Seeds Fall on Fertile Soil - reflection 13th Sunday OTA

I am self-quarantining today, someone in my immediate family was exposed to COVID 19; so, I may have been exposed. Speaking with Father, we decided I should self-quarantine. 

This possible exposure was revealed yesterday; the same day the governor of Louisiana mandated (with some exceptions) wearing masks in public places to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

With that mandate, people are grumbling and calling it an attack on freedom.

Interesting reaction – “know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even now…,” the words of St. Paul to the Romans and he continued.  “The sufferings of the present are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us.”

In these pains and sufferings, listen to Jesus' parable of the sower.  “… some seeds fell beside the path, and the birds came and devoured them.  Other seeds fell on rocky ground where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up; but when the sun rose, they were scorched and withered away. Some seeds fell among thorns, and were choked. But other seeds fell into good ground and produced grain.”

Jesus was speaking about his message. But, if you have a garden or potted plants, this is a familiar idea. For seeds to be bountiful, you want to plant them in good soil.

The devil understands the concept as well and has prepared this world for his seeds to be planted. He has prepared it since the beginning. When the opportunity arises, the devil sows his seed. The deceiver will disguise it as a good seed.

He sows everywhere - on the path, on rocky ground, in the thorns, and in fertile soil. The devil has sown his seed among the good and the bad. He throws it among believers and non-believers. It is planted to grow in the poor and oppressed, the rich and privileged, and those in the middle.  Because the devil has been preparing the world for so long, many are fertile soil.

Disguised as good seed, the devil brings his agenda.

The cry for social justice is not a bad seed. It is a seed of the Church. But evil can use the need for goodness to hide his seed. Look to see who is sowing the seed.

The equality and dignity of all people is good seed. It is the truth Jesus Christ preached. But the one who challenges God turns it to bring greater injustices by disregarding the equality and dignity of every human life: the unborn, the elderly, the disabled, and those different.

Evil can disguise the seed it sows as the purest of seed. Many do not understand this is happening.

Jesus told his disciples - they look but do not see and hear but do not listen or understand. That is a message for the world today.  People hear the message of evil and do not understand it for what it is.

“‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For people’s heart have become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.”

All that the devil has put in this world will not be changed unless hearts are changed. The devil has prepared many hearts as a soil to grow his seed. Changing this requires a change of hearts found only by the opening of our hearts to Christ.

This reflection is not condemning the call for change; it is calling for true change through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Justice is not about the color of one's skin; it is about the color of the heart. Ending oppression and poverty is not about changing the economic system; it is about changing hearts.

Accepting the equality of persons and respect for each and every person’s life can never be forced in this world. True equality and respect of persons is found in the recognition that we are one people called to be children of God.

Before you plant any seed, look at the seed you are planting.

Whether a seed is good or bad has nothing to do with a certain phrase or wearing a mask. It has everything to do with what is in the fertile ground of our hearts and who made that heart ready to receive the seed.

Thus says the Lord: My word shall not return to me void, but shall do my will, achieving the end for which I sent it.

Be good, be holy, and preach the Gospel by the way you live your life and love one another. That is a seed to plant in this world. Amen.

Make a Place for Jesus - Reflection 13th Sunday OTA

This week as I was studying Sunday’s readings, my grandsons joined me. I explained to them to always make a place for Jesus in their hearts. When I sang Alleluia, my six year old joined in Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

My almost two year old grandson joined us at the top of his voice - Ali-ewe-yah, ali- ewe -yah, ali-ewe-yah.

Then I read Jesus’s words: because the little one is a disciple.

That is where my reflection comes from this week.

Elisha is a lot like Jesus. They came from the same area. They are both teachers. They both are prophets. They both are miracle workers.

A certain woman tells her husband. Elisha comes to be with us often, so let us prepare a place for him.

This woman was so receptive, hospitable, and full of kindness that Elisha felt there must be something I can do for her.

Elisha is a lot like Jesus, who is our teacher, prophet, and miracle worker. Prepare a place for him.

Many say they are born again. (Even Catholics)  Many identify as Christians. But, is He the most important thing in your life?

Many will say they live for him; and, many will tell you what it means to live for Christ Jesus.

Jesus puts it in rather blunt words.

“Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me.”

God doesn’t mean that exactly; or, does he?

Surely, Jesus doesn’t mean we are supposed to love him more than our parents, spouse, children, and grandchildren.

