We are His Body - Homily for the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord

Today we celebrate the Ascension of the Lord.

Imagine yourself one of those disciples 2000 years ago. You believed Jesus was who he said he was. You saw him, feed multitude, cure the sick, calm the storm, and raise the dead. You saw him crucified, died, buried and as he promised risen. You were there to see the next wonder of Jesus’ ministry.

And Jesus gave you these instructions, “Go out and proclaim the gospel to the whole world!”  Then He began to rise up. He was lifted up and a cloud takes him from our sight.

What are we feeling? It might be wonder or fear or awe. Maybe it would be a loss for words, dumbfound or helpless, or confused. Imagine you are a disciple there with all who believed and saw Jesus ascend into heaven.

Praise be Jesus Christ – for ever and ever.

Now, come back to today and think about all the emotions in the disciples when two strangers dressed in white, asked. “Why are you just standing there looking at the sky?” Jesus is gone and not coming back until he comes in glory.

I think these men in white, angels, or God’s messengers were saying – Go do what Jesus told you to do! “Go out and proclaim the gospel to the whole world!” 

Jesus told the disciples to share the gospel in words and actions.

The disciple probably feared they would never be able to continue the ministry of Jesus. They were now alone, Jesus was no longer physically present with them.  But, He was still spiritually with them. He left his ministry, his miracles, his love with them. He sent them the Holy Spirit.

He is still spiritually with us. And, He left His ministry to us. He gives us his miracles, his love, and the Holy Spirit so that we too can proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ..  

St. Theresa of Avila describes our ministry this way:

Christ has no body now but yours. No hands, no feet on earth but yours,

Yours are the eyes with which he looks with compassion on this world.

St. Paul wrote to share the gospel in humility, gentleness and patience.

Jesus told us of gifts we would have, the words and actions needed to bring the gospel to the world. Not many of us will speak in tongues or fight with demons. We would all love to be able to heal the sick but not many are going to want to pick up snakes.

But we can share the gospel by our actions in how we live our life and love one another. More often than not, our actions speak so much more than our words. Our actions as disciples and follower of Jesus Christ may be the only gospel many will ever read.

Even though none of us were there 2000 years ago, He left his ministry to us.

We are to live the gospel not because we think it’s a good idea. Live the gospel because it is what you believe. Live the gospel because knowing Jesus is the best thing in your life. Live the gospel because knowing Jesus makes your life better and your family’s life better. Live the gospel because the good news of Jesus Christ in a person’s life makes the world better.

Live the gospel because you want the person your words and actions touch to know a better life by knowing Jesus Christ. Live the gospel so others will come to know Jesus Christ by the Christ in you.

Jesus has no physical body now but yours. He has not hands and no feet here on this earth to touch other to bring the good news, but yours. You are the eyes of compassion that Christ uses to look on this world.

Jesus is no longer physically present. He asks us to continue his ministry. 

So here before, I stand dressed in white and ask you this. “Christians, why are you standing there looking at the sky?”

Go out into the world and share the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ by the way you live your life and love one another. 

Praise be Jesus Christ – forever and ever. Amen.

Part of the Vine - Reflection 5th Sunday of Easter - Year B

Praise be Jesus Christ, who said I am the vine, you are the branches.

In these few words, Jesus gives Christians mission, purpose, and most of all a true direction. The mission to be one with Christ. The purpose to bear fruit for Christ. And the direction is always to Christ.

God planted the vine, cares for it, and makes it fruitful. We are nourished and prepared by the sacraments so that we may be fruitful branches of Christ.

When Christians speak the truth, we are treated just like the newly converted Paul. No one wants to hear us. Some even want to be rid of us.

More and more persons in this world are turning away from the Christian Faith.

This week, I debated with a young woman. She identifies herself as a Christian, but says she doesn’t think she needs organized religion. They have too many rules. She said many of her friends do not identify as Christians because there are too many rules that they do not agree with.

Even though she did not realize it, the basis of her arguments was - People don't want to hear the truth. They want to be rid of us.

She identifies as a Christian yet argues there is nothing wrong with living together. Birth control is not wrong. And, abortion is justified in certain circumstances.

She argues beautifully. But, argues without Christian merit and truth. She is trying to bear fruit but it does not come from the vine that is Christ.

The greatest argument for those who say there are too many rules is Christ Jesus. 

Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me will be thrown out like a branch and wither; people will gather them and throw them into a fire and they will be burned.

The greatest win in any argument is to follow the advice in John letter. “Love not in word or speech but in deed and truth.”

This world gives so many untruths, especially to the young. It is truly a blessing when a young person wants to discuss faith, even if it is to say there are too many rules.

Tell them about the one who said I am the vine and you are the branches.Tell them that find nourisihes us with love.

For some, the truth is just too many rules. But, love is the best truth. Love bears much fruit. It is time to be fruitful. It is time to remain in Jesus. God will prune away the dead branches.

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

Point of View - Homily Palm Sunday

I start my homilies Praise be Jesus Christ. Those are great words of praise to share and proclaim this Palm Sunday. Praise we share with the people laying their cloaks and leafy branches on the road before Jesus. Praise in the words, “Hosanna in the highest.”

It’s amazing how fast things change. In the morning they praised Jesus and a short time later they cried “crucify him.” But, it was not necessarily the same people. The point of view was different.

Everyone has a point of view and everyone’s point of view is different. A point of view can be from from love, filled with generosity and compassion. Or, a point of view can be one of hate, filled with racism, bigotry, and prejudice. All are different. For some, if you don’t agree with their point of view, you are wrong.

A  point of view comes from life's experiences, faith, morals, interactions. It expresses wants, needs, and desires. It is inflamed by human passion. As we remember the passion of Christ, remember, all had a point of view.

That first group of people’s point of view of Christ was the messiah. They honored and respected the man, Jesus. They celebrated him.

What were the points of views of the others in the passion. 

Judas the Iscariot’s point of view was not Christ Jesus. His point of view was Judas and money.

The other apostles and disciples' was one of fear; so, they ran away. Their point of view had not yet been inspired by the Holy Spirit.

Another point of view was found in people looking for a different type of messiah. They wanted a rebellion against the Romans. So, they asked Pilate for the release of Barabbas, a rebellion leader. Barabbas’ release fit their point of view.

The point of view of the Sanhedrin, Chief Priests, and scribes was Jesus made them look bad. Even Pilate knew they envied Jesus. All He taught was not necessarily a match for their interpretation of the Law. So they treated him as a violent criminal, sending men armed with swords and clubs to seize him. As he hung on the cross these religious men mocked him.

Pilate’s point of view was he was above all this bickering. If they wanted to crucify Jesus even though he did no wrong, let them. Pilate even put a little fuel on the fire, calling Jesus, King of the Jews.

The point of view of those calling “crucify him” was not the same of those who cried “Hosanna.” To the  “Crucify him” people, Jesus was not who He said He was; not the messiah. Their point of view was formed by the world they lived and experienced. It did not match God’s point of view in Christ Jesus.

One other to consider is the point of view of Jesus.

Jesus is love. Jesus celebrates hope, mercy, and grace. He did no wrong. No deceit came from his mouth. He returned no insult. His life was all self-giving sacrifice. Everything was about giving glory to God.

Friends, our point of view should be closer to Christ’s. A believer should stand up and sacrifice by the example of Christ’s love or fall down and weep because they denied him. If your point of view is not in Christ, in God’s eyes you are wrong.

Is Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, the messiah? Or is Jesus something else to you?

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

BAND OF BELIEVERS - Homily 5th Sunday of Lent

Praise be Jesus Christ forever and ever.

On spiritual journey this lent, my spiritual director asked me to look back on my life and recall my sins. He said recall your thoughtless and deliberate sins. My faith tells me that most of my sins that I can recall, I have given up in confession. Through reconciliation and penance, God has forgotten my sins and should as well. But, those are mostly deliberate sins

As I contemplated, my life went back to my earlier years. I was an athlete in high school and college. Athletes are taught to play. They are told they are important. They are told to win. Arrogance, aloofness, and pride are fertile ground for thoughtless sin.

That was probably me. I knew lot of people with those characteristics. That is why, I admired the marching band.

The band’s members could march and play and count and move all at the same time and look good doing it. If you looked at the band when they practiced or performed you’d see joy and laughter and celebration in the midst of the music and marching and precision all going on at one time.

Great college marching bands spell out the school’s name at half time marching and playing at full breath. There is excitement when the Grambling or Southern marching band shows up no matter where they perform. ULM’s Sound of Today brings joy. They do this with focus and smiles and laughter. All the happiness and pleasure music brings is a vital part of the each member of a great marching band.

