MONSIGNOR FRANZINELLI'S
REFLECTIONS and HOMILIES
ARCHIVE IV
November and December 2000
Solemnity of the Mother of God, Mary, Most Holy
The Holy Family - Tradition is "Old", and " Updating" is the Acceptable Attitude?
The Visitation (4th Sunday of Advent)
Joyful Sunday (3rd Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday)
Prepare the Way of the Lord (2nd Sunday of Advent)
The World We Live In is Not Forever (lst Sunday of Advent)
Christ Reigns in our Hearts and in our Lives
God Challenges our Sense of Justice and Charity
THE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD 
Sunday, January 7, 2001
First Reading:
Responsorial Psalm:
Second Reading:
Gospel:
Epiphany, the word means the manifestation of a wonder, a Mystery: the invisible God is made visible for all mankind to know. The Magi, Wise Men or Astrologers recognized the mysterious wonder, the light, and followed the star. God’s secret plan, the mystery of His Presence, is revealed - The mystery of truth, of life, the mystery of His Way. From Abraham to the present generation the plan is revealed: how God recovered and is saving humankind.
Whether people want to admit or not, or whether they know it or not, that plan in the person of Jesus Christ has something to do with each and all of our lives whether you’re a believer or not. And not in any accidental way. The reason lies in the fact that all people, deep in their conscience seek a Saviour.
The truth is, many make mistakes - yesterday and today as well - in seeking a savior.
You either accept or reject the mystery of Christ or you just think about the signs God had given mankind but still seek other saviors: like money, power, a philosophy or mathematical logic, or a relationship with a mystery of something complicated.
At various times and places, God has shown himself not only in signs but also through messengers. Most important was the Mystery of the Incarnation of Himself in Jesus Christ; the invisible God is made visible.
The Magi saw a new mysterious star in the heavens, it aroused their interest and they searched. They did not leave it unnoticed.
The manifestation, the Epiphany, a sign prepared since Abraham, through Moses and the Law, and prophets, is simply the Mystery of Jesus, Emanuel, God Among Us, born of the Virgin Mary, Son of God. His life and the 21 centuries of Christianity are indelible signs in history. Signs that because of their nature point to a reality beyond. They are signs that point to Mystery, supernatural reality. Mystery.
We, you and I, must pay attention to the many signs God has shown us and is showing of His Presence and love in the little realities of our lives. Mysterious happenings in the different events in our lives as well as happenings on the national and international scene - pay attention and think about these signs of His presence and reflect on His patient love for you and your family.
In order for those signs of God to bear fruit in the world, we must go into action. Do not leave them unnoticed. As the Magi did, follow the light of your faith. Pray for an increase of faith and bring to Christ the Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh of your lives of service, prayer and sacrifice.
You have to want to believe. Those who have little or no faith seek proof, some material concrete evidence of a reality beyond. If the unbeliever wants to believe, they must pray for faith in the mysteries of the invisible God made visible - Epiphany. If the non-believer should envy your faith, tell them if they want faith to pray for it and they shall experience Epiphany.
Yesterday Our Holy Father formally closed the Jubilee Year of Grace with the closing of the holy Door. The Pope remarked that this special year of many signs of God’s Grace "... has strengthened our legs for the road that lies ahead of us." In that spirit, he urged all Christians to join in a renewed effort to spread the Gospel and to live a life of active prayer.
"Open wide the doors to Christ!"
Acknowledge Him the Mystery that points beyond - Hope and eternal life .
HOMILY, FEAST OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD 
January 1, 2001
First Reading:
Responsorial Psalm:
Second Reading:
Gospel:
On this first day of the new year, we are greeted from the readings with the beautiful ancient blessing attributed to Moses,
"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!"
The Gospel reminds us of the wonderful event we celebrated for Christmas, the angels heralding His coming, the shepherds finding the newborn child in a manger with Mary and Joseph; followed by the story of the Lord’s early years.
