The readings for this week's feast are available at USCCB>>>
I will be presiding at Mass at 5:30pm on Saturday, June 5, 11:00 and 12:30 on Sunday June 6.
The homily from Trinity Sunday is in the library>>>
The last two weeks have begun with a question in my mind: Where are you (in the flesh or in the spirit)? and Who are you (in the Image of God)? This week's homily and thoughts are also a question (let's keep this theme going), What are you?
The answer to the "What are You?" question comes to my mind from the first reading. There we hear that Abram offered the priest one tenth of what he had for a sacrifice to God. We know that behavior as "tithing" or giving one tenth.
The practice of giving one tenth came as a standard offering which indicated that all that we have is the Lord's. So, the symbolic offering of one tenth was the first tenth and the best tenth as a sign that 100% of everything we have comes from God and is marked by his possessing it.
The answer to the question "What are you?" is "A Portion". Each of us is called to recognize ourselves as a part, a piece, a portion. What that says about us is that we belong to a larger whole. In our case, we are a part of the Body of Christ - Corpus Christi.
This is important because too often religious people seek an intimate relationship with God or 'salvation' on their own - "Me and Jesus". Often these folks have rejected the Church and any role that the Body of Christ would have in their salvation.
It cannot be that way for us. In fact, we are only saved in as much as we are united with Jesus Christ, in His Body, the Church(love God and your neighbor as yourself). Communion, that spiritual and real relationship we have with God and others, is essential to our salvation. May we always remember that we are only a portion, a tenth if you will, a part of something much bigger and much more important than ourselves: the Body of Christ.
On a feast dedicated to the Body and Blood of Christ it would be helpful for us to see that our "piece" of Communion is just a portion of the "one loaf" which is Christ's Body. Individually we have great dignity - but alone we are nothing.
Wadayathink?
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Holy Trinity Homily
The homily for this Solemnity of the Blessed Trinity is in the library now>>>
I was blessed to have a married couple's anniversary to bless. Who are you?
I was blessed to have a married couple's anniversary to bless. Who are you?
Thursday, May 27, 2010
The Most Holy Trinity - May 30, 2010
The readings for this coming week are found at the USCCB>>>
My mass schedule for this coming Sunday is Saturday 5/29/10 at 4:00pm and Sunday 5/30/10 at 9:30am
Last week I asked the question "where are you?" and for those who heard that(see Library May 23, 2010) know that I meant, "in the flesh" or "in the spirit". This feast of the Trinity might prompt me to ask a similarly phrased question, "who are you?"
While the feast of the Blessed Trinity is about "Who" God is, I believe that ultimately it comes down to 'who' we are. You see, from the beginning we were created in the divine image. So, a feast that talks about the identity of God (Trinity) is going to have an answer in who we are as God's images (Imago Dei)
There is a new book out called "God is Not One". It is a comparative religion book by a theology professor from Boston College. He identifies the eight major religions of the world and says that these are NOT simply eight different "ways" to the same and single God. Rather, he says, these are eight different "solutions" to eight different "problems"...eight different gods, if you will.
Understanding who YOUR God is (and what the problem in life that you are solving), will determine what your religious life is all about. Since religion is the central mystery of our human lives, knowing the identity of our "god" will unravel the mystery of our lives.
Wadayathink?
Who is your God? Why do you pursue that God? Ours is Trinity - pure love.
My mass schedule for this coming Sunday is Saturday 5/29/10 at 4:00pm and Sunday 5/30/10 at 9:30am
Last week I asked the question "where are you?" and for those who heard that(see Library May 23, 2010) know that I meant, "in the flesh" or "in the spirit". This feast of the Trinity might prompt me to ask a similarly phrased question, "who are you?"
