He visits Jesse, who lines up six stalwart sons. Which one is it, Samuel wonders? What a puzzle! Without the light of faith, he would never have chosen the seventh and youngest son, David.

In the second reading, St. Paul tells us to live as “children of the light”. Light brings goodness. Light exposes the shameful works of darkness. And then comes a very long Gospel which tells the story of the man born blind. After denying that the man is blind because of some terrible sin, Jesus bends over, scoops up a little clay, and smears it on the eyes of the blind man. You’d think the Pharisees would have been delighted and grateful at this miracle. But, no, because they are spiritually blind, they can’t see beyond the law. They quibble and complain that Jesus has broken the Sabbath rest. Even though they consider themselves enlightened scholars, they’re really blind. They did not see from the heart.

The newly-discovered sight of the blind man is also a metaphor for faith that comes when God draws us out of darkness to light. If Laetare Sunday is a time to rejoice, then we rejoice today that we have light in us which comes from our Baptism, from the living experience of sharing faith in our families, from having our sins forgiven in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and from Confirmation in the Spirit. And, best of all, we are able to see with the eyes of Jesus when our very person is absorbed into his Body and Blood of in Eucharist.

Sometimes we are unaware of the light of our faith, and we slip back into darkness. We misjudge people, seeing only the exterior. We do not see as Jesus sees. From this comes rash judgment, a critical spirit, and unforgiveness. In this darkness, we cannot even see ourselves as God sees us. St. Francis of Assisi had a great saying: “What we are in God’s sight, that we are, and no more.”

The whole world comes into our living rooms every night through TV and the internet, from phone conversations and magazines. What do we see? And how do we see? Can we have the heart to see injustice, the suffering of others far away as the suffering of our own sisters and brothers? Sometimes we merely look, and do not see with the heart.

This is a good Sunday to resolve to shun the darkness, and see all things in the light of faith. After all, as members of his Body, we are the light of the world that can help adjust the vision of those we live with. Let’s rejoice today that Christ is the Light of the World. He is the One who calls us also to be light bearers.

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February 24, 2008

Third Sunday of Lent

Have you ever noticed how many people around you are carrying a bottle of water? We cannot go for more than a couple of hours without satisfying our thirst. In fact, we would die in a matter of days if we couldn’t quench that need. In the first reading today, the Jewish people were desperate for water. Then God gave them water from the rock.

Like the woman at the well in today’s Gospel, we try every kind of water under the sun to satisfy our thirst. Later in life, we recognize that it’s for more than physical thirst - it’s thirst for happiness, satisfaction, peace of mind. Sometimes we “get it right”, but often we look for the wrong kind of water, and we look for it in the wrong places. We often spend all kinds of money and waste a lot of time, looking for something to quench our thirst.

Jesus offers us the spiritual water that really satisfies. He is offering us what he offered the Samaritan woman - water far superior to anything she had ever tasted or ever dreamed of. Certainly her five husbands (plus her newest lover) hadn’t brought her what she was really looking for. We know that she had tried cheap love, and we presume she was no stranger to intoxication, power, and money! This isn’t a gentle lady who comes to draw water from the well, but a toughened cynic. No wonder she is rude to this travel-dusty Jew, whom she is sure will avoid her with downcast eyes. Jews despised Samaritans who worshipped in the wrong church. But Jesus doesn’t follow the accepted prejudice!

What a surprise, when Jesus, tired, hungry, and thirsty, asks her for a drink of water. He breaks all the rules in speaking to her. Now, he keeps on talking, ignoring her hostility, aware that, in this unexpected encounter, the Father has provided him with an opportunity for piercing the heart of this sinful woman with his love. Jesus forgets his own needs, and offers this woman living water, spiritual grace. Incredible! Even when he confronts her with her sins, she shows humility. When Jesus reveals to her that he is the Messiah, she drops her bucket and runs back to spread the good news. “I’ve found the Messiah.” And she had!

Lent is a time for us to let Jesus satisfy our thirst. Like the Samaritan woman, we find real joy and satisfaction in letting the Lord fill us with the grace of the season. Like her, we find that our joy is greatest when we share that gift with others - joining in a study or prayer group, in visiting a nursing home, in being patient with our family members, and really listening to them, in praying from the heart in a quiet place, in reflecting on the Word privately or at daily Mass, and letting the Eucharist change us into the Body of Christ.

The Samaritan woman never did give Jesus a drink of water as he had requested. Do we stop to realize that Jesus’ thirst for our love is even greater than our thirst for his love? I guess only saints understand that. It’s what gives them the energy to pour themselves out in ministry up to their last breath.

Next Sunday, Lent will be half over. A question: “Are you satisfied with what you have done so far to let Jesus into your life? Check out your prayer, your penance, your almsgiving. What are you planning for the remainder of Lent? It’s all about quenching your thirst for life - to shun the type of thirst-quencher that doesn’t really satisfy, and to earnestly beg Jesus to give you his living water.

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February 17, 2008

Second Sunday of Lent

Hopefully, most of us have settled into the discipline of Lent. As we get out of bed each morning, we're getting more accustomed to looking ahead to some special practice we’ve decided on for the day, whether it’s meeting with our Lenten Why Catholic group, or joining with a friend to visit a nursing home, or just spending a little more time listening to the Lord in prayer. Lent provides endless opportunities for personal growth and bonding with the Body of Christ. Hopefully, we’re within reach of a daily Mass that fits our schedule. More frequent Eucharist is really the crown of Lenten practice - the sacred liturgy focuses our minds on the Word, nourishes our whole person with the grace of Holy Communion, and gives joy and purpose to the whole day. Some parishes offer Scripture reading and a Communion service on certain days.

The first readings last week and this week are about our spiritual ancestors. Why is it so important for us to keep them in front of our eyes? Like all stories of ancestors, they teach us to live by avoiding their mistakes and imitating their virtues. Adam made a big mistake - disobedience. In contrast,  Abram (or Abraham) shows us a huge virtue - faith. Disobedience lost us a garden of delights, while obedient faith won us a wonderful holy ground called the Promised Land. Lent, I think, is about fleeing sin, and journeying to holy places - places of prayer, challenge, and growth.

The Gospel is about the “high places” in our journey, pointing to light and resurrection. Arriving at new levels in life can be frightening. Notice how afraid Peter, James, and John are when they see Jesus transfigured in light. Jesus is at ease when talking with Moses and Elijah, both of whom had experienced light in their encounters with God on earth. The great Law-giver and the great Prophet talk to Jesus who is the Law, to Jesus who fulfills all prophecy. We wonder what they talked about. Perhaps Jesus is telling them that soon, he will bring them to everlasting encounter with light, as soon as he has risen from death.

That’s the purpose of this experience, to let Peter, James, and John know that the days of darkness ahead will only lead to light. The Father, thundering from heaven, validates the truth of Jesus. He will come back and bring us with him one day! We just have to be patient. If we wish to live in everlasting light, we must be light for the world on earth. That will be painful, like Jesus’ own Passion and Death, but it won’t last long.

If we’re really serious about Lent, we’ll take the Transfiguration experience as Jesus intended. As he taught a lesson in patience and hope to Peter, James, and John, so he teaches us to listen and wait, to let the message of Jesus soak into our lives so that we can live it better.

Lent is really exciting. No wonder that it’s the favorite time of year for so many people.

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February 10, 2008

First Sunday of Lent

Even though Lent comes early this year, many of us are looking forward to these forty days as a time for personal renewal. We've barely begun the new year of 2008, and already there are new reasons for insecurity and caution. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are like dead weights. Concerns that Pakistan is out of control, another crisis in the Israelii-Palestinian conflict, and worries at home about our choices for new leadership in the White House - all leave us numb and weary.

