Homilies & Reflections
HUMILITY IS THE MOST ELUSIVE VIRTUE
Love God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind ...
HAVE YOU BELIEVED, DO YOU BELIEVE?
MERCY SUNDAY. WHY IS IT CALLED MERCY SUNDAY?
EASTER SUNDAY - NEW AGAIN, NEW AGAIN, ALLELUIA!
March 17, 2002 - Fifth Sunday of Lent
March 10, 2002 - Fourth Sunday of Lent
February 24, 2002 - The Transfiguration
SPECIAL: SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR'S COMMENTARY ...
Entrustment of the 3rd Millennium and the Church to Our Blessed Mother
HOMILY: THIRTY-SECOND SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2002
STAY AWAKE AND BE READY!
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This morning Our Lord calls upon us to think about how are we prepared to meet death. The ancient Book of Wisdom encourages to be wise; simply put, don’t presume that your going to live forever. There will be a judgment after death; true wisdom tells us to follow God rather than the foolishness of the world. The foolishness of the bridesmaids who were unprepared. Adults should know better and should think about how they would like to die and how we want to be remembered. Indifference is the worse. The "I don’t care" attitude is sinful. Fatalism is a sin. With the events of 9/11 and the increase in auto fatalities, should make us more sober and alert. Seek wisdom, be prepared.
St. Paul this morning talks about those who have already met death, whether they were prepared or not. Our faith teaches us that there will be a conscious life after we pass through death. Jesus wants salvation for all. But we all have to make choices; indifference or sin rejects the existence of a merciful God.
St Paul says the dead shall rise, there will be a Resurrection. When we die we do not die dead, we die alive - caught up in the Lord. Just as their souls have been taken up to God in Heaven so, too, shall we follow. Just as we prayed for those souls who have gone to the Lord before us, I am sure you would want those remaining alive, here on earth, to pray and remember you. Praying for the dead is a good way to preparing yourselves for the coming of the Lord. It is like putting more oil in your lamps. Your lamp will be ready to greet the Lord.
Stay awake and be ready! For you do not know what day the Lord will come.
HOMILY: THIRTY-FIRST SUNDAY, NOV 3, 2002
HUMILITY IS THE MOST ELUSIVE VIRTUE
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The Holy Scriptures this morning speaks to us about humility. Prayer and how to pray is very important to us in our life experiences. Especially realizing that the devil tempts us when we are in our most vulnerable time. We need to reflect on our own temptations. Whatever our state of life or position, we need to realize that all that we are and all that we have come by that is morally good comes from God. And all is given to us must be ordered to His honor and glory, and not for our own glorification. You need to be a prayerful person in order to get that on.
The Scriptures remind us that the temptations of those in power is to use their influence and position for their own aggrandizement, their own profit. Those in power are tempted to be more interested in perpetuating themselves in power than they are in serving and fulfilling their responsibilities. Those in positions of influence are often tempted to think of themselves as above the law. Whatever virtues they claim to have are not bound by any rules. Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power tends to corrupt absolutely. Remember it is our responsibility to constantly demand from one another integrity, honesty and virtue, and particularly those who serve in positions of authority.
Realize and be mindful that the same temptations are found within the Church, as in the state, businesses, and in professions. We can’t go back to the days when a priest or a civic leader had to earn his own income and still perform his office. But we need to encourage our Christian leaders that they are not above people that they are called or elected to serve. They must always identify with the least of the community, whether in the faith or in civil society. In this way, they will show their genuineness. To those to whom much is given, much is expected. It is expected that they will work harder at humility and at service, and that they will always guard against thinking they are someone special.
Humility is the most elusive virtue of all, for when they think we are humble, that is the very moment when we have lost it! The beginning of humility is found in our prayer life. If you do not pray how can you avoid the temptations of any kind. When we pray we are asking God’s help, we are humble, we are not depending just on ourselves. We bring God into our lives, so that when something good comes into our lives, we know that it has come from God rather than just ourselves. Especially nowadays!
Most recently our Holy Father, John Paul II, has called our attention to the praying of the Holy Rosary. In that recent Apostolic Letter to all bishops, priests, and the laity, the whole Church is reminded how to say the Rosary and how powerful a prayer the Rosary is. It is a most beautiful instruction for all of us. Try to read it for yourselves. A true lesson of Humility... praying with His Mother, the Virgin Mary.
