Changed by Communion - Reflection 2nd Sunday of Lent

 Praise be Jesus Christ, for ever and ever.

Communion is important. We think of it as the Lord’s Supper, the Eucharist. It is the taking and sharing of the body and blood of Christ.

But, communion is also coming together as community. The word community comes from communion.

It is a good thing to consider on this Sunday when we remember the transfiguration of Jesus. When on the mountain Jesus’ countenance was changed. His face showed with holy light. His clothes become whiter than they could ever be bleached.

Described by the Mark communion happened on that mountain that changed Jesus and the three disciples. There was also a communion of community in Jesus, Elijah, and Moses.

Peter knew the importance of that communion. He said, “Rabbi it is good that we are here!”  Peter in Kkew that instance of communion and community was an important change.

Communion changes us. Communion in the body and blood of Christ in the sacrament of most Holy Eucharis, changes us. Communion in community, changes us.

Communion is missing in this pandemic. Communion is hard from isolation. Many are missing the Blessed Sacrament. Many are missing the communion of community.

In this pandemic, the devil is working in the world using all to pull us away from communion. He is pulling people away from the Church. The evil one is trying to pull as many as he can away from God.

But the devil is putting out there through the evil is this world that if there is a God, He does not care for us. Look at the suffering and evil in the world. Isn’t it something that the world points to those in communion with the evil one to try to discredit God.

Hold on tight to God.

Abraham could have easily given up on God. He was leading his son up the mountain to sacrifice him.  That one act could have been the epicenter of pandemic of a soul that could have changed the world. Even in a time of tragedy God was there. God intervened. God renewed His relationship of love with humankind through Abraham and Isaac. It was a act of communion. God was there. Abraham was there. Isaac was there. And in those were the decedents of Abraham, Jesus, and all of us.

Remember what Paul wrote “Brothers and sisters: If God is for us, who can be against us?” Remember, through prayer, through worship, through family, even though our Facebook live feed of mass, we have communion of community.

God created us for communion. God created us out of love. God wants to share in his love, to have others to love and to be loved by.

We can choose that communion freely and intelligently to love as God our maker loves. Friends, it is time to share in true communion with God. It is time for believer to return to the Blessed Sacrament.

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

Praise be Jesus Christ, for ever and ever. Amen.

Lent – preparing for communion - Reflection 1st Sunday of Lent

Praise be Jesus Christ, forever and ever. Amen.

Today is the first Sunday in Lent and I had a great ministry experience visiting with the children preparing to make their first communion.

The first day of Lent began as I prayed and contemplated Luke 4:16-30. Jesus went to the synagogue in his home town of Capernaum and was given the scroll to read. He said this has been fulfilled in your hearing. The people didn't necessary like what Jesus said.

The scripture readings at mass included the Gospel telling us of Jesus’ temptation in the desert; and, how Jesus proclaimed the gospel of God. And in the epistle, Peter wrote "Christ suffered so He might lead you to God.”

My random passage for prayer was PS 19:15 - "Let the words of my mouth and the thought of my heart find favor before you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer."  I thank the Holy Spirit gave me that  one in preparation for speaking to children.

It was a wonderful blessing to meet with the first communion preparation class. I had come to explain receiving communion. I let them taste the unconsecrated communion host. I explained they were eating just bread.

Then I told them how it becomes the body of Christ when consecrated on the altar. The Eucharist is when we as a Church celebrate the Lord’s Last Supper. Then I asked if anyone could tell me what that was?

My grandson raised his hand and explained it beautifully and almost perfectly. Jesus took bread and wine and gave it to his disciples and said this is my body and blood – eat it.

Trying to speak so a seven year old can understand, I explained that after it becomes the body of Christ, it was still going to look like bread and wine, taste like bread and wine, and feel like bread and wine. But, through the prayers of the priest, the power of the Holy Spirit, and grace of God, it becomes the real body and blood of Christ.

Afterwards one little girl told her mom, she had tasted communion bread. Mom ask, “Did she like it?”  She said “It was wonderful and it wasn’t even Jesus yet.”

These children are so excited about their first communion and becoming part of the celebration of the mass; But, what about the rest of us? Many have become like the people in Jesus home town. They listen to Jesus and find his words troublesome.