It is a great example for Christians to take to heart - Be the band!

Make God, through Christ Jesus, the joy and happiness of who you are

To get there we need to ask God to create in us a clean heart. In that clean heart, God will place what is moral and just, He will write His love upon our hearts; and we shall be His people.

That is how a person walks in His way and counts their blessings. It allows us to bring others closer to God. Christ Jesus living in us allows joy, laughter, and celebration to be found in our relationships with each other. It is the coming to Jesus with pure and clean hearts filled with the music of songs of praise and thanksgiving that we can spell out His name by our life. It is how we bring people to Jesus.

The band is there for the athletic team. But, the team rarely sees the marching band that is the champion of their cause. The team is wrapped up in a game. At the time when the team needs it the most, the band’s support is the strongest and loudest. Usually, the team’s mind and attention is far away.

Think about that example, friends.

Christians as disciples of Jesus Christ, bring others to Christ. Christians pray, serve, and love the poor in spirit, poor in flesh, and those in poverty. Followers of Jesus champion justice and dignity for all persons.

And, the ones that they pray for and support may never see those who stand for them. Christians pray the loudest for those who need Jesus. Often those in need are far away from his presence.

He knew what was asked of him for that Jesus offered prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears …. He prayed for all humankind.

I’ve compared being a Christian to a marching band; but, the reason the marching band marches is not for the band.

The reason, followers of Christ march, is not for self. We follow Him to something greater.

The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.

That hour is far more serious than a game. And still, too many in the world are playing. That hour was for every person of the world. Yet, too many are lost in them self.

As a band of believers, we bring the excitement and joy in hope of salvation to the world. We sing the song of redemption through Christ Jesus raised upon the cross.

Not everyone appreciates the band. Not everyone appreciates the beliefs and works of followers of Jesus. But, one who does recognize our effort; Jesus said, “Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also my servant will be. The Father will honor whoever serves me.”

Brothers and sisters, bring the music found in the joy of salvation to others.

Be good, be holy, and strike up the band to preach the gospel in the way we live your lives and love one another.

Praise be Jesus Christ forever and ever. Amen.

OUR THOUGHTLESS SINS - 5th Sunday of Lent - 3rd Scrutiny

 Praise be Jesus Christ, for ever and ever. Amen

I have been on a spiritual journey this lent. My spiritual director asked me to think back over my life to examine my sins, both thoughtless and deliberate. It’s been a time of scrutiny; and then Father asked me to give the homily this 3^rd scrutiny Sunday.

The scrutinies may seem a little strange. It’s the ancient tradition of the elect examining their life. I invite all here to do the same.

Each scrutiny Sunday has a specific gospel. The 1^st scrutiny is the woman at the well. The 2^nd is the man born blind. And today, the 3^rd scrutiny is the story of the raising Lazarus from the dead.

This gospel is special; but, it begins in a way that can be hard to understand.

When the message came that Lazarus was ill and dying, Jesus remained for two days in the place he was staying. No it wasn’t because He was afraid, Jesus had other reasons.

He was very plain about it. Jesus wanted to increase the faith of believers. “This illness is not to end in death, but is for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”

You shall know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves and have you rise from them.

Lazarus was dead when Jesus got there. But, Lazarus died so that Jesus' power over death would be apparent to all the witnesses. 

The family of Lazarus loved Jesus. They were his disciples. They believed in him, but when their brother died they cried out to Jesus “Lord if you had only been here.”

Jesus tells Martha, "I am the one who raises the dead to life!"  She believes in Jesus; but, she has her doubts, “Lord it been 4 days - there is going to be a stench.”

Friends if you have you ever doubted Jesus - Don’t! Jesus loves us and understands the gift of human life. He understands so well that he stood in front of Lazarus’ tomb weeping. He cried not only for Lazarus, but for his own coming passion.

Then Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” - “You shall know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves and have you rise from them.”

Jesus knows earthly life is so short; so, He calls to us. He calls each of us by name. He calls us to come out of the death of sin.  He calls us back to life. That is why we need a time of scrutiny; a time of quite to examine our self and listen as He calls us.

All are called to glorify God and to fail to do that weather in a thoughtless way or deliberately is sinful.

The scrutinies allow us to contemplate the thoughtless and deliberate sins that kill our hearts and souls. Jesus calls to us let go of the sins. Get rid of the evil of doubt and despair. Come to my voice.