Love God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind ...
Sunday, October 27
St Paul said in the 2nd reading this morning “...be imitators of me and the Lord...” recommending that we Catholics seriously work at being examples and models of our faith. Realize that the gift of
faith you have is not merely for yourself but it is for others, that others might see and imitate what you do and stand for. The example that comes to my mind is saying the rosary. People see you with the rosary, wonder what and why you're doing it, and admire your faith in the Blessed Mother’s prayer. THEY might consider wanting to imitate you. You don’t have to be a catholic to say the Rosary.
The Gospel quotes Jesus teaching that we cannot truly love God without a practical love of neighbor. That was emphasized in the 1st reading from The Book of Exodus; however, God has been good to you, REALIZE all that God has done for each and all of us. Have we been grateful?
In today’s modern hedonistic culture , the sole goal of life is pleasure. Love is pleasure. That word love, we should get rid of the word “love”., It has become a terribly ambiguous, abstract, emotional and a meaningless word. It is so trite to say, ”I love you”, without some thought behind it. Teenagers and young adults excuse their immorality saying,” we love each other.” which means they have the license to fornicate. Whatever gives you pleasure. Is that what the word means? When you say, “I love God”, what do you mean? How often have you substituted the real meaning for your own emotional idea of the word, ”love”?
Stop and reflect on the real meaning of love in the example of sacrifice by those who totally give their lives for others, not “to” but “for” another. Hear again His response to the Saducees, “You should love God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind” and love your neighbor as yourself.
Properly reciting the Rosary more often can help you to show that you love God, and want to know Him better and to follow His example by reaching out to others for Him and in His Name. Use the powerful prayer THE ROSARY.
Almost two weeks ago Pope John Paul II, addressed an Apostolic Letter to all Catholics entitled “The Rosary of the Virgin Mary”. In that letter the Pope asks that the Rosary be prayed particularly
for the causes of world peace and the strengthening of family life. He has proclaimed a special year of dedication to the Rosary. This IS THE Year of the Rosary. In the Pope’s Apostolic Letter of Rosarium Virginis Mariae, Our Holy Father’s proposes five new mysteries to the Rosary adding to this traditional prayer unchanged for centuries. He brings to our attention the power of this prayer to make a
difference in our personal lives and to be instrument to change and overcome the evils of our day. Pope John Paul recommends the addition of five "luminous mysteries," or "mysteries of light,"
in addition to the joyful, sorrowful, and glorious mysteries. The "mysteries of light" would draw from the life of Christ. The five decades would be: 1) the Baptism of Christ in the Jordan; 2)
the wedding feast at Cana; 3) the announcement of the Kingdom; 4) the Transfiguration, and 5) the institution of the Eucharist.
Our Holy Father even takes note that in reciting the ten "Hail Mary's" that make up each decade, or "mystery," of the Rosary, the faithful SHOULD BE meditating on Jesus, and follow the thoughts of the Virgin Mary as they meditate on the life of Christ.
The Pope goes on to point out that the Rosary is a means of praying to Jesus, through and with his mother. The Pope also insists that it is a mistake to believe that the Church has lost enthusiasm for the Rosary. Keep in mind that the Mass is the Church's public act of worship, the greatest and most powerful prayer, while the Rosary encourages private devotion and a quiet encounter with Christ. The Rosary Leads Us to Christ And Is a Necessary Prayer For Getting to Know God - the First step to getting to love God. IT IS A PRAYER OF LOVE.
Homily Sept. 08, 2002
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On this day, September 8th, ordinarily our liturgy would celebrate the Feast of the birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary, but being that the feast day falls on a Sunday, the liturgy preempts her birthday to celebrate the Resurrection of Our Lord.
On this Sunday, Mary takes a back seat for her son. But our Blessed Mother says listen to Him, "Do what He tells you." Pray, pray, pray - depend on my Son, but it is still up to you, don't be afraid to act.
Our Lord's words today emphasizes His concern for this generation as He has had for others, as He has had for generations before us... Ezekiel said that we are responsible for each other, and some have more responsibility than others. Many have a special responsibility such as parents, close relatives and friends, at work or the neighbor. Have you hesitated to correct or even been permissive and complacent toward a wrongdoer? Have you allowed it, let it pass, saying or thinking, "well, it's their life". How many times have you said it is none of your business.