I think over the past year, many have found themselves in the desert with all these temptations around them. The devil is challenging so many people’s faith.  He wants us to be like those who get mad a Jesus and let Jesus slip from their midst.

Prayerfully this is not my fate. By God’s grace, it is not the fate of these children so excited to soon be receiving Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.  But, possibly it may a problem for those easily finding a reason not to come to mass.

Friends it is time to get excited about receiving Jesus. Our Lady of Fatima and St. Lawrence have three masses on the weekend. Each mass has good attendance; but, none are full. Come back to mass. Come back to Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. Christ suffered so much so that he might lead you to God.

Follow him. Call your priest. Call your deacon. Reserve a spot and prepare to make yourself ready for the Kingdom of God. Make yourself ready this Lent.

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

God Just Doesn't Chose Some - Homily 6th Sunday OT

Praise be Jesus Christ, forever and ever.

Happy Sunday and Happy Valentine’s Day; on this day most of the world celebrates love, it is a great day for us to celebrate God’s love for us and our love for each other.

Sometimes, with love we have to do hard things.

My two year old grandson is a handful. In fact, we got two calls from the daycare this week asking us to come and resolve some issues. He’s not bad; but, he is a daredevil. Because of the weather, he and a roomful of two year olds have been cooped up inside for some time.

We are told he is the ringleader. He runs, He roars like a dinosaur. He climbs on tables and dances, and the rest of the children follow him. The problem is the teachers cannot catch him to stop him.

The first time, his mother went to the school and gave him a warning. That warning was the next time poppy is coming. I told him the next morning if the school called again, I would have to punish him. Two hours later….

He was good the rest of the week.

No matter how rambunctious, I love him with all my heart. Each  of my grandchildren - Liam, Carson, and Scarlett – through the grace and glory of God have different and unique. I love them with all my heart.  

Friends, look at family friends, and think about the love that you have for them. Which one could you choose not to love?

If we truly imitate Christ, then we should love our neighbors as well.

God doesn’t just choose some of us to love. God cannot - not love us.

Strong is his love for us; He is faithful forever. (Ps 117:2)  You are precious in my sight and I love you. (Is 43)

That is the story behind the Gospel today. A leper came to Jesus and begged to be healed. Jesus was moved with pity, stretched out his hand and touched him and said “be made clean.”

Jesus’ entire life here on earth was about God’s love for us.

God’s love includes everyone. God welcomes all who approach him. He reaches out to touch all of us. He touches us all made unclean by sin. He reaches out to us when no one else will come near us

He reaches out to the sick, the poor, the hungry, the homeless, the imprisoned, the naked, the elderly, the addict, the sinner, and the lost. All of us are in one of those categories.

God doesn’t care who has passed judgement on you.

He lovingly stretches out his hand ignoring the blotches, scabs, and pustules of sin that scar us. He doesn’t see race or sexuality or gender or sinfulness. He doesn’t care if clothes are rent and dirty. He doesn’t see the unclean or those gone astray. All of us are in one of those categories.

God looks at us and sees the ones He loves. The LORD knows each of us “I have called you by name and you are mine.” He tells all of us “I love you”

He tells us that in Jesus Christ, the greatest gift of love ever given to us.

The problem is humanity exists in this delicate balance of freedom which allows us to accept that God loves us or deny it. It is the balance of what we are given and the life choices we make: a choice to give glory to God or to deny Him.

By giving glory to God, we show how we love Him.

Giving glory to God is the choices we make. Giving glory to God is our relationship with others. Giving glory to God is how we help others. Giving glory to God is living our faith expressed by our love.

This is how St. Paul imitated Christ. We must do the same. We must see others as Christ does.

Sometimes for love we have to do hard things. One of the hardest things is ignoring what this world has turned into a new leprosy, the differences that make us who we are and give glory to God for each other. God loves all of us.  

On this day and every day we should celebrate love, God’s love for us and our love for each other. Be good, be holy and preach the gospel by the way you live your life and love one another. Amen

Praise be Jesus Christ, forever and ever. Amen.

Called to Pursue Jesus - Reflection 5th Sunday OTB

Praise be Jesus Christ, forever and ever. Amen

Bishop Robert Barron’s Sunday Sermon is titled “What Our Lives Must be About.” I haven’t listened yet, but God speaks to me in those words to truly discover and understand what our life here in this existence must be all about.  