No wonder we welcome Lent. It's a time to renew the spirit and find new directions in our lives.

Lent is an attractive opportunity to strengthen our weak knees, toughen our weary hearts, and try all over again to bring order and discipline – with its resulting joy – into our lives. We come again to hear of the Garden of Delights we lost through the original sin of Adam and Eve. How good things would still be if those foolish parents of ours hadn’t listened to that lying serpent! So much damage from one man and one woman! Still, from our own experience, we know how a single family member who has lost faith, or who lives in a drug or alcohol-induced fog, can wreak incredible damage on the rest of the family, whether it be adults or children.

The good news is that the damage of Adam and Eve was all repaired by one man, Jesus.

Lent is all about focusing on Jesus' formula for wholeness and happiness. It's all found in the Scriptures, in daily prayer, and Lenten practices.

Today's Gospel speaks of Jesus' desert experience as he is about to begin his mission. It's a kind of relief for us to know that even the Son of God was tempted to give in to the human, and just forget the whole thing. We all know the feeling!

The work of our redemption would have been seriously damaged if Jesus had given in to temptations of the flesh, or possessions, or power. Instead, he focused on the Father's Will, the reason for his mission, and his great love for those living in darkness.

Jesus combated Satan through humility, obedience, and a loving spirit. And he taught his followers down to the present day to do the same when temptations come.

Let's make the same decisions that Jesus made as we begin our Lenten journey. To put it differently, Lent is a time for us to share in the continual repair work of Jesus, our Redeemer. Let's dedicate the time to reparation for personal sins and the sins of our world.

Here are some suggested ways:

There may be special group study of Scripture, Church history, Catholic social teaching, or some aspect of an article of faith available to you. Most parishes in our diocese have study groups called Why Catholic?. And there are different Lenten guides for daily prayer during Lent.

Daily Mass during Lent, or as often as it's available in your parish, Stations of the Cross, either public or private, a daily rosary, and special family activities, are all fruitful sources of grace.

However you put together your Lent, it's a wonderful forty days of decision, growth, and toughening for the insecure world in which we live. As the title of our Holy Father’s most recent encyclical suggests, we are all "saved by hope". The final page of history, written at the Last Judgment, will record the "undoing of all injustice", aided partially by the prayer and penance of all of us during the Lent which begins today.

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February 3, 2008

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

With this Fourth Sunday, we're up to our necks in "ordinary time" - living the Christian life in the messiness of every day life. We're into the boring grind of "just living". Perhaps it's not so boring if we have the right equipment...like tough faith, tough love, and lots of humility! We're talking here about the Beatitudes. If you think the ten commandments are demanding, try the beatitudes on for size! They make the Decalogue look like a piece of cake! With even more authority than Moses, Jesus is pictured in the Gospel as sitting down, the traditional posture for delivering solemn edicts. He turns middle-class values upside down. Have you ever had your picture taken while standing on your head? You'd look pretty foolish, wouldn't you? Well, that’s the way the beatitudes make a comfortable, easy-going Christian look - just plain foolish!

So we protest: "Do you mean that I have to sit down on the street and cry with a homeless person, or a poor woman just evicted from her apartment. Or...?" Perhaps nothing so dramatic. Let’s try a different approach. Have you ever in your life written to your congressman about unjust legislation? (Currently, in New York State, there's the Governor's Program Bill #16 (S.5829). It's called the Reproductive Health and Privacy Protection Act. It would allow abortions into the third trimester at an outpatient clinic that could be performed by any health care practitioner. For more information, go to www.nyscatholic.org, or ask your parish secretary to give you the address of the New York State Catholic Conference. Then sit down and write! This is how an ordinary Catholic can live the Beatitudes.

Or have you ever taken the time to visit a home for the elderly, or volunteered your time as an auxiliary at your local hospital? Have you ever asked your pastor for the names of some shut-ins who need a phone call, or a note, or a sick person who could use a bowl of soup, or someone to bring them Holy Communion?

It's a question of attitude, looking at those less fortunate from the conviction that you yourself have been incredibly blest by the Lord, and hoping to give just a little bit back in thanksgiving.

And what are the rewards? Zephaniah says the faithful remnant will live a life of peacefulness, and Jesus says such a person is "blessed", and will have unimaginable rewards in the kingdom.

It would be impossible to assess the influence of the Sermon on the Mount on the history of Christianity. Those who have taken seriously the "option for the poor" have suffered great loss economically, politically, and personally. Jesus told us to expect that treatment. After all, he is the prime example for the martyrdom that results when Truth confronts Power. Only God's grace can give us the courage to imitate the Lord in whatever ways our circumstances will suggest. Then, we need not wait very long to experience the solace, the peace, and the joy of heart flowing into our souls from defending the poor and the powerless of this world.

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January 27, 2008

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

The cold of winter is contrasted this year with conflicting predictions of global warming. Threats of a recession are added on to the still unresolved crisis in hospital and health care for the sick and the elderly. The paralysis among our lawmakers continues concerning the future of social security, and a just solution to immigration laws.

Into this present darkness comes the clear message of this week's readings - Christ is the unifier of division and the light for the darkness. Prefaced by the marvelous prophecy of Isaiah concerning the land of Zebulun and Naphtali (Capharnaum is in the ancient territory of Naphtali), in which the prophet announces the restoration of light, we find Matthew declaring Jesus as the fulfillment of that prophecy.

(By the way, we can well beg God on this Third Sunday of Ordinary Time to show us his solution to Middle East problems!)

Just as the people in Capharnaum sat in darkness until Jesus came, so, too, we sit in darkness. God provides clear light to dispel this darkness, but our culture is divided and confused on how to let religious and moral values influence our political action. Fear can be prudent and justified when a real danger is present and immanent, but it can also cause depression and paralysis. Let's pray today for prayerful and courageous discipleship.

St. Paul gives us strong and helpful advice in today's second reading. Christ is the one reason for unity, he tells us. We break his heart with our squabbles. First, comes unity in our own Catholic communities. Both clergy and people committed to their care need to be united in our present crisis. With what nostalgia I look back on those early days after Vatican Council II when the spirit of Gaudium et Spes brought such excitement and new life. For a brief time, we were united. And then we let go the Spirit�s Hand. And all that of which St. Paul accused the Corinthians, happened to us! Working for unity is ongoing. It means struggling to let go of suspicions and false assumptions. It means prayer and discussion. When we are unified, we stand a much better chance of influencing the society in which we live.

Last week brought a great burst of light into the darkness. Over one hundred thousand gathered in Washington to take part in the great March for Life on the Capitol. This is one of the great unifiers, when people of every political and religious persuasion join together to celebrate Life, the life given us by God from the moment of conception. Every year, there are hearts converted, and charity prevails over insult and clamor. Many others joined them through prayer and local marches. Respect for the unborn brings a climate of respect for life at every stage. Our call to discipleship is never better served than in this cause.

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January 20, 2008

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

It would seem that the party's over....our Christmas and New Year's parties, that is. We've come into four weeks of "ordinary" time (is anything "ordinary" any more?). Certain words in the readings stand out - words like "servant" and "mission" and "follow me". How powerfully the Word of God underscores our personal responsibility to replenish the priesthood and religious life.

We see another side of John this week in his witnessing to the divinity of Jesus. After baptizing Jesus, and hearing thunderous approval from the heavens, John runs into Jesus the next day and calls him the Lamb of God. He is excited about what had happened when he poured water over John�s head, exclaiming that he saw the Spirit descend on him and remain with him. Again, the following day he says the same thing to his followers, "Behold, the Lamb of God". (By the way, "Lamb of God" connects Jesus with both the 'suffering servant' of Isaiah and the paschal lamb of sacrifice.). It's a major turning point in the story of our salvation as Andrew and his brother Simon became the first disciples of the Lord. How casual it all seemed. They ask Jesus where he lives, and Jesus simply says, "Come and you will see".

