Trust God Do Not Be Anxious”
At every Mass – After we pray the Our Father, the priest prays: “Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant us peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.”
We pray to be safe from all distress or anxiety because we live in a world where many people are anxious and stressed… To say to people – “Do not to be anxious.” - admittedly – is much easier said than done.
We are bombarded with experiences and news about violence, environmental disasters of one form or another, COVID19 and new kinds of viruses and illnesses, etc. There seems to be much to be worried about.
In the Gospels - anxiety is presented as lack of faith… So - to pray for protection from anxiety, to pray to have no anxiety - means to pray for an increase in faith.
To say we have faith in Christ – means - that we truly believe Jesus is Lord, and that He rules over all and He comes in triumph to banish all that is evil. So - when confronted with fears and dangers, the Christian response is a response of faith – not running away from problems and challenges – but he faces them - precisely because in Christ - they must be overcome.
There is a saying: “If you pray, why worry? If you worry, why pray?
Jesus said to His disciples: “I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In this world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world." (John 16:33)
Our faith or lack of faith affects how we face the problems of life. People who have no faith or who lack faith usually respond to life's problems with worry and even anxiety. People of faith respond to life's problems with prayer. In prayer, we raise our hands to our all-loving and all-powerful Father, who is able to save us, even if it should take a miracle to do so.
And that is why, as believers, “we await the blessed hope” - because our faith tells us that Christ DOES overcome all that threaten us. That is why we respond: “For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, now and for ever.”
With that faith – we find ourselves even grateful.
As we heard in the second reading from St. Paul’s letter: “Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.”
– Being grateful in all circumstances is an acknowledgement that God is in control and therefore we become more confident, for we know that God is still going to care for us… even when times are tough… even when circumstances are sodiscouraging – with grateful heart instead of fearful heart.
That is why and how St. Paul can write this letter of encouragement to the Philippians even while he was in prison.
In our Gospel reading, the message is pretty much the same.
What does Jesus' parable tell us about God? It tells us of God's providence and generosity. The vineyard is well equipped with everything the tenants need. The owner went away and left the vineyard in the hands of the tenants… meaning… God, trusts us, the tenants, enough to give us freedom to live our lives as we choose.
This parable also tells us of God's patience and justice. Not once, but many times he forgives the tenants for their abuses and violence. But while the tenants take advantage of the owner's patience, the parable tells us also that - in the end - God’s judgment and justice prevail.
What does the parable tell us about us? We are stewards of God’s creation – what a privilege to be thankful for!
But the problem is our wrongful attitude… which is the cause of our anxiety – the problem is in how we see ourselves - forgetting who we are – forgetting that we are only tenants, we are not the owners; forgetting that we are not in control and forgetting and not trusting in the love and care and power of God.
One especially critical question – we need to ask ourselves - Do we see ourselves as “owners” or “tenants” in the world... which makes a whole world of difference.
For some strange reason we live our lives as if these earthly possessions are ours forever. We devote our time and energy to accumulate and protect worldly things. We cling to the things of this world as if they are ours forever.
The parable in today’s Gospel is a great reminder - First, that we are only tenant farmers and we just share in the fruit of the land. Not one thing in this vineyard really belongs to us. Everything that we see around us is ours only to use for a short time. Ultimately - it all belongs to God.
If we fail to recognize this truth, we are not fooling anyone but only ourselves.
Secondly, Jesus is reminding us that our privilege of being stewards of creation carries with it responsibilities. We are responsible to God for what we do with what we have… be it much or be it little.
The word responsibility is not a very popular word in our modern world. We much prefer to think and speak of such things as rights, and privileges and freedom – “my body and therefore my choice – I can do whatever I want with my body.” But we must remind ourselves that all of these things we cherish are based upon responsibility, and if we neglect our responsibility, eventually we will lose our rights, privileges, and freedoms… That is the bottom line… let us not fool ourselves.
St. Francis of Assissi, whose Feast Day we also celebrate today, realized that humanity’s relationship with the rest of creation goes even beyond dominion, even beyond stewardship but in terms of “kinship” with the rest of creation. That’s why he used words such as Brother Sun, Sister Moon and even Sister Death and Mother Earth to care for and to love.
We have every opportunity to live life at its best. What we do with these blessings and opportunities is up to us. The grace of God is free, but the responsibilities of privilege are real. We are accountable for the things that we have.
We are the tenants even to our bodies, to our lives, to ourselves, to our money, to our property, to everything we have. All belongs to God.
We – Christians – the New Tenants, so to speak - are called to give God the produce at the proper times…
Therefore, we must have a personal relationship with Christ to be good tenants – and we must build everything – our lives, our career, our families, etc. - on Christ and that Christ thus becomes the cornerstone on which everything else is built…because everything belongs to Christ.
The question is - Is Jesus Christ the cornerstone of your life?
If He is, then the Good News is – as St. Paul wrote to the Philippians and addressed also to us: “The peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
… and if we say Amen, it means “So be it” – and so we all say: Amen!
God’s Generosity and Invitation to Love
Reflection on “God’s Generosity and Invitation to Love” based on the Gospel of Matthew 20:1-16 (25th Sunday in Ordinary Time):
In the kingdom of God, there is family, community – not just as a society or group of individuals. In a society – there is this “we-and-them”, there is rivalry - survival of the fittest. But, in a family, there is only “all - we – us” - and NO them. There is the spirit of co-operation rather than competition.
In the Gospel parable, the workers in the vineyard complained because they saw each other not as family members but as rivals, as competitors. If the latecomers in the vineyard were seen as family members of the early workers, the early workers would have rejoiced with them at their good fortune rather than grumbling. There is one popular “oldies” song that goes: “He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother.”
We need to expand our concept of family beyond our blood relatives - because we are all members of the same Body of Christ, of one Spirit, with one heavenly Father… who is so generous … who sees all of us as His sons and daughters… and so we are brothers and sisters.
You see - The Gospel parable is really about God’s generosity, His grace, His goodness and mercy and His invitation to us into a more intimate relationship and not so much about fairness- but about relationship.
The problem is we often get caught up on issues of fairness – comparing ourselves with others, with one another.
We often feel discontented - because we often compare our lives with those who are doing better, with those who have more. You see - there will always be someone richer, healthier, more talented, or better looking than we are.….
So, when it seems life is unfair - we need to take a fresh look at the good things in our lives – the things we often take for granted. When we “feel cheated in life”, let us just think of those with less – the less fortunate - and not those with more.
The workers in the parable did not feel they were mistreated when they were hired - first. It is only when the owner extended his generosity to the workers hired late in the day. You see - We usually do not have problems with people’s generosity, with God’s generosity to us - when we are the ones receiving it – when others are envious of us - because we feel special.
In a way – it is like - when we come before God for our sins, we ask for Mercy but when it comes to other people’s sins or faults particularly against us, we demand justice.
All of us are like the workers in the parable who were hired later in the day… and so, we can say that we are all “latecomers.”
If we want to compare ourselves with others – let us compare ourselves with the saints who are as ordinary people as we are. Compared to the saints who served God faithfully and who gave up their lives for the sake of the Gospel, serving others - St. Paul, St. Teresa of Avila, St. Teresa of Calcutta, St. Francis of Assissi, countless martyrs and saints, how do you think we are - compared to them? - But God is equally generous and compassionate with the saints as He is with us. He loves us, offers us His divine life – No Less… Everything is by the grace of God.
So, when we feel cheated in life, treated unfairly; when it seems life is so unfair – when bad things happen even to good people and the bad people seem to be the ones enjoying life and the ones prospering – we need to continue to trust God – his goodness, that He is just…that He is in control….even when things do not make any sense and even when we cannot understand.
In the grand scheme of things, we can see only a very tiny portion of the big picture… of God’s plan…
We need to be in a relationship of love and trust with our God instead of on the basis of what is in it for me.
Here’s the big question for all of us: Why do we follow Jesus, why do we obey his teachings? Why do we obey the Ten Commandments? Why are we here – why do we come to Mass?
– Is it because we want to go to heaven – and because we are afraid to go to hell?
Do we follow Jesus so He will bless us? … so that he'll make our family happy? So that bad things will not happen to us? Do we pray the rosary or the novenas or go to pilgrimages or first Fridays or First Saturdays because of the promises - that no misfortune will come to us… that we will receive all the “indulgences”.
I am not saying those are bad motivations. But we need to go beyond those motives. Because – in a way we can say – with all due respect – those motives are the same as saying: “What is in it for me, Lord, if I do all those things?
When we go to confession – one of the versions of the Act of Contrition – we say: “I detest all my sins because I fear the loss of heaven and the pains of hell – (and here’s the most important part) - but most of all - because I offended thee my God who are all good and deserving of all my love…”… out of love…relationship of love….We cannot earn our way to heaven. Again, everything is grace.
All of the parables that Jesus told - always have - as the core purpose - to teach us something about our relationship with God.
From this perspective - we can understand Paul’s letter to Philippians (1:21) – we heard from our second reading. Paul is not focusing on himself but on his relationship with Christ – with God.
Basically - St. Paul was saying: "For me life means Christ. Even if I die, it doesn't matter. If I live – thanks be to God! - there' so much more I want to give. If I die - thanks be to God! – that means I will be with God! If I live, I can continue to bring others to God. I am not going to live for what I can get out of life.”
That is how he found contentment in whatever circumstances he found himself in – even in prison… where he wrote this letter of encouragement.
… And so – for us - What happens now if after doing all our devotions – God forbid – what if bad things would happen to us? – What happens when we feel cheated by life? Unfortunately, that is when people lose faith. They no longer see God as good but unfair. God does not seem to be real anymore.
Salvation is really when following Christ is no longer about us – no longer about ME, MY, OURS… Salvation is about Jesus and our love for our neighbor and the life that we give – the life that we share… Jesus said: “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake (for the sake of the Gospel) will find it.” (Matthew 16:25)
So, my brothers and sisters in Christ, let us examine our reasons why we do what we do, why we follow Christ. Let us be honest with ourselves. Let us continue to pray for the Lord to purify our intentions, to increase our love for God and our neighbor….
…Let us pray that we may serve God and our neighbors - with joyful, grateful and generous hearts, not looking for how much we can get - but rather looking for how much we can give, how deep we can love.
At the end of our lives, that is all we can take with us – how much we have given of ourselves – how much we have loved, what we carry in our hearts.
(Homily for 25th Sunday of Ordinary Time Cycle A
Readings: Isaiah 55:6-9 Philippian 1:20-24,27 Matthew 20:1-16)
Loving and Forgiving Instead of Judging
Generally - When someone hurts us, we immediately draw a vision or image of that person. You kind of paint a picture in your mind of the kind of person he or she is….you kind of judge the person based on what you think in terms of the hurt – “she is mean, he’s so arrogant, insensitive, heartless, etc.” and when you talk to other people, they might even add to your growing prejudice…. So, if you were to draw a picture, you might even draw a monster, even with horns, etc.
But - Remember, your perception or what you think is not always reality. We react to what we think which – maybe - is not the reality… meaning, there is a possibility that you could be wrong or that you could have misunderstood and therefore you could have been quick to judge.
Assuming you were right to feel offended, the only way to heal ourselves of those hurts is through forgiveness. It is not enough to be right, and yet you are so unloving, unforgiving.
Forgiving begins when we give up the horrible image we have in our mind of that person who hurt us. Meaning - We must come to a new vision of that person, not simply as the person who hurt us, but as a weak and sinful faulty person who also has needs and hurts, and so we try to understand what caused him or her to behave in that way or to say such a thing or why he failed to do what you expected.
At the cross, Jesus said: “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” …meaning – why would you condemn someone who does not know any better…
You might say: “But he is already an adult, he should know better”… but you see – there are people –even adults in their 60’s 70’s and 80’s - who still don’t get it.
You see - the problem is: when we come before God for our sins, we ask for Mercy but when it comes to other people’s sins or faults particularly against us, we demand justice.
Again - Forgiving begins when we give up the horrible image we have in our mind of that person who hurt us and coming up with a new image. And so - With that new image - Consequently, there is a new feeling towards the person. The new vision brings a new feeling because now you see this person more realistically.
And then – the next stage, so to speak is - there must be a surrendering of the right to get even. We simply give it up. Yes – you might think you have every right to get even as you might think, but we simply give it up or let it go.
An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, results to both parties – ending up both being blind and toothless.
On our own, we cannot forgive but by the grace of God we can, and with the grace of God we can even go beyond giving up our right to get even, we can even begin to wish that person who hurt us well… which is really a miracle.
As has been said: “To err is human, to forgive is divine.” (Alexander Pope)
The process of forgiving is fulfilled when you can want good for the person who has wronged you instead of wishing evil to fall upon him or her… The good of the person then will be your intention for approaching that person, as we heard in our first reading and in our Gospel reading, to help the person grow and become a better person… not to get even.
Then you can say you fulfilled the commandment “Love your enemy”.. “Love your neighbor as you love yourself” because love – true love is willing the good of the other… even if the person is unloveable.
Jesus died for us even while we were still sinners.