This day celebrates the Motherhood of Mary, Mother of Jesus and our Mother. We Catholics, we are children of God as baptized Roman Catholics - anointed with the same Holy Spirit, Spouse of Our Lady, The Virgin Mother of Jesus. She is our Mother and as such we have been entrusted to her care by God.
Take the opportunity to reflect on the fact of how important that relationship. Place yourselves personally in the presence of Our Blessed Mother. Imagine inviting her into your home and you at her lap. Let her talk to you. Listen quietly. What do you imagine the conversation. What she would say?
I don’t believe you would immediately ask for favors, but politely allow her to talk to you.
As mother wouldn’t she tell you about her Son. How He was born, the visit of the shepherds and the Magi, her many struggles and concern, especially when she lost him in the crowd when he was twelve. She would most likely use the rosary to map out her story about her Son’s Life, teachings, the wonders He performed and her sorrow at his rejection and death.
Would you not be spell bound, forget all your needs, your worries. And, at the end, before you even opened your mouth she would assure you how much she appreciates your invitation to receive her into your life and home. She would assure you of her love for you and her promise to keep you safe within her. Mary will thank you and urge you to keep praying, keep the commandments and change to live more wisely good and holy lives. She will say " It is up to you"
She is my mother and your mother.
Homily for Sunday, Feast of the Holy Family
Sunday, December 31, 2000
First Reading:
Responsorial Psalm:
Second Reading:
Gospel:
The First Reading was from the Book of Sirach which seeks to instruct us on how to live good and holy lives by keeping the Ten Commandments, particularly the Fourth Commandment to honor your father and your mother.
It is God who placed parents in authority over their children. The passage also refers to the responsibility of children to care for their elderly parents. Especially in today’s modern society when we enjoy longer life spans, many of our elderly are neglected by their children, yes, even rejected. This generation's attitude is to reject anything that is old including human beings.
Tradition is old, and "Updating" is the acceptable attitude.
This Feast of the Holy Family offers us the opportunity to reflect on the fact how important family is. How do you feel about where you're from - your cultural heritage and family, the language of your parents and where they were from. When you meet someone from the same town who speaks the same dialect, you certainly have warm feelings, even trust. That’s family. We Catholics are of the same household of Faith; we are children of God, especially and particularly as baptized Roman Catholics. We have been anointed and have received the same Holy Spirit. The Virgin Mother of Jesus is our Mother and as such we have been entrusted to her care by God.
As God’s chosen ones we are expected to keep God’s Commandments and be examples of His teachings. We go to Mass on Sundays, pray the rosary, wera the crucifix around our necks, because we belong. Because of this extraordinary relationship we cannot help but to Give thanks to God and praise to his Holy Name for what He has done for us.
As family we are responsible for one another. If one of us members of the household of faith fail to do our duty we all suffer. As brother or sister, we are called to supply what is lacking. Whether deserving or not, we care and support materially and spiritually the needs of the greater family. We do that in many and various ways.
As we enter the New Year, it is a good moment to place ourselves individually and personally in the presence of Our Blessed Mother. Imagine yourself in her home at her lap. Let her talk to you. Listen quietly. What do you imagine the conversation. What she would say?
I don’t believe you would immediately ask for favors, but politely allow her to talk to you.
As Mother, wouldn’t she tell you about her Son. How He was born; her many struggles and concern, especially when she lost him in the crowd when he was twelve. She would most likely use the rosary to map out her story about her Son’s Life, teachings, the wonders He performed and her sorrow at his rejection and death.
What would you say? Would you not be spell bound, forget all you needs, your worries. And at the end, before you even opened your mouth, she would assure you how much she loves you and will promise to keep you safe within her. Mary will thank you and urge you to keep praying, keep the commandments and change to live more wisely good and holy lives. She will say " It is up to you"
Mary, is Mother; she is the Heart of our family and yours. She is family to all of us .
CHRISTMAS
Today’s Event of Christmas one year after the Great Jubilee celebrations of last year anticipated a New Millennium.