To all the elect and the faithful, remember your family, friends, neighbors and this community of believers loves you, make use of God’s grace found in that love. In this time of scrutiny, pray, meditate, and share the good news of Jesus Christ.

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

The Dark Hole - Reflection 4th Sunday of Lent - B

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

I have been in love with Jesus my entire life. As a child, I was always looking for him. As an adult, I felt called to him. But, I was stubborn and wanted to live life my own way.

And for that reason, especially as I look back on some of the stupid things I have done, I am so grateful that God is merciful.

As I grew, I always knew that God wanted something from me. I could hear him calling me to a vocation. As a young man, I contemplated becoming a Baptist preacher like my father. God just never revealed a way for that to happen.

Now, as a Deacon I see God has been leading me to this vocation for so long. During this journey, I have had a relationship with God, through Christ Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. But even the best relationships can suffer when one is in that relationship is hard-headed.

That hard-headedness has allowed this world has lead me to places of darkness, I should have never been. These were times when my sins added infidelity upon infidelity in my relationship with God. Yet, God always shielded me with his angels, persons around me that were His messengers speaking to my heart and steering me closer to Him.  

Then, God Himself allowed me to be shut me down. He gave me time to think about our relationship.

I had pneumonia, my lungs had collapsed. The doctors had to operate and before surgery a doctor asked if he could pray with me. Then he told me to count backwards from 10.

My last words were Amen, ten, nine….

The sleep from the anesthesia was dark. There was no light. There were no thoughts or dreams. There was nothing.

When I awoke, all I could think about was a life without God. It was realizing a life of darkness and nothingness; and, a life without love. Without God, there was no love for my wife, children, parents. In that darkness and nothingness there was no relationship with God who had always been there with me.

Although, I had always loved God, from that moment on, I was passionately in love with God. The God I knew was true and living. I was passionately in love with God, the Father, creator of all things, and the only Son, God who is at the Father’s side, and God the Holy Spirit, that is the breath of life in us, the love about us, and the passion for God that is in us.

This was all because of God’s rich mercy. Lord let my tongue be silenced if I ever forget you.

Most persons in the world are in the darkness and nothingness that exists without a relationship with God.

It has happened before like in the story of the people of Judah. They thought they were strong and important. They didn’t need God. They mocked the messengers of God, despised His warnings, and scoffed at His prophets. They turned their back on a relationship with God and brought about darkness to the people of Judah.

Sounds like things today. People are so in love with themselves they have forgotten God. They have forgotten their brothers and sisters. The mock what God has revealed in scripture. They despise the truths of creation. They scoff at His Church.

All they want is instant gratification, instant knowledge, and immediate pleasure. Science is important unless the science does not prove their point. The internet and their smart phones have become their god.

Truth has become unimportant.  Opinions have become the relevant. And to a person in this reality, God is no longer as important as the debate of the gender of a toy potato

Jesus warned “The light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed.”

Sometimes God uses a worldly culture that is against him to teach a lesson.

One thing for sure, God doesn’t need me. God doesn’t need any of us believers. But, in his compassion, He enjoys us. He loves us. In His mercy, He forgives us. He proved that sending his son, Christ Jesus to be raised up on that cross so that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life.  

But most are stubborn and want to live in their own way. That is until they learn there is a better way to live than in the mess and misery of sin. In His endless mercy, God forgives the mistakes and missteps we make in this world. He lights the darkness. A person just needs to know where to go to find that light. It is to Jesus.

Friends, believers, Christians raise the cross of Christ for the world to see.

Be good, be holy and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. Amen.

Praise be Jesus Christ, for ever and ever.

Live Them in the World - Reflection 3rd Sunday of Lent B

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

God is calling to us, even now, return to me with all your heart.(Joel 2:12)  During Lent, Catholics and all Christians are striving to return to our Heavenly Father.

We are reminded what is required to be close to God in the first reading from the book of Exodus. It declares the 10 commandments of God, which are the laws of rightness, justice, and dignity to God and for our neighbors. God gave them to be written in people's hearts. They are to be the moral base of human society.

These commandments are summed up in the greatest of the commandments. "You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. And the second is love your neighbor as yourself."

Christ himself lived in this world and lived these commandments. Christ the power of God. Christ the wisdom of God. Christ Jesus showed us by his life how we should live.