St. Pope Gregory the Great whose Feast Day we celebrated last Thursday wrote this on Praying for Enemies and Forgiveness:
Quote: “How frequently we offer a prayer for our enemies but we do it because we are commanded to and not out of love for them.
The judge of our souls consider our hearts rather than our words. Jesus included a condition in the prayer: Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
Sometimes we say those words without carrying them out. We must not allow any malice at all to remain in our own hearts.
Remember what Jesus taught us: Forgive and you will be forgiven. Let us forgive others then - so that we, too may be forgiven.” (Unquote)
If you have been hurt - Do yourself a favor, forgive… to free yourself of the toxicity that can poison your soul. Of course, it is much easier said than done.
If the saints, who are as ordinary people as we are, can do it, by the grace of God, we can do it.
Judgment belongs to God.
If you cannot forgive, maybe you need to examine your own relationship with God and your own experience of forgiveness, of being forgiven.
As Thomas Merton said: “We are not at peace with others because we are not at peace with ourselves, and we are not at peace with ourselves because we are not at peace with God.
If you think about it: Who are we to cast off someone whom Jesus has seen fit to redeem? Who are we to condemn someone whom Jesus has died for? Jesus died for all of us… for people of all times.
Think of the person you have a hard time forgiving and imagine Jesus telling you: “I already paid for his or her sins.” and so, “Be Merciful”.
Forgiving someone falling short of our expectations does not mean glossing over sin, but it does mean always trying to treat people with the respect and honor they deserve as beloved children of God – as brothers and sisters who have great dignity in God's eyes.
Mercy is not about pretending that something has not happened, that sin doesn't matter. Mercy is about accepting to love as one is.
St. Mother Teresa said: “If you judge people, you have no time to love them.”
As we heard in the second reading from St. Paul’s letter to the Romans:
“Brothers and sisters: Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another”.
My brothers and sisters in Christ, over time – if we persevere – like the Saints – we can become more like Jesus. And that’s the challenge for us. And so the question is: Will we stand fast in our ways, our ways of thinking or will we let the Holy Spirit continue to mold us and to shape us?
The next time you find yourself ready to judge someone, ask yourself this, “How would Jesus react in this situation?” What is the most loving thing to do? … and then you “Pause” and let the Spirit give you His insight. You’ll be amazed by how much peace and wisdom He can give you!
God bless…
Homily for the 23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time Year A
Readings:Ezekiel 33:7-9 Romans 13:8-10 Matthew 18:15-20
God Provides Through Us
There is a profound liturgical action that takes place at the ordination of a deacon. After the bishop lays his hands on the candidate and says the prayer of ordination, and after the deacon is vested, the bishop hands the new deacon the Book of the Gospels and says, “Receive the Gospel of Christ, whose herald you now are. Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach.” “Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach.”
Meaning - No one can proclaim the gospel unless he believes in the gospel and unless he lives these gospel beliefs. This is fundamental to all Christians – the message is for all of us – not just for the clergies.
“Believe what you read” – meaning - believe the Gospel – but of course – first of all – we need to spend time reading the Scriptures through which God communicates to us in a personal way. Second Vatican Council document put it this way: “In the Sacred Scriptures, the Father who is in heaven meets His children with great love and talks with them about His great love fulfilled in Christ. In reading the Scriptures, we therefore encounter Christ who is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
“Believe what you read” - “Teach what you believe” - Everyone is called by Christ to proclaim His Gospel. All of us are empowered for this mission. We have the gifts of the Eucharist to sustain us. We have the power of the Holy Spirit poured unto all of us at our baptism and confirmation. We have the guidance of our Mother Mary…
“Teach what you believe” “Practice what you teach.” – Walk the Talk.
A father was giving a sermon to his teenage son. The teenager replied: “What you are speaks so loudly I cannot hear what you are saying.”
Let us hope and pray that our children or anyone will not say or even think of saying that to us.
There is a phrase that goes, “You cannot give what you do not have.” It applies to all Christians.
When we live our lives in relationship and in communion with God, who gives of Himself to us, we become conformed to God’s grace and so we become channels or instruments of God’s grace and we ourselves become grace and when we in turn give what we receive, we find it multiplied beyond what we can imagine.
We are all called to give ourselves in loving service of God and others as a continuation of Christ. The word Christ means Anointed and we were all Anointed at our baptism and confirmation – We are the Body of Christ.
In our Christian service, others must discover Christ in us because if we are not giving Christ to others – if we are filled with our ego and self-centeredness and our own agenda; if those whom we serve are not encountering Jesus in us, then our service is simply not true Christian service. It might be considered only as good charitable work, a philanthropy, it might be empathy; but it falls short of genuine Christian service if those whom we serve do not discover Christ – if they do not encounter Christ through us.
Like John the Baptist, we must decrease so that Jesus can increase in us, so that our brothers and sisters are not cheated out of encountering Christ whom they secretly long to discover in each of us.
We need to realize that the presence of the Lord is not ours to keep for ourselves and for our own benefit and salvation. He is given to us so that we can bring His Love to others.
A lot of people nowadays, young and not so young are hungry and thirsty, so to speak, and have even lost sense of what life is all about.
The readings today help us recognize the gifts we have been given and the responsibility we have to give them to others. From our first reading from the book of the Prophet Isaiah: “Come to the water, you who are thirsty. Come eat - you who are hungry. “
The second reading, from St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans, tells us that no one and nothing can take the Source of Life from us. “What can separate us from the love of Christ? Anguish, or persecution, or nakedness, or famine or the sword or Covid19 pandemic? NO. Not even death. Nothing can take Christ from us – But - We can reject Him. We are free to choose.
Our responsibility to stay united to the Lord has a deeper dimension than our own personal needs. We need to be united to the Lord out of a responsibility to the spiritual lives of others – so we can bring Christ to them and them to Christ.
People think of Christianity only in terms of good works to be done or service to be rendered… but that is not all. Yes - we are called to pick up our cross daily and follow Christ – which is not easy – to say the least… because to follow Christ requires our whole being.
But - as Christians - we are called to follow the highest ethic – the highest standard - that the world has ever heard… and, trying to do that in our own strength is like trying to feed five thousand people with fives loaves and two fish. We cannot do that and so, the Gospel offers us help.
We need to realize and experience the need of others. We need to recognize our own limitations and emptiness, our inability to help. And so - We need to go to the Lord, and He gives us the ability to provide. This is the Good News, the Gospel…for nothing can prevent us from being united to the One who provides for us.
How beautifully positive the readings are for today. God will always provide.
We have only to go to Him, stay united to Him, and we will receive bread for His people… meaning, we will receive blessings – the grace we need – not only for ourselves but for His people.
So – my brothers and sisters in Christ - Let us give Jesus whatever we have and He will multiply them for the good of others.
In Luke 4:16-20: Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had grown up, and went according to his custom into the synagogue on the sabbath day. He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring glad tidings to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free…”
Then Jesus said: “Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.”
Meaning – And the Word became flesh.
That is a call for all of us as the Body of Christ.
St. Teresa of Avila said it so beautifully: “Christ has no body now on earth but yours; yours are the eyes with which He looks with compassion on this world; yours are the feet with which He walks to do good; yours are the hands with which He blesses the world. Christ has no body now on earth but yours.”
Like Jesus, the Bread of Life; like the Eucharist, our lives must be blessed, broken and shared and poured out in loving service of God and others.
Amen.
Aug. 2, 2020
Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Cycle A
Wheat and Weeds
Homily on “Wheat and Weeds in Our Lives” based on the Gospel reading (Matthew 13: 24-43):
Like many of you, one of my favorite hobbies is gardening. In fact, I even have a worm compost bin and I use the worm castings to fertilize the plants and trees.
I try my best to have a really nice garden. But, I also accept the reality that my garden will never look as beautiful as what you can see in Gardens magazines and the ads.
That is the reality of life as well. Jesus tells us also that we can expect weeds along with our good plants throughout our lives. He tells his disciples that in this world the good will exist along with the evil and it is going to be that way to the end of time. That's life and we have to expect to deal with that reality.
It is a fact of our society and a fact in our own personal lives. All of us experience good and bad in ourselves. We strive to be good, to do good and to live a life pleasing to God the best we can, but we all fail at times and we sin. We all have weeds in the garden of our life. So, what do we do about it?
Let us start with the bigger picture - Where our society is concerned, Jesus gives us the answer. We have to be the yeast of our society. It is our task as followers of Christ to be active in our society to eventually leaven the whole batch. I know its easy to say, "What can one person do?" But that is exactly it. Change has to start with one person, with one act, with one idea.
Let me tell you a true story – just recently
Overseas Filipina Worker in Dubai - Feby Dela Peña offers 200 free meals a day to Dubai’s hungry jobless migrants- hit hard by the Corona virus shutdown.
Febi, who is also unemployed herself, said: “We’re poor, to be honest, but it’s not a reason for me not to help. She relies on her husband’s modest income from a sales job.
She was able to buy about $130 worth of groceries, including 30 frozen chickens and sacks of rice, to startwith…and she began to cook.
Like most migrant workers in Dubai, the family lives in a shared flat. When her 11 housemates found out about her plan –– those who could - chipped in - as well. That is how Feby, age 34, launched the project she calls Ayuda – which means help.
She said: “Life is so hard and people don’t have anyone to depend on,”
“It’s a big thing if you can help even 10 people not to sleep hungry,”
And when word of her efforts spread on social media, people began dropping off cartons of eggs and bags of rice. In fact, an influential Emirati blogger gave her 10,000 dirhams = about $2,700 US dollars.
Meaning - Feby’s single act grew and grew. More and more people became involved in the work… like the mustard seed which starts very small and grows large.
It all happened because one woman had an idea and felt a need to help her fellow human beings who are in need.
People, even believers ask: With all the troubles in the world, it seems God is not doing anything? You see- God is doing something.
The question to you and me is this: What am I doing – what are you doing? We have so many problems facing us today that may seem so overwhelming. Where do we start? What problem is most important? What can we do?
We can all follow the example of Feby and start doing something, no matter how small… and we can start with our families.
There is this belief in our society that you can fix anything by throwing money at it. That's not the answer here. It takes personal involvement to be yeast. That is what it takes. We have to become personally involved in our world to make this world a better place. To be true followers of Jesus, we have to pick up our own cross.
Not everyone is not called to be a Mother Theresa or be like Feby.
We do not have to look far. Let us start with our own families, our own circle of friends.. There are so many people in need not only of material things, but also emotionally, psychologically, spiritually.
Here at St. Catherine’s, we have such indescribably amazing volunteers and ministers who help Fr. Glenn adapt to the ever new and changing challenges to continue to shepherd the faithful in these troubling times and to lead our faith community in worship.
Let us pray that God will make our hearts more and more attentive to the needs of others. As we heard in the Gospel, “Those who have hears, ought to hear.”
Pope Francis said: “Do not be afraid to devote your life to God and to others; it pays! For life is a gift we receive only when we give ourselves away, and our deepest joy comes from saying yes to love, without ifs and buts.”
Now - How about when it comes to our personal life? We all have good plants and weeds in our personal life. Most of us like to think of ourselves as essentially good people. And there is truth in that image of ourselves, but we all know there is another side to every one of us.
At times, for seemingly no reason, we are in a bad mood or ill temper, irritable, and at times we get angry so easily… at times we can become so selfish and downright mean… and so, we recognize the duplicity of our nature. Within the individual human heart there is a capacity for both good and evil. In every one of us, there is a strange mixture between the wheat and the weeds, so to speak.
Every person is a sinner; that - we cannot deny. But - every person is a potential saint; this we need to believe.
Jesus understood the dark side of human nature better than anyone else. He knew what it could do. It nailed him to the cross. But he kept believing that people were redeemable, and believed it - so deeply - that he bet his life on it.
As Father Robert Barron said: “God’s purpose is not to destroy the enemy but to change him…. Not to destroy the enemy culture but to convert it. Why does God not just eliminate his enemies? … just get rid of them - because God loves His enemies… and so the Church’s purpose, and so our purpose is not so much to destroy our enemies but to convert them…”
So, when we are tempted to lose faith in people including ourselves, all we need to do is look to Christ. Jesus keeps believing in the human race. He keeps believing in our world. But most of all, Jesus keeps us believing in ourselves.
Our job as followers of Christ is to try – to aim - for that perfect holy life, Our job is to recognize the fact that there will always be weeds of sin cropping up in our life. And so - we need to cultivate, nurture - to mulch – so to speak - with the Sacraments; we need to fertilize with prayer and we need to weed with the Sacrament of Penance.
Our personal life will never be perfect, just as our society will never be perfect… But - that does not mean that we stop trying to make it so. We all need to plant that mustard seed of Faith and nourish it so that it can grow and grow towards perfection.
As we go forth from this Eucharistic celebration today, let us all resolve to take on the task of doing something about a problem in our society – starting with our own families - no matter how small - and to do something in our own personal life to draw us all closer to Jesus.
Amen… which means - So be it.
July 19, 2020
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Homily on “Sermon on the Mount: A Matter of the Heart” based on the Gospel of Matthew 5:17-37 (Cycle A – Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time):
In the Old Testament, God revealed Himself and gave directions to His people through the law and the prophets. The law began with the Ten commandments that were given to Moses on Mount Sinai. These ten commandments became 613 commandments in the Jewish tradition.
