She Didn't Even Flinch - Reflection for the Solemnity Mary Mother of God

She Didn’t Even Flinch

Readings

Instincts are the behaviors that exist in all living things. They are gifts of God to creation. By instinct, newly hatched sea turtles go to the sea. Honeybees dance in the direction of food. Spiders spin webs and birds build nest by instinct.  

People have instincts too. Human instincts are fear, anger, shyness, and curiosity and many more. Another instinct is infant for mother and mother for child. Proven by scientist, the maternal instinct is hard-wired into the brain.  

There is another instinct that is shared by both animal and human. It is the fight-or-flight instinct. The instinctive response to the unknown danger is to run away or fight. It insures survival.

Today we honor the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God who faced the unknown and didn’t even flinch. She didn’t run away from God or fight against God when the angel gave her the most shocking news of the Annunciation.

Everything happening to her was scary. It promised punishment and even death. She should have been in flight or fight mode. But, her reaction was calm. “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” (Lk 1:38)

In today’s gospel, the wild men came, shepherds. They were not the most desirable of people. They lived in the wild. They were ragged and unkempt. They were coarse and unmannerly. They smelled like sheep.

The Blessed Virgin Mary didn’t even flinch when they came running to the infant lying in the manger, shouting fanatics praising and glorifying God. "…they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds."

She reacted calmly, “Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.”

She didn’t flinch, She was full of grace. She was full of God’s grace. And yet, she had another gift from God, the grace of a mother’s instinct, the impulse to love and protect her child.

This is the way Our Lord God, Jesus Christ entered our world. He could have come in other ways. He could have come as a full grown man. Yet, He freely chose Mary to be his mother and he was her Son. He dwelt in Mary’s womb, nursed at her breasts, was held in her arms, sat on her lap and entrusted his life to her care.

Today is the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God. It is mostly a Catholic thing, but it should be celebrated by all Christians.

As Christians, we want to be like Jesus. Jesus loved, honored, and respected Mary. All believers should love, honor, and respect Mary as well.  As a child Jesus was entrusted to Mary’s care so we could all know God. 

Paul writes, “God sent his Son born of a woman …so that we might receive adoption….  As proof that you are sons and daughters, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts.“

Many Christians flinch when Catholics talk of Mary. Mary who they agree is the mother of Christ; Jesus Christ who they agree is God. Because of these, Mary is the Mother of the Church. These are part of our faith.  

If you do not honor Mary, asks yourself why? Scripture says every generation will call Mary blessed because God who is mighty has done great things for her. (Luke 1:48-49)  Why don’t you call her blessed as the Bible says?

Worship belongs to God alone. To worship Mary is a sin, but to honor Mary and give her the respect that she deserves is to be like Christ.  

Mary is Jesus’ mother, the Mother of the Christ who is God. In all  this she didn’t even flinch. The Lord blessed her. The Lord let his face shine upon her. The Lord gave her peace.

We honor Mary because she was the first to know God through the presence of the Christ. She was the first Christian.

You too are called to be a Christian, but do you flinch?

Y’all be good, y’all be holy and live the gospel by the way you live and love. Amen.

Feast of the Holy Innocents - Reflection

Feast of Holy Innocents  (12/28/2016)

(readings)

God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all.

Do those words make sense for the Feast of the Holy Innocents?  I had to think hard about that this morning.

Because  in the Gospel, the light of God was not in Herrod’s actions. The light of God is not in any of the actions that threaten innocence.

So many people today, use evil and suffering in the world to doubt the existence of God. How can this happen? If there is a God how can the darkness of evil exist in the world? Darkness, lies, and evil exists and it pulls people from the light, truth, and goodness of God.

In reality we who believe know that this is proof that God exists. Science supports it by Newton Third Law. For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.  

Where there is light there is darkness. Where there is good there is evil.  Where there is absolute truth there is absolute lies.  We are born free to choose light or darkness, truth or lies, and good or evil.  We are free to live the actions of God or live the darkness of the evil one.

Darkness, lies, and evil exists. Today, when innocence is threatened by abortion, genocide, or euthanasia the darkness in the world gets darker. When personal innocence is attacked by rape, abuse, or violence, our light is dimmed. When the world is attacked by the lies and evil of terrorism, war, and murder that the evil one can justify in humanity then the darkness gets stronger. Innocence is slaughtered. The truth, goodness, justice, dignity, and peace that is the light of God that existed in the innocence is extinguished. But, the light of the innocent will remain if we remember them.

