“ Wait for the Lord; whose day is near! Wait for the Lord; Keep watch, take heart!”
Taize
“Wait..” Advent Season
Tag Archives: Jesus Christ
The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King – Homily
“Amen I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least brothers of mine, you did it for me.”
Recently, on different media platforms, there have been debates on what it means to be Catholic. These discussions are taking place in some of our Catholic newspapers, magazines, and of course the Web. They run the gamut of being restrained and thoughtful; to hot and heavy. They draw the attention of some Catholics, while others show no interest whatsoever.
In today’s Scripture readings, we are seeing another approach being placed before us. Jesus outlines what it means to be a follower of His; to care for the poor, the imprisoned, the abandoned. And we are left with the question, as this year draws to a close; how did we as individuals, as a family, as a community of believers, answer the needs of the poor around us. We are summoned to share with others, not only from our surplus, but from our scarcity. We are called to reach out our hands to others who are distressed, and provide comfort and hope. To embrace the stranger, the wounded, whether physically or mentally, and give them hope.
Now the challenge then is to find out in what ways can we answer those needs. Because we are many different types of people, with different strengths, different skills, different attitudes. There are some us who are very out going, who are comfortable with strangers. Others among us, maybe not so much, but are generous, being able provide for the persons physical needs. Sometimes, all it takes is a smile and a handshake to lift a persons spirits.
There are many ways that we as individuals or as a group can care for those in needs, there are many different approaches that we can take to provide for those in need. We only need to take that first step, that first reaching out our hand; Jesus will take care of the rest.
“Then the king will say to those on his right; ‘Come, you who are blessed by my my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.’ “
Happy Feast Day, Francis!
Today, the Church, indeed, the world, celebrates the life and works of Saint Francis of Assisi! He was born into a merchant class family, in the town of Assisi, in the province of Umbria, Italy.
In his youth, he was known as a party boy. He had dreams of being something more. He dreamed of becoming a knight, of entering the noble class. He got the opportunity to earn a knighthood, when Assisi went to war with its rival town of Perugia. The battle went badly for Assisi, and its army was decimated. Francis found himself a prisoner of war, held in very harsh conditions. When he was released, his body and spirit were broken.
Back in Assisi, he underwent a conversion experience, determined to live a holy life. He began to visiting chapels that dotted the Umbrian countryside. He came upon a chapel, named San Damiano, that was dilapidated. While praying before its crucifix, he heard it speak to him, “Rebuild my house, for it is nearly falling down!” So began Francis life of service, starting with repairing chapels, to caring for the poor, to striving to live the Gospel life. By words and deed, he would attract followers from all over Italy. His example would inspire millions.
This day, in the days that follow, it be good for us to reflect on his life. To read his words, to follow his example of prayer and service, we can bring the Gospel to life, as he did!
Pax et Bonum!!!
“And Now You Know The Rest Of The Story!” Sermon for the Twenty-First Sunday of Ordinary Time
“And so I say, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.” Matt 16
There are some of us who probably remember radio reporter and commentator, Paul Harvey. He had a segment during which he would describe a historical event, a story of some famous person. He would always end the segment with the words; “ And now you know…the rest of the story.”
In today’s Gospel reading, we are seeing Jesus trying to learn how the crowds are describing him. And he gets various responses, various descriptions. I picture Simon, getting very antsy, he has something he has to let out. So when Jesus specifically asks the other disciples how they would would describe him, Simon blurts it out, excitedly, forcefully; “You are the Christ!” One can picture the other disciples stunned by his response, the force behind it. Then they will be stunned again when they hear Jesus’ response; he declares that from that moment on, Simon will be known as Peter, and on this “rock” Jesus will bring about a community of believers dedicated to proclaiming the Good News by word and deed.
Yet, we all know what is coming. The Gospels tell of the many times Peter seemed not to get the point of Jesus’ teachings. And when Jesus is arrested and sentenced to undergo crucifixion, Peter denies knowing Jesus, when the crowd accuses him, in order to save his own skin.
Now Jesus knew that this was coming, and he had earlier told Peter that he would be able pull himself together, and that it would be Peter’s responsibility to help the other Apostles to do likewise.
And when Christ ascended back into heaven, Peter fulfilled that role, pulling that little band of believers together. And on the day of Pentecost, empowered by the Holy Spirit; he and the others came out proclaiming the Good News about Jesus Christ. And the number of believers grew.
We are all gathered here today, as baptized believers, as believers who entered into the Body of Christ, through receiving the Eucharist. We are the spiritual descendants of the Saint Peter, of the other Apostles; of Saint Paul of Tarsus, and all of the other saints. We are all called to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ, by our words and our deeds.
However, we have to acknowledge that sometimes, like Peter, we may find ourselves failing to put the teachings of Jesus fully into practice, in our lives. We may find ourselves overwhelmed by the way Jesus is asking us to follow.