Just as Moses went up Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments, Jesus climbs the mountain of the Beatitudes to present the New Law to the people… called the Sermon on the Mount.
In our Gospel reading, Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. In the Gospel, the word “fulfill” does not mean – to do away with – but it means to make complete, or to supply what is lacking – to make perfect something that is imperfect.
Matthew's Gospel was written primarily for Christians who were Jews who knew the commandments, but they knew them as their rabbis had taught them. The rabbis, for the most part Pharisees, put all the emphasis on the letter of the law and on its external observance.
Jesus taught that that the attitude of his followers towards the commandments must be different, and must surpass the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees… because merely fulfilling the law was not enough. The attitudes and lifestyles of the Christian must reflect living the law. That is why Jesus began with the Beatitudes…
….Instead of giving a list of do’s and don’ts, Jesus gave a list of what we are to become:
Peacemaker, Merciful, Pure in Heart, Hungry for Righteousness,
Jesus, by His teachings and His life, showed the true purpose behind the law… the Spirit of the Law. Jesus taught his audience to understand that obedience is not the ultimate purpose but becoming more like God…a matter of Being.
People see our actions but God sees our intentions. We can never deceive God who is able to look into our hearts and know what lies there.
Again, Christ is not abolishing the ten commandments, but He intensifies them and He is directing his followers – us – to go deeper to perfection – to be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect. Journey to perfection can seem impossible to achieve… but perfection is actually not so much our current state – but more of a movement to the right direction – to become whole and complete.
The law, understood correctly, guides people in right relationships with God and others – the two greatest commandments – love of God and love of neighbor.
Jesus explains that our external actions must be a reflection of what we really are like. If what we do is not a reflection of who we are, then we are hypocrites. Hypocrite, that’s the word that Jesus used over and over to describe the Pharisees.
To demonstrate his point, Jesus contrasts the written law of the Torah with the new Christian attitude.
For example Jesus says, "You have heard it said that murder is wrong, but harboring hatred is also wrong even if you don't physically kill someone. Why? Because murder is conceived by hatred. The person who hates but does not murder is not a good person. He is just a person who has followed the social norms perhaps to avoid punishment.
Instead of feeling self-satisfied because we are not murderers, let us examine our hearts to see the angers or resentments we may have towards others.
“You have heard that it was said, You shall not commit adultery, but I say to you, everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
Meaning - To think and entertain evil thoughts is the same as actually committing the act. So do not entertain the evil thoughts that cross your mind. It is funny that someone said: “But I do not entertain the evil thoughts. They entertain me.”
We may not have committed murder or adultery, but maybe, if given the opportunity, we might have done it.
Jesus said: You have heard that it was said to your ancestors: “Do not take a false oath, but make good to the Lord all that you vow.”
But I say to you, do not swear at all. Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’
Meaning - Our trustworthiness should be so great that it would NOT be necessary to invoke God’s name or to take oaths. Other people, especially those close to us, need to be able to depend on us and believe that what we say is what we mean and what we will do.
So - How can our righteousness then exceed that of the scribes and the Pharisees? We have what they did not have: We have Jesus dwelling in us through the power of the Holy Spirit. By our own merits, we are unable to keep the commandments; but Jesus is with us, we have the strength and understanding to obey. Through faith and by virtue of our baptism into Jesus’ death and resurrection, we are given the power to live a whole new life of obedience to the Father.
If we are living the Spirit of the Law with the help of God’s grace, then we do not actually need the extra reminder or commandment of the written law because we already observe the law naturally with our heart…
St. Paul was a Pharisee and a strict observer of the following of the law of Moses as such he believed he was working out his salvation by his careful observance… Once St. Paul was converted, after encountering Christ, he began to realize that even perfect observance and following every precept of the law did not lead to salvation because salvation comes from our personal relationship with Jesus and Jesus’ free gift of love.
Meaning – this is very important - we do good deeds or avoid evil as an expression of faith – rooted in our personal relationship with God - and not to earn or merit our salvation because if we can earn our way to heaven by our good deeds, or asceticism and long formulas of prayers, etc. - that would be trying to save ourselves through our own merits, therefore, we do not need Christ.
The truth is – Everything is Grace - We cannot do anything enough to earn our way to heaven. We cannot save ourselves. We need a Savior.
What – then - do we hope to gain by our good works and avoiding violating the ten commandments. Why? Why are we here in the church? Why do we come to mass?
Why? It is how we say thank you to God. We love God and others because that is how we respond to the fact that God loves us. He loved us first.
We love and respond to being loved = in this we are called to be gracious and merciful as God is…and do what Jesus asks of us – to love one another as He loves us…
In the first reading - God gives us a choice: choose Him or reject Him. If we reject Him, we die. If we choose Him, we live. Before man are life and death, . . . whichever he chooses shall be given him. (Sirach 15:17)
Free will. It’s God’s greatest gift to us. Of course, our heavenly Father longs for us to choose life in him, but he will never force himself on us. While God honors our choices, he also respects the consequences of our choices.
So, is it easier to be a modern Christian than an ancient Jew? Absolutely not. Christianity is extremely demanding upon us all because it calls us to be 100% committed to living in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Is it worth it? The answer - From our second reading today:
What eye has not seen, and ear has not heard,
and what has not entered the human heart,
what God has prepared for those who love him.
Is it worth it? Definitely… beyond what we can ever imagine.
We’re in for a glorious surprise!
Presentation of the Lord
Homily on “Lessons from Mary and Joseph, Simeon and Anna” on the Feast of The Presentation of the Lord (based on the Gospel of Luke 2:22-40) – Feb. 2, 2020
Today’s feast marks the Presentation of the Lord Jesus in the Temple, forty days after he was born. As the first born, according to the Law, Mary and Joseph were required to take Jesus to the Temple and “redeem” him by paying what was required by the law. At the same time, the Law required the child’s mother to offer sacrifice in order to overcome the ritual impurity brought about by childbirth.
Jesus, the Son of God, is already consecrated to the Lord. Mary, who is all-pure, immaculately conceived, still presented herself to be purified. Such is the humility of our God. Such is the humility of the Blessed Mother Mary. They submitted to the law even though they were not bound by it.
The Presentation of the Lord concludes the celebration of the Nativity – the Incarnation of God – God becoming one of us in the flesh - and with the offerings of the Virgin Mother and the prophecy of Simeon, the events now point towards Easter.
Simeon called Jesus the Light of the Nations, 'the light to enlighten the nations' including the Gentiles and so the image of Christ as the Light has led to the celebration of light countering darkness, and that is why we have the blessing of candles on this day. This day is also called Candlemas.
In the Eastern Church, this feast was called the Feast of the Encounter – meaning, this is the first encounter of the Old Testament, represented by Simeon and Anna and the Temple, with the New Testament, represented by the Lord. Jesus is presented in the Temple following the ancient Jewish laws. In the New Law of the Kingdom of God, Jesus' own body would become the New Temple.
When we were baptized in Christ – we received the light of Christ – and therefore we are also called to be the Light of the World… to be other Christs in the world. At our baptism, we were also presented to God because we belong to God.
At baptism, we also presented our children to God. The children that we have are not really ours. They are given to us, in trust, for a time, a short time and we are asked to be mothers and fathers, mentors, guardians, protectors, teachers and friends to them but they are never really our children. They belong to God. If we understand this, we will be less inclined to act as owners of our children, to manipulate our children for our own needs.
In the image of Joseph and Mary presenting Jesus in the Temple, we have a wonderful model of husband and wife united in practicing the faith and in raising their child in the faith.
A scholar was conducting a study of an Amish village. The Amish live in traditional rural villages far from industrialization and technology: no computers, televisions, refrigerators and telephones. In his study of the Amish village school, the researcher noticed that Amish children never screamed or yelled. That surprised him. So he decided to check it out with the schoolteacher. He told the teacher that he had not once heard an Amish child yell, and asked him why that was so. The teacher replied, “Well, have you ever heard an Amish parent yell?” Meaning – it is clear: Like the parents, so the children!
As parents, we have the duty and privilege of raising our children in such a way that they grow up to become good and responsible citizens as well as committed children of God.
The example of Joseph and Mary, and the example of the Amish community, show us that the best way to achieve this is not just by talking and shouting at our children but by leading the way and showing them by the example of our own lives.
Our life is not just for ourselves. We are called to be a gift for others, a gift that leads them to God. This is the greatest thing about our life: We are called to give life. We are called to participate in the fruitfulness of God. We give life by enlightening others. We help other people come to the light by starting with ourselves by trying sincerely to be united with the One Who is the Light and by not fearing to show people the truth. The light shed by our lives produces a real effect in souls.
The question to us is this: Can we become more aware that we are in God’s presence now, that we too are God’s servants, and that we too are part of this story of salvation?
Every time we gather for our Eucharistic celebration here in the church, like Simeon and Ana in the temple, the House of God, we encounter Christ, and we recognize Him in the breaking of the bread, our Bread of Life.
… and very important to realize - we encounter one another. We are a blessing to one another. Do we see each other as a blessing to one another.
The meeting between Joseph, Mary and Simeon and Anna – is a blessing to both generations. Just like our gathering now here in our Eucharistic celebration….
– look around – various generations – the young and the elders – from different cultures …
- The Youth are graced by the wisdom of the living faith of the older generations and the elders are graced by the trust and promise of the youth.
Each one of us…. All of us….who gather here in the church for our Eucharistic celebration are a blessing to one another… because we are all beloved sons and daughters of God, brothers and sisters in Christ, co-heirs with Christ of the kingdom of God.
There is a story told of a rabbi in ancient times who gathered his students together very early one morning, while it was still dark. He put this question to them: "How can you tell when night has ended and the day has begun?"
One student made a suggestion: "Could it be when you can see an animal from a distance and you can tell whether it is a sheep or a goat?"
"No, that's not it," answered the rabbi.
Another student said: "Could it be when you look at a tree in the distance and you can tell whether it is a fig tree or a peach tree?"
Again the rabbi answered: "No."
After a few more guesses the students said: "Well, how do you tell when night has ended and the day has begun?"
The rabbi answered: "It is when you look on the face of any man or woman and you see them as your brother or sister. If you cannot do this, then, no matter what time it is under the sun, it is still night."
Now, turn to the people around you and look at each other’s faces. What do you see?
Is it still night?
… or has the day begun?
Solemnity of Epiphany of the Lord
Homily for the Solemnity of Epiphany of the Lord based on the Gospel of Matthew 2:1-12 - January 5, 2020
First of all, the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord is NOT the Feast of the Three Kings. They were not even kings; they were wise men.
Epiphany means manifestation. What the Church celebrates today is God’s revelation of Himself to the whole world, not only to the “Chosen People” but also to the Gentiles, us… a revelation that changes our hearts. Our Gospel reading tells the story of a group of men searching for Christ. You see - their story is our story. Their search is our search.
All people – believers and non-believers are searching – And - What are we seeking? What is at the heart of our longing? We all want happiness – We all want a sense of personal fulfillment. And - we all would like to believe that there is a real meaning in life. We search for truth.
And for us Christians, we search for or we long for – Christ - because we believe that Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life who can satisfy our deepest longing. We believe that Christ is the key to fullness of life, to meaning of life, to sense of fulfillment, to true happiness. Christ is the Light of the world, the Wisdom of God, the beginning of New Life and so we search for Him.
But the problem is – we really quite do not know how and where to look for Christ…or maybe we even do not know what we are looking for. Would we recognize Jesus when we meet or see Him?
As I have shared a few weeks ago, one author wrote why the people of Jesus’ time missed Him or did not recognize Him as the Messiah because:
They were looking for A Lion, He came as a Lamb.
They were looking for a Warrior, He came as a Peace maker.
They were looking for a King, He came as a Servant.
They were looking for someone to liberate them from Rome, He submitted to the Roman cross.
They were looking for someone to meet their temporal needs. He came to meet their eternal needs….
And so – there He was - standing right in front of them – they did not recognize Him – they even crucified Him… they killed him… and people continue to kill God in our age.
We hear people say that they have already found the Lord… that they have found the truth – and yet - they are uncharitable and intolerant or impatient of those who have not had an experience similar to their experience or who do not share their particular prayer or spiritual life… which shows they are not behaving like true Christians. So, we can say that they have not really found the Lord, but they probably have only a vague notion of the Lord.
You see - the only people Jesus was so critical of and had a problem with - were those people who thought they were better, holier than others.
If we are intolerant of others, then others will not experience God’s presence in us.
Most of the people who say that they have personal relationship with Christ – have in fact had an experience of God's presence - in their experience of God’s love for them personally… But – we can say also that they have experienced only one or few of the many ways that God is present – and their mistake lies in the assumption that their experience of God's presence is the sum totality of God’s presence and reality. They think that that is it.
God is present in an infinite variety of ways in our lives and in our world. If we focus only on one way that God is present, such as personal experience – with warm and fuzzy feelings and high emotions - we might miss many other ways God is present.