God is giving us this in our Mass readings. But, if we listen closely he gives us that message in all the scriptures as we venture more deeply into a relationship with him.

Although, I’m no great theologian, God puts in my heart in prayers and understanding that moves me closer to that understanding.

It begins with this truth: God created us for good works.(Eph 2:10)  

God has a plan for creation. He knows what He wants to get done. It is his vision of glory. It includes us.

Since His plan includes us, God has put part of that plan in our hearts. It is a longing for Him. That is part of our being. It is part of us that only God can truly fill.

Everyone has that desire for God in our hearts. To fulfill that desire, human hearts will search a lifetime to find what can fill that wanting.  They call it something that will make them complete. But, some in the freedom of their creation deny God and fill that longing with things of this world. They are never truly satisfied.

God sent us the one that can help us with that emptiness inside us.

God created us in Christ Jesus; by finding Jesus, some find God. Yet, even though many know about Jesus, not everyone knows what their lives must be about.

Simon and his companions pursued Jesus. They hunted for Jesus. They said everyone was searching for him; but even then, Simon, his companions and everyone else didn’t know exactly what they were looking for from Jesus.

When Jesus walked with the multitudes, many could not accept what following Jesus is about; so many returned home. They turned to other things. Those things become the normal.

But for those who truly have found Christ and are created in Christ, then that part of God’s creation in us that is a desire to know God is fulfilled.  Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.

Jesus wants everyone to know God’s message.

I have to go out to the neighboring towns to proclaim the message that is what I have come to do.  He goes out to those who have found the things of this world instead of God. He seeks the sinners, tax collectors, and yes, even Pharisees and scribes.

He is going after the lost sheep. He is looking for the lost coin. He is opening the heart of the prodigal son so that he can run back to the loving arms of the Father.

We are to do the same thing.

St. Paul writes, we are all called to bring the message of Jesus Christ to others. As Christians it is our obligation. It is because of who we are. It is because we are all sinners. It is because we have experienced suffering.

It is because of our life experiences that we may have once lived and survived by the grace of God that we bring a true witness of the Good News of Jesus Christ to the lost sheep, the prodigal sons and daughters, and to all sinners.

If we preach the gospel, we share in the gospel.

God’s merciful love created us. He made us who we are. The lives we live in this world can make us something other than God’s beautiful creation. All are sinners. But, when we open our hearts to let Christ Jesus enter the place God has created in us; what we become is truly our gift back to God.

Our lives can be lived to fulfill the vision of God’s glory. We must proclaim the Gospel. We must share Christ with as many as possible.

God tells us that is what our lives must be about.

Be good, be holy and preach the gospel by the way we live our lives and love one another. Amen

Praise be Jesus Christ, forever and ever. Amen.

Don't Worry, Trust - A Reflection 4th Sunday OTB

Praise be Jesus Christ forever and ever. Amen

St Paul said we should be free of anxieties. This is one thing all should take to heart; especially in this world today. Anxiety and worry are conscience actions. If we put those anxieties and worries before our faith in God then it is sinful.

It is a hard thing in this life to not be anxious and worry.

St. Paul goes on to tell us a way to be free of anxieties of this world; don’t get married. We should all remain chaste so not to worry about the things of this world. Instead we are to put all our efforts into pleasing the Lord.  Put our faith in the Lord.

He says he is not telling us this to put a restraint on us; but, it is true. Think about life.

When you’re young you have a lot of anxieties. Young people have anxiety about everyday stuff, about the future, and even about small things. Children worry about so much.

Adults both single and married people worry. They have the same anxieties as young people and children but add to that anxiety with worry about paying the bills, jobs, health issues, and things important to us; but in the overall scheme we worry about small things.

This world tells us we should worry. We need to worry about our climate, our government, things that happened in the past. It wants to build and multiply our anxieties to control us.

These anxieties and worries are the unclean spirits the world puts in our heart.  The devil uses all this anxiety and worry for his gain.

As a deacon – the world gives me a lot to worry about.  

I have asked these questions over and over again. Am I a good enough person, spouse, father, grandfather, son, and brother? Am I a good enough provider for those who depend upon me?

Can I take care of my parents as I should be able to take care of them as they grow older?

Even though they are grown women, I want to worry about my children and their children, my grandchildren. Are they safe; do they have what they need?