And most of us stay in the middle of the road, because the light of Christ is not strong enough in us to fight the evil. To strengthen the light of truth come to it through prayer, the sacraments, and fortify the light in you by the Body and Blood of Christ.

Believers strengthen our flame. Stand up for the innocent. It is our mission to shine the light of God in Christ on the darkness that abounds in the world.

We will always be like Rachael sobbing and weeping for the death of the innocent; yet in the cloud of our tears. we are called out of Egypt to be the light of Christ in the world. Amen.

Perfect Gift - A Christmas Reflection

Perfect Gift

Christmas Vigil Readings

Our children brought us a special gift tonight as Mary, Joseph, angels, shepherds, and wise men. They told the Nativity story reminding us that Jesus is the gift God has given to the world.

Sometimes, we can forget the gifts we get. How many remember your Christmas presents from last year or the year before? A lot of things happen and we can forget about the gifts; even when the gift is from someone special.

We read the names in Jesus’ family from Abraham to Joseph. These were God’s chosen people. Even in this special relationship, they seemed to forget God’s gift to them.

The first person named was Abraham. God promised him descendants numerous as the stars in the sky. God would be with them and make them a great nation. God asked that they remember his gift and carry out his wishes.

Many years passed. Everyday life happened and people forget; but, God didn’t forget His promise.

God raised up David as the King of Israel. David was a man after God’s own heart and carried out God’s wishes. God promised one of King David’s descendants would be the greatest King, the messiah, and the anointed one of God. God just wanted Israel to remember His gift and carry out His wishes.

Many years passed. Everyday life happened and new Kings and people did not follow God’s wishes. They forgot God’s gift. But, God didn’t forget His promise.

God honored his promise and sent the perfect gift, Jesus. Sadly, people had fallen asleep and forgotten God’s promise. Even, Joseph fell asleep.

God sent an Angel to Joseph in a dream. The Angel told Joseph of God’s promise to be fulfilled through the Holy Spirit in Mary. She will have a child. Take her into you home. Protect her and protect the child.

This was no ordinary child. It was God’s perfect gift. He was Jesus, God saves us, the gift of God’s salvation. This child was the promise of Emmanuel which means God is with us. This child was love and hope for the better. He was God’s mercy brought to the world. He was God become man for you and me.

Then, Joseph woke up. He woke up to God’s gift. He understood the love of carrying out God’s wishes.

Maybe we should shout: Wake-up everyone! God has become man for you and me. Wake-up, all you who are sleep…. God is with us.

God’s gift is Himself. God’s gift was in his promise to Abraham. It was in his promise to David. God’s wish was for the people to accept His gift and love Him.

The Bible tells us, “All good giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father ….” God the Father sent Jesus, the perfect gift so we would know God is with us.

God’s wish is  for us to have God and Jesus in our life. God’s wish is for us to realize - God is with us.

The children’s presentation of the nativity was a gift to us. We may forget earthly presents, but by this story always remember Jesus.

We can be the nativity in everyday life by the way we live, act, and love God. We can be like angels singing praise to God. We can be like shepherds coming to worship him. We can be like the wise men bringing gifts of ourselves to God.

In all these things, never forget God’s perfect gift, Jesus.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Called to Be.... - Reflection 4th Sunday Advent

Called to Be ....

Readings 4^th Sunday Advent

A dear friend pulled me aside one Sunday after mass and said “Bill have you ever thought about becoming a Deacon?” That question began discernment on the plan God had for me.

Discernment is an interesting thing. It’s hearing God speak to your heart; “I have a plan for you, trust me.” And, asking “What does God want of me?”

Discernment is self-discovery of Christ - Emmanuel, God is with us.

I knew Him as my Lord and savior. I knew He forgave me my sins. I knew He was always there; but, I had to ask the question. “Do I want to be holy or do I want to be bad?”

That is the story of King Ahaz. The Lord called out to Ahaz. I have a plan for you. Ahaz faced the choice, follow God’s plan or follow my own. Ahaz's problem was he didn't want Isaiah’s prophesying. God’s plan intruded on what he wanted to do. Rejecting the Lord, Ahaz became a weak and idolatrous king. His story did not end well.

Joseph had a similar choice. Follow God’s plan or follow his own. Joseph’s problem was his betrothed was with child. He had to make a choice. He had to discern what was right and Joseph was a righteous man.