Again, we turn to the example that the life of Saint Peter sets before us. His recovery from his failures, is an example to all of us. His life provides us a light, which shows us the way. That we too can recover from our own failures and sins. His life, and his actions encourages us to pick ourselves up when we fall; and begin again with a renewed commitment, to follow Jesus, and by our example, to bring others along with us on that journey.
“And now you know the rest of the story!”
Homily-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
In today’s Gospel reading, we see Jesus taking a moment to teach his disciples about the Kingdom of Heaven. Like he did when he was preaching to the crowds earlier, he was speaking to them in parables. A parable was usually a short fictional story that illustrates a moral or spiritual truth.
When Jesus was alone with his disciples, He was teaching them something more deeper, then what he told the crowds. He describes the experiences of two wealthy men, and a fisherman. I mean He and his disciples were at the Galilee, how could He not throw in a fisherman into the parables. We hear of two men, one who stumbles on a field that hold a treasure buried beneath its surface. The other man, an expert in gems and pearls it appears, comes across a truly beautiful pearl, and he knows it’s true worth. Both men goes out to gather the funds they need to purchase what will give them possession of the treasure and the pearl. And they are paying a lot. But both will realize a greater profit from their actions, undoubtedly more than what they shelled out to get what they wanted. Now the fisherman, Jesus tells the parable of how this man goes out to fish, trusting in his skills and expertise to bring in a huge catch. When he brings his catch, he sorts through it, keeping the better fish, discarding the “junk” fish. Now he could have sold the inferior fish at a much lesser price, but he trusted his instincts, knowing what will sell. And I am sure he would have come out with good payout for his catch.
Now we who live in the land of Yankee business sense, would think we instant what these parables are teaching, but I think we would find that we are mistaken. What Jesus is really teaching, what He is asking of His followers, are what are you, what are we willing to pay, to give of ourselves, to enter the kingdom of Heaven? And I am not just talking about entering Heaven itself; but what are we willing to do bring about the Kingdom here and now. What are we willing to give up, what changes in ourselves are we able to make, what price are willing to pay, to help bring about the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. And we begin with ourselves, the daily small changes, the conversions we can strive to make within ourselves. And then going out and helping each other bring about the conversions needed to the Gospel life.
This was the work that Jesus invited His disciples to take up. This is the work that He invites us to take, no matter if it small efforts or large. As individuals and as a community of believers, we answer the call to bring out from our “storerooms both the new and old” ways of living together the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Twelfth Sunday of Ordinary Time Homily
Jeremiah 20: 10-13
Romans 5: 12-15
Matthew 10: 26-33
“Jesus said to the Twelve: ‘Fear no one.’”
Today’s reading from the Gospel of St. Matthew is part of Jesus’ instructions to the Twelve Apostles, as he is about to send them off on a preaching tour throughout the Galilee. I can picture the look on the Apostles faces as they prepare for this journey. As much as they want to do this, they were also hesitant, because of what they may encounter. They could guess what the reactions of the Pharisees would be. And then there was also the Roman occupiers; who have governed the province with an iron fist. They would maintain peace at any cost, even if meant cracking open some heads. So the Apostles would not be blamed if they were all feeling a little apprehensive. Jesus keeps telling them that they will not be alone, that the Father would be watching over them; so he tells them to shout out the Good News; that salvation was at hand. Shout it out in the village squares. Shout it out in vineyards and throughout the fields. Shout it out!
And Jesus’ message holds very true for us in our present times. And there is such a great need for people in our communities to hear this Good News. There is a great need for people out there to experience the Good News of Jesus Christ being lived, here and now!
And that is challenge that is before all of us. And to meet that challenge requires continuing conversion on our part. To realize and to accept the fact that with all our own faults and failures, God does loves us, cares for us. And if that is true, we, in turn, must love others. Loving those we call friends, and loving those we may have a hard time accepting as friends; bringing them all together as brothers and sisters in Christ.
So as Jesus is always reaching out to us with love; so we also must reach out to those we encounter daily, relative, friend or stranger. And we let them know, by word and deed, that there are people out there who care for them.
“So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father.” (Matthew 10: 26-33)
Easter Morning
Jesus Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed!!
We all awake with the hope that only comes from our Risen Lord! Now some of us may be experiencing hard times; some may be experiencing normal times! Some may be feeling down; some struggling. Some of us are feeling unsure of the moment; or of the future.
Today, though, the Church cries out; that In Jesus Christ there is hope. In letting Christ in, there is peace, there is hope!
Let us open wide our hearts, and let in the King of Glory!!
“Wait for the Lord!” Holy Saturday.
God is for us a refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in time of distress;
so we shall not fear though the earth should rock,
though the mountains quake to the heart of the sea;
even though its waters rage and foam,
even though the mountains be shaken by its tumult.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
Come and behold the works of the Lord,
the awesome deeds God has done on the earth;
breaking bows, snapping spears, and burning shields with fire;
“Be still and know that I am God, exalted over nations, exalted over earth.”