Am I a good deacon? Am I there when people need me? Am I open to where the Lord leads me? Are my prayers strong enough? Am I there for the Church, the Bishop, or the priest?

Friends, there is one thing that rebukes these unclean spirit of anxiety and worry we all must fight. It is faith in Jesus Christ. These unclean spirits know they have no power over him and they have no power over us if we put all our faith in him.

But anxiety and worry can attack even the most faithful.

We know the story, Jesus and the disciples are in a boat on the Sea of Galilee when a storm comes up. In the anxieties and worry created by that storm, the disciples wake up Jesus who was asleep in the boat.

He turned to his disciples and asked them “Why are your terrified? Do you not yet have faith?”  

Jesus rebuked the wind and said to the seas, “Peace be still” (Mk 4)

Jesus tells us to resist the anxiety and worry of life. We are to refrain from all the worries we have as children or young people or adults or deacons. Do not worry about eat/drink or our body and what we will wear for worry cannot add a single moment to a life. Instead, we are to trust in God our Father’s providence. (Mt 6)

Friends, we are to trust in the Lord. We are to have faith. Faith is the realization of that ultimate trust.

Trust that Jesus will command the storms in our life with “Peace be still!” Trust, He will cast out our anxiety and worry like an unclean spirit.

In this world, the only person to truly trust is God. Trust God has given us the strength we need. Trust the path God leads us on.

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

Praise be Jesus Christ, forever and ever. Amen.

Words - Reflection 3rd Sunday OTB - Word of God Sunday

Praise be Jesus Christ, forever and ever. Amen

Today we celebrate the “Word of God Sunday.”

As a deacon,  my ministry is to proclaim the to the world. I am to preach the word of God. It is not to be changed. It is not to be interpreted into something that it is not.

When God sends you out into the world, do as God says. The word of the LORD came to Jonah, saying: “Set out for the great city of Nineveh, and announce the message that I will tell you.”

Jonah ran away; but, that didn’t go quite as Jonah expected. God wants his word, the Good News to be heard.

His word was important enough that he sent his word incarnate to be among us. He sent his word may flesh. And, Jesus came proclaiming the gospel of God.

For the Church, spreading the gospel by fulfilling the words of God in this world is the greatest of actions.

Jesus said, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” It starts with the mass. The word of God is strengthened by prayer. The word of God is brought to the world by our actions.  

This world emphasizes human words so much. It has become the norm to ignore God's creation to use the individual choice of preferred gender pronoun. If not then words are turned against the offender  - intolerant, prejudiced, homophobe, or another degrading and not necessarily true label.

The world makes up new words to put its message out there. Take the words recently used in a prayer before the US Congress; Amen and Awomen. 

It was said this phrase was used to respect women; but, they disrespected God. Not the word;  a human word is just a jumble of letters that represents sounds, but the action of using those words in a prayer of praise and thanksgiving took the focus off God and put on a prideful stunt.

Amen and Awoman were words spoken by a minister of God. That is the problem.

This week with a new administration in Washington DC, words and what they mean have been in the news.  But, here are the words that mean more than any other words. These are words of God written by the finger of God.

• “I am the Lord thy God, you shall no other gods before Me.“
• “You shall not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.”
• “You shall not kill.”
• “You shall not commit adultery.”
• “You shall not steal.”
• “You shall not bear false witness against thy neighbor.”
• “You shall not covet thy neighbor’s wife or their goods.”

These words were spoken again here on earth by Incarnate Word of God Jesus Christ in a simpler way "love the Lord God with all your heart and all your soul and all you mind. And love your neighbor as yourself.”

Yet for those who deny Jesus Christ and deny the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit; these commandments of God are just words to be changed and manipulated and used.

As sinners, we all fail to follow God’s word. To many, they are just words, an inconvenience; and they sin over and over again.

That is why the grace of Jesus’ final words must be remembered, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.”

We need to change our ways. We need to proclaim the word of God so all can come to believe.

Time is running out.

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

Praise be Jesus Christ, forever and ever. Amen.

A Difficult Vocation - Homily Reflection 2nd Sunday OTB

Praise be Jesus Christ, forever and ever.

I am always looking for something - usually, it’s my wallet or my keys. Earlier this week, my grandson was walking through the house, holding his "sippy" cup in one hand and a cookie in the other.  He asks “Where is my cup? Have you seen my cup?”