How can you say you love somebody and hesitate to correct or warn them of the danger of their wrongdoing for themselves and others. At the same time you must pray, pray, pray when someone is bent on doing wrong and continuing. St. Paul said, "Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another; ... love does no evil to the neighbor ... love your neighbor as yourself". THE SACRIFICE OF LOVE is being concerned about one another and speaking out, especially with those closest to you. The Prophet says, "If evil continues, God will hold the silent Christian fully responsible. We Catholics cannot be silent; we have the God given security and the discipline of our faith and its teachings. We have access to the Truth and a way of life for ourselves, but we are also equally responsible to guide others whom we claim we love.
Doomsday is not the terrorists nor any of the terrible weapons of mass destruction. Doomsday is in our own complacency and self-indulgence in the poisonous ideas and values encouraged by a modern democracy that would deny religion and a relationship to God. We are hell bent to our own destruction unless we Christians wake up to our responsibilities.
When you are permissive and are afraid to speak up, how can you excuse yourselves for the love you owe your children ... husband, wife, close relative or friend. Let me speak to you as Our Blessed Mother would. She says "Do what He tells you." Pray, pray, pray - depend on my Son, but it is still up to you, don't be afraid to act. It is up to you.
Homily Sept. 01, 2002
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In simple terms, judgment is mine, says the Lord, I shall repay all according to his or her conduct. We who call ourselves Christian and Catholic - look at yourself ... and see how you measure up to Jesus way of life. He tells His Disciples that their lives are to be lives of sacrifice, of self-denial, of choosing the cross rather than submitting to the world.
Saint Paul says "Do not conform yourselves to this age." Don't let the world tell you how to think, how to dress; don't follow the pattern of this world's ideas, its suggestions. Try not to let television ads and the consumer attractions deceive you. The danger is in that we start feeling sorry for ourselves if we don't measure to the pattern and ways the secular world suggest. So, maybe you haven't got what others seem to enjoy or the opposite, you don't have what you need to be comfortable, or it may be that you are in poor health, are handicapped in some way. You feel or know that you are suffering in some fashion. You have been deceived, hurt, misjudged, deeply offended by the jealousies of others or willful evil. Or you may even feel sorry for yourself because your spiritual life has gone numb, your faith may be tested by terrible doubts, and immoral temptations. This, too, is suffering.
Many are the opportunities to forgive, deny ourselves of vengeance, or blaming God. It is not easy following Christ's way - self denial and doing His will and not your own. Enter into the mind of Jesus, and realize His Gospel teaching, His the rules of life recommended by the teaching authority of the Church, what the Holy Father Pope John Paul II teaches and preaches. It would be wrong for the Pope to make it easy for us. The mind of Jesus aims to prepare us to accept His way of life. A life that seeks holiness of spirit, and self-denial. Question your conduct: what you plan to do, want to do, what sacrifices you are willing to make to accomplish your life's goal.
St. Paul puts it in a nutshell - don't look at the past but seek a change for the future: your prayers, your spiritual worship and God's never ending mercies. God's Mercy is forever to help you to renew your lives and to know what God wants of you; be positive. It is up to you. When you get to this point the Spirit of Jeremiah shall move you into action, to a greater joy in your victory over the temptations and worldly desires. You may be judged foolish, out of step with reality, wasteful of opportunities for greater creature comfort, old fashioned. Pray for patience and humility, try not to judge others, but rather let your joy shine out in the peace filled look on your face. Wear a happy face in following Christ with your cross.
HOMILY - July 7, 2002
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There's some Good Wisdom to learn from in the Readings of Holy Scripture this morning. From the first reading from Zechariah: predicts the coming of a Peace-maker, the Messiah, Jesus, who banishes the violence of war, and the vengeance of "a tooth for a tooth, an eye for an eye." The lesson for us is that the use of violence, and the tools of destruction, missiles and war machines, will never bring about peace - rather a desire to humbly feed the hungry and clothe the naked, and right the wrongs of centuries. These are ways and the teaching of Christ; these shall proclaim peace.