A retreat experience, the birth of a child, the love of a friendship or love in marriage, even in a traumatic situation you have survived, living as a single parent, dealing with physical challenges and sickness - all of these are additional ways we can find the Lord. We can find Jesus even through those people who are very different from us… even through those we do not even like – and even in situations or places we would rather not go.
No one can claim that - he has God figured out – that he has discovered all of Christ and everything that Jesus can mean in his life. No matter how strong we may be in our faith, there must always be some area of our lives where we are still searching for Christ.
During the days of His public ministry, Jesus could be found in all sorts of places – sometimes in the temple, sometimes in the synagogue, sometimes at parties and banquets. But the place where Jesus could most often be found was with people who needed him. Some of them were sick, some were hungry, some were sad, some were lost or so deep in sin.
Jesus said: “I came not to be served but to serve…” and so Jesus had a deep commitment to be with people who needed him. That is where he most often could be found.
That – still - might be the most logical place for us to search for him today.
Let me tell you a true story about a church – located in one of the poorest sections of Los Angeles. On one Sunday of Advent, the pastor preached a sermon about the strange way we celebrate Christmas. We call it the birthday of Jesus, but we exchange gifts among ourselves. So, he suggested that it would be far more appropriate if they would give something to Jesus on his birthday.
But he conceded that this would be difficult to do, since no one knew Jesus’ address. He ended his sermon by telling the people that he had learned where Jesus lives. And if they would come back the following week, he would give them the Lord’s address so they could present their gifts to him.
The next Sunday, the church was packed, and the pastor stood in the pulpit with a stack of more than one thousand cards. Each contained the name and address of a needy family. Some of them needed food; some needed clothes, some needed shelter. All of them needed something. One by one he distributed the cards to the people. And then he said: “Now - you know - where Jesus lives. This year you can give a birthday present to him.”
My brothers and sisters - Like the Magi, all of us are searching for Christ.
Where can we find Christ? The most logical place to look is among the people who need Christ most.
Feast of Holy Family
Holy Family. These two words – Holy and Family – unfortunately are scorned in our society today. When people hear the word Holy - people think - too traditional – too serious – such a kill joy to be holy…
Feast of Holy Family (based on the Gospel of Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23)
December 29, 2019
Holy Family. These two words – Holy and Family – unfortunately are scorned in our society today. When people hear the word Holy - people think - too traditional – too serious – such a kill joy to be holy… and it is so unfortunate because people do not realize that true lasting joy and happiness, fullness of life can be found in a holy life, God-centered life.
The word Family – this word is being re-defined now in our society and it now means all kinds of living arrangements or non-traditional families people get into… anything goes… nowadays. Families have been and continue to be greatly challenged and threatened from all fronts.
And yet - we still cannot deny that families are a treasure all of us must value and protect and it is a great challenge for all of us to nurture this treasure that God has given us… our family as a gift from God.
The heart of our parish is not this church. The heart of the universal church is not the Vatican. The heart of the church is the family… the domestic church - the foundation and hope of our society.
Pope Francis and Cardinal Luis Tagle both mentioned that we should pay attention to our youth, the young people.
And the family is still the single most significant influence to the youth. The quality of our youth reflects to us the state and quality of society. The state of the youth reflects to us what is happening in the family.
That is why it is so disburbing to hear and watch in the news cases of teen suicides and crimes being committed by the youth.
So - The question to us is this: How is our own family doing?
This last Sunday of the calendar year is a wonderful time to celebrate the feast of the Holy Family…an ideal time to ask ourselves: how is my own family doing? Is there peace at our homes? Is there Love? Is there forgiveness? Do we place God above all?
Let us ask ourselves, what needs to be changed and what more can we do to make our family not only better but holier? Do the members of our families see in each other – a gift from God?
In our modern secular – even atheistic society, people have some ideas of what makes families well adjusted, psychologically balanced, healthy, happy families:
Such as good communications, mutual respect, right balance of authority and obedience; parents know when to let go of their children timely and appropriately, etc. –
Admittedly - they are practical - helpful - good advise – to be a happier functional family – even non-believers subscribe to these principles or “common sense” values… But - the question is – are those enough to make us a Holy Family?... as God meant for us… so that we will be truly blessed.
The atheists – they say: “goodness without God is good enough…so, be good for goodness sake.” We even hear that phrase as part of a popular Christmas song…. Well, in truth, that is not good enough – because it must be – “Be good for God’s sake”, for the love of God…
Even among the religious, church goers, the faithful – we often hear family members – for example -saying: I am OK compared to that guy …I am not such a bad parent compared to others… so – I am OK - or my family is OK compared to that family….
Comparing our families with other families - is NOT JUST, it is NOT WISE –
Yet, many of us think or say this. "I wish my children were like theirs. I wish my husband was like her husband or I wish my wife was like his wife. I wish my parents were like my friend’s parents. " And so we use others as our standard.
That is wrong - because every family is a unique relationship of unique individuals, and every family has challenges which neighbors usually do not see. In fact, we really do not know everything that happens inside other people’s homes – once they close their doors. So, we really cannot judge whether a family is good or bad.
If we really want to compare ourselves as individuals and as a family – let us look at the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.
Of course, people will quickly argue, “Jesus is God, Mary was immaculately conceived, and Joseph had to be a saint to be able to deal with everything that happened. How can we possibly be like them?”
We forget that the three of them, including Jesus, were just as human as we are – fully human. Theirs was a real family who experienced many of the same challenges each of us experience. At the beginning of their family life, there was talk of divorce when Joseph found out that Mary was pregnant even before they lived together. You can just imagine the confusion and dilemma Joseph must have experienced feeling betrayed. Joseph must have felt terrible when he had to bring his wife to a stable to give birth to their child, and then used the feeding box for animals to lay the baby.
After Jesus’ birth, as we heard in the Gospel, they had to escape from Herod’s murderous intention, so they lived in a foreign country, Egypt, away from their families and friends.
When Jesus was twelve, His parents searched for Him everywhere for three days. You see, just like any family – they had their share of struggles and occasional tensions and misunderstandings.
Mary found herself at the foot of the cross of her young son, brutally tortured and crucified.
Still, the Holy Family made it through the difficulties of their family life – How? - They had great faith and obedience to God’s will. Joseph – in obedience to God took Mary as his wife even after he found out that Mary was already pregnant. Joseph had faith that God would help him protect the child and Mary – and so, as instructed - he moved his family to Egypt.
Mary – in faith – said yes to God’s plan even without understanding, without knowing what the future holds. Jesus, obedient to God the Father - emptied Himself of His divinity, became one of us and He had faith that God the Father is working through His parents to care for Him and so He was obedient to Mary and Joseph.
So, what makes them holy? Jesus, Mary and Joseph loved each other – out of obedience to God the Father, out of love for God… rooted in their own personal trusting relationship with God the Father. Each of them trusted the Heavenly Father. They placed their love for each other – for their neighbors – within the wider, broader and deeper context and framework of their love for God the Father… … not just for goodness’ sake… but for the love of God.
Holy families do not just happen. They are something we all consciously create every day – that every member of the family create and make constant effort – every day - by working together and persevering – even - in tough times.
Admittedly, within our families we experience the heights of joy and also the depths of pain…God is present in the love, acceptance and forgiveness we offer our loved ones.
Our world desperately needs holy families; well-formed families whose children can grow and go on to form new well-formed holy families…
Often, it is the example of Christian families that attract others to faith. Like the Holy Family, our families have a mission. Blessings come with a mission. We are called to be a blessing to others, to promote God’s message of love, grace and mercy in the world through our examples and our actions as parents, as husbands and wives, as sons and daughters,
The Gospel was born into the family. The Word became flesh in the family; and through our families, let the Gospel be proclaimed.
May all our families be holy.
Grace-filled Holy New Year to Everyone!!!
Stay Awake, Keep Alert, Be on Guard”
Homily on “Stay Awake, Keep Alert, Be on Guard” based on the Gospel of Matthew 24:37-44 and Letter to the Romans 13:11-14:
In Jesus’ time, the problem Jesus faced was NOT that no one was waiting for the Messiah; NOT that NO one was looking for a savior, but the problem was that Jesus turned out to be a different Messiah from what the people were waiting for.
Similarly – our own concepts of what or who God is could be our own obstacle to knowing and encountering God. We could be blinded by our own concepts and prejudiced ideas of what God is – of Who Jesus is; of how God would come into our lives. The truth of the matter is that people did not recognize Jesus then and they do not recognize Him now. Just as John the Baptist declared: “There is one among you whom you do not recognize (Jn 1:26).
Homily on “Stay Awake, Keep Alert, Be on Guard” based on the Gospel of Matthew 24:37-44 and Letter to the Romans 13:11-14:
In Jesus’ time, the problem Jesus faced was NOT that no one was waiting for the Messiah; NOT that NO one was looking for a savior, but the problem was that Jesus turned out to be a different Messiah from what the people were waiting for.
Similarly – our own concepts of what or who God is could be our own obstacle to knowing and encountering God. We could be blinded by our own concepts and prejudiced ideas of what God is – of Who Jesus is; of how God would come into our lives. The truth of the matter is that people did not recognize Jesus then and they do not recognize Him now. Just as John the Baptist declared: “There is one among you whom you do not recognize (Jn 1:26).
As one author wrote: The world did not recognize Jesus then because:
They were looking for a Lion, He came as a Lamb.
They were looking for a Warrior, He came as a Peace maker.
They were looking for a King, He came as a Servant.
They were looking for their temporal needs to be met. He came to meet their eternal needs.
They were looking for Liberation from Rome, He submitted to the Roman Cross.
AND - It is NOT ONLY in terms of WHAT the Messiah will be like but there were and even in our time, there are still misconceptions as to WHEN and HOW the Lord will come.
Do you hear the admonition for this first Sunday of the church’s year? Stay awake! Keep alert! Be on guard! What does that mean?
Sometimes the Second Coming of Christ is spoken of in the New Testament as a grand, cosmic event in which Jesus will descend on clouds from heaven. Trumpets will sound, the dead will be raised, and Christ will return in glory. But - Today we have another image of Christ’s coming. In our Gospel from Matthew, we hear Jesus say that the Lord will come like “a thief in the night.”
Meaning - God comes to us in unexpected, surprising ways. This is actually what we celebrate during Advent and at Christmas?
What the incarnation means for us, and what we celebrate throughout this holy season, is that God is with us.
The Incarnation is actually a scandal to other religions because they cannot accept the truth that the Almighty God can be one of us, with us, in us.
The challenge for us is to be spiritually alert and watchful which is the true meaning of Advent but unfortunately Advent has become an almost routine season. Stay awake! Keep alert! Be on guard! Because - Who knows how God will come when He comes to us?
So – how do we prepare – How do we “Stay awake! Keep alert! Be on guard!”
That’s the challenge for all of us: Our real worry should not be that the world might suddenly end or that we might unexpectedly die, but our concern must be that we might live and die, ASLEEP, so to speak - meaning – that we live and die without really loving, without properly expressing our love, and without tasting deeply the real joy of living because we are so consumed by the business and busy pressures of living that we never quite get around to fully living.
Therefore, we must always “Stay awake! Keep alert! Be on guard!”
Father Anthony DeMello, a Jesuit priest said: Spirituality means waking up. Most people, even though they don't know it, are asleep, so to speak. They're born asleep, they live asleep, they marry in their sleep, they raise children in their sleep, they die in their sleep without ever waking up. Meaning - They never understand the loveliness and the beauty of this thing that we call human existence.
You see - being alert, awake, and vigilant in the biblical sense is not a matter of living in fear of the world ending or of our personal lives ending. Rather it is a matter of having love and reconciliation as our chief concerns. It is a matter of being grateful, thanking, appreciating, affirming, forgiving, apologizing, and being more mindful of the joys of living in human community and within the sure embrace of God.
We need to be awake spiritually. Again, the end of the world should NOT concern us, nor should we worry excessively about when we will die. What we should worry about is: IN WHAT STATE our dying will find us.
To give you a practical example:
This is also the season of holiday parties … You can pretty much imagine some people standing in front of their closets – anguishing - with the silent cry, “What am I going to wear?”
From our Second Reading today, St. Paul urges the Romans to find a renewed intimacy with Christ. The metaphor Paul uses for this intimacy is drawn from the closet. The apostle asks his readers to “put on Christ.” To “Put on Christ” means to dress our inner person, not the outer body, and “to put on Christ” is thus a call to place priority on our relationship with God more than our relationships with the world.
When you get dressed each day, for whom are you dressing? Perhaps some of you would answer that you dress only to be comfortable. But most of us would have to admit that much of the effort, and anxiety, we spend over what we are to wear and style - have much more to do with the opinions of those around us. And many of us simply dress in such a way that even the stranger we meet on the street will think well of us if we dress nicely.
But Paul encourages us to dress the inner person with more attention than we give to dressing up our body. To “Put on Christ” is a call to the follower of Christ to hold God as close as an inner garment. St. Paul is telling us to strive to please God, the One who looks upon the heart rather than the face, to dress the soul more carefully than the body. As Thomas Merton observed, “the very desire to please God, pleases God.” It is our highest calling and purpose.