How attractive Jesus must have been to those seeking more from life. Older priests like myself find it puzzling that today's young men do not seek him out as Andrew did. Is it Jesus who fails to attract them? Or is it the life of the priest that doesn�t appeal? Young people should "come and see", ask their pastor for information and advice. Of course, the underlying attraction is love. Unless a young man falls in love with Jesus as Andrew and Simon did, he will never pursue a vocation. Only love can quiet the voices of protest from the world around them, as well as the attractions of lovely young women and a comfortable career.

Why should young men seriously consider priesthood as a lifetime commitment? Because priesthood leads not only to personal holiness and salvation, but because it prepares and officially commissions one to lead countless others to salvation through the sacraments of the church. There is no other calling in life to equal it. It is a life of imitation of Jesus' life in his great love for people, his willingness to search out the lost, to counsel and encourage, bless and forgive sins by God's power, to be a part of every family, yet belonging to none.

What does it take to become a priest? Priesthood takes sacrifice, generosity, common sense, adequate intelligence, piety, and a sense of humor. Do you know anyone that has those qualities? Then give them a nudge, pray for them, and encourage them. The Holy Spirit will carry on from there!

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January 13, 2008

Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

Today's feast of the Baptism of the Lord marks the end of the Christmas season. For many of you, there's a great sense of relief. For others (myself included), we protest, "Wait a minute! We worked hard during Advent for a time of touching, a time of tender intimacy. After all, we can relate to such an adorable, sweet baby-God. There's even a temptation to keep him all to ourselves, to be possessive.

Isn't that the sadness of all parents? Babies grow too fast, and become teenagers! And there's nothing we can do about it! Last week's feast of the Epiphany must have caused some pain to Mary and Joseph, for just when they�re getting used to their own child, he's claimed by foreigners as a God whom they want to adore. So Mary and Joseph have had to know the process we call "letting go". And later, that temple scene had to be a nightmare every parent dreads. Where is he? I thought he was with you! Stop the caravan. We have to go back. Jesus is lost!

And now, Christmas is over. He's said 'good-bye' to Mary. Probably he's already closed the eyes in death of his beloved teacher, friend, and foster-father, Joseph.

And he's on his own, humanly excited and a little fearful at beginning his great mission. His steps have taken him to the banks of the Jordan where a crowd surrounds a man in strange attire. He beholds his own cousin with whom he had played as a child. They meet in solemn moment as all see John stare, then greet Jesus warmly. And Jesus asks John for baptism! What? That's for sinners! John protests, and Jesus, seeking full solidarity with sinful humanity, urges John, "Give in for now". And John does! From the sky comes the same words as Isaiah had proclaimed hundreds of years before: "This is my beloved Son. Listen to him!" With these words, God the Father publically introduces his Son and his mission to Israel.

And Jesus, rising up from the waters, begins to gather other men and women who can share his work. And, in turn, he urges on them his own baptism, in water and the Holy Spirit.

So, reluctantly this Sunday, we let go the gentle child Jesus, and take up the burdens of the Man with a Mission - to free all captives to sin, to bring joy and hope to the downhearted, to bring salvation to ourselves by helping others toward theirs.

It's not a call to the soapbox! Who needs to be preached at? Like Jesus, we are not called to break the bruised reed, nor to discourage our neighbor, already discouraged enough. What is needed is the energy of loving and the courage of doing. It's a call to the basic works of January - vocation awareness, the rights of the unborn, and Church unity. It seems like Jesus is rushing things, but he says to us loud and clear, "Follow me!"

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January 6, 2008

Feast of the Epiphany

The theme of the Epiphany really completes the spirit of the Mass for Christmas Day. There, Isaiah had foretold that "all the ends of the earth will behold the salvation of our God." And the Gospel for that Mass had promised that all people would eventually be the chosen ones. "...to those who did accept Him, he gave power to become children of God." And now, on the Epiphany, the light from the skies is intensified a hundred, a thousand fold, and the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that "nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance."

To the amazement of all in that region, there come foreign camels bearing foreign scholars - wise men - kings! Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar, with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrhh! What courage and perseverance those strangers have shown, to brave the dangers of travel, skepticism, and political intrigue. But they found what they were looking for. That star gave trustworthy guidance and now triumphantly shines as guard over the lowly dwelling wherein rests the child who possesses all meaning. They fall to their knees in homage, for their learning has made them humble, and their wisdom leads them to recognize the Divine in the fragile flesh of a child.

What a silent Adoration! What loving glances they exchange with Mary and Joseph.

But for all their simple faith, their wisdom is sharp enough to detect the sham delight and murderous intentions of the wily Herod. And so they pay their respects, leave their gifts, and modestly depart for their homeland, sorrowfully aware of the terrible price justice must pay for Peace.

Their role in history has been accomplished - to teach us all to follow the guidance of the Almighty, to accept our own role as bearers of the light, and to follow this Christ into his mission, to partake of his passion, and to join the millions through the ages who will preach his gospel of universal salvation.

The Son of God is the one judge and arbiter of truth and the one source of light, but we are all called to be "epiphanies", providing glimpses of that truth, showing the way in our own small spots of time and circumstance to a larger plan and destiny.

Princely Child, make of us all wise men, courageous women, obedient children who will follow wherever you lead us. That means being faithful to prayer, diligently reading articles and booklets about our faith, sharing what we learn with others, taking part when possible in prayer and study groups. This is the way for us to be light-bearers, lighting up the darkness and confusion in the world in which we live.

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December 30, 2007

Feast of the Holy Family

How do we define "family"? Is it just one Mom, one Dad, and four kids living in the same place for years? This fits fewer and fewer families in our world. Many children are members of broken families, and so-called dysfunctional families. Pictures of refugees escaping from the conflict of war have become familiar images on TV. Terrified families in Iraq, Darfur, Rwanda, or, more recently, Myanmar (Burma), stir our pity. Families on the run with a few possessions loaded onto a tractor and cart, or on foot, move out of their native land to seek refuge wherever they will be tolerated. Most homes are abandoned and will probably be looted and vandalized. It may never be possible for these people to return to their homelands. They�re part of our definition of family, too. It all comes under the umbrella of the "nuclear" family.

In today's Feast of the Holy Family, despite the familiar manger scene found on millions of Christmas cards, we find a family in deep stress, running for their lives from Herod the Great. This tyrant, having deceived the Magi who had unwittingly informed the King of the child's presence nearby, was enraged to the point of massacring all newborn babies in his kingdom. Joseph is informed of this in a dream by an angel who instructs him to take the child and his mother, and escape to Egypt. This flight into Egypt as told us in today's Gospel, is a reminder that many centuries before their journey, Moses, also a child of danger, had led the Jewish people from slavery to freedom in what we call the Exodus. Now Jesus, the new and greater Moses, will free his people from their slavery to sin in a new Exodus, and secure eternal life to all who will follow him, in the Promised Land of heaven.

Tradition says that after three years in exile, another angel informs Joseph that Herod the Great is dead. The Holy Family returns to their homeland, not to Bethlehem, since the new King Archelaus who reigns in his father's place is also a cruel and barbaric ruler. Joseph brings Mary and Jesus to his native town of Nazareth in Galilee. There, they lived a simple ordinary life, Joseph as a carpenter, and Mary as a housewife and mother. Jesus grew in holiness and in knowledge of God's will in the same ordinary ways that we do.