St Paul in the 2nd reading tells us we are not just animated flesh with an earthbound view of life living in the present world. Paul refers to Holy Spirit received in our Baptism. That Spirit within us needs to come alive. God has given us His Spirit to renew the world. It is by the Holy Spirit within us and Christ's Promise of Resurrection that God has made us warriors to overcome the present evils with Christian humility and a greater knowledge of our faith. He has made all things good for us. God has given us longer lives to live and a greater physical well-being on this earth so that we could prepare ourselves more easily for the next life. We Christians are called to see beyond this earth and world. We are not to allow this world to contain us. We were made for Heaven.
And in the Gospel Jesus prays to the Father for our faith. Jesus wants for us to believe more strongly. Jesus, the Son of God, is the image of the Father. If we want to know God all we need to do is look closely at Jesus. His continuing mission is to reveal the Father to us as compassionate, merciful and loving. A compassionate, merciful, and loving God offers relief, especially to the weary, the oppressed, and those for who feel that the world seems only to be a place of suffering. In life the yoke we bear upon our shoulders has been placed there by a gentle and all knowing God. Our disposition of faith should be in believing and trusting in a gentle and all knowing God. We Christians should be convinced of God's mutual love, that God Loves us and asks the we love Him. With that love relationship the burden given and received will seem light and easy to the beloved.
"EASY" here also implies that each yoke is custom-made,. During the time of Christ each yoke was carefully crafted by the carpenter for the team that would bear it. It's a wonderful insight and may be the inspiration underlying the conviction that "God never places more on our shoulders than we can bear." Jesus' experience throughout his ministry was that the humble found it easier to accept his revolutionary doctrine than did those who were full of their own self-importance and self-righteousness.
HAVE YOU BELIEVED, DO YOU BELIEVE?
It is only two weeks since Easter. Perhaps the Easter message and the fruits of the Resurrection have grown dim. The Easter flowers have begun to wilt, The Glories of the Resurrection have faded.
We are reminded in St. Luke's Gospel this morning of the continuing presence of the Risen Christ. On the road to Emmaus the disciple believers, not Apostles, did not recognize that it was Jesus talking to them until they stopped to share a meal. The Gospel tells us that they recognized the Risen Christ in the Breaking of the bread. The Eucharist.
What does that have to say to us today. We have heard the lengthy testimonies of the Holy Scriptures for better than two weeks; what enthusiasm, what convictions of faith, has it brought to your hearts and minds? Perhaps you have received Holy Communion a number of times since. What convictions, excitement of faith have you experienced? Have you recognized the Risen Christ in the Eucharist?
We do not consume the Eucharistic Bread and Wine as if it were ordinary food and drink. If it was by the word of God that Christ did become man and dwelt among us, it is also by the same power of the Word of God that God does become flesh and blood to be food and drink in the Eucharist, which He gave us as a continuance of his presence among us.
Have you believed, do you believe, that in truth you and I meet the Risen Christ every time we come to Mass and receive the Lord in the Breaking of the Bread, the Eucharist?
If you believe, then where is your excitement, your faith conviction that what you have experienced is meeting the risen Savior. Have you told anyone about it?
Unfortunately, I believe we have become complacent, presumptuous, in taking the Eucharist as a habitual matter of fact. In so many instances, it may be regarded as scandalous to many, Catholics, Christians and believers as well. You must repeat to yourselves the reality of the mystery of the Eucharist. It is not easy to believe in the unbelievable, but that is our faith.
St Peter in the first reading reminds us that we are to profess our faith by action and not merely with a nod of the head or silent, unmeaning, full assent. St. Luke screams at us that Jesus can be found in the Eucharist. Pray for an increase of faith in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, in the breaking of the bread at Holy Mass.
TODAY IS MERCY SUNDAY. WHY IS IT CALLED MERCY SUNDAY?
Sunday, April 7, 2002
Nine days ago we celebrated Good Friday; without Good Friday there would be no Resurrection, no Easter. The reason why Christ lived, suffered and died, and proved He is God was to declare His love and mercy, "Whose sins you shall forgive are forgiven them, whose sins you retain are retained." The message of the Holy Scripture this morning directs our attention not only to God's Mercy but to challenge our faith in the reality of the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead. How often did Christ demonstrate that he, God, had the power to forgive sin, to heal and to raise up the dead. It is not easy to believe the unbelievable. The witnesses and the testimonies of His Resurrection, His miracles of healing, forgiving sin, and raising the dead have never been disproved, and no one in two thousand years has proven it did not happen. Blessed are they who have not seen or touched but believe.