AND “putting on Christ” is also a matter of the way we live in relation to other people… our neighbor.
How do we please God? What are the “garments” of the well-dressed soul? We cannot serve God or love God without also serving and loving our neighbor. Paul was very specific. If we would put on Christ, we must “behave decently;”
– Meaning - We are to enjoy life but in moderation (“not in orgies and drunkenness”);
We are to enjoy relationships of intimacy but within God’s plan for marriage (“not in sexual immorality or lust”)
We are to enjoy honest and real friendships with companions and co-workers (“not in rivalry or jealousy”).
So, what are we going to wear this Advent season? Today is the beginning of our season of introspection, of examining our conscience, of renewing our covenant relationship with God and season of spiritual preparation for the coming of Christ… just as Lent is the season of spiritual preparation for Easter.
Let us dress appropriately spiritually.
Let us clothe our minds with thoughts of repentance.
Let us wrap our hearts in hope for God’s coming. Let us gird our souls in glad service of the poor and powerless for the love of God.
So, when we stand before our packed closets, instead of asking “Which of these clothes should I wear?,” may the Christ who was born in a borrowed cave, wrapped only in a few strips of cloth, and who died on a cross wearing even less, - May He call us to ask the more important question, “Which of these clothes can I give away?”
1ST SUNDAY OF ADVENT – CYCLE A
December 1, 2019
Matthew 24:37-44; Romans 13:11-14
31st Sunday in Ordinary Time: Every Saint Has a Past, and Every Sinner Has a Future...
I asked a seminarian as to what or who inspired him. He said: “If the saints can do it, we can do it.
How grateful we are for the saints. Their courage and example inspire and encourage us. Actually - We are all called to be saints because only saints can enter heaven. Many of us, even the best of us, will not go straight to heaven, but will have to spend time in purgatory, so to speak, to purify us from the consequences of our sins and from our sinful inclinations before we enter heaven.
That is why – aim high - aim to be saints – aim for heaven. If you miss – you will end up in Purgatory but if you live your lives aiming minimally only for Purgatory, if you fall short – well, you know what that could mean…
Homily on “Every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future” based on the Gospel of Luke 19:1-10:
I asked a seminarian as to what or who inspired him. He said: “If the saints can do it, we can do it.
How grateful we are for the saints. Their courage and example inspire and encourage us. Actually - We are all called to be saints because only saints can enter heaven. Many of us, even the best of us, will not go straight to heaven, but will have to spend time in purgatory, so to speak, to purify us from the consequences of our sins and from our sinful inclinations before we enter heaven.
That is why – aim high - aim to be saints – aim for heaven. If you miss – you will end up in Purgatory but if you live your lives aiming minimally only for Purgatory, if you fall short – well, you know what that could mean.
When we compare our lives to the saints, it seems the saints lived in an entirely different world than ours. Our service seems insignificant compared to the glorious stories of the saints.
So – it makes one wonder, are there any more saints - around - these days?
Of course, the answer is “yes” – not only among priests and religious.
The truth is, modern-day saints in the making seem much more ordinary, much like you and me. You see - the Saints whom we honor – actually, at the time they were living – they were not even aware that they were living saintly lives. In fact, there is a saying – “A saint is a saint until he or she knows it”… meaning – When one becomes so self-conscious of one’s goodness more than one’s need of God’s mercy, that is when pride and ego and self-righteousness come in and that is the danger.
The saints actually would have been surprised to know anyone would remember their good deeds and words, and they would have been humbled by our stories of how we honor them. Perhaps most of them would correct us because of how much we exalt them because they know that they, too, experienced times when they were afraid, when they were unsure of their faith, or when they were impure with their motives.
Meaning – the lives of the Saints give us examples of God’s merciful and gracious work in their lives… like today’s Gospel story of Zacchaeus which gives ordinary people like us great hope. Zacchaeus story is the story of a little, lonely, sinful man who had an encounter with Jesus and that encounter with Jesus changed his life in a very big way. If Zacchaeus can change, we can change.
Zacchaeus was a tax collector. Even worse, he was a chief tax collector. Don’t think IRS here. Think Mafia or those drug dealers in terms of badness. The tax collectors were local Jews who purchased their tax collection job from the Romans, and then collected the hated taxes for the hated Romans from their neighbors, plus whatever extra they could squeeze on top for themselves.
Tax collectors were greedy enough to turn against their own family and friends to turn a profit. That is how bad they were. And so as you can imagine, tax collectors were wealthy but without friends. They were outcast from the Jewish synagogue, and every other gathering of Jews in town. So despised were tax collectors in the first century, that the phrases “tax collector” and “sinner” were considered synonymous.
With that background, that gives us a better perspective as to why the people grumbled when Jesus decided to stay and eat at Zacchaeus’ house. The point is - Jesus has come to seek and to save those who are lost. Even before sinners are seeking God, God is already seeking them. And sinners do not have to clean up their act before God will love them; rather it is God’s love offered first that causes a sinner to want to clean up his or her act. When he becomes aware of how much God loves him.
There is a phrase – “Every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future.” That is the hope that keeps us all humble, and gives each of us the chance we do not deserve - to be accepted by God.
Here is the difference between Jesus and us. Most of the time we wait for people to change before we accept and love them. We tell people, “You change, if you want to be accepted and loved.” Sometimes we do this - thinking - this is the Christian way. This is not the way of Jesus. For Him - You love people first. You accept them where they are, who they are, and as they are.
Love has the power to change people. This is the Good News… This is the Gospel. This is the miracle of grace.
In the Gospel, there is not a single negative word from Jesus to Zaccheus. Jesus only said “I want to go home with you and be your guest.” Jesus’ acceptance became the means by which Zacchaeus could change.
Admittedly - It does not sound realistic, does it? But this is God’s way of changing people. This is how people are converted. God does not wait for us to stop being sinners before extending His grace to us. As St. Paul wrote to the Romans: “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8). God’s gracious acceptance of us - as we are - makes change possible.
This approach, which sounds so unpromising, makes perfect sense - when YOU are Zaccheus. Meaning - Imagine – you - being Zacchaeus – put yourself in the shoes of Zacchaeus - If the rabbi from Nazareth insists that you change, you will probably ignore him and shut him out of your life.
- But what if He looks at you tenderly – with care, with concern especially when no one else does? What if he calls you by your name, the name you first heard from your mother’s lips? What if he says to you that he wants to go home with you, that he wants to spend time with you in your world? You will most likely fall out of the tree getting down from it quickly. That is Jesus’ way.
Jesus calls us to participate in His ministry, to continue what he started. Believe it or not, we all have the same power – by virtue of our own baptism – the same Spirit - to do something of what God in Christ has done. We can love people, if we will, with an acceptance that has the power to change them. We are called to love people to conversion.
Practical application: If you want your spouse or family member to change, you change first and be more like Christ…be in communion with Christ. Then you can love your family more than you can ever love them, you can forgive them more than you can ever forgive them. If you want your spouse or family member to change, do not nag them. Love them to conversion.
Zacchaeus was a new man after the meal with Jesus. He gave away half of his money to the poor, and paid back four-fold every person he had cheated (which pretty much was the entire town!). He gave away his wealth, but Zacchaeus gained a community of faith and friendship.
About a week later, Jesus, on the cross – was again in the presence of thieves… Crucified between two thieves and with His last breath, Jesus showed again that He welcomed every sinner, every crook who would accept a chance to sit at the banquet table of God. Why? Because – as we heard in the Gospel - Jesus had come to seek and to save those who are lost… People like you and like me.
So – my brothers and sisters in Christ - when you approach the table of the Lord today, think about that. Come humbly. Come gratefully, and let us all leave the church after our celebration this morning - a changed person… As we are sent at the end of the Mass - Go in the peace of Christ – glorifying the Lord by your very life.
As I mentioned before, in essence, the Mass never ends. It must be lived.
Amen.
31st SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – CYCLE C
NOVEMBER 3, 2019
The Text: Luke 19:1-10
Mission- More Work, More Grace
Today is World Mission Sunday - a day set aside for Catholics worldwide to revive our missionary awareness and commitment…a day to reflect on how to pass on the faith.
We recommit ourselves to our common vocation, by virtue of our Baptism, to be missionaries, through prayer, participation in the Eucharist, and by providing financial support and concrete help to all the missions of the world".
Today we share in those celebrations taking place in every parish, seminary, school and convent all over the world.
In the Gospel - Jesus told His disciples and is telling us about the necessity to pray always and not lose heart.”
Let us pray especially for Missionaries for perseverance and for them not to lose heart.
St. Francis Xavier, S.J. , along with St. Therese of Lisieux, the Little Flower - are the patron saints of missionaries. Let us ask for their intercessions for missionaries and all missionary works.
Talking about missionaries - Our Pastor Father Glenn actually is a missionary belonging to the Mission Society of the Philippines… Actually, he was in Korea for at least15 years and spent some time in Bangladesh; and so, let us pray for Fr. Glenn and provide him all the support we can in any way and let us pray for all MSP missionaries.
Please always include Father Glenn in your prayers. Let us also pray hard that God will send a parochial vicar to our parish as soon as possible so Father Glenn can find time to rest. Every now and then we check on Father Glenn because we are concerned about him and, being a true missionary, he said: “More work, more grace.” Inspiring! There is so much truth in that.
The will of God will not take us to where His grace cannot sustain us.
The more we share our faith, the stronger our faith becomes.
The Mission Society of the Philippines (or MSP) was established by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), and so the MSP serves as the official and chief missionary arm of the Catholic Church of the Philippines… as a gift to the world in gratitude for the faith and blessings brought to the Philippines also by missionaries.
The MSP now has been working in five continents and at least twelve countries in the world including the United States and that is why Father Glenn is here and we are so blessed.
One of the many missionary visions or goals of MSP is to instill missionary consciousness to the Filipino migrants, making them partners and instruments of missionary vocation.
And so – let us use ourselves as an example. We - who are migrants here in America – we are here not just to enjoy ourselves with the comforts and pleasures and material prosperity – we have a mission - there is a reason why we are here… in fact – we have a mission wherever we find ourselves in.
We are all so blessed…. And our Blessings come with a mission.
Pope Francis, a Jesuit priest, a missionary himself said: “I am a mission, always; you are a mission, always; every baptized man and woman is a mission.”
St. Teresa of Calcutta said and it is still true today: “There are many in the world who are dying for a piece of bread but there are many more dying for a little love. Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat.”
She said: “The greatest disease in the West today is not physical illness or disease; it is being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for. We can cure physical diseases with medicine, but the only cure for loneliness, despair, and hopelessness is love.
The poverty in the West is a different kind of poverty -- it is not only a poverty of loneliness but also of spirituality. There's a hunger for love, as there is a hunger for God.”
Therefore – we should see the West – America for example – as our mission field. We live in a very secular and even atheistic society to say the least.
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI said: “The world offers you comfort, but you were not made for comfort; you were made for greatness.” - meaning – we were made for holiness… set apart for God. We are in this world – but not of it.
We always have to remember as the Scripture says: Much more has been given to you – much more is expected of you. And we need to share this vision and mission to our children who are born and raised here for them to continue the mission… and so we need start in our own families. We need to tell our children our faith stories.
Those of us who made it here in America – we are not only so materially blessed in so many ways – we also have the freedom – including freedom to practice our faith unlike in many areas in the world. In fact, there is too much of everything here in our society – materially and in terms of freedom – anything goes pretty much including morally - that people lose sight of what really matters in life and that is the danger for all of us.
If we are not careful – we who migrated here, we initially might have been materially poor but spiritually rich when we left our country but because of attractions and attachments to material things and comfort and pleasure and new found freedom – we might be finding ourselves now – materially rich but spiritually poor… and worse even – there are those – both financially poor and spiritually poor.
For many of us who are first generation immigrants – coming from a Third World Country like the Philippines - We know what it is like to be without – we know how to persevere and not lose heart and not lose hope even in the midst of struggles and pains - that is a gift we need to share with those who were born with a silver spoon – so to speak - who do not know how to deal with sufferings and struggles in life.
Reality check - Life is getting tougher and tougher even here in America – illness due to too much pleasure and too much consumption of all kinds; violence, financial problems, degradation in moral values, etc.
Many people around us do not know how to deal with struggles – their threshold for pain is so low and so they are the ones who give up on life so easily because they do not know any better.
And so – as Christians – we are called to be light of the world, the salt of the earth and source and instruments of hope.
Only in Christ, can humanity find hope. (St. Pope JPII)
"The Lord always reminds us how precious we are in His eyes, and He entrusts us with a mission." (Pope Francis)
St. Teresa of Avila said it so beautifully: Christ has no body now on earth but yours. Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good; Yours are the eyes with which He looks with compassion on this world; Yours are the hands with which He blesses all the world. Christ has no body now on earth but yours.
We say in our Profession of Faith: We believe in one, holy catholic and apostolic church. We are the apostolic church. The word “Apostle” means “one who is sent to deliver or proclaim the teachings to others.
That is why at the end of the Mass… after having been nourished by God’s word, His Body and Blood, we are sent to go out there into the world in the peace of Christ, to glorify the Lord by our very lives…. By proclaiming the Good News of God’s love, grace and mercy in Christ by our very lives.