He does. Jesus says, “Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

Those who try to live his words know one truth.

Love Jesus with all that you are and you will love others so much more. Love Jesus and he will live in our hearts. When Jesus lives in us, we will be able to see Christ in others. That takes a pure heart and if God is not first in your heart; the human heart may not truly be pure.

It is time for all of us to drop to your knees and make a place for Jesus in our hearts. Make hearts pure and ready for Jesus and He will make a place for us.

Jesus says we must come to him like children and this is with a pure heart. He said the pure of heart would see God.

Purity of heart is to will one thing in a constant and consistent path. That purity of heart should be given to Jesus, anything else divides the heart.

Look around at the many saying they seek justice and dignity; but, are their hearts pure for the one in whom is found true freedom, true justice, and true dignity. Sadly, most have no place in their hearts or agendas for Christ.

When politics is chosen over truth, purity of heart is almost always abandoned. There is no place for Jesus in the words and deeds of those who attack the Church. There is no place for Jesus in the hearts of politicians who say they are Christians and condemn Christian beliefs. There is no place for Jesus in the words and deeds of even religious leaders who do not speak truth because they are afraid to offend.

There is no place for Jesus in the hearts of many. Cardinal Ratzinger, before he became Pope Benedict, spoke of this when he said that the future church would be a lot smaller. He knew that many had not made a place for Jesus.

No matter who they are. No matter what label they wear – Christian, Catholic, Pastor, layperson, deacon, religious, Priest, or Bishop - if they put anything in their hearts above Christ, they cannot love as Christ asks us to love.

God will always seek that special place within us.

Remember, the story of Elisha and the Shunemite woman. They fed each other. The woman gave Elisha shelter and nourishment. She made a special place for him. Elisha fed the woman with spiritual food and a great reward.

When we make a place in our hearts for Jesus Christ, He feeds us a love that comes from God. Whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. That is a great reward.

Because the little one is a disciple, fall to your knees. Sing out with the pure heart of a child to make a place for Jesus. Ali-ewe-yah, ali-ewe-yah, ali-ewe-yah.

Be good, be holy and preach the gospel by the way you live your life and love one another. Amen

-- 

Peace and Love,

Deacon Bill Goss

Faithful Father’s Day - A Homily for Father's Day (12th Sunday OTA)

Happy Father’s Day; I try to be a good father for two daughters that I love very much. I’m proud of the women and mothers they’ve become.

I try to be a good grandfather. One thing that hurts is seeing the sadness in my grandson longing for his father. His dad is not there. He makes promises he doesn’t keep. When I go out of town, my grandson gets upset. He has me call him in the morning and evening to reassure him “I coming back.”

Because of his experience, he has doubts and misplaced faith.

I’m trying to restore his faith. It involves a lot of praying and presence.

 

All of God’s people need faith. But it must be the right faith, not misplaced faith. Look around, humanity has become confused about where to put their faith because of sin.

Sin causes confusion. Sin obscures the truth. Sin kills hope.

Society is weakened as the world accepts sinfulness and the confusing message of sin. That confusion weakens the human heart and hides truth so even reason fails against the misplaced faith of sinfulness. As the world tells humanity to put its faith in the wrong place, it brings a hopeless struggle.

 

We hear the whispering of others. “The world cries out terror on every side! Denounce! Denounce those who believe!” Those were the prophets Jeremiah  word’s in a time of violence and sin. People had become confused by sinfulness and were challenging those with true faith.

That is the way with humanity; we lose our way and blame others. It’s been that way throughout history.

Today, much faith is only in the things of this world. It is a faith that glorifies arrogance, greed and excess, materialism, sex, idleness, and envy. It brings bitterness, resentment, and anger.

Sin puts our selfish needs in our path to God. Sin has misplaced our faith to faith in the sins of man. None can escape it because all have sinned.

In that sin of selfish ego that belittles others because of difference racism lies. In the sin of selfish ego peaceful protest turns to civil unrest as personal agendas stoke anger, violence, and greed..

All this sinful selfishness pollutes faith and our world. The world is polluted with so much misplaced faith that something extraordinary and outside of us is needed for a change. That change will only come when we have faith in something other than the things of man.

 

That is why Jesus’ words, “Fear no one,” for we are loved by God the Father.

With violence abounding, it’s a hard thing to fear no one, but, remember this; each one of us is a dwelling place for God and His love. Each and every one of us is an image of Christ.