What extraordinary wisdom we find in both the first and second readings this Sunday for family life! Sirach, a second-century B.C. writer, gives us the fruit of constant reading of Scriptures. First, he reminds us that parents' authority is given them by God himself. When a children obey their parents they will have their sins forgiven, their prayers heard, and will themselves be blessed with children. Sirach counsels us to be good to our parents in their old age, even when their minds fail!

St. Paul, in Colossians, gives families, both our own individual families, and the wider family of the Church, a sure-fire formula for success. We are to act with "heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another." Who would ever want to escape home � whether Dad, Mom, or teenage � from such a happy home? Or, who would ever want to leave that kind of a parish family to seek Christ elsewhere?

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December 23, 2007

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Remember the last time you were caught "between a rock and a hard place", not knowing where to turn for advice, and hoping that somehow an angel from heaven would solve our dilemma? I can think of more than one!

Today's readings on this last Sunday of Advent describe how God very dramatically provides signs of his loving intervention in human history when there seemed no way out. In the first reading, God directly invites King Ahaz to ask for a sign that God would protect the southern kingdom of Judah from enemies that threaten to destroy it. Now, a wise leader would eagerly grasp at the opportunity. Not Ahaz, who in his pride has already decided on his own political solution! Isaiah decides to give him God's sign anyway, saying "the virgin shall conceive a child and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel". Ahaz was not interested in God's help. He foolishly trusted his own wisdom. As a result, the whole nation was defeated and sent into exile in Babylon.

The Gospel tells us of another man faced with a grave dilemma. Joseph, already bound by a solemn betrothal ceremony to take Mary as his wife, discovers to his dismay that she is with child. He can only suppose that she has been unfaithful to him, and is now subject to very severe laws that could result in her death if he exposes her. He takes the compassionate way out. He will divorce her quietly, exposing himself, not her, to shame. God intervenes through a dream in which an angel tells him the whole story. The angel tells Joseph not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife, for her child has God himself as the Father! With incredible trust and humility Joseph obediently agrees to the plan. What a contrast between this just man and crafty Ahaz.

How God rewards those who abandon their own plans and accept his plans for their lives. It's even more incredible that Jesus the God-man, in turn, entrusted his life to Joseph and Mary. No wonder a world holds its breath for His birth at Christmas. Again, God entrusts the success of his plans this year to those who can love enough and sacrifice their plans for his own. What will we make of this Christmas? For that's what Christmas is meant to do - destroy our fear and make us God-bearers.

Advent has been all about waiting. And now we know what the waiting was for. To live our lives, content in the midst of our frustration with war and corruption, as well as our own personal failures. For God is with us, making sense of all the suffering, all the misery, helping us believe that we are in a much larger Advent, waiting for Love to be born for the last time when all those prophecies we heard read in the last few weeks are brought to fulfillment. It's a question of that mysterious presence in our hearts that we call faith and hope. If we can only say a simple, unqualified "yes" as Mary and Joseph did, some amazing things could happen in our lives.

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December 16, 2007

Third Sunday of Advent

The joy that fills this Sunday's liturgy is the closest we have to Christmas itself. We're always shocked to see the celebrant process into the Mass this week dressed in rose-colored vestments. Today's Entrance antiphon proclaims, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, Rejoice. The Lord is near". In the old days, the words were in Latin: "Gaudete, iterum dico vobis, 'Gaudete'..." And so, this Sunday is still called "Gaudete Sunday". The whole message is one of hope.

But, we say, we don't feel like joy. Of course, we can get pleasure out of the Christmas shopping, the lights, receiving Christmas cards from people we haven't heard from since last year. I don't deny that this is a big part of Christmas on the emotional level. But where can we find real deep, serene joy in the midst of a world in turmoil?

The key is found in St. James' advice in the second reading. He advises us to be patient. There will come a day when wars will cease, and the desert of our despair will blossom again with peace. We're still climbing the mountain of the Lord as we resolved to do two weeks ago. It's when we pray and meditate each day that we find patience. In prayer, we let go and let God's Spirit do the work of flooding our souls with his light. In this Sunday's Gospel, Jesus assures us that the Father sent John the Baptizer as a messenger to prepare his way. And Jesus praises John as the greatest of the prophets, dressed as he is in rough clothing. His message is meant to shrink our fears and bolster our hopes. It inspires us with joy.

The only legitimate fear we're allowed to cling to is the fear of not appreciating enough what the coming of this Child into the world really means - historically, it was truly an earthshaking event. Nothing would ever be the same again. Sin and darkness fled when the Son of God was born in Bethlehem. Of course, people can and do close their eyes to the light, and chose to live without his Light. Only when we refuse to repent of our sin and hang on to the darkness can we have reason to fear. When John in prison sends emissaries to Jesus to ask if he is really the Messiah, Jesus sends back the answer that he himself is the fulfillment of all John's prophesies. Now the blind see, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the Good News preached to them! John in prison must have been filled with joy at Jesus' testimony about himself.

The celebrant has good reason for rose-colored vestments today. The liturgy of this Sunday looks forward to a future time of peace that Jesus has promised we will experience! Today, we match the joy of the liturgy through our prayer and penance, which includes a good confession before we celebrate the coming feast of Christ's birth.

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December 9, 2007

Second Sunday of Advent

To be faithful to the message of Advent, true followers of Christ must somehow close their ears to the messages of TV and the shopping malls. They must ignore much of what passes for the Christmas spirit (which treats the Birth of Christ as an unreal fairy tale), and focus on the voice of the Church and the riches of Sacred Scripture. Advent time is absolutely necessary if we are to understand and celebrate what our faith tells us is actually happening.

The first reading this week is from the prophecy of Isaiah which promises that rich fruit will spring from a tender shoot. The apparently dead stump of Jesse, the father of King David, is destined to produce an even greater King who will usher in an amazing era of perfect justice. It will be a time of peace and harmony, in which all wrongs will be righted, and all people will be free. This wonderful promise is the true "reason for the season"; this is why Jesus became a child in the first place!

In the second reading, St. Paul explains to us as well as the Romans, that Scripture is instructing us that we must be temples of justice, making the dream of Isaiah into a present reality. How do we do this? By "thinking in harmony" and, "welcoming one another".

The second Sunday of Advent always features John the Baptist in its choice of Gospel reading. This year, we have a very full description of John's mission, his message, and the difference between John's baptism (a baptism of repentance), and Jesus' baptism (a baptism of water and the Spirit). St. Matthew even describes John's clothing to us, and what his diet was!

When John sees many Pharisees and Sadducees coming out to be baptized, he interrupts his preaching to give them a dressing down in strong language. He tells them that if they are to receive his baptism, they had better live by it, and sincerely change their ways.

Indeed, John is a voice in the wilderness, telling everyone to "repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." For those of us in today's Church, "repentance" should include a good Advent confession as we prepare for a fruitful coming of the Lord into our hearts this Christmas.

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December 2, 2007

First Sunday of Advent

In our diocese, we all love mountains. We climb them in summer, admire their colors in autumn, and ski them in winter. They inspire us, delight us, and sometime frighten us. But no one can ignore them.

Each week in this column we try to "break open the Word". On this First Sunday of Advent, we're concerned about one particular mountain - the Lord's Mountain. Isaiah issues an invitation: "Come, let us climb the Lord's Mountain to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may instruct us in his ways, and we may walk in his paths". In our first reading, we also find that famous prophecy about all the nations eventually laying down their weapons of war. "One nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again." If we didn't believe that Scripture is the Word of God, we would call that an impossible dream! So... Christians must keep working and praying for peace! We must never accept war as the solution.

Advent is a time for us to wake from sleep, as St. Paul tells us in the second reading today. And Jesus, in the Gospel, urges us to "...stay awake!". Why? Because we know "neither the day nor the hour when the Son of Man will come."