If Joseph divorced Mary publicly, he would expose the unwed and pregnant girl. According to the Law, she would be stoned. If he married her they both could be disgraced. He decided to divorce her quietly, go to her parents and break the marriage contract. Joseph had plans of his own, and they didn’t include a pregnant woman, a child that was not his, or the whispers, rumors, and laughing behind his back.

An Angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in his sleep, telling him, “God has a plan for you!” It was not a wakeful moment; the Angel of the Lord spoke to his subconscious, his heart, and his righteousness. Unlike Ahaz, Joseph abandoned his plan and followed God’s.

Joseph’s discernment of God’s plan was important. It was part of how Jesus Christ came to be born.  He knew God’s plan was bigger than his.  They shall call him “Emmanuel, God is with us.”

Paul called himself a slave of Christ Jesus, called to an apostle. We know the story of Paul’s discernment. He had to be blinded for his eyes to be open so he could examine himself and see God’s call. He died to his old self and found new life in Christ.

Jesus once said, “He who would save his life must lose it.”

Discernment is not about being a Priest, a Deacon, or entering a consecrated religious life. God’s plan for each of us is unique as each of us is unique. Each fingerprint is unique so is the way we touch the world. Our love, our holiness, and how we live the Good News is the fingerprint of God’s plan in our lives.

Paul wrote to the Romans about discernment. It was to receive the grace of apostleship; called to belong to Jesus Christ; and called to be holy. He was telling the Romans, “God is with us,” and “Do not be afraid, God has a plan for you.”

Joseph was called to be Jesus earthly father. And he realize Emmanuel, God is with us. When we are distressed by the overwhelming task of bringing God’s plan of compassion and justice to those in need, realize God is with us. When we are worried and desperate, or about to lose hope, God is with us. We discover God is truly with us by choosing to live as we are called to be ...

Prayer is an important part of this choice. By prayer, we open our hearts, minds, and moral conscious to God. Whoever seeks Christ in this way and prays in this way, opens the way for Christ to come again and again.

God will send someone, a prophet or an Angel, whether we recognize them or not. They will tell us, “Do not be afraid, God has a plan for you.”

In my life I’ve had many Angels; one was Chuck Miller. He said “God has a plan for you!” He woke me up to God’s plan.

Called to be ..... Yes, this is how Jesus Christ comes.

Yall be good, yall be holy and live the gospel by the way you live and love. Amen.

In the Desert, Life is Hard - Reflection 3rd Sunday Advent

In the Desert, Life is Hard

Readings 3rd Sunday Advent

When we think of a desert we think of a dry and barren land. In most cases, we think of a desert as a sea of sand as far as the eye can see. The desert tends to encroach on fertile ground.  

There is a lot of symbolism in the fact that John the Baptist preached in the desert.  John preached to those in a spiritual desert, a dry and barren relationship with God.

The truth is that in the desert, life is hard. 

In today’s gospel, John finds himself in a place worse than the physical desert, Herrod’s prison. Yet, John is still seeking the truth. Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?

Jesus sent this answer: Go and tell John what you hear and see:  the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.

These things Jesus did as he traveled about Galilee. Prophesy John would have preached. Jesus’ answer recalled the words of the prophet Isaiah – “they will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God.”

“Say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God; he comes with vindication; with divine recompense he comes to save you. Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared; then will the lame leap like a stag, then the tongue of the mute will sing."

Jesus is the glory and splendor of God. He is bringing the glory and splendor of God to the desert.  

Still today, the world is full of spiritual deserts. The Lumen Gentium (the dogmatic constitution of the Church) states that the pilgrim church bears a likeness to the passing world. The pilgrim church is all of us. Our tiny part of this world reflects the larger world. People struggle with a spiritual desert created by the secular culture. Humanity's spiritual desert is sparse of love and forgiveness.  And in that, our interior life (our tiny part of the world) is trying to be overtaken by a place that is dry and barren of prayer and a relationship with God.

In a spiritual desert, life is hard. 

So, often it is in the desert where God’s salvation is seen. Just like the desert that John preached in and like the spiritual desert that exists in the world today. “Lord, come and save us…” You hear the cry of the poor; the small, the broken, the weak, the needy will be renewed.  

The world is waiting for promised renewal that Isaiah spoke: this desert will bloom with abundant flowers, and rejoice with joyful song.