Our attention should be drawn to the events which characterizes this past year which for us may be a prelude of this year to come.
The gift of the Jubilee Christmas was to encourage us to greater holiness and appreciation of the history of our salvation, and the reality of Christ amongst us for the purpose of bringing us closer to Himself .
Only you can be the judge of this past year for yourself. Has it brought you closer to Christ because of the events celebrated by the Church, our Holy Father’s pilgrimages, your own, and the veneration of our Blessed Mother.
At every passing Christmas how can we say that we have become closer to God because its coming. By believing that He exists in reality among us and for us; not merely in an image that recalls events of His Birth, Life, Death and Resurrection, but in the Faith and Obedience we have in His Word and Sacraments, especially the Eucharist.
Christmas’s purpose is to bring you closer to God. It is not just another Christmas Holiday hubbub of getting to Mass, giving and receiving, eating and drinking, resting and visiting.
The Gospel this morning is a continuation of the Gospel read at the Midnight Mass. Let us join the shepherds, glorifying and praising God - the shepherds who knew full well that they were sinners and regarded so by others. The hardest thing to get over to a habitual sinner is that God saves us, forgives us, not because of any righteousness, or our merits. He heals, He forgives and invites anyone and everyone to enter, to cross over to a new awareness and a hope-filled tomorrow.
THE VISITATION
Sunday 24 December 2000, Fourth Sunday of Advent
First Reading:
Responsorial Psalm:
Second Reading:
Gospel:
The Gospel describes the visitation scene of the Virgin Mary, herself three months pregnant, visiting her pregnant cousin Elizabeth, an older woman most likely needing the young woman’s help.
How quickly Elizabeth acknowledged Mary’s faith and obedience, "Blessed is she who trusted that the Lord’s word to her would be fulfilled". She trusted, had faith, and she did the will of the Lord.
The prophesy of Micah is fulfilled in the insignificant little town of Bethlehem.
Where the Prince of Peace is to be born, God among us hidden from the world yet recognized by poor shepherds, the invisible God is made visible for the purpose of bringing us closer to God, The Birth of Jesus the Son of God.
When Christ came into the world, the writer of the Book of Hebrews said. "Sacrifice and offerings you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me ..."
This summarizes briefly the events which lead us up to this event of Christmas - one year after the great Jubilee celebrations of last year anticipating a new millennium.
The reality of God among men happened through the obedience and faith of the virgin Mary, "Let it be done to me according to your Will." This moment of history speaks to us of obedience and trust in God’s will.
Our attention should be drawn to the events which characterizes this past year which for us may be a prelude of this year to come.
The gift of the Jubilee Christmas was to encourage us to greater holiness and appreciation of the history of our salvation, and the reality of Christ amongst us for the purpose of bringing us closer to Himself . Only you can be the judge of this past year for yourself. Has it brought you closer to Christ because of the events celebrated by the Church - our Holy Father’s pilgrimages, your own, and the veneration of our blessed Mother.
At every passing Christmas can we say that we have become closer to God because its coming. How?? By believing that He exists in reality among us and for us, not merely in an image that recalls events of his birth, life, death and resurrection, but in the faith and obedience we have in His Word and Sacraments, especially the Eucharist.
The basic truth is that Christmas’s purpose is to bring you closer to God.
JOYFUL SUNDAY
Third Sunday of Advent, Guadete Sunday
First Reading:
Responsorial Psalm:
Second Reading:
Gospel:
Of all the Sunday Mass celebrations of this Jubilee Year, today’s Sunday Mass, Gaudete, Joyful Sunday is the most. It is all Joy - Rejoice, be happy, your debts shall be paid, your worries are over, and your aches and pains shall pass. Do not be discouraged in the confusion of the world around you. Pray with joyful hope that it shall not get worse before it gets better.
Don’t be afraid, God is coming to help us. He is near, close at hand. So be glad.
All the readings today express joy. In his letter to the Philippians, St. Paul puts it this way, "Your kindness should be known to all". Have no worry, just pray to God and give thanks.