To those of you who are tired already of Christmas ads and glittering lights, and even (God forbid!) Christmas music, just don't let the media and the market ruin your celebration. We really need Christ's coming with his love and his peace. And we definitely need these four weeks of Advent to prepare our families and ourselves. Take advantage of what your parish offers you in the way of daily meditation and Advent calendars and challenging activities. We need to stir ourselves, for Christ is still struggling to redeem our world, and he needs our help. Let's start climbing that mountain!

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November 25, 2007

Feast of Christ the King

As the days get shorter and darker, heralding the end of a most depressing year, we are reminded of T.S. Eliot�s famous lines, "This is the way the world ends...not with a bang but a whimper!" In contrast, this Sunday marks the very end of the Church year with our celebration of the Feast of Christ the King. It's not about pomp and pageantry; it's about the reality of a heavenly king who has issued a firm invitation to eternal joy if we but give him our hearts. It's a reminder that earthly monarchs may "mess up" and cause our world to whimper, but in reality, God is still in charge of this earth's final outcome. As the wonderful ancient hymn declares, "Christ conquers, Christ rules, Christ prevails!". One of the best statements of our faith, and most consoling supports for our hope is found in today's second reading which urges us to "give thanks to the Father...for He has delivered us from the powers of darkness and transferred us to the Kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption (and) the forgiveness of sins...and in Him all things hold together". He tells us to "hang in there"!

In the first reading, we see the origins of the Kingdom of David who was chosen by the northern tribes for his outstanding qualities of leadership and ability to unify the Israelites. He was the shepherd king, the caring and forgiving king who prepared the way for the Messiah-King, Jesus, the Son of David and the Son of God. His Kingdom is a kingdom of Peace and Love, a Kingdom of Justice and Truth.

The Gospel narrates in detail the horrible insults hurled at Jesus by his enemies as He hung helpless on the Cross. They came from the Romans who saw him as a threat to imperial power. They came from Jewish religious leaders who feared that he would replace their authority. Their taunts and jeers have been repeated endlessly down the centuries by all who who have refused him the obedience of their minds and hearts.

Today's feast is a call for every Christian to renew the total allegiance we owe our King. It is not a question of a one-time commitment. He demands our total attention and our whole energy - each day, each hour. By our faith, our prayer, and our good works, we are called to bring the whole world under his loving power.

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November 18, 2007

Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Most of us remember how impatient we were as children, calling out from the back seat to our parents, "Are we there yet? How long will it be until we get to grandma's house?" Now that we're older, we are still eager to know the future - like, when the end of the world will come. A while ago, many millions of copies were sold of a book called Left Behnd. It was all based on a saying of Jesus in Matthew's Gospel, "Then two will be left in the field; one will be taken, and one will be left". Since the book was written for evangelical Christians, it got many Catholics worried that they would be excluded. Then, Carl Olsen calmed our fears and corrected this "rapture theory" with a book entitled Will Catholics be Left Behind?.

True, Jesus used some strong "apocalyptic" language in speaking about the end of the world. But his main message was that we are not to be afraid of the end of the world. If we have been faithful, and have persevered in doing our work well and responsibly, then we needn't fear that God will be merciful in judging us, and will bring us to life eternal. "If we die (suffer) with the Lord, we will live with the Lord", St. Paul said. And in his Epistle to the Thessalonians, he calms the fears of those who misread all the persecution they are suffering, all the earthquakes and disasters they are experiencing, as signs that the world is ending. It's not happening until God decides!

The prophecy of Malachi, which incidentally, is the very last book of the Old Testament, says the same thing. Evil doers should indeed quake and tremble at the coming of the just Judge. But those who have "hung in there", who have worked day by day for the benefit of their neighbor, and have struggled to keep faith and hope in the Resurrection, these people don't need to fear when they see natural disasters and horrible evil (as we are seeing at the present time!). It's not the end yet! Jesus has assured us that "we know not the day nor the hour when the Son of Man will come". All we need to do is to witness by our Christian faith, even in the midst of disaster. How? By our standing firm to the laws of God as revealed in the Scripture and by His Church.

Of course the world will end some day. Only God knows the exact day and the hour. All we need to do is to work conscientiously while we have the light, for a time is coming when no man will work. When that time comes, we are to leave fear aside, and trust in the mercy and loving promises of the One who died and rose from the dead that all his faithful ones might rise with him.

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November 11, 2007

Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

We always chuckle when someone says to us, "If I had only known that I would live so long, I would have taken better care of myself!" This Sunday's readings give a whole new meaning to that witty saying. They all speak of the hope of the resurrection of the body to everlasting life. The living conditions of our life after death depend very much on how we took care of that body in this life. Did we use it as an obedient servant, helping the spirit to love God and neighbor, or did we let it run riot like a spoiled child, satisfying its own selfish desires?

In the first reading from the Book of Macchabees, the Israelites finally rebel against the viciously cruel Antiochus Epiphanes IV. A brave mother, having encouraged her sons to keep faithful to the death, now watches one after the other being tortured and killed in front of her eyes. As they die, each of them declares publically their belief in a resurrection of the body to everlasting life. At the time, some Jews were shocked at the teaching, for not all believed in the resurrection of the body.

In the Gospel, Jesus enters into a public debate with the Sadduccees, a party of the Jewish leadership with did not believe in bodily resurrection. While relying heavily on Sacred Scripture for his arguments, he also let his hearers in on some new teaching about what our lives would be like in heaven. For instance, our happiness there will far exceed the sexual joys of marriage in this life, so the ridiculous problem of a man who had seven wives in this life won't apply in the next. (Provided the man makes it to glory in the first place, he won't have to worry about getting six of them angry at him!) Jesus explains that in heaven, we will all be "like angels".

The Master is really telling them to let God the Father take care of heavenly problems. On earth, our task is to recognize the surprising endurance of our bodies. God has created them as partners of our souls, either helping them on the journey to view the loving face of God, or leading them into darkness and the eternal pain of Paradise Lost. Today's readings certainly give new meaning to taking better care of ourselves!

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November 4, 2007

Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

It's a good thing that God doesn't leave to us to decide who is worthy of heaven and who isn't. We'd make a mess of it! Today's Gospel shows what poor judges we would make. The crowds have been witnessing Jesus' miracles with growing enthusiasm, and then the cheers turn into jeers. Why? A few have noticed this little man standing on his tip toes, trying to get a glimpse of Jesus. Most recognize him as the hated chief tax collector of the area, a very rich man named Zacchaeus. A few avoid contact as he suddenly drops his dignity and runs to climb a nearby sycamore tree. He wants a better view. As Jesus passes underneath, he glances up and spots the man. Jesus' glance penetrates into the heart of Zacchaeus, and contritely he stares back at Jesus. "Zacchaeus, come down quickly," Jesus says, "I want to have dinner with you today." The crowd gasps in disbelief and revulsion that the Healer would have anything to do with this despised sinner. As the delighted little man explains to Jesus how he means to make up for his many sins, Jesus turns and explains to the crowd, "Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost." Beautiful words that so harmonize with what we heard in today's first reading from the Book of Wisdom. There, the writer extols both God's power and God's mercy. After declaring that the whole universe is like a small grain in the scales, or like a drop of morning dew compared to God's greatness, he praises God for his mercy in searching out sinners in order that they may repent of their sins and be justified in his sight.

That's exactly what Jesus, the Son of God, was doing that day in Jericho when he sought out Zacchaeus. And that's just what the message is for us. No matter what we've done in the past, the mercy of the Lord can search us out, inspire us to repentance, and then embrace us as his own. God never gives up on those the world has condemned as hopeless, for, as the first reading proclaims, he is "a lover of souls" and he alone will decide who gets into heaven and who doesn't!