That promised renewal is here and has been fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Even today, that renewal is fulfilled in Christ through the intercession of the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit that moves the Church and each of our hearts to fulfill the renewing promise of Christ by our lives here on earth.  

Behold, the Judge is standing before the gates. We are to do the work of renewal that God the Father and Christ has entrusted to us. Go and tell what you hear and see … proclaim the good news.

In the good news of Jesus Christ, we find salvation, our true renewal. People hear that the coming of the Lord is at hand, and look somewhere else for renewal in Christ.

Advent is a time of promise and preparation, be patient. The renewal of love and forgiveness has again been made flesh. In the renewal of our salvation, final happiness and healing, rich or poor, is pulled from the desert.

Be patient, brothers and sisters, The LORD God keeps faith forever.

Yall be good, yall be holy and preach the gospel by the way you live and love. Amen

Getting Manly - Reflection 2nd SundayAdvent

Getting Manly

Readings 2^nd Sunday Advent

I’m fixing to get manly.

On a recent podcast of the “The Art of Manliness” the discussion was Why Men Hate Going  to Church.  It explored the reason so few men are active in their Christian faith. It was based on the book by David Morrow.

Mr. Morrow said for most men, the Christian faith is not manly enough.

Feminist protest the Church as patriarchal; but, statistics show different. After the male dominated professions of the ordained clergy, Darrow said seventy-nine percent of church ministry is by women. This positions include administrators, liturgist, outreach ministry, and support employees.

He further states this has cause worship in many churches to become feminine. Worship is horizontal instead of vertical. Vertical is worshiping God, heavenward. However, many churches focused on horizontal worship. Worship of God based on bringing the church to the community, the neighborhood, and to others. Men see this as nurturing, maternal, and feminine. Darrow hypothesizes that calling the Church the “Bride of Christ” alienates men.

He pointed to studies showing men like strength in their worship. An example is songs of the power and might of God that men prefer like Onward Christian Soldiers or A Mighty Fortress is our God. Men want strength and familiar.

The most popular men’s missions are where leadership and bravery stand out. Darrow cited men involved in ministries fighting child trafficking and in war torn areas.

I see that in the example of Fr. Stanley Rother (Archdiocese of Oklahoma) who despite being evacuated from Guatemala returned to bring Christ to the poor. In 1981 at the age of 46, he was killed in the rectory of his church. Fr. Rother is recognized as the first American born martyr of the Church.

In the readings for this Sunday we have strong manly heroes. In Isaiah we are told of the messiah king. He is a king of strength, justice, wisdom and good counsel. He is faithful and in God’s favor.

The Gospel tells us about a real man’s man, John the Baptist.

John is “A voice of one crying out in the desert.” He lived off the land, “John wore clothing of camel’s hair and had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.”

Isaiah said he would “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” John was like a construction worker, a man’s man.

John was a man who didn’t back down. “When he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers!”   Their boasting didn’t impress John in the least; he told them “Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance. And do not to say, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones.”

John was a man’s man; yet, he said “the one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in his hand. He will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” In Romans, Paul says Christ ministers to all.

I’m fixing to get manly. I’m going John the Baptist on you men.

If you’re not at Church because it’s not manly enough, then you are in the vipers den. You’re not bearing good fruit. You’re not being a good leader, good husband, or a good  father. You’re not sharing your faith.

Still not manly enough then listen to these words from scripture, “On your walls, Jerusalem, I have set my watchman.” Men, you are the watchman. What a tragedy that souls are lost on your watch.

A real man emulates the man, Jesus Christ. A man finds endurance, encouragement, and hope through the Scriptures; so that God grants harmony in keeping with Christ Jesus.

Maybe that’s what being human is about, man or woman: endurance, encouragement, hope, and harmony. Real men and women of faith are voices preaching in the desert of this world.

The Church needs vocations: priests, deacons, religious men and women. It has been said that many are not Christians for one reason because there is nobody to tell them about Christ, no voice crying out in the desert. Through faith in Christ is the strength to minister to all.

Yall be good, yall be holy and preach the gospel by the way you live and love. Amen.

After Thanksgiving - Homily Reflection 1st Sunday of Advent

After Thanksgiving - Readings 1^st Sunday Advent

Advent’s here, the time we await and prepare for the coming of the Lord. 

I thought about the readings as I celebrated thanksgiving with my family. Thanksgiving with my family is a buffet of food and people; a table set with many lives and experiences. 