It is the spirit of truth, the love from God we share with one another that makes us a people of true faith. Our faith in Him is greater than the misplaced faith in the world.

The sin of misplaced faith is not in all people. God the Father knows that, He knows everything, even the number of hairs on your head. He is with us all the time. He knows our faith. He knows our heart. He did not create us to be sad and lonely in this world.

God the Father is a good Father. The type of father every father should strive to be. The type of mother every mother should strive to be. The type of person everyone should strive to be.

Even with all the misplaced faith in this world, God has not forsaken us. By His grace and the gracious gift of Jesus Christ our faith is revived.

For us, it involves a lot of praying and presence. Have faith, Jesus promised that He is coming back.

In faith, pray and ask for God’s favor upon us, our neighbors, and the world.

Be good, be holy, and have the faith to live your faith. Amen.

Feast of Corpus Christi - A Reflection

Yesterday, I was grilling. I have a pellet grill; you set the temperature and watch the time. But, a two year old in the house gives you something to watch.

My grandson wants to do exactly as I do. I put a lawn chair near the grill. He put his between me and the grill. I had to tell him, No child, that’s hot.

I would adjust the temperature dial and would move to something else and he would go for that same control. I’d warn him, No child, that’s hot.

He would laugh; it was if I had challenged him to do what he was told not to do.

We start young: not listening and doing our own thing. It’s always been that way. God told Adam and Eve, don’t eat from that tree. Basically, God said, No child, that’s hot!

We know how that went. Here we are; Still not listening to God’s word! Not by bread alone does one live, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of the LORD.

The apostles warned us - don’t listen to the false prophets. Don’t listen to those who try to change the word of God. We are children reaching for the dangerous things. We find it a challenge.

One of the things the world challenges now is the real presence in the bread and wine, the body and blood of Christ on the Eucharistic table.

It’s not the prepackage communion kits that some Churches hand out. It’s bread and the wine consecrated on the altar of God by his priest, through the power of the Holy Spirit.

The bread we break, the cup of blessing we bless; it is the body and blood of Christ.

But we seemed to have forgot that. We are stubborn children that just want to do what they want to do. They want to get close to “Hot”, what is evil and of the devil in this world.

It is so easy for the many to believe in the bad in the world. All Christians believe in the evil that is all around us. However, some who call themselves Christians want to make the evil into good. Think about all the things that God the father tells us No child, that’s hot! He got a list.

He also gave us a way to be better. He gave us Jesus, who gave all that he had for our salvation. He told us to follow him. If we don’t want to know that “Hot” in this world then follow him.

And he gave us food for that journey. I am the living bread that came down from heaven, whoever eats this bread will live forever;and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world .

It is a statement that divides the Church. If we believe the Gospel, it is Jesus’ own words.

And just like so many of those who walk with Jesus when he was on this earth, many say surely he doesn’t mean that it is really his flesh and his blood.

But he did.

Many have taken the idea of a personal relationship with Jesus as one which they make up their own rules. It’s all about them. It’s not about Jesus. It’s not about the whole world. It’s not about the one loaf, the many that is the Church.

Jesus said to them, "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him.

Can you really have a personal relationship with Jesus, if you don’t believe what he says? Are you really a Christian if you believe it all about you? If you can’t believe in Christ’s presence in the bread that is his body and the wine that is his blood, where is your faith?

Jesus’ body and blood was given to us to nourish His church. Pray brothers and sisters that we may always walk strengthened by this food.

Be good, be holy and preach the gospel by the way you live your life and share his love with one another. Amen.

First Friday Mass Homily - Feast of St. Boniface, Bishop and Martyr

The Saints are our examples on how to emulate Christ. Aw we celebrate today the feast day of St. Boniface, Bishop and Martyr, remember his example. We need examples. 

The world is filled with the wrong examples, which is the work of the devil. In those examples, the great deceiver brings fear, misery, and distrust. People are scared, unhappy, and jealous of one another. People want power. People want what others have. People don’t want others to have what they have.

The devil puts all these things into a people’s heart; but, they can never have them. They want these things but never find them. The evil one won’t let them; so, in fear, misery, and distrust, people turn to violence.

Most  want to live in comfortable familiar little worlds, so what should we do?

Look at the example of St. Boniface. He was born to nobility, educated, a teacher, and lived a peaceful life in an English monastery. When he was about 35, he left that comfortable familiar life to become a missionary in pagan Frisia and he failed miserably.