The good news is that God is coming; we anticipate the anniversary of His Coming with joy and expectation today and this coming week. The nearer we get, the closer we come to welcoming His Nativity and Presence among us, especially in the Sacraments and Holy Mass.
Common sense tells us that we need to prepare spiritually - the light displays, the Santa Claus gifts for friends and family, the whole Holiday spirit shall be for less than nothing other than a big show. Where is Christ in your Christmas? You know better than I that unless your faith brings you peace inside, your Christmas, your joy and expectations are like a window dressing that masque the emptiness in your life. How sad it must be for you if you do not prepare yourself spiritually by prayer and self-examination. If you feel you pray enough and don’t need to go to confession to seek forgiveness; if you’re comfortable physically, financially and spiritually, that spirit of hope, the sense of a joyful expectancy of God's Coming shall be difficult to come by. What do you need God for?
John the Baptist reminds us what are the most important things we must do to prepare for Christmas. The most important is repentance. God, His Church, His priest are here to offer His Peace to forgive us our sins and bring us hope and a fulfilling joy. REPENT. You need to see that you need forgiveness from God.
Repent, which for you and I, means to get to confession, maybe not for what you have done but what you neglected to do. You have to answer to God for your life, and your children as well as for your parents before you. You would wish to be forgiven and prayed for after you're gone not only for yourself but for those who follow you - be it family or friend. We shall all be judged in the measure of our compassion and generous responsible spirit, not for material things. When God comes in Glory, how will He find us?
What should you do? Your preparations must include a steady diet of prayer, especially because we need God’s help to be honest with ourselves in order to accomplish any good whatsoever.
Be filled with expectation. Not for a reward or acknowledgment of any good or sacrifice you have made, but rather in the joy that you have done your duty and responded to the call of His Word. God shall recognize that you have done your duty and responded to the call of His Word. Share yourself and your treasure with others of the household of faith.
Bring the good news of hope to others by remembering them in prayers and from your compassionate and generous hearts.
Let forgiveness be the hallmark of your Christmas. Rejoice and be glad, the world is better for your faith, your hope and your love.
Our Blessed Mother is always there to help you with the Holy Spirit.
God our Creator, you gave us a share in nature. You are more wonderful in pardoning us so we may become holier through forgiveness and be more grateful to you.
Remember that GOD is a Happy God and your faith is Good News, and Joy is a sign of your faith.
Without a sense of joyful humor it is hard to be a Christian. Peace be to you and a happy & Blessed Christmas and hope filled New Year be to all of you.
PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD
Second Sunday of Advent
First Reading:
Responsorial Psalm:
Second Reading:
Gospel:
The Gospel you heard dates Jesus where (when He lived, taught and the political environment of Palestine) He lived. It was a time of oppression, poverty, and injustice. The local political scene was dominated by a secular polytheism monitored by the Roman Empire. And a weak expedient temple leadership existed - everyone had their own "money god".
It was somewhat like the kind of political and immoral environment of our own day? A political enigma. A democracy that encourages license called "freedom". This moment of time passes judgment that deprives the right of life to the unborn, but seeks judgment on the irrevocable personal right of a voter or non voter to be counted. The Supreme Court of our land whose justices by political expediency usurped and compromised the natural right to life of the unborn (Roe vs Wade) are now on the threshold of another expediency. Who will they crucify next?
The people of Israel Palestine had the voice of John the Baptist, shouting the words of the Prophet Isaiah, "Prepare the way of the Lord ... Make straight His path ... Repent and believe." The Promised One is coming, the Messiah promised by God.
In The First Reading , the Prophet Baruch says, " The Messiah to be sent by God is coming..., "All flesh shall see His coming." Judgment is at hand.
Our Church on this Advent Sunday calls out to us like the prophets, ..."Christ Our Lord is coming" like John the Baptist cried out long ago. All of us should prepare for the Lord's coming with great joy and anticipation. Are you prepared to meet God at Mass and in the Sacrament to be received?