Many are Catholics; some are fallen away. Several attend non-denominational church. We have Baptist and Evangelicals. Some are lost. Some are searching. Many think they’ve got the answer.

It’s a buffet of family with friends thrown in for a little spice. With family, there is always a surprise. Those surprises can be things Paul warned about - drunkenness, promiscuity, and especially rivalry and jealousy. That’s why families are so much fun.

What if the son of man came on Thanksgiving Day? 

Many would be surprised like in the days of Noah. Noah heard the word of God. He tried to share it with the rest of the world. They made fun of him. They ignored the word of God by continuing their ways. But Noah was faithful to God and heeded his command.  

By the flood, God’s word was fulfilled. Noah, the man who followed God’s word, and his family were saved.

Jesus said to his disciples: “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Some will hear the word of God, many will ignore it. They did not know until the flood came and carried them all away. So will it be also at the coming of the Son of Man.”

Jesus' ministry proclaimed the kingdom of God is at hand. He told the kingdom of God is in all of us. But not “all of us” have found it. 

People live in excess. People are greedy. Unhappiness is plentiful and the world is full of bigotry, hatred, and prejudice. People are bitter and ignore those in need around them, unhappy in a life of plenty.

In all these unhappy people, how many give thanks? How many know the kingdom of God?

We don’t have a priest in my family. My aunts ask for prayer and blessings. We call family members to pray and bless them over the phone. It was “Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord;“ as we celebrated one who returned to the Church. We talked prayer, bible, attending mass, and hearing the word of God.

Some will hear the word of God, some will ignore it. One of the men said, “You can’t tell me what the Bible says, it’s what the Bible says to me!” He got up and left. So many think they’ve got the answer. 

The word of God does speak to individual hearts, but it is a message for all of us. The word of God did not come to fulfill a private interpretation; He came for all. It is "all of us" who fulfill Christ. For that, go to the House of God so he may instruct us in his ways and we can walk in his paths.

Paths will lead us to the hungry and homeless. Following the Lord’s path leads us to people without safe drinking water and people without peace.  

It is “all of us” who fulfill Christ. Success and wealth are not our own. Fame is not our own. Love is not our own. Our gifts are not for us alone, but given by God to benefit “all of us.”

The Word of God isn’t for personal justification. It’s for “all of us.” It prepares us for HIs coming. Just like the word given to Noah. Just like the Word, Jesus Christ was given to all of us. Just like the Kingdom of God is “all of us.” In these things, “Our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed….”

I looked at my family and see people who listen for the word of God. I look around at my family here in the Church and I see believers who share the word and their faith with family, children, and grandchildren. We are a people who proclaim the kingdom of God to neighbors and strangers. They live to fulfill Christ, the word of God in their everyday life.

Thanksgiving is a buffet of family members, friends added a little spice, and there is always that surprise.

The best surprise is to share all God has given us. Share the Word. Proclaim the kingdom of God; it’s “all of us” who fulfill Christ. This is how we prepare for the coming of the Lord. This is Advent. You must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.”

Y’all be good, y’all be holy; preach the gospel by the way you live and love. Amen.

Powerful Words - Homily Reflection Christ the King Sunday

Powerful Words - Christ the King (Readings)

Last weekend, our family celebrated the marriage of Scott and Jennifer Huey. Jennifer is my youngest daughter.

About six months ago, Scott, was hurt at work. He did not know if he could continue in his job. He did not know if he’d lose his job because of the injury. He worried because he knew the character of his supervisor. I know this; he shared his worries with me.

During marriage preparation Scott shared with Fr. Joe these worries; but, he also shared my daughter’s words to him. “Don’t worry; put it in God’s hands - Pray about it.” Those are powerful words.

Scott got well, a new job, and a raise. He no longer works for the same supervisor. Pray about it.” Those are powerful words.

That brings us to today’s readings.

This week, I asked my bible study group what phrase from the Gospel spoke to them. Most said “Save Yourself.” The rulers sneered at Jesus and said, “”… Save yourself if you are the chosen one, the Christ of God.”

“Save Yourself.” Those are powerful words and their power is the reason it stood out to the group.

It is power born in the haplessness of Jesus’ suffering. Even the soldiers jeered at him. As they approached to offer him wine they called out, “If you are King of the Jews, save yourself.”

“Save Yourself,” I hope the power of those words stand out to you. How many of us hear those words for what they are? “Save yourself” may be something we can do in the natural world; but, true salvation is not in our power.

Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us.”