The Pope moved him to mission work in Germany and France. There he was successful and he became a Bishop. Yet, at 80, he resigned to return to his failed mission at Frisia.

St. Boniface lived the teachings of Christ and Church respecting the dignity of every person. He left the nobility of secular life and he left the nobility of the Church to be a missionary to the poor, the outcasts, and those on the margins.

He left comfort and familiarity to see Christ in people that were different from him and to love them. As Christians, it is where we need to be. It is where the world needs to be.

The disrespect and disregard of a person’s dignity based on the color and shade of their skin (no matter what it is) is what society has termed racism. Intolerance towards those different than us is bigotry.

If these are in us we cannot say we followed Christ. If anyone is preaching or promoting anything other than tolerance and respect, they are not of Christ. If we preach anything but peace we are not of Christ.

Remember the world and contemplate St. Paul’s warning to Timothy: The wicked will go from bad to worse.  But Jesus is calling us to be saints - Christ is calling us to sit at his right hand.

Boniface went back to his failed missionary work. He went with respect for the dignity of those who chased him away. He did it by faith, patience, love, and endurance so to imitate the life of Christ. And, his reward was to experienced Christ’s suffering; was killed for preaching the Gospel.

All who live religiously in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. It is the way of the world today.

We see the unrest and violence in the world. Instead, look for the saints who live for Christ and not themselves. Look at those who respect the dignity of all people and work for peace. Look with the eyes or your heart. These are the ones striving for Christ’s right hand. 

The devil will always fight them.

Look with the Eyes of the Soul - Reflection Ascension Sunday

The Acts of the Apostles is written to Theophilus. No one knows who Theophilus was; but, there was a later Theophilus. He was the Bishop of Antioch (second century) and considered one of the early church’s great apologists.

He wrote this (paraphrased): 

If you say, "Show me your God," think about this:

If you look with the eyes of the body then you will perceive only earthly objects whether white or black, well-proportioned and symmetrical or dis-proportioned and awkward…

The appearance of God is ineffable and indescribable; and, cannot be seen by eyes of flesh. All have eyes; but in some eyes are blinded and they do not see the light of the sun.

But if you look with eyes of the soul that it is when we are able to behold God. God is seen by those who are enabled to see Him when the eyes of their soul are opened:

For in glory God is incomprehensible, in greatness unfathomable, in height inconceivable, in power incomparable, in wisdom unrivaled, in goodness inimitable, in kindness unutterable.

Most men have the eyes of their soul blinded by their sins and evil deeds.

The reason I share these words of the early apologist is today’s scriptures. For some reason, some do not follow the words of Jesus in today’s Gospel.

Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.

Instead they only baptize in the name of Jesus. The reasoning, the apostles were not baptized this way. Nowhere does it say the apostles baptized this way.

It is claimed, the words of Jesus from the Gospel of Matthew were made up when priests and monks were hand writing the Bibles in the early church to match the sacrament.

Yet, Catholics and most Christian do baptize in the Trinitarian formula not just in the name of Jesus as found in the Acts of the Apostles.

First, it is what Jesus tells us. Teach them to observe all the things I have commanded you.

Second, it is a baptism just like Jesus’. When Jesus was baptized by John, the Trinity was present. “The Son is baptized, the Father speaks, and the Spirit descends.”

Even in the Acts of the Apostle when the Deacon Philip baptized the people of Samaria, Peter and John were sent there to pray and lay hands on them for they had only been baptized in the name of Jesus and not yet received the Holy Spirit.

And, Jesus promised his followers they would be baptized by the Holy Spirit. 

Those who say the early church baptized only in the name of Jesus seems to have forgotten that Act of the Apostles.

The Church baptizes in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit because is has always been led by the Holy Spirit to followed Jesus’ instructions. It is found even in the earliest Church manual, the Didache, written before the Bible. 

It is believed to have originated before most of the Gospels were written. The earliest portions issued by an Apostolic Council of the twelve headed by Peter and James at the Church in Jerusalem. These early instructions outlined a Trinitarian Baptism and the Eucharist.