We, too, have a prophet today in our Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, who follows in the footsteps of the prophets, Isaiah and Baruch, who is also a teacher and missionary like St. Paul. Our Holy Father repeats the message in the Second Reading that we develop a partnership with the Gospel, the good news of Christ - to spread the word and continue the good work begun in you.
Increase Your Love For One Another. Learn better the fundamental truths of your faith and discern better what is more important. Be not deceived by media and the secular world.
Hear those words, "Prepare ... Be patient .... Persevere" - loud and clear! Pray to bring back the Spirit and hope that will bring joy for a better world and dispose your heart and mind to be always ready to meet the Lord.
Do not be afraid - we have the spouse of Mary, the Holy Spirit, to help us. He is always present with the Blessed Mother of God.
Mark well these days that celebrate her intervention. Be convinced and reassured by the words of Our Lady of Guadalupe, ..."Am I not your Mother?" The Mother of God is our Mother. Our Holy Father last October entrusted us and the world to the care to the Blessed Mother, Queen of the Holy Rosary, Our Lady of Fatima. This Sunday we are in the middle of two major Feast Days of the Holy Virgin Mary: The Immaculate Conception celebrated last Friday and Our Lady of Guadalupe to be celebrated Tuesday, the 12th. Her prophetic messages urges prayer and fasting - prayer and sacrifices for the conversion of sinners and reparation for the sins against life. She assures us that if we pray we need not be afraid for tomorrow. The skirmish between the powers of deception, Satan, versus Our Blessed Mother continues. But she needs our help to engage the powers of deception by prayers and sacrifices and a better understanding of the will of Her Son, which is to be prepared to meet Him. Be patient and persevere in your faith and prayers. Join yours to hers!
THE WORLD WE LIVE IN IS NOT FOREVER
First Sunday of Advent 2000
First Reading:
Responsorial Psalm:
Second Reading:
Gospel:
Jesus made it clear that the world that we live in is not forever and neither is our life span without an end. So don't let God not be disappointed in you. Be ready to meet your God. That is what Advent is all about. Re-read for yourself the Nicene and Apostle Creeds and note well the Credo of our Faith. The Nicene Creed, ..."he will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and His kingdom will have no end"... and the Apostle Creed, ..."He will come again to judge the living and the dead"...
The Advent Season is to prepare for the Coming of Christ - not as much for the birth of Christ than for His second coming in judgment. The final moments of our life on earth - that is the reflection on this Sunday. The world would have you giving thanks to God at Thanksgiving and at the same moment, making Christmas preparations by dedicating our time and treasure to consumer buying. If the stores are not packed enough, the world is disappointed. That is far from what Christ's Christmas should mean. Keep Christ in Christmas was the slogan years ago - where have you heard it recently? The preparations for Christians should include preparations for the coming of Christ at our final hour.
This does not put a gloomy face on Christ's birthday - your thinking about dying and death - but rather, we recognize the gift of God of Himself becoming Man, born among men in the flesh to show us and teach us how to live and that we were created to know God and be with Him.
The prophet Jeremiah and St. Paul in his letter to the Thessalonians tell of God's promise of a great day to come; the coming of Christ for our salvation, to save us from ourselves. We were not made for the world.
We are bloated with worldly cares and desires and very susceptible to becoming depressed by the uncertainties of tomorrow and the appearance that our tomorrows seem to be getting worse than better. Step back to see more clearly; realize that the world that we live in is not the end and should never be the goal of our lives.
How then should we conduct ourselves? First of all, don't be afraid. Our Blessed Mother very recently said in one of her messages that you need not be afraid if you pray.
Young people seem to be afraid that there will be no tomorrows so they are always in a hurry. Don't be afraid - take it slow. In your rush to rediscover the world, stop and smell the roses and give thanks to God. You have plenty of time so don't miss the reality of God's existence and love for you.