While the feast of the Blessed Trinity is about "Who" God is, I believe that ultimately it comes down to 'who' we are. You see, from the beginning we were created in the divine image. So, a feast that talks about the identity of God (Trinity) is going to have an answer in who we are as God's images (Imago Dei)
There is a new book out called "God is Not One". It is a comparative religion book by a theology professor from Boston College. He identifies the eight major religions of the world and says that these are NOT simply eight different "ways" to the same and single God. Rather, he says, these are eight different "solutions" to eight different "problems"...eight different gods, if you will.
Understanding who YOUR God is (and what the problem in life that you are solving), will determine what your religious life is all about. Since religion is the central mystery of our human lives, knowing the identity of our "god" will unravel the mystery of our lives.
Wadayathink?
Who is your God? Why do you pursue that God? Ours is Trinity - pure love.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Pentecost - the Spirit of Life!
Last week's Ascension Homily is in the library>>>
The scriptures for this Sunday are available at USCCB >>>
I am presiding at the 8:00 and 9:30am Masses on Sunday.
I titled this blog "the Spirit OF Life" and I did so for the reason that I am always vigilant to keep the purpose of our faith in the spotlight. What I am always concerned about is that our faith is "brought to life". Too much of the religious conversation that I hear removes our daily life from contact with God.
The purpose of the coming of the Spirit upon the Apostles is to weave divinity into our human experience. That is the purpose of our entire economy of salvation...that God might be united with our humanity that was lost through sin. Jesus is the accomplishment of this divine work. And the Holy Spirit is the agent of that work into our day.
The work of the Holy Spirit is to conform our hearts and lives to this divine work. Isn't it true that too often our prayer and desire is that God change our circumstance to fit our personal goals? Ha! God's purpose and work in the Holy Spirit is to fit us into the current circumstances the way God would fit in - changing us. It is only is this way that God's will can be accomplished. Divinity in communion with humanity.
Oh my!
The scriptures for this Sunday are available at USCCB >>>
I am presiding at the 8:00 and 9:30am Masses on Sunday.
I titled this blog "the Spirit OF Life" and I did so for the reason that I am always vigilant to keep the purpose of our faith in the spotlight. What I am always concerned about is that our faith is "brought to life". Too much of the religious conversation that I hear removes our daily life from contact with God.
The purpose of the coming of the Spirit upon the Apostles is to weave divinity into our human experience. That is the purpose of our entire economy of salvation...that God might be united with our humanity that was lost through sin. Jesus is the accomplishment of this divine work. And the Holy Spirit is the agent of that work into our day.
The work of the Holy Spirit is to conform our hearts and lives to this divine work. Isn't it true that too often our prayer and desire is that God change our circumstance to fit our personal goals? Ha! God's purpose and work in the Holy Spirit is to fit us into the current circumstances the way God would fit in - changing us. It is only is this way that God's will can be accomplished. Divinity in communion with humanity.
Oh my!
Friday, May 14, 2010
Ascension of our Lord! - Letting go
Last week's homily is in the library >>>
The Scriptures for this Sunday, the Ascension are available at the USCCB>>>
I have presiding at the Saturday 4:00pm and the Sunday 12:30pm Masses
This Solemnity of the Ascension confronts the Christian and the community with the in between time and the patient virtue of "putting it down gently". I believe in our personal lives we might have the most vivid experience of this Christian virtue is what we call "anticipatory grief".
Although this feast shows Jesus rising up into the clouds, I am thinking of his agony in the garden...the long, slow, painful, process of getting used to the idea, a frightening idea.
Letting go of life as we have known it. That is the message of the Ascension, I think. It is something that the Church proposes but never gets used to. Letting go of this thing to make room for the next thing that life and reality have to present to you.
What do you think
The Scriptures for this Sunday, the Ascension are available at the USCCB>>>
I have presiding at the Saturday 4:00pm and the Sunday 12:30pm Masses
This Solemnity of the Ascension confronts the Christian and the community with the in between time and the patient virtue of "putting it down gently". I believe in our personal lives we might have the most vivid experience of this Christian virtue is what we call "anticipatory grief".
Although this feast shows Jesus rising up into the clouds, I am thinking of his agony in the garden...the long, slow, painful, process of getting used to the idea, a frightening idea.