His mother says “Silly Liam, it’s in your hand.”  He laughs - Ha Ha Ha – I’m like poppy. He takes in everything how I love and even my faults and failures. My friends the whole world is watching our Christian family that is the Body of Christ, taking it all in.

Samuel was just a child and not familiar with the LORD; but he was taking it all in - the temple, the priest, the worship, and the words of the prophet Eli.  He was sleeping in the temple when he heard God speaking to him. The prophet Eli, said answer a certain way. He took those words into his heart and when the LORD called out, Samuel answered “Speak Lord your servant is listening." Samuel took it all in to his heart and from that point on, the Lord was with him not permitting any word of his to be without effect.

Two of John’s disciples took it all in when John pointed to Jesus and said “Behold the Lamb of God.” They followed after Jesus. Jesus said to them “Come, and you will see.” And they went and stayed with him and took all that he said and all that he did into their hearts.

Samuel and the disciples took it all in and found the LORD. They took it all in and it changed them.  

Joined with God through the Holy Spirit, Samuel and the first disciples realized their vocation. All the people of God are given the same vocation. That vocation found in God is love. “God is love.”

All who follow Christ are given the perfect example of that vocation. Come and see - Love is where Jesus stays. Our vocation in Jesus is to give love and have love for all.

It is a difficult vocation.

It is hard for humanity in its imperfection to love. Even as Christians we fail to truly love as Christ wants us to love.

Look at what Christians have put out in the public forum in the past year. It is as if so many have forgotten love. In a time of pandemic and suffering when so many need prayer, love, and compassion, the most important thing for many is political party or agenda.

And everyone around us is taking it all in.

They take it in as Priest and ministers preach politics instead of love. Good and beautiful people have forgotten love and spout unpleasant ugliness. Politics are more important than people. 

The sin of this world demands people take sides and agitate. Instead of showing love, sin leads us to judge and condemn others. Surely we cannot love them. They’ve got flaws. They believe differently and because of that; God cannot love them.

People put a limit on God’s love; but, that limit is humanly created. It is a human idea that destroys others by humiliation and degradation.

Humiliating and degrading human dignity is immoral. It is wicked. It is failing our God given vocation of love. St. Paul calls it sin against others and sin against our own self.

God’s truth is His love has no limits. Love comes from God. He is its source. God is the completeness and perfection of love. And since God is love then we, his followers, who are born of God, will also love

Tomorrow, we celebrate as a country the Dr. Martin Luther King holiday. One of his most famous quotes great civil rights leader is “I have decided to stick with love. ...” He chose to bring change through love.

Friends, to truly fight for justice, equality, and change; we must love.

Although we are all imperfect and struggling against the voice of this world answer Jesus’ call to follow his love -  Here I am Lord.

Our vocation is to share God’s love. It should be our message. Samuel spoke and his words were never without effect. Andrew ran to tell others come and see,  “We have found Christ”

Everyone (country, community, neighbors, family, our children) is watching and hearing everything we do. They see how we act; what we say; and how we love one another. They take it all in, even our faults and failures.

In the life we live, Is it love they see?

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

Praise be Jesus Christ, forever and ever. Amen.

Baptismal Promises - Reflection of The Baptism of the Lord

Praise be Jesus Christ, forever and ever. Amen.

This week, I have gotten so many calls from people asking me to pray for them. People are filled with anxiety, fear, and panic. For that reason, earlier this week I shared this prayer “Jesus I belong to you; Jesus is my Lord and savior.”

It is a good prayer to share for a couple of reasons.

First, look at the world, It seems people have forgotten Jesus. 

Many people who call themselves Christians are forgetting the most important part of being a Christian. They are forgetting the love Jesus taught us.

Instead, they like to call themselves by some other name. This past year, many have identified themselves by their political party or beliefs. By politics and agendas, the leaders of this world want us to worship them as gods so to forget the true God.

It is happening.

I have seen priest and ministers post ugly political statements not about policy but about people. I have seen good and beautiful people spout unpleasant ugliness. Instead of voicing disagreement on agendas and platforms, they judge and condemn persons.

So many baptized Christians have forgotten to live their baptismal promises. If we forget these we forget we belong to Jesus.

Do you remember your baptismal promises?

·      Do you reject Satan and all his works and all his empty promises?