About 70 years ago Our Resurrected Savior appeared to a Polish nun, Sister Faustina Kawalska, as the Risen Christ with rays of white and red emanating from His Wounded Heart. Jesus asked her to have a painting done of the image revealed to her. The Icon is a painting of the Resurrected Jesus with rays of
white and red emanating from the heart of the Resurrected Christ. The rays represent the Waters of Baptism and His sacrifice of blood. The nun was given the formula of a devotion requested by the Risen Christ. Christ calls us to believe in His Mercy, expressed in the words of the icon. "Jesus I trust in You".
Faustina Kawalski, now canonized a saint, has given our world the message and the icon of the Divine Mercy. For 40 years the Icon of Divine Mercy and the devotion associated with it has had a miraculous growth in popularity throughout the world and in the USA these past 25 years. Our Holy Father has
approved, encouraged and Blessed this devotion.
THE DEVOTION IS SIMPLY TO SAY ON THE BEADS OF YOUR ROSARY, SIMPLE, SHORT PRAYERS
WITH A BRIEF CONCLUSION.
Especially in our own day, St. Faustina's testimonies and the Icon speaks to us very dramatically our need for asking, pleading for God's Mercy. St. Faustina died in 1938.
What is particularly interesting to me, personally, is the coincidence of the Faustina's testimonies and her apparitions coming out of Poland. A nation terribly victimized during WWII and dominated by Communism.
The results of wars in the past has not brought peace and justice but rather like WWII, has brought the world more wars and the awareness of greater injustices.
Our Lord God, the Risen Christ, has given us in this Easter season a legacy of hope, in the renewal of our baptismal commitment last Sunday, Easter, and today. Trust in His Divine Mercy.
To those who doubt or not believe in the Resurrection and God's Love and Mercy, what greater proof do they need than what is given? Mind these testimonies have never been disproved. Pray, pray, pray and believe. Believe strongly so that your faith may be an example for others who do not believe.
Make a difference. That's the only way to peace, justice, and salvation.
EASTER SUNDAY: NEW AGAIN, NEW AGAIN, ALLELUIA, ALLELUIA!!! Sunday, March 31, 2002
Easter is the day of celebration. We are renewed and lifted up with hope and love. We are a
Resurrection people.
Today can be, for you and I, the first DAY of the rest of our lives. In the spirit of this Easter feast day of Resurrection, let us celebrate the future, a spring time of rebirth.
Our faith is renewed with the renewal of our Baptismal promises. The past is merely a prologue for the future. Flowers renew the beauty of the earth, sin is rejected; roses are bursting out with their fragrances; trees are budding and fruiting.
A new springtime gives us hope that we can, as St. Paul said this morning, "clear out the old" so that you may be refreshed and renewed.
Let your faith in Christ's Resurrection, in His Words and Promises, lift up your burdened consciences and heavy hearts. This is the moment for a new look at a new life, to see for yourselves the evidence of His Resurrection in our personal lives.
This morning we shall have that opportunity of renewal and recommitment to the promises made
at our baptisms. Reject the habits and behavior that leads us to sin, reject the glamour of money and power, sins of avarice; don't let money rule your lives to destroy your peace of mind and heart.
And don't let the temptations of the flesh overwhelm your eyes and senses, avoid the darkness of immorality.
Believe in the power of prayer and trust in our all powerful Christ, risen from the dead. Believe in His forgiveness of your sins. Believe in yourself, in your power to be good and a true follower of Christ, The Lord. He believes in you.
The waters of baptism gives us new hope; the renewal of our Baptismal promised gives us new
hope for a new life.
Born again - our new birth in the spirit raises us up.
New Again, New Again, Alleluia, alleluia
MARCH 17, 2002
Fifth Sunday of Lent
This morning, our lessons and the Gospels prepare us to reflect upon the Resurrection: the life, sufferings, death of Jesus Christ and His Resurrection, and His teachings and Promise that we, too, shall rise to experience resurrection.
