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.