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October 28, 2007

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

I�m sure we all remember that song, �Lord, It�s hard to be humble when you�re perfect in every way�! We always get a chuckle out it, the way we do with any bold-faced boasters among our friends. The Pharisee in today�s Gospel is like the man in that song. He wasn�t really praying to God, but merely talking to himself about all his virtues. At the same time, he was guilty of rash judging that poor tax-collector at the rear of the Temple who didn�t even dare raise his eyes to heaven as he begged forgiveness for all his sins. The Pharisee�s prayer didn�t impress the Lord very much. In fact, he didn�t even return home justified.

On the other hand, the tax collector�s prayer earned him forgiveness from God. Why? Not because of his offenses, but because he honestly acknowledged them and humbly repented.

God loves us when we pray with humility. We could even say that humility is the key to God�s heart, a sure guarantee to a favorable reply. The first reading from the Book of Sirach teaches the same thing. Humility is the beginning of wisdom. A humble heart puts us on the level of the poor and needy to whom God always bends an ear. Of course, when we pray, we must not play games with God. We must really mean what we say when we acknowledge our sins and imperfections. Now that shouldn�t be difficult!

St. Paul�s words to Timothy in the second reading are so very beautiful. �I have competed well, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.� Some would ask, "Why is Paul�s prayer any different from that of the proud Pharisee?" The difference is the humility in Paul and the complete lack of it in the other. Wouldn�t it be wonderful if you and I, in the sunset of our lives, could justly pray as Paul did? A good daily dose of humility added to our prayer can make that possible.

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October 21, 2007

Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

This weekend the readings are all about the connection between prayer and faith. We�re always complaining that we prayed once for something and we didn�t get it! God tells us today that praying for something once just isn�t enough!

In the Old Testament passage from Exodus, the Israelites are battling against the Amelikites who are trying to stop them in their journey through the desert. At God�s command, Moses goes up a mountain and prays with hands raised high. Fine! The Israelites prevail over their enemies for a time. After a while, Moses gets tired and lowers his hands. Immediately Amelik and his army seems to prevail. Aaron and Hur get a stone for Moses to sit on and stand on either side, helping keep his hands aloft. Because of their perseverance, the battle is won.

The message for us today is clear: we should never stop praying, even if we have to get our friends and community to help us persevere!

In the Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples never to lose heart, even if we have to get a bit �pushy� with God. Put yourself in that Judge�s place. Wouldn�t you get annoyed and maybe a little frightened at this obnoxious widow who keeps pestering for a favor? Of course, there�s no question that she�s in the right and he�s in the wrong. When she finally wears him out, he gives in and grants her request.

Again, the message for us is very clear. God is inviting us to persist in our request until he gives in! THERE�S ONLY ONE CATCH! We have to have faith that he will answer us, and we have to try to outdo God in persistence, like the tug-o�-war game we played as kids. Only in real life, God guarantees that he�ll be the first one to give in. Now there�s an offer we can�t refuse!

Today�s second reading contains the classic passage concerning the divine inspiration of both Old and New Testaments - �All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that one who belongs to God may be competent, equipped for every good work.�

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October 14, 2007

Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Despite the fact that God had chosen the Jewish people as his very own, he was disappointed at their lack of faith and trust in him, and their lack of gratitude for his favors. There are two great stories this Sunday in which God clearly points out that "outsiders" were more trusting in God�s healing power and more grateful for his favors than were his chosen people.

The first reading is really a shortened version of the very exciting story of God�s healing an "outsider" named Naaman, a foreign military commander, who has contracted leprosy. In desperation, he turns to the conquered King of Israel for a cure. Fearful of a plot, the King sends him to the prophet Elisha who tells him to wash seven times in the Jordan river. At first he refuses, but then swallows his pride and obeys the prophet. As soon as he enters the waters, his leprosy is cured! Immensely grateful, he is converted, and worships the God of Israel. Apparently, this Syrian has more faith in God�s power than the Jews have!

A similar theme is found in today�s famous Gospel about the ten lepers. Because their disease, incurable at the time, was contagious, lepers were shunned by all, and looked down upon as great sinners. The disciples must have been appalled when Jesus shows these outcasts such compassion. When he sends them to the priests for official reinstatement into society, he also heals them during their journey. One of them, a Samaritan, returns immediately, and falls down in thankful adoration at Jesus� feet. Luke emphasizes how disappointed the Master is that only one of them comes back. "Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?"

God loves all people without exception, but he expects much more from those to whom he has granted the fullness of his revelation, his special love, and the privilege of being called his followers.

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October 7, 2007

Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

A common topic of conversation these days is the inability or the unwillingness of world leaders to do much about the violence that flows from ethnic and religious hatreds. As a result, we are experiencing general frustration and helplessness. We end up blaming everyone in sight, and, of course, even God becomes the target. In this Sunday's first reading, the prophet Habakkuk lashes out at a God who seems to be deaf. "How long, O Lord? I cry for help, but you do not listen!" The prophet is angry as he watches the steady growth of the Babylonian Empire which threatens to swallow up Israel. After listening for a while to this outburst, God answers Habakkuk. He tells the prophet that his divine plan is all mapped out in his mind. "The vision still has its time, presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint." He says, in effect, just be patient, don't be so rash, and stir up your faith in me.

In today's Gospel, Jesus is even more demanding of his followers than his Father was with Habakkuk. When his disciples beg of Him, "Increase our faith," he emphasizes first their need for humility. He shows them what he means by comparing them to servants. "When you have done all that is commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants. We have done only what we were supposed to do.'" Now that takes humility! As for their need of faith, he tells them that real faith is so powerful that a man of faith could demand of a tough stubborn mulberry bush, "Be transported into the sea, and be planted there" and it would happen!

It's that kind of faith that St. Paul was trying to fan into a flame in his faithful disciple, Timothy, in today's second reading. Read it carefully. It's great advice for us, too. In fact, read all three of the Scriptures again after today's Mass. When we complain to God in our pain and misery, he's urging us to greater patience, humility, and faith.

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September 30, 2007

Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

There are two characters who dominate the Gospel this week - a very selfish rich man named Dives, and a very humble poor man named Lazarus. The scene opens on the street in front of Dives� front door. There lies the beggar, Lazarus, in tattered clothes that scarcely cover his open sores. The door opens, and the well-fed guests of Dives emerge, laughing loudly as they depart from their daily banquet. Then Dives comes out. Having bid good-bye to the last guest, he decides to take an evening walk. Like his guests, Dives steps over the beggar, not even looking at him. He doesn�t kick or abuse him. He just doesn�t pay any attention.

The next scene is some years later. In the upper right, we see Lazarus in heavenly glory, courted by the angels, reclining at table with the patriarch, Father Abraham. In the lower left, we see Dives, in the torments of hell, looking longingly at the heavenly feast in the distance.

Why is Dives in hell? Not because he is rich, for Jesus, in telling the story, never condemns him for that. Why, then? Because he never thought to share his riches with this poor beggar who lay outside his door day after day. He never offered him some of the leftovers, never inquired about his health, never offered him employment. What a difference he could have made in the life of Lazarus. He might have gotten to know him better, and given help to Lazarus� wife and children. Who knows? They might even have become friends!

In the first reading, the prophet Amos paints a similar picture of the wealthy rulers of Israel, lying on their beds of ivory, and drinking wine from bowls, completely oblivious to the near-collapse of the kingdom. Again, God is condemning this indifference, their selfishness, their lack of discipline, and their disloyalty to His commandments.

God�s warnings in Scripture apply to every age. Who are we stepping over? God isn�t condemning us for working diligently and acquiring some wealth. He just wants us to share what we have with our brothers and sisters in need. He wants us to be his loving and caring followers.