·      Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth?  

·      Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary was crucified, died, and was buried, rose from the dead, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father?

·      Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting?

Friends, stay strong. Renew these promises every day. Remember the love Jesus taught us and pray “I belong to Jesus; Jesus is my Lord and savior.”

Second,this pandemic is causing people to lose hope. It is getting worse every day.   

Friends and family are sick. Friends and family are dying. Everyone is suffering in some way or another. Say this prayer, because people are losing hope. 

People say this pandemic is the work of the devil. It is not.

But, the devil is using this pandemic for his agenda.  The devil spreads fear, anger, hatred, division (disunity), anxiety, greed, injustice, despair, confusion or chaos, lust, sloth, and pride.

Those attack hope. Those attack faith. Those attack humanity.

The devil attacks us in this pandemic and through politics.  

But, remember John the Baptist proclaimed - “A mighty one is coming…. I have baptized you with water, He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”  

That one is Jesus the Christ, the son of God, Jesus Christ, Lord of all. God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and power. He heals the sick. He heals those oppressed by the devil.

My friends whenever you are tempted by the devil to put anything before your faith or tempted by sin. Whenever you are tempted by anything that takes you away from the beautiful creation you are in God, say this prayer: “I belong to Jesus; Jesus is my Lord and savior.”

Remember the love Jesus taught us and pray this prayer three times. 

I belong to Jesus; Jesus is my Lord and savior.

I belong to Jesus; Jesus is my Lord and savior.

I belong to Jesus; Jesus is my Lord and savior.

It is a prayer that proclaims Jesus and helps to keep us good, holy, and preaching the gospel by the way we live our lives and love one another.

Praise be Jesus Christ, forever and ever. Amen.

Big Ears - Homily Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

Praise be Jesus Christ, forever and ever! Amen.

Happy New Year!

Have you ever hear this saying - that one has got some big ears? It's not about physical appearance but the habit of hearing everything. Even if, it is not intended for them.

My mother called me Mr. Big Ears.  I overheard everything. The women in the family would gather on the porch or living room and in a hushed tone have women talk (gossip). The men would get together around the bed of a pickup and discuss manly things (gossip).

I would hear it.

Children have big ears, they hear things. My children had big ears. My wife and I would whisper things we didn’t want them to hear. We go to another room, whisper, and it seemed if we didn’t leave the house, our children would hear what we said. 

It is the same with my grandchildren. They hear everything around them.

I thought that about Mary in the gospel today, she had big ears. Mary took what she heard the shepherds say to her heart and reflected on it. When Mary and Joseph presented the infant Jesus at the temple, Mary took what she heard from prophetess Anna and Simeon to her heart and reflected upon it. She took what the angel said to her at the annunciation and reflected upon it. She prayed about all these things and they became part of her.

Mary had an advantage over us, she was immaculately conceived; born without original sin. She was born without the stain of sin from this world.

We cannot say that.

When I was young, I heard gossip of relatives, parents, and neighbors. There was church, school, and every now and then a TV show. I took it all in, Mr. Big Ears. it became part of who I am. My children heard more television, more radio, more gossip, more news, and more exposure to the world. My grandchildren the same and hear Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and  others. They take it all in. They think about. It becomes part of them.

When I was young, the adults would gather and speak in hushed tones about grownup things. They would whisper the words young ears shouldn't hear. The biggest concern was I might hear something and repeat it. 

Now, my grandchildren watch cartoons that normalizes the fact that a person born a male can just decide that they want to become a female or vice versa.  Children have big ears, they take it all in; but, so do adults. All that the world throws out there big ears take in. The world says it is OK. It is normal. Instead of praying about it, too many times it is just accepted. Morals and truth are attacked.

In the past year, ears have been exposed to not necessarily good things. The death and distress of the pandemic. News of violence, hatred, and racism usually with a biased viewpoint. A year of politics and rhetoric often absent standards of truth.

Big Ears take it in, take it to heart and reflect upon it. It becomes part of who they are.They hear something and repeat it. 

Begin this New Year, 2021 listen for something else. Listen to the blessing the LORD God gave  Moses to deliver over the people.

The LORD bless you and keep you! The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace!

Take that in, pray about it. Make it part of you.

Go out to the world and share the good news of the gospel so that all those with big ears can hear it and take it to their heart. Live the gospel so all those with big eyes can see it in you. Love one another so all those with big hearts can feel it.