There were also other Christian Churches other than the Roman Catholic Church. The Coptic Church states that their church began in 50 AD, when the Apostle Mark became the first Pope of Alexandria. They baptize in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

The Thomas Christian of Kerala India (Malabar Christians) can trace their Church to the Apostle Thomas. These Christians ecclesiastically, liturgically, and linguistically represent one of the oldest Christian traditions in the world. They baptize in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Yet, despite all these truths, many will look for God with eyes of flesh blinded by sin. If the eyes of your soul are open, as the angel said, then why are you standing there looking at the sky?

The Church looks with the eyes of the soul at Jesus’ words, follows his instructions, and believes his promise. Teach them to observe all that I have commanded you. And, behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.

In glory God is incomprehensible, in greatness unfathomable, in height inconceivable, in power incomparable, in wisdom unrivaled, in goodness inimitable, in kindness unutterable.

Be good, be holy and preach the Gospel by the way your live your life and love one another. Amen.

Social Distancing - Homily 6th Sunday of Easter

In the Acts of the Apostles is the story of Philip. This was not Philip the Apostle; this was Philip the Evangelist. This Philip was the Deacon.

In the first part of chapter 8 of Acts, we are reminded of the stoning of Stephen, the first martyr, and the severe persecution of the Church in Jerusalem. The Christians were scattered throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria. 

As the early Christians practiced social distancing, the apostles remained in Jerusalem.

This was at the time Saul was trying to destroy the church by entering house after house; dragging out men and women to put in prison.

Yet, even those escaping persecution shared the Gospel wherever they went. Philip went to city of Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah.

When the people heard Philip, they paid attention to his words and signs. Unclean spirits were cast out and people were cured.

Philip introduced the people of Samaria to the way of Jesus. It was a way of living, loving, and relating to one another new to them. Philip baptized them in the name of Jesus. There was great joy in the City of Samaria.

Philip shared the way of Jesus, a relationship built through Christ Jesus to God.  

And, Jesus teaches there is one more person in this relationship.  “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.  And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of truth…”

When the apostles heard the good work done by Philip, they sent Peter and John to pray for them, because they had not yet received the Holy Spirit. Philip only baptized them in the name of the Lord Jesus. Peter and John laid hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.

This is about relationship. Philip teaching relationship in the way of Jesus: living, loving and relating to one another differently than the world teaches.  Jesus teaches us the relationship of the Holy Trinity. It is the most divine relationship of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. It is the most precise loving, living relationship there is.

God is relationship. The way of Jesus is living, loving and relating on earth as it is in Heaven, in God.

Think about relationships. The people we tend to love are not just the people who loved us, but people who loved what we love and care about what we care about. It makes love easy, natural, and life-giving.

One place to find this place in others is the common need most people have for hope. The result of hope is joy.

Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope and do it with gentleness and reverence.

This is the secret of sharing the Gospel. It is the way Philip spoke. Pursued and persecuted for his faith in Jesus Christ, Philip had hope and shared why he had hope. The people were filled with joy.

Here we sit, a few inside the Church, wearing mask, practicing social distancing, and sanitizing our hands. Some are outside in cars watching on Facebook coming for communion. Some are home watching and will share a spiritual communion.

We have one thing in common: hope. The reason for hope as believers is Christ in our hearts. Today, the world is looking for hope. To have a relationship with God, the Holy Trinity through Jesus Christ is the promise of hope. The result of hope is joy

Even as we practice social distancing don’t forget your relationship with God. Don’t forget the living and loving relationship we have with others.

Be good, be holy, and preach the Gospel by the way you live your lives and love one another. Amen.

A Heart that Savors God – Homily on the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima

Today is the feast day of Our Lady of Fatima. She is the patroness of our Parish, what a wonderful patroness she is.  

Our Lady appeared to three peasant children (Lucia, Jacinta, and Francisco) on a hillside in Fatima, Portugal, and gave instructions.

They were not anything different from what the church teaches. None of her instructions contradicted the teachings of the word of God that came to us as Jesus Christ. The message she gave was for the times they lived in and times to come.

Mary instructed them to pray the Rosary to bring peace to the world and an end to war; pray for the conversion of Russia; and do penance. And that God wanted the world to have a devotion to Her Immaculate Heart.

The message of Fatima is important now as it was then. Pray the rosary, pray for peace, pray for the conversion of sinners, and do penance. And, have devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

On the 100^th anniversary of Fatima, P. Francis said ‘the children’s encounter with Our Lady was an experience of grace that inspired their love for Jesus. Mary led them to savor God as the most beautiful reality of human existence.”

That is the promise found in Jesus words, "Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it." Simple children heard the message and lived it. They lived lives of unwavering faith.