Actually, in essence, the mass never ends. It must be lived.
God bless…
29th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – CYCLE C
OCTOBER 20, 2019 - Luke 18:1-8
Living by Faith
Homily on “Living By Faith” (based on the Reading from the book of the Prophet Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4 and the Gospel of Luke 17:5-10):
Today’s first reading comes from the Prophet Habakkuk. Habakkuk lived around 650 years before the Lord. It was a time of violence. The Babylonians were threatening or attacking the rest of the world, including the kingdom of Judah. Hatred and violence were seen as part of life, and so the prophet Habakkuk cried out for help and deliverance.
The history of our faith is filled with stories of deliverance.
The most popular of all is the Exodus, the story of deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land. The Exodus has represented salvation and deliverance for people of faith.
And there are many other stories - People delivered from fiery furnaces and lions’ dens, from giants, from devils, and from mighty armies; delivered from famines, floods, and terrible diseases, even from death. So, the people of faith understand God as a God who acts, who acts for our deliverance… as our Savior because we cannot save ourselves.
We all have our own deliverance stories – from illness, strained relationships, financial struggles, violence, poverty, abuse, … and because of them, hopefully, they strengthened our faith in God.
But – admittedly – our stories have not always been stories of deliverance. What about those times when deliverance did not come? – when it seems our prayers were not answered? Does that mean we did not have enough faith as those people we hear about who have survived through major tragedies and struggles in life?
Let me share three points to ponder:
First - When deliverance doesn’t come, it does not change who God is.
God is still God. God remains the same. Often, God’s methods or ways are not our ways – and are unknown to us.
God’s ways are simply a mystery. Sometimes we cannot know why things happen as they do - but this does not change who God is. God remains our loving, gracious and merciful Father. He will always love us.
Secondly - When deliverance doesn’t come; when our prayers are not answered, it does not necessarily mean we are being punished.
It is possible that we are experiencing the consequences of irresponsible decisions. But all suffering is not punishment. As a matter of fact, both the scriptures and church history show us that the most godly people are often the ones who suffer most.
Think of all the good people, perhaps some of the finest Christians you yourself have known, for whom deliverance has not come. Think of our Lord in Gethsemane. Even for him there was not the kind of deliverance for which He prayed. We should not always complicate our experiences of suffering by adding guilt. When deliverance doesn’t come, again, it doesn’t necessarily mean we are being punished.
Thirdly - When deliverance doesn’t come, it does not mean there is no grace.
Sometimes deliverance and grace are not the same thing. The deliverance that God provides is not always the kind of deliverance we might choose for ourselves - but it is always the victory of grace… maybe not delivering from pains and struggles but overcoming them by the grace of God. God promised that He will always be with us in our struggles in life.
And the Good News is – if you really think about it, sometimes when deliverance has not come, we have ended up actually finding more grace, finding more of God, finding more of ourselves than we would have - if the deliverance we wanted had come – we could say it is a “blessing in disguise”, so to speak.
God, in his infinite wisdom and permissive will, somehow allows us to suffer because He can bring good out of something seemingly bad.
The truest meaning of faith is the capacity to believe, even when no answer to our problem or even when no healing comes – in the way and time we want them. True faith is trusting that God’s grace is sufficient, and will ultimately triumph over all things. As one popular song goes: “He makes all things beautiful in His time.”
Listen again to the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk from our first reading:
How long, O LORD? I cry for help but you do not listen!
I cry out to you, "Violence!" but you do not intervene.
Why do you let me see ruin; why must I look at misery?
Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and clamorous discord.
Then the LORD answered me and said:
Write down the vision clearly upon the tablets, so that one can read it readily.
For the vision still has its time,
presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint;
if it delays, wait for it,
it will surely come, it will not be late.
What is that vision? The big picture - God’s vision of the world. His plan is still unfolding. God knows what He is doing with the universe.
Let us pray for wisdom every day. Wisdom is seeing things and events, seeing ourselves and seeing other people, seeing our current circumstances and reality as God sees them. We need to pray for wisdom everyday.
Let us put our faith in God’s love and mercy – even if it seems to be taking forever – let us not give up.
So – if it delays – What are we supposed to do? WAIT!
Admittedly - like Habakkuk, we lament and complain – we get impatient - How long O Lord?
We can all relate and identify with that prayer and must have expressed it ourselves. At times – we get to a point in our life – we get frustrated - we just do not know what to do anymore and we start to question why God does not do something.
How long? Listen to the answer: “If it delays, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not be late.” - in God’s time… in God’s good time, in God’s ways, in God’s plan which holds everything together.
We all have our own problems of all kinds – losing a loved one, illness, financial problems, relationship problems, … and recognizing our own weaknesses, we come together today to pray for faith and for the courage to live our faith and for the grace to accept the complexities of life… that God works in ways we do not easily perceive or understand.
Faith is confidence in the will and purpose of God which gives us the power to endure whatever may come.
Let us pray that we continue to put our trust in God and in His Divine Providence.
Like the apostles, we pray: “Lord, increase our faith.”
So - If you think you have been given a difficult role in life, or if your faith leads you to face steep challenges, continue to give thanks to God. He obviously has great plans for you and me. God has given us the faith we will need. Let us use that faith, and we will see God do what we could not do on our own.
Like the servants in the Gospel, we continue to be faithful and we continue to serve God, do His will as He commanded … and that is all. To God, and not to us, be the glory. What greater joy could there be than that?
God bless…
Rich Man and Lazarus
Homily on Mercy, Love and Compassion (based on the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus; Luke 16: 19-31):
An angel appeared at a gathering and told the leader of the group that he had come to reward the leader for his years of devoted service. The leader was asked to choose one of three blessings: either infinite wealth/money, or infinite fame or infinite wisdom. Without hesitation, the leader asked for infinite wisdom. “You got it!” said the angel, and disappeared. All heads turned toward the leader, who sat glowing in the aura of wisdom. Finally one of his colleagues whispered, “Well, say something.” The leader looked at them and said, “I should have taken the money.”
“Money is not the root of all evil. The love of money is the root of all evil.”
Last week’s Gospel ended with: “You cannot serve both God and mammon.” In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us what happens as a consequence of loving money, pleasures and comforts of this life more than loving God and our neighbor.
The rich man went to the netherworld not because he was rich. No, it is because of his self-centered preoccupation with his own life and its pleasures. He was so spiritually blinded that he could not, would not even give a little attention to the needs of a poor man lying at his doorstep. That’s the reason he ended up in torment. That’s something all of us need to ponder because there might be a poor man at our own doorsteps.
From hell - the Rich Man raised his eyes and saw Lazarus. But you see – before - the Rich Man never saw Lazarus as a fellow human being. The Rich Man may have noticed Lazarus before but only as a stinky, beggar in dirty clothes begging for food.
In the Gospel we heard two Sundays ago, the Pharisees saw the people Jesus was eating with - only as tax collectors and sinners but God saw them as His children who had gotten lost and needed to be found. That’s the reason Jesus came, and that’s the reason he welcomed sinners and ate with them. He was trying to help them find their way back to God. This was something the Pharisees did not understand – the loving merciful heart of God – how He feels about His people…. about us….
When people hear the word “Mercy”, they often think only in terms of forgiveness… but mercy means also compassion, to “suffer with”, compassion particularly towards those who are in need in one form or another… all around us… even within our own family.
We say that God is compassionate, but we ignore the poor. We say that God loves us and has mercy on us, but we hold grudges against our relatives and friends. Our actions need to truly reflect God's mercy.
The parable in today’s Gospel tells us to open our eyes and our hearts to be more aware of the people around us who need our help. That person, that Lazarus at our gates, might be the means for our own salvation. The truth is - the poor people actually teach us how to love.
Certainly - many of us are living in a world that has provided well for our needs. We are fed, sheltered, supported by family and friends. There is really nothing wrong with all of these… We surely have a right to all of these. The question to us is: What are we doing for those to whom life has not been so kind? – What are we doing for the less fortunate?
Are we walking by the Lazaruses in our own community without seeing them as fellow human beings.
Are we quick to assume that the person begging at the street corner maybe a drug addict, or an alcoholic, perhaps a thief… or perhaps someone who is lazy or who has not worked hard enough?
Of course, we are not all called to be another Saint Teresa of Calcutta but her life of faith gives us a great example and insight into the heart of God.
As St. Teresa of Calcutta shared – that at the heart of her vocation is to respond to Jesus’ words “I thirst” on the cross – Jesus’ longing for the love of the broken bodies of the poor and His desire to offer Himself as spiritual drink to the poor. Jesus wants their love, and He wants to give Himself to them so that they would be free to give themselves back to Him… but the poor cannot - because they are hungry and suffering… They are more concerned about physically surviving.
The ultimate goal of our helping the poor – after providing them with their basic human needs – more importantly - is for the poor to also encounter and know Christ Who is the key to everything… With Christ, you have everything.
At the end of our lives, we are all going to be called to give an account for all that we have been given – either much or little. We need to be always reminded and challenged with this verse from the Gospel of Luke, 12:48: “Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.” .. and we have all been given much more…
These words are frightening because they apply to us who live in the richest and most materialistic nation in the world.
What kind of sin the Rich Man ended up in Hell for? The sin of omission. We don't think about that, do we? Usually when we go to confession – if we go to Confession – that is another story - we say, "Father, I did this, I did that, I thought about this, I had too much of that,-- But again, the sin that sends the Rich Man to Hell, is actually his indifference to the poor… He is disconnected… He has no compassion…
It is not enough that you do not do bad things. The question is: Are you doing anything good for others who cannot pay you back?
My brothers and sisters - Are we not the “rich man?”
This famous Gospel parable challenges us, it does not condemn us. It is meant to bother us, to disturb us, to get under our skin, so to speak. What are we doing in our lives to take care of the poor?
Everyone of us here, when we stand before God on that day of judgment, will be judged on WHAT WE HAVE FAILED TO DO, not so much on what we have done. Sometimes we look at what we have done and say, "Oooh, look at what I have done or accomplished." When we focus on that, we forget what we have failed to do.
In Matthew’s Gospel: Jesus said, "I assure you, as often as you neglected to do it to one of these least ones, you neglected to do it to Me.”
In the Gospel reading, the rich man cried: “but if someone from the dead goes to my brothers, so that he may warn them, they will repent.”
Maybe, if someone were to rise from the dead, we would change our priorities. Maybe if someone were to rise from the dead we would be infinitely more concerned with the spiritual than we are with the physical. Maybe if someone were to rise from the dead we would use our gifts, our talents, our intelligence, and our possessions to reach out to others in need.
But you know what? Someone has already risen from the dead. He calls us to have faith in Him - instead of faith in our possessions. His name is Jesus – our brother. Today, we plead with Him to help us be truly Christians and merciful.
God bless…
Cycle C – 26th Sunday of Ordinary Time
(Amos 6:1, 4-7; 1 Timothy 6: 11-16; Luke 16: 19-31)
Humbled and Exalted
One of the fundamental facts about human nature—is that we all have this deep desire to know that we are important… That our life has value and meaning… That is not bad. In fact, Jesus never discouraged the desire for greatness. Actually, He constantly encouraged His disciples towards greatness…
Reflection on “Being Humbled and Exalted” based on the Gospel of Luke 14:1, 7-14
One of the fundamental facts about human nature – is that we all have this deep desire to know that we are important… that our life has value and meaning… that is not bad.
In fact, Jesus never discouraged the desire for greatness. Actually, He constantly encouraged His disciples towards greatness. Jesus told even ordinary people: “You are the salt of the earth.” “You are the light of the world.” Jesus actually calls us to be the best person that we can possibly be.
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI: “The world offers you comfort, but you were not made for comfort; you were made for greatness.”
People receive honor and praise from other people because of achievements or accomplishments but, unfortunately and sadly, at times people are more interested in receiving honor than in actually accomplishing something good and fruitful and so they compromise their values so they can receive honor. Some even say negative things about others so they will look good.
A common human problem – which is not a minor spiritual problem – is people being obsessed or addicted to receiving praise and honor; addicted to being noticed or being mentioned or celebrated.
The truth is – as St. Thomas Aquinas said – honor – in itself – adds nothing to the substance of one’s life. Honor – in itself – adds nothing to our goodness, truthfulness and integrity.
Bishop Robert Barron put it in perspective beautifully. He said: “Supposed you are at home reading a good book, taking in the truth of it in the quiet of your room and not one soul noticing you. There is more value in that than praises of you by a million people.
Supposed you are looking at a beautiful sunset, admiring the countryside, exulting at God’s beauty, not one soul paying attention to you – there is more value and goodness and truth in that than admiration of the whole country.
Supposed you are helping a child with his homework – and no one sees you – there is more truth and substance and being in that simple act of love than in the praises of you by the whole world.”
Do you get it?
In other words – What others think or say about you do not add to your value or substance; What others think or say about you do not add to the reality of who you really are….
Remember also: People see our actions; God sees our intentions.