For the middle aged believers bent on making a living, a saving wage and achieving some measure of prosperity - in seeking your prosperity, don't ignore God in your plans and ambitions and most especially, dont' ignore the most precious gift of your children. They need you - be an example of God's mercy and love. Never forget that Jesus demonstrated by His life and sacrifice His desire to forgive you and love you. You, too, should put that in your disposition as the purpose and goal of your sacrifices for one another.
For us older folk, though we have slowed down and are slowed down by old habits that are hard to break, God has a lot of energy for you if you trust in His promise and not worry how you'll feel tomorrow. Our Holy Father is an example for us. Your experience and wisdom has such far reaching effects - especially now that you have the time to share this wealth of love, talent and knowledge that He has bestowed in each of you.
Look forward to God's promise - not more of this world but more of the world we have yet to experience when we are out of the body and with the Lord. Whatever you do - do not become indifferent. Conduct yourselves as men and women of faith - remember, be an example to the younger among you. Be seniors who pray more and worry less. Be anxious about your prayer life as much as you do taking your pills and vitamins.
Reflect during this time - what is the most important remedy for preparing every day to meet your God in judgment?
CHRIST REIGNS IN OUR HEARTS AND IN OUR LIVES
Sunday, Christ the King Feast Day, November 26, 2000
In 1925 Pope Pius XI established the Feast of Christ the King. It was an attempt to contradict and counteract the prevailing pietistic practice of our faith engrossed in emotionalism and it was aimed at the growing secularist society and rationalism.
It is providential - Divine Providence, has placed this Feast Day of Christ the King on the Sunday usually following Thanksgiving.
We have and repeat our prayer of thanks for God’s provision and for the life we received through Jesus Christ, Our King.
We have gathered to celebrate the Solemn Feast of Christ the King. We are called to look at this Feast Day of Christ Our King with eyes of faith. God wishes to reign in our hearts and in our lives. Though Jesus Christ reigns over the whole created world, his pleasure is that we, who have been united to Him in Baptism are here to acknowledge that He exists. God not only created us, you and I are His adopted Brothers and Sisters; He furnished the world we live in, and he has blessed us with a Spirit of Faith and a confidence in His power. We desire His reign in our hearts and our lives. At this Mass, we renew our faith and trust in His Divine Mercy.
The Psalmist Says, ""Who Is this King of Glory..." It is God, Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of Lords, the King of Kings. He Who became Incarnate, in the Womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary, became man; He was born in Poverty, the Foster Son of a Carpenter. In other words he appeared to be ordinary, but His origin was Divine. His mission was to announce His Divine kingdom of love and forgiveness to a chosen people. He went around Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Good News of His Kingdom; He was curing Every disease and illness among the people.
See in this Feast Day hope for the world. His Kingship and rule seeks to lift us up from the shortsightedness of the confused secular world we live in.
See the futility of the secular world we live in - it’s continuing division, greed for control, gross injustices ignored, distortion of truth and the Ten Commandments, as well as the limits of the Natural Law. The new idolatry of today is making gods of ourselves. Christ does not reign, instead egocentrism reigns. Our generation has abdicated Christ from the Kingdom He came to bring to our hearts. He has been displaced by our own "me, myself and I" - "god of rights" with no obligation nor responsibility other than to oneself. Freedom is a license to seek expediency as the rule of life and morality follows the same rule of expediency of right or wrong.
We proclaim Christ’s reign is not over political powers. Christ’s reign is of love over the hearts of man. We need to pray to Christ Our King whose love and mercy are forever. Pray for an increase of faith, confidence in Him who can deliver us from evil and help us to persevere when we are faced with trials and temptations.
GOD CHALLENGES OUR SENSE OF JUSTICE AND CHARITY
(1 Kgs 17:10-16, Ps 146:7, 8-9, 9-10, Heb 9:24-28, Mk 12:38-44 or 12:41-44)
Sunday, Thirty second week of Ordinary Time
We should pray to have the same kind of faith like Elijah and trust of the widow of Zarephat described in the First Reading. Do you you have the faith, do you believe? Do you have confidence in your faith, in your trust in the mercy of God?