Great things can come from people of simple unwavering faith.

Today, in these trying times, listen to the words of Jesus and the message of Our Lady.

"Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it." Pray the rosary, pray for peace, pray for the conversion of sinners, and do penance. And have devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Don’t just listen the words, contemplate them, gnaw on them, consume them, make them part of us, and then act on them.

Pope Benedict wrote “The heart open to God, purified by contemplation of God, is stronger than anything that can come against us.”

(Friends) strong is the Immaculate Heart of Mary? She must be the example for our hearts open to God.

At Fatima, Our Lady declared “My Immaculate Heart will triumph!” In that have unwavering faith. The heart open to God is stronger than any disease or pestilence; pandemic or plague; violence or war.

Our Lady taught the children to pray. One prayer was this: My God, I believe, I adore, I hope and I love You! I ask pardon of You for those who do not believe, do not adore, do not hope and do not love You! Amen.

A heart that savors God is a most beautiful reality of human existence.

Be good, be holy, and pray for each other. Amen.

A While to be Silent - First Friday Homily - May 1, 1010

(Readings)

We live in unusual times and want explanations. Some things are accepted; some are not.   

Some things are ironic. Saul of Tarsus was set to the home of Judas on Straight street.  

Some things are hard to understand. The Corona Virus is spread by social contact. Prevention limits work, school, and gatherings (no public mass, no sharing of the Eucharist).

Solitary confinement is harsh medicine. It’s considered a severe punishment. It’s not a restful stillness, but of anxiousness and sorrow. Despite these rules of social distancing; in our area cases are increasing at rates higher than others. It seems people don’t believe what is said about the Covid 19 virus.

Yet, we ask why God is doing this. People want explanations. Is it punishment; a warning sign?

Maybe, it’s a time of lament; a time to ask “why;” perchance, a while to be silent, look at our lives, and to pray. Perhaps, it’s a time to be still and know God.

Possibly, it’s like the time the Lord gave Saul.

He was going down the wrong path believing it was God’s work. The Lord gave Saul a time of solitary confinement. In this time of quiet, Saul prayed and the Lord set him straight.

Ananias laying hands on him, said “Saul, my brother, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you has sent me that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately the scales fell from his eyes and he regained his sight. He got up and was baptized…”

Moving beyond self is the answer Jesus gives. Listen to His words.

“Unless you eat the Flesh of the Son of Man and drink his Blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. My Flesh is true food.  My Blood is true drink. Whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood remains in me and I in him.”

People tend to believe in themselves and not the real presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist.

In this time of Solitary Confinement away from the real presence, the Lord has sent us to be healed.

Sadly, not all will be healed; but in this time of lament, Christ is opening the eyes of many.  

Amen

Time for a U-Turn - Homily 3rd Sunday of Easter

Facebook Live Video

I would like to tell you about a U-turn.  (thanks Jenaye Hill for the inspiration).

Two disciples were walking on the road to Emmaus from Jerusalem on the Sunday of the resurrection talking about everything that was going on.

That discussion was probably intense. The gospel says they were conversing and debating as they traveled.

Jesus comes to walk with them and asks what they are talking about. With that question, the disciples stopped and became depressed.

Cleopas turned and looked at Jesus. Not recognizing him, he said “Man where have you been not to know the things that have happened in the past couple of days?”

Jesus answered, “What sort of things?”

The two disciples were traveling down the road to their home in Emmaus from Jerusalem. It was probably a road they had taken many times. It was a familiar road. It was a well-traveled road.

Yet, they were lost. They were sojourning in misery, abiding in disappointment. They were returning home to the place they were at before they knew Jesus.

They felt separated from Christ Jesus. God had left them.

That may have been some of what they debated. They missed Jesus. They were scared; so, they had left Jerusalem to return home.

Maybe they debated on who was the advocate (the Paraclete) Jesus promised. Would He open the doors to Jesus’ kingdom?

Instead, Jesus showed up to open their hearts and eyes. Jesus didn’t let it happen right away. He decided they needed to make a U-turn. 

He wanted them to learn something. The disciples had been told before by Jesus of all the events that were to happen; but, they had not believed. So as they walked along, He interpreted to them what referred to him in all the Scriptures.

He wanted them to learn to trust God's promises.

At the end of the day, the two invited Jesus to eat with them. When Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them; their eyes were opened and they recognized him.