In the Gospel, Jesus had been invited to a dinner party in the home of one of the leading Pharisees. You see – It was not like one of those fun dinner parties, where friends get together just to have a good time and enjoy each other’s company. This dinner mentioned in the Gospel was one of those where self-important people get together and they spend the entire evening trying to impress each other.
Most, if not all of us, have probably been to at least one such gathering – where people in their conversation drop the names of important people they are connected with and places they have been… “The last time I was in Paris…”, or “I had lunch the other day with Senator.” Or “I own this property or I did this and that…”… My son or daughter is an Executive or has that degree…. “I donated so much to our church or that charity….” And so they demand people to honor them and give them special treatment.
Jesus said: “Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Luke 14:11)
Humility is the mother of all virtues. The word “humility” comes from the Latin word “humus” which means earth, dirt, or ground. So – to be humble is to be grounded in reality, to live in reality – to be in touch with reality. “Remember that you are dust, and unto dust you will return.” We will all eventually return to dust – a very humbling reality.
On the other hand, the good news is – humility means seeing ourselves as God sees us. We are all important to God – equally. He loves us with an eternal love. So, it does not matter how much money we have in the bank or maybe no money – nowadays – for some people; it does not matter whatever kind of car we drive, whatever house we live in, whatever our status in life may be – in the eyes of God, we are important. We do not have to prove it. We can simply accept it. Each of us is important to God.
That is reality and that is what really matters.
Jesus said: “The hairs of your head are numbered.”… “Not one sparrow falls to the ground without the awareness of God. You are of more value than many sparrows.”
St. Paul said in his letter to the Galatians (Gal 2:20) – which we can say of ourselves: “The Son of God loved me and gave himself for me.” That is how important we all are to God.
Humility is acknowledging that everything we have or have accomplished – they are all by the grace of God… meaning – acknowledging the power, the glory, the goodness of God in our lives, and therefore giving thanks and glory to God for everything. If people think that we are good or that we do things well – we should give the glory to God….Who is working through us.
The Gospel reminds us – that we – who are gathered around our Eucharistic table – the table of the Lord – the banquet of the Lord – which is not like the banquet mentioned in the Gospel – we, who are gathered around the table of the Lord are reminded that regardless of our social status or wealth or power and importance – we come to the Eucharist as brothers and sisters of equal standing before God. We recognize one another as brothers and sisters in the Lord, and together – we call God – “Our Father.”
That is why we do not have seating arrangements here.
If we really want to be important, we need to turn our attention to our brothers and sisters – particularly to those who are in need and show them that they, too are important to us.
That is why in the second part of the Gospel reading, Jesus addressed the host or the one giving the banquet. The host had obviously invited those who could benefit him in the future… those who could return the favor. The host only appeared to give the dinner for others, but in fact – he did it for himself.
Jesus basically said – and this is the basis of Catholic social teaching – that if there is any preferential treatment, if we are ever going to give a special attention or preference – it should be towards the poor, the lame, the blind, the handicapped, the marginalized members of our society – to those who cannot pay us back. … and we “will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
The Gospel is basically telling us: “Forget about looking important, forget about trying to be honored, forget about yourself and concentrate on serving other people…. because there is no other way to genuine greatness. In short – the message is about humbling ourselves before the Lord, taking care of the poor, and when we do this, God will lift us up. Amen.
Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time – Cycle C
Luke 14:1, 7-14
Persevering in Faith
We know for a fact that the best athletes in the world, who personify perfection, made a lot of sacrifices to be what they are. They lived a very disciplined life, they gave up certain pleasures. For many months and years, they made up the time to exercise and practice because that is how badly they want to win the gold medal…
Reflection on “Persevering in Faith” based on the Gospel of Luke 12:49-53 and Letter to the Hebrews 12:1-4
We are now beginning to hear more and more about the upcoming Summer Olympics.
We know for a fact that the best athletes in the world, who personify perfection, made a lot of sacrifices to be what they are. They lived a very disciplined life, they gave up certain pleasures. For many months and years, they made up the time to exercise and practice because that is how badly they want to win the gold medal…it is pretty much their life.
On the faith note: The question to us is: Who wants to get to heaven? Similarly, how much or how badly do you really want to go to heaven? What are you doing about it?
Remember: We are just pilgrims in this journey of life, just passing through – because our true home is in heaven.
The author of the letter to the Hebrews used athletic analogies such as: “Life of faith is a race.” … “Let us persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus.”
What we heard from our second reading from the letter to the Hebrews is not so much a call to believe or to enter the faith. We are already believers but the call is a call to remain in the faith. The challenge is to endure in the way of faith. The letter was addressed to the Christians who were in danger of falling behind or dropping out of the race… so to speak.
To be able to continue in the race towards the finish line, we need to be aware of the unnecessary weights or baggages we have been carrying that hold us back. We need to learn to travel lightly in this journey of life.
It’s interesting, and sadly ironic, that so many in our society, with all due respect, are obsessed with losing weight while so much of the world exist on the edge of starvation.
Carrying too much weight can be dangerous. Physical concerns aside, similarly, carrying too many things in our life can keep us from getting to our destination.
Think about the weight of our possessions. It is NOT that possessions or money themselves are evil, but that they can become a deadly weight. The love of money is the root of all evil. (1 Timothy 6:10)
We need to realize how many of our daily decisions are based on money matters, financial concerns, consumerism and owning things.
Secondly – Consider the weight of our responsibilities. It is good to be responsible. But, if we are not careful, we can take on so many responsibilities, all representing worthy efforts, that we don’t have time for the most important things. That is why Jesus told Martha when she complained about her sister Mary sitting and listening to Jesus: “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”
Pope Francis said: If we do not pray, we will not know the most important thing of all: God’s will for us. And for all our activities, our busy-ness, without prayer, we will accomplish very little.
Thirdly, how about being so weighted down with worry that we cannot move; that we are paralyzed. Some worry is natural and appropriate. But to worry about everything, or to worry excessively over things over which we have no control, is wasted energy, wasted time, and wasted living. It may also be a sign of lack of faith. Faith is an invitation to trust God in all things.
As someone has said: “Worrying does not take tomorrow’s troubles; worrying takes away today’s joy and peace.”
The goal of living in God’s presence on earth as it is in heaven, demands sacrifice and much discipline… just as what athletes go through – that is how they make it look so easy – after much training to prepare… and overcoming obstacles and challenges and staying focused on the goal.
From our first reading, the prophet Jeremiah was a royal prophet at the Kings court but he refused to tell the king what the king and the people wanted to hear. And so, because Jeremiah stood for the truth, he was berated and mocked… was thrown into a cistern.
Our faith tells us that it is truly difficult, to say the least, to stand for what it right and true. It is difficult to stand for the Lord because we will be persecuted and mocked. We live in a very secular and even atheistic society. Yet, we have to meet the challenges of Christian life, and we have to overcome all the obstacles to the truth that society put in our way.
That is what Jesus did. He stood for the truth and was put to death. But he was not going to compromise the Word of the Father. If this meant denouncing the leaders of the Temple, he would do so. If this meant criticizing even his closest followers, he we do so. If this meant journeying to Jerusalem where he knew he would be killed, he would do so.
It is in this context – that we can understand the difficult gospel for this Sunday; the division, the conflict, even among family members, predicted when Christians accept and embrace the challenges of Christian life. The strife and the sword that the Lord’s presence will instill in the world; again even in the family.
“From now on a household will be divided,
a son against his father,
a mother against her daughter
a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law”
Meaning – To give you a practical example –
Parents will be criticized for setting moral standards within their homes. Their own children will tell them that they need to “get real”; “everyone’s doing it; it is the twenty-first century…We are in America, first world country…” Therefore, children demand and expect as their right – that they should be allowed to do what everyone else is doing; which – in reality – is just contemporary immorality… Parents have to put up a terrible struggle to stand for what is right and true in their own homes, with their own children.
When division comes – how will you respond? … with anger, much arguments and condemnation; or with compassion, prayers and understanding?
The ultimate goal of the parents for their children is for their children to go to heaven.
My brothers and sisters, the readings today tell us: Trust in God. You do not struggle alone.
We heard from our second reading: “We are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses…
Meaning – We are surrounded by the saints of the past and saints of our time in a unique way. It is a figure of speech – imagine we are running towards the finish line and the saints are cheering us on to the same victory in the life of faith that they obtained. We are to be inspired by the godly examples these saints set during their lives. Actually – they are not just spectators to the race we are running… They help us and intercede for us.
We need to keep in mind also that – As we race towards the finish line, so to speak… The Lord is not just a spectator or a coach at the sideline or at the ringside – as in boxing. The Lord is with us inside the ring, in the battle. We need to keep in mind what the Lord Jesus said (Gospel of Matthew): “And know that I am with you always until the end of time.”
At the end of our life, let us hope and pray that we can say what St. Paul told Timothy (2 Timothy 4:7) – “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness – which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have loved his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
God bless.
Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Cycle C
Lk 12:49-53; Hebrews 12:1-4
The Foolish Rich Man
My brothers and sisters, time is running out. Life should be lived with eternity in view. That is the truth, and only a fool refuses to face the truth. What is Jesus telling us in this parable? He is saying that we should be wise. Include God in your plans…
Reflection on “The Foolish Rich Man” – based on the Gospel of Luke 12:13-21 – August 4, 2019
This is a story for our time. Even the word “fool” seems to have special designation for our time. Many in our culture would not object to being called “a sinner”. That has a sort of a daring daredevil adventurous sound to it. But none of us wants to be thought “a fool”. We like to believe that we are thinking, intelligent people.
I think this is the only time in the Scriptures when God points at a particular man and says, “you fool”. What kind of man was he? There were a number of things about him that are quite commendable. He was obviously a hard worker, a careful planner, a good businessman. These are traits we all admire. There is nothing wrong with working hard and being thrifty with our money. The truth is God called him a fool, not for what he did, but for what he failed to do – the things he left out of his life. His story has something to say to you and me… let me point out just three things.
First – His story tells us that it is a foolish thing to leave God out of our lives. It seems that it never occurred to him that his abundance was a blessing from God or that his future was dependent upon God.
Financial success is an enviable accomplishment. But when that experience comes, the person who is truly wise understands that, in large measure, it is all by the grace of God, a gift. When the nation of Israel was looking toward the promised land of milk and honey, Moses said: “You shall remember the Lord your God for it is He who gives you the power to get wealth.
The rich fool apparently forgot that. He thought that all of his success was due to his own genius and efforts.
It is a good thing to plan for the future, but it is wise to remember that all of our plans are contingent upon God. St. James talks about this in his epistle on practical Christianity. He said: “Some of you are planning to go to a certain city, stay there for one year, buy and sell and earn a profit. You do not even know what tomorrow will bring. You ought to say,” If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” (James 4:13-17 ESV) That is why we hear people say: “God willing, I will see you tomorrow.”
It is wise to remember that our lives are in the hands of God. It is nothing but foolishness to leave God out of our plans.
We hear people on the news or you probably know of people who prepared well for life, became financially independent, stayed physically healthy – but shortly before or after retirement which they looked forward to – got into accident or suffered a heart attack, and just fell dead, etc.
Life at best is so fragile and insecure. We are so dependent on God. Nothing could be more foolish than to leave God out of our lives.
Secondly, it is foolish living to ignore our spiritual needs. The rich fool seemed to live his life on a physical and material plain.
He told himself: “Now you have it made. Eat, drink and be merry.”
What he failed to realize is that there was a very real part of his nature that needed something more that food and fun.
There is something special about a human life that cannot be explained in terms of the physical. The life of a man, woman, or child somehow is sacred and we all know it. What makes a human life so important? It is as simple as this: people are made in the image of God, capable of fellowship with God, endowed with spiritual possibilities that are almost unlimited. Let us not forget this basic truth about our nature.
No one is denying that we are physical creatures with physical needs. We need food, clothing, houses, cars and all the rest. But we are also spiritual creatures with spiritual needs. We need purpose. We need meaning. We need the joy that comes from serving. We need communion with God. We need a sense of divine approval. These needs are just as real as food and drink. Let us not turn our backs on this part of our nature. Only a fool ignores his spiritual needs.
Thirdly, one last thought: it is a foolish thing to forget eternity. The man in our story seemingly thought only in terms of time. He spoke of “many years”. He did not have many years. He actually had less than one day. But would “many years” have really mattered? They would all be gone by now. Sooner or later time runs out for all of us. This life is not forever. Every one of us has a limited supply of time. I do not know how much time I have left or how much time you have left.
What I do know is that we have one day less than we had yesterday. We are running out of time. We are moving toward eternity. All of life should be lived in the light of that truth.
My brothers and sisters, time is running out. Life should be lived with eternity in view. That is the truth, and only a fool refuses to face the truth.
What is Jesus telling us in this parable? He is saying that we should be wise. Include God in your plans. Pay attention to our spiritual nature. Live your life against a backdrop of eternity. These truths embody the very essence of wisdom.
Let me close by sharing this story many of you might have heard but it is worth sharing again – it is fitting.
Once upon a time there was a rich King who had four wives. He loved the 4th wife the most and adorned her with rich robes and treated her to the finest of delicacies. He gave her nothing but the best.
He also loved the 3rd wife very much and was always showing her off to neighboring kingdoms. However, he feared that one day she would leave him for another.