Salvation is from the power of Jesus Christ who chose not to save himself. By his choice not to save himself, He saved us. We save ourselves by believing in him. The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, “Have you no fear of God… Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

This was an act of faith; this man recognizes that the dying Jesus is indeed king. Seek salvation, ask Jesus - remember me. “Save yourself,” through baptism, penance, and Our Lord Jesus Chris. Entrust yourselves to his infinite love and mercy.

Here are more powerful words: Christ is King. He is not just king of this world. His kingdom reigns to the other side of death, in eternity. Jesus’ answer the criminal pleas: “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

Those words of Jesus show that “in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell.” That fullness is where we find the kingdom of God. It is true beauty. It is true wisdom and the endless capacity to forgive. It is the love that cradles all the world. In Luke 17, Jesus tells us the kingdom of God is within all of you, powerful words.

These are words of power: Jesus Christ is our King. Although royalty and kingship is seen by many as a fairy tale; Jesus Christ is our King. No matter if kings, presidents, or leaders of this world are a curse or blessing; Jesus Christ is our king.  

This is power found in the haplessness of Jesus’ suffering. By his choice not to save himself, He saved us.

“Save yourself” by turning to King of the Universe, Jesus Christ the source of our salvation. We do this in prayer. Give Him thanks and praise. Pray, exult him as King. Pray for his mercy and forgiveness, remember me.

Romans 6:18 says “if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him.” My brothers and sisters, we the People of God live in the fullness of Christ Jesus, the kingdom of God.

Too many people don’t know Jesus Christ, our savior, Lord, and King. For believers, sharing Christ is our task. We are chosen in Christ to let everyone else know that they too are chosen.

Jesus Christ is still our king. Share the kingdom of God that is within all of you. Share the gospel, the good news, the powerful word of God. Share the love the cradles all the world. Pray about it.

Y’all be good y’all be holy and preach the gospel by the way you live and love. Amen

A Time of Change 33rd Sunday OT

A Time of Change

33rdSunday

My baby girl got married. I spent most of the time with my eyes closed because every time I looked at her I would start crying. I cried not because I was sad; I was sad because she is all grown up. I cried not because I was happy; I was happy that she was happy; she had found someone she loved with her whole heart. Maybe, I cried because she was moving to another part of her life. And I was moving to another part of mine.

Lo the day is coming says the Lord.  The day is coming when we will all eventually come to the time of change. The time is coming to let one thing pass and another come about.

We just experienced it in the past election. No matter whom you voted for or who should have been elected, we have a new president and a change.

Some people are sad. Some people are happy. We will be all starting a new time in our lives. Isn’t this a true reality about every day of our lives?

All the violence and all the turmoil we see in our country today is the result of so many people who do not know God. They are afraid of what is to come.  They don’t know how to act, how to be sad, or be happy, or how to face uncertainty.

St Paul said, “You know how one must imitate us. For we did not act in a disorderly way among you …. On the contrary, in toil and drudgery, night and day we worked, so as not to burden any of you.”

Sure there has always been unhappiness, demonstrations, and turmoil in times of injustice. What injustice has been done, nothing yet has happened. The election was a call for change in the political system. It was cry by many that things were not right. Our past election was based on issues of respect, dignity, and justice.

The people looked at the way we were governed and made a choice. Those who saw that in the way this country was being governed, they cried out, stood erect and raised our heads to look for a change.  Was it the right choice? If that choice was made with the love of God in your heart in as part of your conscious then you made the right choice. No matter for which candidate you voted.

If we depend on a person or anything of human construct to make things perfect, it will never happen. Imitate Christ. Imitate those who imitate Christ. Work to change this world to one of true justice. This is only possible by the love of God. The love of God is so important in all our decisions.

During the wedding ceremony Father Joe Martina said this to my daughter and her new husband.  God’s love for Jennifer is found in the love that Scott has for Jennifer. God’s love for Scott is found in the love that Jennifer has for Scott.

The love of God is so important in all our decisions. Remember that my brothers and sisters. Remember that God’s love for each and every person we meet is shown in the love that we have for them.

Remember that when you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; remember you will be persecute because you believe in the name of Jesus Christ. Remember you will be hated by all because of Jesus’ name. Remember he promises that not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives.

These are all promises of eternal life and living in the eternal love that is from God. The eternal love is the love a Christian has for their spouse, for their neighbor, and even for those with who we don’t agree.