They made an Emmaus road U-Turn (thanks Jenaye Hill for the inspiration).

Their eyes were opened before the apostles. Not being disrespectful to any priest but Jesus opened their eyes before he open they eyes of the priesthood He had just established.

Since they didn’t have cellphones, Facebook, Instagram, or twitter, they ran back to tell the apostles.

A lovely lady I know does not use social media so almost every week I get a message asking “is mass open this week?”

She wants to come to mass and feels lost without it; but, she is not lost. She knows where she wants to be and waits for the Bishop to open the doors.

Watching this, you’re probably not lost; but, many might have heads down feeling dejected or disappointed because of everything going on. Some may feel Jesus has left us abandoned.  

This pandemic is making a time of abiding quiet and isolation. This is a time of sojourning. It is a time many might fail to trust in God’s promises. For many, belief has become weak.

It is time for an Emmaus road U-turn.

At this time (more than any other time many have experienced) we must dwell in hope. It is a time to open hearts and eyes to realize we have been ransomed be the precious blood of Christ.

This pandemic is like the Emmaus road; so, walk with Jesus. He will open our eyes because faith and hope are in God.  Thank God for U-turns.

Be good, be holy, and preach the Gospel by the way you live your life and love one another. Amen.

Divine Mercy Sunday.

Today is Divine Mercy Sunday.

Facebook Live - Divine Mercy Sunday at OLF

In the 1^st letter of St. Peter this truth is shared.  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope…

His great mercy is the compassion, love, and forgiveness shown to us sinners by the one who has power to punish us.

Most of us learn about mercy from our parent. All the things as children, teenagers, and even adults we’ve done; they love us and forgive us.  

Friends through Jesus Christ, we are the adopted children of God. Through Jesus Christ, God’s loving mercy overflows on us; from that comes Hope.

Even in this time of everything going on around us, pandemic, quarantine, being separated from the Eucharist and community; because of Jesus Christ’s love and sacrifice for us, there is hope.

Trust in Jesus and his endless Mercy.

St. Faustina wrote: When I see the burden is beyond my strength, I do not analyze and probe; but, run like a child to the heart of Jesus.

The world promotes doubt: but, look and see the miracles around us.

Run like a child to the heart of Jesus. Put our finger in the nail marks. Place our hands in the wounds on his side. Feel the blood and water which gush forth for the salvation our souls.

In this time with everything going on around us, run to Jesus, offer an act of contrition, perform a spiritual communion.  And say, “Jesus I trust in you.”

Not just on this Divine Mercy Sunday, but every day. Amen.

Something in Common - Homily Easter Sunday

(My first Easter reflections Easter 2015 - Repeat)

Facebook Live: Easter Sunday at SL

Alleluia This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad. Alleluia - Happy Easter.

It was still dark and they ran to the tomb - Mary, Peter, and the disciple Jesus loved. Peter was older and maybe a litter heavier so didn't get there first: but, he was the first to go in and found the tomb empty, the burial cloths rolled up. Then the other disciple went in: They saw and believed but they didn’t understand.

But the Gospel does not include the next verse.  “Then the disciples returned home.”

They just returned home. It doesn’t tell us what they believed, did they believe the body was stolen or that Jesus had risen?

This is the Gospel of John, the disciple Jesus loved. John saw and believed and then he writes, they did not understand. They just returned home.

The disciples loved Jesus. They followed him and hung on every word, every miracle, and teaching. Most of the time, they didn’t get it. They believed in him but they didn’t always understand him.

We have an advantage and something in common with the disciples.

The advantage, we don’t have to see to believe. We celebrate Easter Sunday because we do believe. We believe because we have the Gospel. We know what he experienced: celebrations, betrayal, abandonment, pain, suffering and death. We know the passion of Christ from Palm Sunday to His crucifixion on Good Friday.

We believe because we know what’s after the empty tomb. So today, Easter Sunday, we celebrate His resurrection.

Now, the part we have in common - so many don’t understand. This Sunday morning, Christians throughout the world will celebrate his resurrection then simply return home.

We believe, but, do we understand? Do we simply return home?

Returning home is not always a good thing. I’m not talking about the house of wood or brick but what is in our heart. The old saying home is where the heart is. Where is your heart?

I’m about to say ugly words about the heart - home; some are built with anger, prejudice, bias, and the self-centered aspects of human life.