The raising of Lazarus from the dead was a crowning opportunity for Jesus to make it very clear that He was more than just a miracle worker with special access to God. He demonstrated by the raising of Lazarus, that He and the Almighty God are one. Jesus claimed "I am the Resurrection" that He was the Resurrection and the Life: the Creator, the Redeemer and the beginning and the end.
Obviously, Lazarus being raised from the dead was not Resurrection, it was resuscitation - raised, returned to life again. Lazarus was returned to the World again, to the same struggles in the world of aches and pains and injustice.
Lazarus would die again and in faith, as a disciple of Christ, be raised up in Resurrection; raised up in Spirit. Whoever believes in me, even if he dies, shall live, and whoever believes in me will never die.
We, too, have the same promise, in virtue of our Baptism and the Sacraments received, as disciples and members of His Body. This Resurrection begins at Baptism. It is renewed in every celebration of the Sacraments, especially the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
We have the Sacraments to help us. We seek reconciliation as a demonstration of our Faith in Christ and His Power to forgive and forget. It is the promise of the Divine Mercy of God. Jesus, I trust in you.
Carried out in the way we live, we will never suffer real death, will never die dead. We die alive.
In Resurrection, we will experience real life, our life in God. A life similar to the experience of the Transfiguration of Christ to which St Peter exclaimed, "WOW".
MARCH 10, 2002 Fourth Sunday of Lent
"The blind man went off and washed himself and came away with his sight restored." "He had been blind since birth." Blindness can be brought on by serious illness, or by accident, and in many instances can be cured or ameliorated by a doctor or some remedy. This man was born blind at a time when
there were no human remedies; it was solely and only by the merciful power of God, Our Creator, that he was healed.
There was an obvious miracle in the restoration of the sight in the man born blind but there is another miracle that is not so obvious but just as real... The miracle was that he could see sin as well. He could see beyond SIN. He not only could see the sin of those around him, but more importantly, he could see his own sins.
We, Catholics, many times see sin and stand there with mouths open criticizing with hypocrisy, ignoring the very roots of sin whether within ourselves or in those for whom we are responsible before God. We see the want and sufferings of others, but are blind to our personal responsibility to do what we can to alleviate the pain and needs of others.
Is it not blindness to ignore the immorality of our times and amorality, the sensual license and secular avarice, love of money, and violence, as well as the license we give ourselves to do what we please.
Is it not blindness to ignore the dangers to our faith and to our well being both in health and safety.
I ask you what was Jesus trying to convey to us this morning by spitting on the ground, mixing the spittle with clay, and smearing it on the eyes of the blind man, saying "Go wash yourself in the pool of Saloam". Recall, God fashioned the first man out of clay. Though we, Christians, have been washed
clean in the waters of Baptism, we are like clay pots carrying about in our lives the water of our Baptism. Since our Baptism, and in particular since Easter last year, our Christianity "in cracked pots" are in need of renewal and repair repeatedly by confession and the discipline of Penance. Lent is that
opportunity to renew and repair ourselves by the renewal of our lives as we make our way toward Easter. Lenten prayer and renewal can restore our eye sight to see more clearly our pitfalls and weaknesses. To see what God expects of us, to see and witness to His Words, look to the blindness still within ourselves. Are we not blind to our mediocrity? Many times we do see, but we choose not to see. We pretend blindness at times. This halfway mark on our lenten journey to Easter renewal offers an opportunity again to overcome the blindness to our personal failings and weaknesses, and our need for more prayer. Pray sincerely to God for that miracle to see how better you can walk
in the light of your faith; dispel the darkness in your lives. See the wrongs done or permitted. See the opportunity for change and let it not pass by. See our lack of humility; see our over indulgence. See our Permissiveness; see the lack of self discipline.
Rejoicing today is in anticipation of the victories to be won this Lent through the mercy and grace of God. Ask Him to restore your sight to see - His Way, His truth and His Love.
February 24, 2002, Second Sunday of Lent Transfiguration ...