Letting go of life as we have known it. That is the message of the Ascension, I think. It is something that the Church proposes but never gets used to. Letting go of this thing to make room for the next thing that life and reality have to present to you.
What do you think
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Easter VI -Down, Dark, Dangerous and Daily
Don't miss last Sunday's peaching.>>>>
This Sunday's Scriptures are available>>>>
I am preaching at 9:30 and 11:00am Masses.
This Sunday of Easter presents to us this famous formula of God's friendship with us - indwelling. If God is to be believed we need to get used to God relating to us in new and intimate ways.
I am the descendant of two coal miners. Their heritage has helped me to understand not only THAT God dwells within but HOW I am called and able to live with God where He chooses to live: down, dark, dangerous and daily.
Soul Mining!
This Sunday's Scriptures are available>>>>
I am preaching at 9:30 and 11:00am Masses.
This Sunday of Easter presents to us this famous formula of God's friendship with us - indwelling. If God is to be believed we need to get used to God relating to us in new and intimate ways.
I am the descendant of two coal miners. Their heritage has helped me to understand not only THAT God dwells within but HOW I am called and able to live with God where He chooses to live: down, dark, dangerous and daily.
Soul Mining!
Monday, May 3, 2010
Easter V is in the library
This Easter V homily is listed in the library as "Love One Another - a New Way!". I thought they were all getting listed In the library by date. Sorry. I'll work on that.
Friday, April 30, 2010
This Week - Easter V
I'm having Mass at 5:30 on Sat and 8 am on Sunday.
Check out readings for this Sunday>>>
Check out last week's homily>>>>>
They tell me it's a keeper!
This Sunday is a reflection upon the love of God and it's standard bearer - matrimony. St. Paul tells us that husband and wife are the icon of the love that God, the bridegroom, has for us His Bride, the Church. Spousal love is a tough sell these days...fewer and fewer people are getting married and only about half of them stay that way. Christian marriage (like it's counterpart the priesthood) are poorly understood and thus under-appreciated and finally difficult to live in this world.
Jesus wants us to love our neighbor as ourselves but to do that loving "as he did it". How did Jesus love himself, God, and neighbor? To death - "this is what it means to love, lay down your life for your friends." His witness as to "how" we love makes all the difference. The golden rule (do unto others....) is insufficient. We need to do unto others as Jesus did unto us.
Wow. That would make for a great marriage, priesthood and community life. That would impress the world. It might even bring them to salvation. "See HOW they love one another" not just THAT they do!
Peace
Check out readings for this Sunday>>>
Check out last week's homily>>>>>
They tell me it's a keeper!
This Sunday is a reflection upon the love of God and it's standard bearer - matrimony. St. Paul tells us that husband and wife are the icon of the love that God, the bridegroom, has for us His Bride, the Church. Spousal love is a tough sell these days...fewer and fewer people are getting married and only about half of them stay that way. Christian marriage (like it's counterpart the priesthood) are poorly understood and thus under-appreciated and finally difficult to live in this world.
Jesus wants us to love our neighbor as ourselves but to do that loving "as he did it". How did Jesus love himself, God, and neighbor? To death - "this is what it means to love, lay down your life for your friends." His witness as to "how" we love makes all the difference. The golden rule (do unto others....) is insufficient. We need to do unto others as Jesus did unto us.
Wow. That would make for a great marriage, priesthood and community life. That would impress the world. It might even bring them to salvation. "See HOW they love one another" not just THAT they do!
Peace
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Easter IV - Good Shepherd
Last week's homily on "restoration" is up in the library>
This Sunday's scriptures can be found as the usscb website>
This coming Sunday I will be presiding at 4pm on Saturday, 11am on Sunday and at the first of our two First Communion Masses. It's my "First" First Communion, too.
I am thinking mostly about "being taken in hand". The Gospel refers to the Good Shepherd who says "No one can take them out of my hand....no one can take them out of the Father’s hand." I believe that my Holy Thursday homily (which referred to "getting into Jesus" and "Jesus getting into us") is something I will not be able to avoid repeating.