Be good, be holy and preach the gospel to all those with big ears and little ears by the way you live your life and love one another.

Praise be Jesus Christ, forever and ever. Amen.

A Family Affair - Homily Christmas Vigil 2020

 Praise be Jesus Christ, Forever and ever. Amen

Today’ is a little different from our Christmas vigil masses of the past.  COVID 19 restrictions have limited how many can be here and what we as a community can offer up in celebration today.

As long as I can remember we had a Children’s celebration before mass. Our children and young people would share the good news of Jesus’ birth through a narrative. The younger children would be Mary, Joseph, the Magi, King Herrod, Angels, and shepherds. If their talent was music, we would have songs or they would play something special.

In this short play, the children would teach us the real meaning of Christmas. Children give what they receive.

Yet, if I had went to the mall yesterday and been allowed to ask children and even adults “why we celebrate Christmas?” You’d get a lot of different answers.

“It’s the holiday for giving gifts…” “It’s about family...” “Santa Clause, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,  Frosty the Snowman…”   Less and less is heard, it’s about the birth of Jesus.

For many, the story of Bethlehem is just a fairytale, an old time Disney movie.    

In this time of quarantine and isolation, it’s even more important to this gospel with each other and children especially. Parent or a grandparent watching at home, if your children and grandchildren are not around you, reach out to them to share the good news found in the story of Jesus’ birth. Our first sharing of the Gospel should be fa family affair.

It’s important that this good news is shared by family. Children give what they receive. We are all children.

Tonight’s gospel begins with family. That long list of names is Jesus’s family. It is great-great grandfathers and great-great grandmothers. It is his ancestry from Abraham to Joseph. They are all part of God’s chosen people.

God’s chosen people shared God’s promise that was given to Abraham, given to David, and kept alive in that long list of family. Even in this special relationship, many would tend to forget God’s promise.

Years passed, everyday life happened, and people put worldly things before God. People lived through wars and famine and plagues and bondage.  In those generation and generation of peoples and Kings, God’s chosen people would forget to follow God’s wishes.

People forgot God’s gifts to them and his promise to them. But, God didn’t forget His promise.

Every time history got to the point where it looked upon God’s chosen people as “Forsaken,” or “Desolate,” peoples, God made something happen.  It may have been a great leader or prophet that brought about a revival of faith. It may have even been some trial they had to endure to strengthen their faith.

When needed most, God sent the perfect gift, Jesus. God sent his word, mercy, and forgiveness incarnate into our midst, wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger.

They named him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” They will call him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.”

Sadly, today just like through all the generations of Jesus’ ancestors, everyday life happens, we experienced wars, famine, bondage, and even plagues in this world. It has led more and more to fall asleep and forget God’s promise.

That is why it is so important to remember the narrative of Jesus birth. It reminds us who we are supposed to be and who we are supposed to place our trust in. Believing the truths of this story can bring change. It changed Mary. It changed Joseph. It changed the world.

When we know the story it changes us.  It gives us hope.

Pope Francis tweeted this week, “Those who fail to view a crisis in the light of the Gospel … see the crisis, but not the hope and the light brought by the Gospel.”

The gospel is the truth that Jesus was born into the world where everyday life happens. It is the truth for all who say they are Christians, a story written a day after day, year after year, generation after generation as we bring Christ to the world.

It is an important part of God’s narrative of us. Share it because both children and adults give what they receive. It begins as a family affair.

Merry Christmas everyone; be good, be holy, and share this good news of Jesus with the world.

Praise be Jesus Christ, Forever and ever. Amen

Camel's Hair - Homily 2nd Sunday of Advent - B

 Praise be Jesus Christ, forever and ever.  

Friends, today we come together for the 2^nd Sunday of Advent. We light the second candle to contemplate peace and our scripture readings tell the story of a voice crying out in the desert.

Since Advent is a time of contemplation, reflection, preparation, and silence,  I’d like to share a children’s story.

There were three friends who find a treasure map and on that map an “X” marks the spot of the treasure in the middle of the dry dusty desert. So the friends prepare for their journey with plenty of water for their thirst and big floppy shady hats for protection from the sun. They set off on their adventure. Soon, the water is gone. And a storm blows away the big floppy hats.  