God wants us to live these commandments in the world; so, they should be pretty easy to live out, right?

With 2.4 billion people in the world that profess Christianity, these commandments make the world a better place. But the problem is, to paraphrase the prophet Ezekiel - Woe is me! I am a sinner and I live among people who are sinners.

We seem to have a problem living them. 

Even though, we know that these commandments are perfect. They refresh the soul. They are trustworthy. They give wisdom to us simple souls. We trip and fall.

Believers profess, these commandments are right. They are clear. If we live by them, our hearts rejoice. The commandment clarify and enlighten the way of Christ’s love that we are to have for our brothers and sisters. These commandments, which Jesus exemplifies by his life, are true and just. They are given for us to live.

But, as a people we struggle and have become just like the temple Jesus walked into and turned upside down.

People use God’s commandments to make creation a marketplace. We are to worship no other God; but some use worship as a marketplace. We are to love our neighbor, but some use the poor to enrich themselves. Greed is to covet. In freedom, babies are killed. In self-love, parents are forgotten. The world lies, steals, and cheats and then calls it good.

None of this surprises the LORD God. The gospel itself tells us that even though people began to believe in him, Jesus did not trust them all. He knew human nature. He himself understood it well.

Jesus saw how the people were disrespecting the LORD God and His temple. In righteous anger against those who did not honor the greatest commandment, He went into the temple and chased out the money changers. He overturned the tables of those who turned God’s temple into a marketplace.

In God's temple of creation, sin against God and our neighbor is rampant. Look around; see the things Jesus saw in the temple: disrespect for God, manipulation of religion, exploitation of the poor, and the abuse of God’s creation and the world.

Friends, God calls us for his purpose. God calls each of us to live His commandments. He knows us and calls us to conform to the image of His Son.(Rm 8)  

In all the sins humanity has, God gave his Son so all would know forgiveness. God through Christ Jesus wants to give us everything. That includes a right and just world.

For that to be, God may ask us to go out and overturn some tables. No, God is not looking for violence. No, God does not want hate. But, God through Christ Jesus wants us to believe in His name and live His commandments. He wants us to live them in the world.

We have to live them. We have to bring that message to the world by who we are and what we believe. That means speaking up for what is right. It means living for the poor, the hungry, and those who are imprisoned. It means living the commandments to overturn more tables in this world than violence and hate.

Yes, Our Heavenly Father wants us to live His commandments in the world. This Lenten season is the perfect time to begin.

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

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

Is it Right - Homily 1st Friday Mass, 2nd Friday in Lent

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

That story about Joseph being made to disappear by his brothers  is not something Christians would ever do.  The parable of the tower, vineyard, and murder is not about us. The people in those stories were sinners. But ask them, they thought they were righteous.

In the eyes of the brothers, it was right to take care of their family and heirs. In their eyes Joseph needed to disappear for the good of the family. 

The tenants in the vineyard felt it was their right to keep the vineyard and fruit. They ignored the owner, beat his messengers, and murdered his son. They did this because they thought it right.

The Chief Priests and Pharisees saw themselves blameless and right.

We can be just like them. So, those stories are for us. Look back on your life. Look back at your life in the Church. Look back at your life in Christ. Maybe, there has been misplaced righteousness.

Too many in presumed righteousness, look down on those who are different. We separate ourselves from sinners. We are not like them. 

But, people will do what they think is right. It is seen in ourselves and our leaders: for some, “right” is no change; and, for others, “right” is forced change. And any hatred, injustice, or violence that comes is righteous from that sides point of view.

It is the assumed order of things that makes people think good and wicked are separate. But, our transgressions and sins weigh upon us all, no matter if we are good or bad. We are all connected by this fact. It is who we are.

Before Jesus came died on the cross for the forgiveness of sins; God spoke about sin through the prophet Ezekiel.

·       The righteous shall not be able to live by their righteousness when they sin.

·       The wicked, if they turn from their wicked ways, if they turn from their sin and do what is right, they shall not die.

In that thought, hear Jesus’ words to those who assumed they were blameless, “The Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit.”

They knew Jesus was speaking to them.  We know, He is speaking to us.

Friends! Prepare for the Kingdom of God through prayer, fasting, confession, penance, and good works. Do this for the rightness of turning away from sin.

Do it this lent. Do it always.

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

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.