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
Psalm 46: 2-4, 9-12
Following Jesus Into The Desert – Homily for the First Sunday of Lent – 2023
Today’s readings provides us with a short lesson on salvation history. In the first reading, from the Book of Genesis, we have a description of how humanity came to be; how God brought about the parents. And how he blessed them with a paradise, a wondrous garden that would provide for their every need. So what happened? They messed up, that is what happened! They gave into temptation to want more, disobeying God and resulting in humanity losing Paradise!
But the Father was not going to abandon us. He set into motion those events, that would lead eventually to the birth of a savior; God’s own Son, Jesus. We have read and have celebrated what follows; Jesus comes to the Jordan River, is baptized by John the Baptist; the Holy Spirit descends upon him, and the Father declaring that Jesus is His Son. In today’s Gospel, continuation of Matthew, we see that Jesus was lead by the Spirit into the desert.
Now, in preparation for this homily, I came across a painting that illustrates what we have just heard in the Gospel reading. The title of the painting is “Christ in the Desert.” It was painted in 1872, by a Russian painter, whose name was Ivan Kramskoi. It portrays Jesus at the end of his forty days fast; he is seating on a rocky hill. We see him worn out by the ordeal, and we know that the devil is coming soon. Or maybe he already there, invisible, but already tempting Jesus, whispering in his ear; pushing him hard to give in, to surrender to the Evil One, to screw up like Adam and Eve did. However, Jesus holds true. Jesus overcomes the Tempter.
Fast forward to today; to us hearing this Gospel; it calls us to reflect on those times we have been tempted, and how hard it is for us to resist; and whether we either succeed is resisting temptation, or not. Call him “Evil,” “the Devil,” “the Tempter,” or “Mr. Scratch,” he is out there. And by every subtle means, he is always trying to trip us up. And let’s be honest with ourselves, sometimes we do!
However, we have a companion who is with us, who is always walking with us! And he has showed us how to deal with temptation, by turning to Scripture, reflecting on the Good News that God is there with us, strengthening us. We are to pray; seeking the help of our Heavenly Father, to overcome the temptation to sin. Now sometimes, we do fail; sometimes, we do not follow the teachings of Jesus as we are called to do. It is moments like that, when we should turn to the Sacrament of reconciliation; to heal our soul, and be strengthened to resist sin.
So this Lent, let us reflect on how well, or not; we have tried to live the Gospel life . And then rededicate ourselves to following Jesus, more closely, more intensely; during the time of Lent, and for all time.
Homily; Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God
We begin a new year, it is mixed with both anticipation and fear, beginnings and endings. For us Catholics, we end this year with the sad news of the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. He had an definite affect on the Catholic Church, before he became Pope, during his Papacy, and afterwards; and on the world around us.
We are beginning a new year. Liturgically, we are celebrating the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. We are reflecting on the important role of Mary in the salvation of humanity. We celebrate her courage to say yes, her willingness to say yes to bearing the child who would be the savior of the world. She was willing to become Mother of God the Son.
For that reason, for that courage, for that love that she had for God, for that love she had for all humanity; she is remembered and celebrated by Catholics and other Christians.
But I would challenge us to see Mary as a real human person. I am sometimes concerned, afraid that we treat Mary and our other saints, as characters in a show, play, movie and not as a real person. And Mary was a real human person. It was her courage and her love for God that allowed her to say response to the angel’s declaration, the Annunciation: “ Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1)
She should courage and strength, making that journey with Joseph to Bethlehem; and finding out that they had to stay in stable. She had the courage and the strength to give birth to the baby who would soon be named Jesus.
We have little information on what life was like for this little family when they finally were able to return to Nazareth. How often did she reflect on what had happened to her, her little child and her husband. Today’s gospel mentioned that she kept all that she experienced in her heart, reflecting on them, what they meant for her and for her son.
We know that she cared for her neighbors, friends and relatives. She and Jesus were invited to a wedding, what the relationship they had with the wedding party, we do not know; but it was there that she asked Jesus to come to the aid of the bridegroom with their wine shortage. And a son cannot say “no,” to his mother.
Mary was present at her Son’s suffering and death on the cross. She must have mourned deeply over witnessing that sight.
In our reflections on Mary, we need to remind ourselves that she was as human as the rest of us. That she experienced great joy, great hope; as well as great pain, and great sorrow. And it is these experiences that makes her a good advocate for us before God. So we can turn to her in our need:
“Hail holy Queen, mother of mercy, Our life, our sweetness and our hope. To you we do cry, poor banished children of Eve. To you do we send up our sighs; mourning and weeping in valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy toward us, and after this exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary!”
Musings From St. Anthony's Walnut Tree 