All new relationships face these challenges. We all stare in the face of change. Every marriage is tested. Everyone will cry to some degree as they come to that new part of their lives. Embrace them in God’s love.

To my daughter and her new husband (my new son) Mr. and Mrs. Scott Huey; may you live in the love for each other found in the eternal love of God. 

Yall be good, yall be holy and preach the gospel by the way you live and love. Amen.

Family Matters - Sunday 32nd week OT C

Family Matters

32^nd Sunday

This past weekend I participated in the Share a Deacon and served and preached the homily at Sacred Heart Parish in Shreveport, LA. It was so good to be with my extended brothers and sister in Christ at this beautiful little church.  

We know the obvious topic of this Sunday is the resurrection and everlasting life. But another of the themes today seems to be family: A mother and seven sons, St. Paul addressing the Thessalonians as brothers and sisters twice; and in the gospel that declares we will be children of God.  

So, let me tell you about my family. My momma and daddy met at the Strand Theater. He was the manager and she was the popcorn girl. They knew each other two weeks and got married.

My father was a good Baptist preacher. My mom was a good Catholic. She never converted and to me that made my Daddy a great preacher. He respected her faith.

They had three boys. I’m the oldest and sweetest; but, we weren’t angels. I always thought we were pretty good. But, after I was ordained a deacon, one of my cousins told me, “You boys all turned out pretty good, but y’all were a scary bunch.”

We were average boys growing up. Sure, we were rough. We wrestled, fought, and tormented each other. I was never arrested. We were bigger than our parents by junior high. We were too big for most punishment, so my dad would say, “All I ask is y’all grow up to be good and holy men. Be like Jesus”

Good and holy men, my Daddy wanted our salvation. He wanted us to know God and the promise of eternal life.

The reading from Maccabees is a story of a mother and her sons. They were arrested and tortured by the king. Despite torture, they sons were good and holy men. They professed their love for God. “It is my choice to die at the hands of men with the hope God gives of being raised up by him….” They loved God and in that love was the promise of resurrection.

They knew the truth St Paul would later write about “…the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the endurance of Christ.”

Not everyone believed in the resurrection and eternal life.

The Sadducees didn’t believe in resurrection and were trying to trick Jesus. They asked Jesus, “What if a woman’s husband dies and she has not children. She then marries each of his seven brothers and they all die, without any children. When the resurrection comes whose wife is she? The question was who is responsible for her welfare.

Jesus told them when the resurrection comes there will be no marriage or remarriage. Those chosen for the resurrection will never die, they will be like angles. They will be children of God. God will take care of us.

These readings are about families and for those of us who love our families so much. My daddy died over thirty years ago and I still love him.

It is by that same love we can understand how love lasts forever.

God the Father loved and through love came his word and that word is Christ, the son. The love between them is the Holy Spirit. This is the Trinity and the Trinity is love.

We didn’t love God back. The world could not find God in creation, in existence, or in God’s interaction in history. God still loved.

God loved so much He sent his word to become man. Christ, by his love, took the sins of the world; so, we could love.

Christ gave us the love that is the Church and the expresses of love that are the sacraments. And, to strengthen and grow our love, God sends the Holy Spirit. God still loves.

St. Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting encouragement… encourages your hearts…. ” Love is everlasting. God keeps sending his love to us. God’s love does not end and that love is enteral life. The body can die but love never dies.

The world wants us to think we can never have the love of God. We’ve failed his love because of bad choices or lifestyles. The world says live in it. Continue on. Forget God, forget the church.

Remember, the LORD will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.

Christ came for everyone to know his love. We must realize it and return it. The Catechism teaches those who die in God's grace and friendship can live forever with Christ.

So here I am, a man of Holy Orders, someone who has given his life totally to Christ. Yet, I look at my brothers and see my father’s words, “Y’all be good and holy men. Be like Jesus.” I see a brother praying over his children. Another sees the face of Christ in people others ignore.

We were a scary bunch. I have never been perfect. We have all faced troubles but like the Psalmist sings our lives have been “Steadfast in our paths, our feet have not faltered.” Mostly.

Not everyone believes in the promise of eternal life. But, because of Christ, “I believe in life everlasting.” God’s love will provide for us.

My family in Christ, my brothers and sisters, I wish that you know life everlasting. I pray for your salvation and God grace to know love that never ends. It’s never too late.

I always end with the prayer of my father - Y’all be good, y’all be holy and preach the gospel by the way you live and love Amen.