Today our Gospel presents to us the experience of the Transfiguration, of Resurrection. The event when Jesus took Peter, James, and John up the mountain, and where they were given a glimpse of the Glory that was to come. It took place approximately just a week after Jesus had announced to his disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and be put to death, but that He would rise from the dead. Seeing the Glory of the Transfigured Jesus, Peter enthusiastically exclaimed "wow, it is good to be here"; if you wish, let us make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah. But hearing the voice of God from the cloud, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid. Jesus then touched them and reassured them not to be afraid but to trust and have faith in His Word.
In Genesis, we have the picture of Abram who entered into a personal agreement with God; Abram had faith, believed, and in obedience, trusted in God’s Promises. Abraham went forth leaving the comfort and security of his home and went on to what can be described as an impossible journey. Because of that Faith and trust, God blessed him and fulfilled His Promise to Abraham, who became the Father of Our Faith. It is the faith, too, of the Jew and Muslim. We are called to believe and trust in our Baptism, when Christ promised us forgiveness of our sins and Resurrection, a life after death. With faith and trust in His Word and His Sacraments we have become God’s own disciples, sharing a unique relationship. Peter persevered despite his denial and disloyalty, his remorse brought him forgiveness.
The Mission of Christ was to reconcile humanity to the Father and to demonstrate by His Sacrifice the love that God has for us who believe in the promises of Christ. It is for us a continuation of the promise God made to Abraham to be His Chosen People. What faith and trust in a personal relationship with Him did for Abraham, faith in Jesus Christ and in His Word would do for us ..
During Lent we are called to remember that relationship with God. We are called to make a sacrifice that will help us to remember how real and intimate that relationship is; don’t be afraid to let go of the distractions that take you away from God. Focus on the personal relationship you have with Jesus. Ask that the Lord accept our sacrifice this morning and our Lenten Sacrifices for the Glory and Honor of His Name. He is our God, we are His People.
St Paul, says to Timothy: bear your hardships for the Gospel. In other words, for us, he would say: whatever you have to put up, whatever the measure of your sacrifices, and your self discipline during Lent, don’t weaken. And don’t be enemies of the cross who attempt to justify their casual laxity, and self indulgence, doing what is comfortable, what makes them feel good, and self righteous. Accept the hardships in your life, persevere in your faith and trust in Divine Providence, in a loving friend and Lord, our Brother Jesus.
FEBRUARY 17, 2002
First Week of Lent
This First Sunday of Lent, we have heard the Gospel about the temptations of Jesus; BREAD, PRESUMPTION, WEALTH & POWER, PRESTIGE.
Are we not tempted in much the same ways? Money, self, I can do it on my own, and our insatiable desire for more things, money.
When we think of a "temptation," we think of the urge to do something we shouldn't do. Sometimes the temptation comes from within, sometimes It comes from another. The sense of scriptures today is that every temptation should really be called a test. It is a test of our loyalty to God. And, it is a test of our character.
Clearly Adam's loyalty to God was being tested as was the loyalty of Jesus. In both cases, "the Tempter" is not so much interested in getting either Adam or Jesus to do something wrong, rather, the Tempter is trying to find out if each of us would be loyal. Adam failed his test. Jesus did not.
Every human person has to discover their true character, and to do so, we must put ourselves to the test. Jesus did this by going into the wilderness. Free of all distractions He went to face Himself. We were reminded on Ash Wednesday that "we are dust, and to dust we shall return." We must remember who and what we are. The story of Adam is the story that humanity sometimes forgets.
God created us to have an intimate relationship with Him. When Genesis tells us that Adam ate of the tree, in part what we are being told is that Adam was looking for some autonomy, some ability to live without dependence on God.
The temptation of Adam was to think more highly of himself than he should. To believe that we can have any kind of existence apart from God is arrogance of the worst sort. We must remember who made us.
Jesus did not go into the desert to make a restful retreat. Jesus went to the desert to face His temptations. There was no surprise for Jesus that He was tempted. He went to specifically face the test of His own ability to be loyal to the Father.
Lent is a time for us to go into our own deserts and to test ourselves. We can use the tools of Lent: fasting, prayer and almsgiving. To fast is not only to give up food, it is to put aside those things that distract us from God. Lent should involve much more prayer than is normal for us. Almsgiving is to practice justice. It's one thing to fast, to deny ourselves something. It is another to give to the poor. When we fast from food, will someone else be able to eat?
What we choose to do for Lent should not be easy. It should be something that forces us to face our own temptations. In facing them, in defeating them ...