They were thirsty and hot when across the desert comes a wandering camel. They ask the camel to help them find something to drink. From look in the camels eyes they know they are to follow him. The friends follow the camel up and down the dunes until at last they come to a beautiful oasis. But, it is no ordinary pool of water. This oasis was filled with ice-cold pink lemonade.

The friends drink their fill and cooled themselves in the shade. After a while, one asks the camel to help them find the spot marked by an “X.”

The camel speaks. “You are here.” He says, “There is no greater treasure in the dry dusty desert than shade and a drink of cool pink lemonade.”

There is a lot of truth in that story. Even though pink lemonade is good on a hot day, realize there is a deeper truth.  Realize the treasure we seek is often right there with us. Understand the importance of being a voice crying out in the wilderness no matter who you are.

Our life is a lot like a treasure hunt. Some know early their destination. Some have been given a map. Some know how to use the map; others do not. Many seek the treasure which is there for everyone to find; but, not everyone easily finds it.

Obstacles make finding the treasure difficult. We traveled the roads of Isaiah, twisting, turning, up, and down. Every day is full of those obstacles, mountains, hills, and deep valleys.

Some may have problems with the treasure map and navigating all the ups and downs and twists and turns. Many will need someone to take them there. Others need someone to proclaim to them the treasure is always there with them. That treasure is the hope of the salvation of God through Jesus Christ.

Going back to that children’s story, more of us need to be like that camel and speak up. Especially when the world tells us: “There is no need for faith or religion.” “Church is boring.” “It’s irrelevant.” “It’s full of hypocrites.”

Being exposed to that, hearts can fall to worldly arguments. It can even cause people of faith to overlook the real treasure.

Let look at the example of those who fight over is the Church to male dominated or is it not manly enough. The world has put this false treasure out there in the midst of believers.

Some say the Church is a patriarchy that needs to be changed. But, if you dive deep into the Christian Church, except for the ordained ministry, almost 90% of all ministry is fulfilled by women. 

These women are the voices crying out in the wilderness. They are working to make straight the paths.

All human ministries of the Christian church began with a woman, a young girl who said “yes” to God; and, she became the mother of God.  God became man through a woman, the blessed Virgin Mary.

Mary and Martha of Bethany ministered to the Jesus; one prayerfully at this feet and the other in service. The woman at the well witnessed to the Samaritans. The adulteress woman witnessed Jesus’ mercy and justice to all. Mary Magdalen witnessed the good news of Jesus’s resurrection to the apostles.

In the opposite corner is those that argue the Christian faith is not manly enough.

Scripture tells us different.  “The LORD GOD comes with power and might.”

Today’s Gospel tells us about John the Baptist, a voice crying out in the desert. ”  

If you think a real man’s man is one who dresses in camouflage and sits in a deer stand instead of coming to mass, compare his to John.  “John wore clothing of camel’s hair and had a leather belt around his waist.” He probably had wild hair and an unkempt beard. He lived off the land, “His food was locusts and wild honey.”

But there was one more manly than him. One that he said he was unworthy to loosen the straps of his sandals.

That man combined the best traits of both the masculine and feminine. He loved and compassion and forgiveness than any others. He was a man braver than any other man. He stood up for what was right. He sacrificed himself for each of us. He was unjustly hung on the cross by those jealous of him and then Jesus asked God to forgive them..

We fail to recognize the true treasure, instead we look for what the world tells us is treasure. We are so blessed that God is patient with us.

Life in this world can be like a childish treasure hunt. We look for what we think is a treasure. We seek everything the world tells us we need to seek, even in our faith.

Take this advent to reflect and prepare our hearts, we will know that the truth or our true treasure is right here with us. Instead of looking for a mysterious giant “X” that is a promise of riches. Look to the true riches found in that “X” which is the cross of Jesus.

To find it, be true people of faith. Christians should not worry about if the church is too manly or not manly enough. We ought to be conducting ourselves in holiness and devotion waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God….

More of us need to be like John, a voice crying out in the wilderness. Reflecting on the children’s story, more of us need to be like the camel helping others realize the treasure we are given. After all, John the Baptist’s clothes were made of camel’s hair

Be good, be holy and preach the Gospel the treasure of Jesus Christ by the way you live your life and love one another.   

Praise be Jesus Christ, forever and ever. Amen.