He also loved his 2nd wife. She was his confidant and was always kind, considerate and patient with him. Whenever the King faced a problem, he could confide in her, and she would help him get through the difficult times.
The King’s 1st wife was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining his wealth and his kingdom. However, he did not love the first wife. Although she loved him deeply, he hardly took notice of her!
One day, the King fell ill and he knew his time was short. He thought of his luxurious life and wondered, “I now have four wives with me, but when I die, I’ll be all alone.” Thus, he asked the 4th wife, “I have loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that I’m dying, will you follow me and keep me company?”
“No way!”, replied the 4th wife, and she walked away without another word. Her answer cut like a sharp knife right into his heart.
The sad King then asked the 3rd wife, “I have loved you all my life. Now that I’m dying, will you follow me and keep me company?”
“No!”, replied the 3rd wife. “Life is too good! When you die, I’m going to remarry!” His heart sank and turned cold.
He then asked the 2nd wife, “I have always turned to you for help and you’ve always been there for me. When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?”
“I’m sorry, I can’t help you out this time!”, replied the 2nd wife. “At the very most, I can only send you to your grave.” Her answer came like a bolt of lightning, and the King was devastated.
Then a voice called out: “I’ll leave with you and follow you no matter where you go.” The King looked up, and there was his first wife. She was so skinny as she suffered from malnutrition and neglect. Greatly grieved, the King said, “I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance!”
In truth, we all have 4 wives in our lives: Our 4th wife is our body. No matter how much time and effort we lavish in making it look good, even with all the modern day plastic surgeries, it will leave us when we die. Our 3rd wife is our possessions, status and wealth. When we die, it will all go to others. Our 2nd wife is our family and friends. No matter how much they have been there for us, the farthest they can stay by us is up to our grave. And our 1st wife is our Soul.
Often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures of the world. However, our Soul is the only thing that will follow us wherever we go. Cultivate, strengthen and cherish it now, for it is the only part of us that will follow us to the throne of God and continue with us throughout Eternity.
Let us feed our soul with the Word of God, with the Eucharist, the Body of Christ, the Bread of Life for our journey towards our true home, which is heaven.
God bless…
18TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – CYCLE C
AUGUST 3/4, 2019
Loving Our Neighbor
Mark Twain once said that it was not the parts of scripture that he did not understand that gave him the most trouble, but the parts that he did understand! I think we can all relate. All of us struggle with the understanding of some aspects of theology…
Reflection on “Loving Our Neighbor” – Based on the Gospel of Luke 10:25-37 – July 13, 2019
Mark Twain once said that it was not the parts of scripture that he did not understand that gave him the most trouble, but the parts that he did understand!
I think we can all relate. All of us struggle with the understanding of some aspects of theology and Biblical interpretation. But perhaps the greatest test of our faith is not whether we can understand deep mysteries, but whether we can be obedient to the teachings of our faith that are perfectly clear to us.
For example: Have no other gods before the one true God. Honor your parents. Do not steal. Do not commit adultery. Tell the truth. Learn to be content and be satisfied with what you have, and do not be envious of your neighbor’s possessions; Love your neighbor as yourself.
You see – We clearly understand these commandments.
The difficulty is living up to the ideals of these words. Our minds can grasp the truth. It is our feet, our mouths, our hearts, our hands that have trouble living by the truth our minds know.
The Bible can be a frustrating book in the sense that at times it simply does not provide the kinds of answers we are looking for. Ask Jesus a question about heaven and he’ll start talking to you about your neighbor!
Like in our Gospel story, when asked about eternal life by a scholar of the law, Jesus replied: Love God with your whole being and love your neighbor as yourself. It wasn’t the answer the scholar of the law wanted, so he asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?”
For the scribes and Pharisees of Jesus’ time – To the question: Who is my neighbor? Their response was: Only those of my own people, another Jew. Maybe only another Pharisee. Not a Gentile. Certainly not those half-breed Samaritans. The scribes and Pharisees were trying to find the limits of their obligation. Their real question was, in other words: “What is the least I can do and fulfill my duty?” We can all relate to that.
People ask: What is the least I can do to get to heaven? …to inherit eternal life?”
… minimal Christians so to speak.
What is your concept of heaven? People say heaven is about life after death. Unfortunately – that is all it’s about for most people.
But the Scripture presents heaven as a quality of life. It is fulfilled beyond this life, but it begins here. Jesus said: The kingdom of heaven is at hand. That is why we pray: “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” It is a God-like quality of life that is only found through self-giving, self-sacrificing love… as Jesus showed in His life.
People often think of heaven in a self-concerned way… and so they are afraid of death because they focus on self-preservation. Psychological studies show that the more self-centered you are the more you fear death. But the more you live for other people and other purposes, the less threatening death is.
If we live our lives – with self-giving, self-sacrificing love of God and others – in communion with Christ, who gave His life for our sake, then we will find ourselves are at peace knowing that any day is a good day to die… because heaven is actually our true destiny
Where is heaven? We will find it first in the neighbor who is in need. The poor and those who are in need or are helpless and those who cannot pay us back – they teach us how to love. Where love is = God is = because God is love. Heaven is where God is.
Jesus made a Samaritan the hero in the parable of the Good Samaritan. Samaritans were former Jews who had intermarried with Gentiles. The Jews of Jesus’ time saw Gentiles as godless and sub-human. They had complete contempt for Jews who married Gentiles, and that is why they rejected Samaritans.
Jesus’ point is that God is pleased with any person who understands that the neighbor is every other person, especially someone in need. God does not favor one race, or one nationality, or one socio-economic class over another.
Jesus made it very clear that we love, and give, and help, not just for the sake of the other person, but for our own sake. It is for the good of our own soul that we must care, and love, and give ourself.
What does the story of the Good Samaritan mean for us? In the simplest terms – it means that the truly righteous person knows that the neighbor is whoever is there. Your neighbor is the next person you meet…the one sitting next to you at this moment. Forget borders, race, and language. God’s neighborhood includes everyone. God calls us to be a neighbor to everyone…not only those of our own people.
Admittedly, it is really a risky business to get involved in human need. You could be deceived and played for a fool. You could end up wasting your time and effort. You could even get hurt!
No doubt, the Samaritan recognized all of those possibilities. Still he took the risk of becoming personally involved. He gave his own time. In short, he did for that man what he would have wanted someone to do for him, if he lay wounded beside the road. He loved his neighbor as himself.
Love to him had real meaning. Love meant risks taken, time given, money spent and service rendered. He knew how to love in a practical and personal way.
Jesus is the ultimate Good Samaritan and we are the victim on the side of the road.
Jesus risked everything to save us. He has become a neighbor to all of us…even while we are still sinners.
What does it mean for you and me? We must open our eyes to those people who are in need, whose wounds may not be as dramatic as the victim in the parable, but still no less real.
We probably walk right past them almost every day. Some are wounded by loneliness, some by fear, some by guilt. Some have been beaten and robbed by economic circumstances beyond their control. They may live next door, or across town, or even under our own roof. Wherever they live, whoever they are and whatever their need might be, Jesus describes them as neighbors. And Jesus placed upon every one of us the responsibility to love each one of them, even as we love ourselves.
St. Teresa of Avila said it so beautifully:
Christ has NO body now on earth but yours.
Yours are the eyes with which He looks with compassion on this world.
Yours are the hands with which He blesses all the world.
Yours are the feet with which He walks to do good.
Christ has NO body now on earth but yours.
In other words –
Be other Christ in the world.
Who wants to go to heaven?
Then love your neighbor as Jesus loves you.
My brothers and sisters in Christ – God loves you!
Now – please turn to each other – left and right… and see in each other a neighbor to love… whom God loves.
And say “And I love you, too!”
Mean it.
God bless…
FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – CYCLE C – July 14, 2019
Luke 10:25-37
Deuteronomy 30:10-14
Freedom and Following Jesus
No word is more important in the American heritage than “freedom.” As Patrick Henry, the American patriot even said: “Give me liberty or give me death.” Ask anyone what freedom means, and the answer is likely to be about freedom FROM something…
Reflection on “Freedom and Following Jesus” – based on the letter to the Galatians 5:1.13-18 and the Gospel of Luke 9:51-62
On Thursday is July 4. Americans will celebrate Independence Day.
No word is more important in the American heritage than “freedom.” As Patrick Henry, the American patriot even said: “Give me liberty or give me death.”
Ask anyone what freedom means, and the answer is likely to be about freedom FROM something – – – freedom from restrictive rules and regulations of authority – even freedom from parents, freedom from paying mortgage, freedom from bad relationships, etc.
Meaning – We have understood freedom almost often or primarily only as freedom FROM something or someone.
The problem is, Freedom in all its beauty and gift from God, can be also the biggest obstacle on our way to God because freedom is often abused by us.
For example, look at the drug addict. He demanded the right to do as he pleased. Those silly medical warnings and legal prohibitions would not restrict his freedom. But now – he is no longer free. Drugs have taken control of his life.
We hear people say – this is my life – this is my body. I am pro-choice. I can do whatever I want with my body. Yes – you have free choice but please, always choose life!
St. Paul reminds us that freedom is not only a privilege, it is also a responsibility – and it must be exercised within certain boundaries…
Remember: We are wrong if we define freedom as the ability to do whatever we want without having to bend to any sort of authority or moral law.
We cannot let our freedom be destroyed by our lack of legal or moral restraints especially disregarding sexual restraints – and disregard for strict rules of moral correctness.
A lot of people have this misconception that to be a Christian, to follow Christ means the end of real life – “end of having good times” and the beginning of bondage to rules and guilty conscience.
The truth is – Being a Christian, yes – we belong to Christ… Christ reigns in our life… no one else or nothing else in all the world is to gain control of our life…. But it does not diminish our freedom but rather protects it… To be mastered by Christ is to be set free to enjoy and experience life to its fullest. You see, that’s paradox. To be a slave to Christ is to be truly free… As Jesus said: “Know the truth and the truth will set you free.”
For Christians, freedom is the ability to be the unique person that God created each of us to be. We all know this and experience this. We are at our happiest when we are at our best. Yes, we have responsibilities, and, yes, we have authority over us, but this does not limit our freedom.
God’s laws/commandments given through His Church actually leads us to true freedom – to be our true selves as God meant us to be… free to love.
Freedom as only freedom FROM – is ultimately destructive.
And so, we need to discover what we are free FOR. Once we are free – We need to ask the question: What new opportunities are we now able to embrace, what new commitments are we now finally free to make?
We are reminded not to use our freedom as a license to selfishness, but to serve one another in love. We do not have the right to do anything that hurts someone else… Our lives are intertwined and involved in the lives of other people.
When we are free to be our true selves as God created us, then we allow His reflection to be seen or experienced by others.
There are so many people who are like that, be they canonized saints, or members of your own families, and many of you who are continually at your best because you have God at the center of your lives, you try to follow Christ the best you can and are always giving to others.
If at any time in your lives others can see Christ in you, even if it is only a glimpse, then you are truly free, free to be who God meant you to be.
Again, freedom is not being able to do whatever you want whenever you want however you want… where anything goes. We now live in such a society. Sin is basically telling God:
“God, I know what you want. I do not care. I will do what I want.”
That is slavery to sin but people call it “freedom”.
This is what St. Paul is speaking about in the second reading.
“Brothers and sisters: For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery. For you were called for freedom. But do not use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh; rather, serve one another through love.”
We cannot just say we are Christian. We have to be determined to live the Christian life… But this takes courage. This takes determination.
Think of Elisha in today’s first reading. He was so determined to heed God’s call and follow Elijah that he slaughtered his twelve head of oxen and burned their yokes… which means – no more turning back for him. We are called to have same that determination… and by the grace of God – We can conquer anything that is holding us back from being our best selves.
Like Jesus in today’s Gospel, we must be resolutely determined to do whatever the Father’s will is for us. We can be our best selves. We men can be Men of God. You ladies can be Women of God.
Some of us who are old enough to remember the old version of the
The Act of Contrition: Oh, my God, I am truly sorry for having offended thee and I detest all of my sins because I fear the loss of heaven and the pains of hell. …
To fear the loss of heaven and to fear the pains of hell can seem like one and the same thing. They’re not. There’s a huge moral difference. Fear of hell is based upon fear of punishment. Fearing the loss of heaven is based upon a fear of not being a good, loving person… not being what we are meant to be. A sign of Christian maturity is when we are more worried about not being loving enough than when we’re fearful that we will be punished for doing something wrong.
As we mature more in our spirituality, we need to learn to worry less and less about going to hell and we need to worry more and more about the bitterness, anger, ingratitude, and non-forgiveness that still remains in our hearts. Let us worry less about committing a mortal sin and let us worry more about whether we are gracious, respectful, and forgiving towards others.
Fear of the pains of hell and fear of the loss of heaven is a good start as our guiding principle but a more mature Christian attitude is to fear offending God because God is all good and deserving of all our love.
We pray and we continue to seek the grace, the wisdom and the courage to be whom God calls us to be. Amen.
13TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – CYCLE C
Galatians 5:1, 13-18