There is a day of judgment.

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September 23, 2007

Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Like most priests of our diocese, I grew up in a family that was rich in faith, but very limited in the goods of this world. While Americans live on a comfort scale well above the Third World, there is growing concern that the gulf between the �haves� and the �have nots� is growing at an alarming rate. The current injustice in our structure is well expressed in the old adage, �The rich are growing richer, and the poor are growing poorer�.

How does God judge greed? The prophet Amos, while speaking in the eighth century B.C., might just as well be voicing God�s judgement on our present-day society. It is just not acceptable to him! In fact, greed seems to be one of those sins which anger God the most. Although the story in today�s Gospel about the unjust steward who is about to be fired is somewhat confusing, the main lesson is very clear - �the children of this world are more prudent in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light�. How come? Because this steward, seeing he is about to be fired, reduces the debts of all his master�s debtors. In so doing, he makes his master look good, and makes friends of those debtors he had cheated by giving back to them his own commission! Even though he lost his job, he neatly provides for his future state of unemployment.

God has never blessed stupidity. On the contrary, he so wishes that his followers, in spreading the Kingdom, would imitate the cleverness of the worldly! One saintly medieval commentator, Cornelius a Lapide, suggests that we sinful, struggling disciples show some cleverness. How? By praying earnestly every day for the poor souls in Purgatory so that when we die and are in that place of purification ourselves, those for whom our prayers have earned Heaven may return the favor, and beseech the Lord to shorten our stay there and bring us immediately to eternal joy. That, according to a Lapide, is the meaning of �Make friends for yourselves of the mammon of dishonest wealth, so that when it fails, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings�. Not a bad idea, when we consider that the second reading for this Sunday is all about the necessity of constant daily prayer if we wish to be saved.

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September 16, 2007

Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

There's the story about a beggar who came to a church rectory one day. The priest listened sympathetically until the man told him he hadn't been to church for years. He seemed so indifferent about it that the priest lost his temper and threw him out. That night in a dream, God appeared to the priest and upbraided him. "I�ve put up with that old man for seventy years, and you couldn't even show some patience for ten minutes!"

Our readings this week are all about God's patience - first, with the Israelites when they panicked at Moses' absence on the mountain, and made a golden calf as a substitute for the One True God. At the very time God was presenting Moses with the Ten Commandments, they were breaking the first one! It was Moses, of course, who cooled God's anger, so that God relented, and gave the Israelites a second chance.

In the second reading, we read about God's patience with Paul (then called Saul), who was murdering the new Christians with great zeal. Paul tells us that Christ came to redeem sinners, and mercifully treated him "so that in me, as the foremost (sinner), Christ Jesus might display all his patience as an example for those who would come to believe in him for everlasting life."

In the Gospel, we have the story of a lamb, a coin, and two brothers that were lost. There are some beautiful paintings of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, pulling that poor lamb out of a thorn bush, or carrying the exhausted and trembling lamb on his shoulders. The second story about the woman sweeping the house for a single coin, then throwing a party in her joy, seems a bit exaggerated to us today, but we certainly get the idea that Jesus is filled with happiness when someone like ourselves, not much more important than a small coin, comes back to our senses.

The third story is the most famous, the one about the Prodigal Son. The spendthrift, younger son, can't even get his carefully-rehearsed speech out of his mouth, before the Father smothers him with kisses, and treats him like a returning hero. He could well sing for the rest of his days, "I once was lost but now am found." We're not so sure of his angry, resentful older brother. The tearful father could not persuade him to come into the party! Was he lost?

Which one do I resemble?

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September 9, 2007

Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Has anyone ever told you that they think you�re �too Catholic�? If someone said that to me, I�d ask them back, �What do you mean by that?� If they said it�s because I appear to be all caught up in �small stuff� like � why don�t women have to wear hats in church anymore, or - how many days indulgence can I get for this prayer, I�d be embarrassed, and agree with them. But if they said, �Well, I think you love Jesus Christ too much!� I�d feel flattered, but know, deep down, that I don�t love him enough, especially after reading this Sunday�s Gospel. In it, Jesus gives a check list of what he expects of his disciples. First, Jesus expects us to love him more (that�s what �hate� means) than our father or our mother, or our wife or children, even our very life. Secondly, he demands that we get rid of possessions (remember those bulging closets a few weeks back?). Finally, he expects us to willingly take up our cross of suffering, failure, and ridicule. Being a disciple costs a lot!

Then Jesus asks how good a planner we are. He mentions that no person of common sense would ever build a tower without first sitting down and checking to see if he can afford it, and if he has materials enough to finish it before he begins! Frankly I don�t think I have enough love, enough courage, and enough grace to be his disciple all the way to the end of my life. But God never asks the impossible. And I have enough supplies today to be a good disciple. If I love a little bit more each day, then I�ll make it to the end. Remember that beautiful prayer, Lord, for tomorrow and its needs, I do not pray - keep me, guide me, love me, Lord, just for today? On the road to being a perfect disciple, I�ll just have to take one day at a time.

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September 2, 2007

Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Go into any good bookstore, and you'll find plenty of "How-to" books. The Bible has a famous "how-to" book as well. We used to call it Ecclesiasticus, but today it's referred to more often as the Book of Sirach. It's filled with practical ethics and instructions about many things - how to raise your children, how to choose friends, and many other matters.

Our first reading this Sunday takes from it some passages about humility. It reminds us that everyone loves a humble person, especially God. If we're humble, we won't go searching into topics that are way over our heads, but rather listen to wiser minds that can explain them to us. Listening makes us wise.

Jesus' advice in Luke's Gospel for this Sunday is even more detailed. Of course, he probably upset the religious leaders he was talking to when he advised them not to push and shove their way into the best seats at a banquet. Won't they be embarrassed to have the host come along and tell them that they're in the wrong place, and they'll have to do down to a lower place at the table! Rather, he advises, "If you take a lower place in the first place, won't you be honored when you're told to take the higher place you really wanted!"

Then he added some advice that must really have upset them. Jesus tells the religious leaders that when they make out their dinner invitation lists, they're not to invite their wealthy friends and relatives, but rather those who can't pay them back...the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind! "Let the Lord pay you back!" he adds.

That's rather difficult teaching, not only for the religious leaders of Jesus' day, but for ourselves as well. The Church calls it the "preferential option for the poor." All of our communities must make room for everyone!

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August 26, 2007

Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

If someone were to conduct a survey that asked a simple question, �When you die, do you want to go heaven or to hell?�, can you imagine anyone answering, �I prefer hell�? Everyone wants happiness without end, yet how many people are willing to undergo the disciplined life that is necessary to attain it? No wonder Jesus, in today�s Gospel, answers the way he does to the person who asks, �Lord, will only a few people be saved?� Jesus tells the crowd to do their best to enter through the narrow door. Furthermore, just because someone has followed him around and listened to his teaching, does not guarantee salvation. They can�t just say, �We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.� He goes on to tell them that they must put his teaching into practice. Jesus might have been referring to today�s first reading from Isaiah when God told Israel not to think that the chosen people are the only ones who will be saved. �Some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last...I am coming to gather all nations and all tongues..." and many of these had never heard of his glory before!

This Sunday, make sure your children really listen to the reading just before the Gospel. It�s all about discipline. �My child, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord or lose heart when you are punished by him; for the Lord disciplines those whom he loves, and chastises every child whom he accepts.� The writer is speaking to the early Christians, but also to us adults today, since we�re all God�s children: �Therefore, lift your drooping hands, and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet.� What a wonderful pep talk the Lord gives us today!