January 20, 2002
In our opening prayer this morning we asked God to show us the way to Peace. We read the Word of God in the Holy Scriptures, which instructs us weekly, giving hope in this "peace-less" world we live in. The word "peace-less" was coined in a recent message of Our Lady, Queen of Peace, by one of the visionaries of Medjugorje.
It was only last Sunday that we celebrated the Baptism of Christ by John the Baptist; it is "kind of" repeated today. A special emphasis, but why?
The first reading speaks of unity, the gathering of all of God’s people, all who call Abraham the Father of their faith; the promise of God to Abraham that his progeny would be uncountable. They would be extended throughout the world, "to the ends of the earth", as numerous as the stars in the sky and the sands of the seas, and they will be a light to all nations of the world.
St. Paul singles out everyone everywhere, all, who invoke the name of Jesus Christ, that united, they shall be people who are holy. Our prayer this morning suggests the goal to be accomplished, a Unity of Faith beginning with Abraham and continuing with the Baptist who calls us to Christ as the promised one of God, the hope of the world.
I see the Baptist as a second Abraham. Abraham pointed us toward a personal God. A God who speaks to us of a tomorrow of hope and peace. John the Baptist prepares us for reconciliation, the hope of forgiveness and renewal in baptism - reborn - a true reconciliation. Our response is to acknowledge that we have been unfaithful. The promise was fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ, God becoming Man.
For you and I, it is our testimony of faith in Jesus, the Word become Flesh, the Son of Mary the Virgin, Son of God, God among us - the Jesus of Nazareth who called upon Abraham as father, and Isaac and Jacob his ancestors. together with Moses and David.
It is your faith and my own that is called upon to continue what Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, the patriarchs and prophets believed and John the Baptist - finally, the Son of God, Jesus the Christ.
He is the Promise of Peace who continues to dwell with us and in us by means of the presence as the Christ God in the Eucharist, and Sacraments of the Church. It is Christ who empowers us to be the visible Sign, the source of unity. Just like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, John the Baptist and Jesus Himself called people together, now we under the leadership of Our Holy Father, his Bishops and you yourselves by your baptism. You are a part of that hope and promise, a visible sign of God's relationship with you, and the world of humanity around you.
January 13th, year 2002
The Power of Baptism, The Power of the Holy Spirit
How many of you remember your baptism? For the most part, most of us were infants (unless you were a convert or baptized late in life). We don’t remember - yet, the Power of the Holy Spirit descended upon you when you and I were baptized. By virtue of that Baptism, you were empowered to make your First Holy Communion, to enjoy the fruits of Christ’s Sacrifice on the Cross, to enjoy and eat from His Table, the Eucharist.
It was at your baptism that something mysterious happened. You received power from God, you received that same Spirit that Descended upon Christ at His Baptism in the Jordan by John. That same spirit, the Spirit of Christ entered your life and body and left an indelible mark on your soul. That power you received was to become his disciple, to imitate Christ to do good, to be part of the mission inaugurated by Christ at His Baptism in the Jordan.
THE SPIRIT OF GOD DWELLS IN YOU - you became an agent for peace and a catalyst for hope . The Baptized receive a special character
For example our human nature has provided us with certain talents, many of which we are unaware. These talents which God has blessed us with will lay dormant unless we use them and share them for the good of others as well as ourselves. The talent may be the power to sing well, to speak languages, to build, to create etc. That Spirit of Baptism is a mysterious talent with which we were empowered at Baptism; it needs to be used - in most of us, it remains dormant.
Simply this, Christ is the power of God, the Word become flesh. It was Christ who commanded His Disciples to Baptize, to share His power with any of us who believe and receive His Message. We have that Power. Because we have the Spirit for ourselves and others, we are called to go to Mass.
The Sacrifice of the Mass - why is it important we go, to attend the memorial Sacrifice of Christ and as food to nourish the Spirit we received at Baptism and for our own our journey? Christ left us His Life’s Body, Blood, soul and divinity for us to eat so that, through the power of our baptism, might join the mission of Christ to do good, to continue His Mission to heal the world, etc. Christ stands beside us; we are his eyes, his hands and feet to bring hope to those who would hear you. Bless one another, bless your children, and those who would hug you. Use your POWER.