God put His Spirit in you; He will not abandon you in crisis nor in any difficulties. Have confidence in the power of God; try to imitate Elijah's faith when you say: "Jesus, I trust in you".
Be confident in the Divine Spirit in you which you nourish coming to Mass. Renew the sacrifice of Christ's death and receive the Eucharist of His life in His Church with a confident faith that believes and trusts.
The Second Reading refers to the perpetual results that come from Christ’s suffering and death on the cross, renewed at this Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus has been, is now and is forever God’s plan for the salvation of our souls, for forgiveness of sin and for the reconciliation of all mankind - yesterday, today and forever. Through His one act of sacrifice, Christ suffered once for all time. He established at the Last Supper the unbloody memorial sacrifice that is renewed at Mass in the person of the priest. God did not have to suffer and die over and over again to reconcile us to Himself; God gave it to His apostles, to His priests, to continue His sacrifice in the breaking of the bread - the Mass. And that is what we have come to do at Mass again and again - every Sunday. It is the powerful Eucharistic sacrifice that continues God’s forgiveness and mercy. Renew Elijah’s faith and trust in yourselves this morning. Nourish that faith at this Mass. Believe in the promise in the Mass!
The Gospel challenges us - challenges our sense of justice and of charity. However you judge what the amount of money you shall give, when you put it into the offertory basket, the question is: “What should it be?” Perhaps not for most, but nevertheless for many of you, I venture to ask, "how much do you give to gambling? How foolish would it be for anyone to gamble your last cent expecting the machine to reward your faith. How fruitless the faith that trusts in a machine, or the cards, or whatever! Your recreational gambling money would be a generous offering and like commendable by God for your sacrifice.
Most often than not, our offering is from our surplus and not that big of a sacrifice. Though God is pleased with whatever you do give, is it what it should be? Those who are of comfortable means and possess more that you need, you may give generously; nevertheless the point is with all of us - is the gift as commendable as the widow who gave from her want with faith. She has confidence that God will provide. She had the faith of Elijah and the woman that fed him.
THE LORD ALONE IS YOUR GOD
Sunday, Thirty first week, November 5, 2000
The words and message of today's Gospel of Mark echo the commandments that were mentioned in the First Reading from Deuteronomy. Moses reminded his Isralelites of the ancient agreement with them of 613 different laws or statues - the ancient covenant between Israel and God, ... saying, "Israel, fear the Lord, your God and keep the laws and commandments". Moses summarized those words you heard from the Book of Deuteronomy:
"THE LORD ALONE IS YOUR GOD, LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, WITH ALL YOUR SOUL AND ALL YOUR STRENGTH".
An agreement to love, not hate. Something the modern Israeli has yet to accept.
Jesus, the Messiah, Our Lord, expanded and explained those words to include the love of your neighbor as yourself. This remains a new and better covenant agreement - the difference being that the old covenant agreement was predicated on obedience of 613 statutes and based on justice. Whereas, the new covenant, declared by Christ, is predicated on love and promulgated with the saving sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Access to God's friendship, His Mercy and Love is not through any achievement of our own or justice, but on merciful love through the saving and free gift of Christ: namely, HIS SACRIFICIAL DEATH ON THE CROSS AND HIS PROMISE OF HOPE IN A NEW LIFE, RESURRECTION. Access to His friendship, mercy, and love for us is through your faith in the renewal of Christ's sacrifice at Mass offered by the priest. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is that powerful and effective - a memorial act renewing God's love for us because it is God who acts first on us with His merciful love, disposing our hearts and minds to accept His way of life and love Him back with all our hearts and neighbors as ourselves. It goes even beyond that. This past week we celebrated the Feast of All Saints and All Souls'. We kept the memories of all our dead - of family, friends, benefactors and the many dead who have no one to pray for them. Your specific remembrances in the sacrifice of the Mass pleads for them and for the fullness of God's mercy, for their everlasting peace and happiness in Heaven - and as much for them as for ourselves.