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August 19, 2007

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Making a covenant with God can be very dangerous for those who break their promises. Covenants are not for the weak-hearted, the fearful, or the �backsliders�. Once God has accepted us as his own, he demands the best that we have. God�s love is like fire, and he expects us to love in the same way. The hearts of prophets and saints were on fire with that love. Those who resist God usually resist His messengers. In today�s first reading, the prophet Jeremiah is ridiculed, hated, thrown first into prison, then let down a deep cistern by those who wouldn�t listen to his message. They said it was �too demoralizing�. King Zedekiah admires Jeremiah, but he is too weak to act on his advice. Poor Jeremiah! He is battered and beaten just for telling the truth! As a result, God threatened complete destruction of the city by fire, and eventually it happened!

Through the ages, prophets have usually been treated this way.

In the Gospel, Jesus declares that his teachings will bring division and conflict, even within his followers� own households. The fire of God�s love is meant to bring justice, but at what a price! Hearts hardened by greed and hate, or just indifference, are always intolerant of those who preach the power of God�s truth. They turn the fire of God�s love into the fire of a violence which will never bring peace. In the meantime, his prophets and saints continue to face rejection and even martyrdom.

The second reading from Hebrews urges the early Christians - and us - to look at the �cloud of witnesses�, the saints and heroes who have gone before us, for courage to remain loyal in the face of opposition. In other words, God urges us to �hang in there� till the hour of heavenly reward and a final fulfillment of his plan for us.

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August 12, 2007

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

One of the more frightening games that children play is Blind Man�s Bluff in which one player is blindfolded and has to �tag� the other players without knowing where they are. Teasing the one blindfolded can sometimes be cruel.

Blind faith can be frightening too. In today�s readings, God reassures us of the rewards for those who live by faith. Abraham is the great example, even firmly trusting God when asked to sacrifice his son, Isaac. The Israelites often grumbled, but Moses steadfastly followed God�s instructions in the desert.

In a confused and frightening world, we need to read today�s Gospel over and over again. �Don�t be afraid, little flock.� Jesus says. "God has decided to give you the kingdom!" Jesus does not suggest that we walk in blind faith, he demands it. There is a lavish reward in store for steadfast believers, and a rather harsh punishment awaiting those who get tired of waiting around. The wisest course for the follower of Jesus is to live as if every day were to be the last.

There is a strong message here for the leaders of the Church community. �To those to whom much has been given, much will be required!� Not only do we need to pray daily for our bishops, priests, and deacons, we need to be models of staunch faith ourselves. The Lord will never abandon his children.

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August 5, 2007

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

The readings this week send a powerful message to all those people who are so attached to possessions. They�re addressed especially to all those whose closets are bulging with clothes they haven�t used in years, and gadgets that have long outlived their usefulness...and to people who haven�t the courage to either give them away, donate them to a worthy cause, or just get rid of them. Possessions can choke our souls to death!

In today�s Gospel, Jesus gets a request from a person in the crowd whose relative won�t share an inheritance. He wants the Master to intervene! Jesus, reading the man�s heart, utters a great teaching: �Avoid greed in all its forms�. Then he tells a great story about the foolish rich man who is a real �pack rat�. Rather than give his excess wealth away to worthy causes, he decides to build a huge storage barn to hold it all. He never pauses to ask himself what God might have to say about all his wealth. He just decides to hoard it all. And God says to him, �You fool! You�re going to die this very night! And who will inherit all this wealth of yours?�

The first reading from that great Wisdom book, Ecclesiastes, puts it in words that are so familiar to us: �Vanity of vanities, and all is vanity!� In other words, what a waste is a lifetime spent in accumulating wealth, if we don�t share it with those who have less? It�s empty �whistling down the wind�!

The second reading from St. Paul to the Colossians tells us how to avoid all this foolish preoccupation with riches. �Seek the things that are above, where Christ is...Set your minds on what is above, not on things that are on earth.� In other words, just keep your eyes, your thoughts, and your heart attached to me, and you�ll never lose sleep at night over all those bulging closets.

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July 29, 2007

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

I always remember a student from Italy who attended Wadhams Hall, a small seminary-college in northern New York, many years ago. He was totally unaware of American customs. When he tried to bargain over the price of a comb at the local pharmacy, the manager almost threw him out! Americans aren�t as used to bargaining over small purchases as Europeans are.

God seems to encourage bargaining in today�s first reading. Abraham is disturbed when he learns that the Lord plans to destroy the evil city of Sodom. After all, he knows that his nephew Lot and his wife have not given in to the sinful deeds of their neighbors. He succeeds in getting God to spare the city �for the sake of ten just men!�

Jesus not only allows us to bargain with God, he actively encourages us to do so. After teaching his apostles how to pray in the beautiful words we know as the Lord�s Prayer, he urges his followers not to give up if at first the Father doesn�t seem to be listening. To paraphrase, he says, �Don�t give up, keep knocking! Do you think my Father would refuse anything to his children?�

It�s an important lesson that we often forget.

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July 22, 2007

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

The readings this weekend are all about welcoming. Since strangers and guests alike were often weary and dusty, sometimes needing shelter from fierce weather, the laws of hospitality were carefully observed. In the first reading, Abraham runs to meet the three strangers and even offers them a full meal. His generosity is rewarded by the news that Sarah, his wife, is to bear a child in her old age.

In the Gospel, Mary and Martha warmly welcome Jesus to their home for a meal. Martha immediately goes to the kitchen to prepare the food. The laws of hospitality would demand that a male member of the household would entertain a male guest. Instead, Mary fulfills that role. Luke is quick to note that Jesus approves this apparent departure from custom. When Martha asks the Master to rebuke Mary and send her back to the kitchen, Jesus rebukes Martha instead for being more concerned about the dinner than about the spiritual message He has to impart. For all time, He establishes the superior role of contemplation to action. Even more, he approves the involvement of women in discipleship!

When we apply Sunday�s readings to our own lives, we need to ask ourselves if we are more concerned about the details of our worship than we are with the challenge of the Scripture that is proclaimed to us. Are we intent on absorbing the message of the homily? Do we really take to heart the words of Jesus? If our prayer time fails to provide us with inspiration for our daily living, then is there too much of Martha in our lives, and not enough of Mary?

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July 15, 2007

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

A while ago I bought a small vacuum cleaner that needed to be assembled. I struggled with the instructions to fit everything together, and finally gave up. I brought the whole unit back to the store, explaining to the clerk that the directions were too complicated. She said, �Oh, I have one of those at home. See, it�s easy.� In a few quick motions, she had the whole vacuum together and working!

Explanations of the law can give us headaches, too. In this Sunday�s first reading from Deuteronomy, Moses tells the people that God�s law is not complicated, nor is it too lofty and mysterious. No one needs to travel to distant lands in order to find it. It is, in fact, written in their hearts.

Jesus also simplifies the Law of Love in today�s Gospel. The scribes knew well the law that commanded the people of Israel to love their neighbor as their very selves. That wasn�t the problem. The debate was all about who was their neighbor. And so, Jesus gives them the beautiful parable of the Good Samaritan. Jesus teaches several important lessons here. First, our neighbor can be anyone at all - there are no boundaries to the word; second, an unbeliever may be quicker to give help, and more generous in his response than a pious religious person.

This week we need to ask ourselves, �Do I get close enough to my neighbor to identify his needs, and then to give that neighbor practical and immediate assistance?� We need to look into our hearts for answers. There we will find the law written very clearly and simply.

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July 8, 2007

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Last weekend�s celebrations of our beginnings as a nation that offers hope and haven to refugees was also a bitter reminder that our borders now treat the stranger with hostility rather than hospitality. The torch of Lady Liberty in New York harbour is as much a warning fire as it is a beacon of hope. The number of displaced peoples in the world now numbers close to 20 mi