We can all know those places - We find ourselves there sometimes.  It is that old yeast we are to get rid of according to St. Paul. It is found in those with lukewarm  faith. They believe but don’t understand. They’ve gone back home.

Those who say the Lord will never forgive them for what they have done. They believe but don’t understand. They’ve gone back home.

Those who say God spoke to them and everyone else is wrong. They believe but don’t understand. They’ve gone back home.

Those who say, God doesn’t love Muslims or Hindus or Buddhist or Atheist or Homosexuals or anyone who is different. They believe but don’t understand. They’ve gone back home.

People don’t understand, Jesus died for all of us and for all of our sins.

People don’t understand, His promise of eternal life is for all who believe. People don’t understand the tomb being empty means He is alive in the world, for all of us.

Christ is not distant and impersonal. Christ forgive all our sins and hears all our prayers.

We do believe but do we understand that Christ is with us and loves us no matter who our priest or preacher is; or, how we live our lives; or, what sins we have. 

How do we understand - know our faith. How do we understand - know Jesus. How do we understand - know His love.

Believe and understand, prepare your home:

Today and every day, Christ lives and He cares for us. Today and every day, Christ lives and He is close to us. Today and every day, Christ lives and He offers us a relationship real and personal. 

Pope Francis explains it in words I love, “Christ, the everlasting today of God.” My friends, this is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad.

Be good, be holy, and preach the Gospel that we believe. Amen

The Walk - Homily Palm Sunday

Today the Gospels tell of Jesus’ experience during the time we call Holy Week. It begins Jesus riding victoriously on a colt into Jerusalem. Then the Gospel of Mathew continues with betrayal, the last supper, the agony in the Garden, the arrest of Jesus, his trial, and crucifixion.

The Gospel tells us of

•      Jesus who knows what is to come.
•      Jesus understanding it is for the good of all.
•      Him realizing and accepting the Father’s will.
•      The human Jesus and the divine Christ.

It is also the story the people who walked with Jesus and their human failures. Judas Iscariot falls prey to greed and for 30 pieces of silver, betrays Jesus with a kiss. Peter falls to his fear. “My faith will never be shaken.” And he denied Jesus three times. 

Twelve people, Jesus’ disciples and friends are put to the test. All failed by human weakness. Watch & pray you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Today, we can all relate to their test during this time of isolation & quarantine.

I’m lucky to be quarantined with 2 of my 3 grandchildren; a 6 y.o. and a 19 m.o. boys. This is gratifying, consoling, and terrifying. In quarantine, I’ve discovered the 19 m.o. thinks closed doors are to open and contents pulled out, heights are to climb, and punishment is overcome by curling up on Poppy’s lap with a kiss.

I worry a trip to the store brings sickness home. I’m concerned about social distancing at mass. Will I cause my grandchildren or my children or my wife or mother to get sick? I’m tested because Christ called me to follow him. We are put to the test.

Friends, this time is not unique it has been repeated over the years: Plagues, pestilence, wars, oppression and persecution that brings no priest, no mass, no Eucharist, and absence of community.

All of this is part of the story of those who walk with Jesus

Jesus tells us in the Gospel, all of you will have your faith shaken. The Church is tested. Faith undergoes trial. The Gospel is challenged.

In times of no Eucharistic meal; prayer, faith, and devotion to Christ Jesus prevails. When there was no priest to minister, the faithful share prayers, the gospel, and community even in the smallest groups.

The Church (the body of believers) has passed the test fighting fear, greed, laziness, and human weakness with a devoted belief in the Gospel and Jesus Christ, prayer and undying faith.  

This quarantine has many of us feeling deprived. This Holy Week realize this: We are not deprived. Christ Jesus died for our sins. He died for our salvation.

We are not deprived Easter, because He rose from the grave in the promise of eternal life.

During this crisis, when we question God, question one’s self, do I walk with Him: Am I ready to die with Him?

As we pray that God in his mercy takes this cup from us, remember God’s mercy is all around us.

God’s mercy is in the health care workers who sacrifice so much taking care of the sick and dying. His mercy is in the people working to provide food, necessities, and protection. God’s mercy is found even in our leaders whose hearts are open to Him.

God mercy is doing what we should be doing. Ask God’s mercy for our community and the whole world in our prayers and devotions.

More than ever this crisis in the world calls us to be good and holy people, praying for God’s mercy, and for the time we can come together again. 

Amen.