Being taken "in hand" is a Eucharistic gesture, but it is also a gesture or expression of intimacy. The parish, a job, a spouse, or any other worthy "effort" is now in "good hands" - like All State. Husband and wife "now join your right hands" and I have asked for "your hand" in marriage. Something is entrusted into your "able hands".
While some might hear "control" (as if to handle), those who live in love hear "tender embrace" and "conscientious care". As we take "Jesus in hand" we are also taken "into his hands". It is this reciprocal relationship that the Good Shepherd desires with us and we seek in the Holy Eucharist.
So, are you in Good Hands? Have you gotten a "handle" on this Jesus? Let's see.
This Sunday's scriptures can be found as the usscb website>
This coming Sunday I will be presiding at 4pm on Saturday, 11am on Sunday and at the first of our two First Communion Masses. It's my "First" First Communion, too.
I am thinking mostly about "being taken in hand". The Gospel refers to the Good Shepherd who says "No one can take them out of my hand....no one can take them out of the Father’s hand." I believe that my Holy Thursday homily (which referred to "getting into Jesus" and "Jesus getting into us") is something I will not be able to avoid repeating.
Being taken "in hand" is a Eucharistic gesture, but it is also a gesture or expression of intimacy. The parish, a job, a spouse, or any other worthy "effort" is now in "good hands" - like All State. Husband and wife "now join your right hands" and I have asked for "your hand" in marriage. Something is entrusted into your "able hands".
While some might hear "control" (as if to handle), those who live in love hear "tender embrace" and "conscientious care". As we take "Jesus in hand" we are also taken "into his hands". It is this reciprocal relationship that the Good Shepherd desires with us and we seek in the Holy Eucharist.
So, are you in Good Hands? Have you gotten a "handle" on this Jesus? Let's see.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
Easter III - Put Back in Place
Last Sunday's homily is available in the library>>>>>>>>
I am preaching on Saturday April 17 at the 4:00pm and on Sunday April 18 at 11:00 & 12:30.
This Sunday's readings are available at the link posted "USCCB">>>
Notice we are collecting a few comments that are very helpful and some followers of the blog.
This third Sunday of Easter pushes our faith in the Resurrection of Jesus and the remission of sins a bit further....quite a bit.
It is one thing to forgive (see Homily of April 11 2010). It is a second thing to be reconciled (a very different thing). It is a third and colossal thing to be restored to ones original place of trust. Jesus forgives Peter's betrayal, the two are reconciled, and then Jesus says "I am going to make myself vulnerable to you again." Wow.
Jesus puts Peter back in his place as leader of the flock (remember .... You are Peter) even after Peter let him down. Jesus checks the sincerity of Peter's conversion, his repentance, and his sincere purpose of amendment and then he says "now go and do what I need you to do"....knowing full well that Peter is still imperfectly Peter.
Jesus trusts frail Peter because of new power from on high. It is no longer reliant upon Peter's weak commitment but it is all about the risen and invincible power of Jesus Christ. Can we do the same in our lives?
Can the husband entrust his heart to the wife who has betrayed him? Can the adult child of the recovering alcoholic parent let there be family love after all these years and injuries?
Only by the power of resurrection. What do you think?
I am preaching on Saturday April 17 at the 4:00pm and on Sunday April 18 at 11:00 & 12:30.
This Sunday's readings are available at the link posted "USCCB">>>
Notice we are collecting a few comments that are very helpful and some followers of the blog.
This third Sunday of Easter pushes our faith in the Resurrection of Jesus and the remission of sins a bit further....quite a bit.
It is one thing to forgive (see Homily of April 11 2010). It is a second thing to be reconciled (a very different thing). It is a third and colossal thing to be restored to ones original place of trust. Jesus forgives Peter's betrayal, the two are reconciled, and then Jesus says "I am going to make myself vulnerable to you again." Wow.
Jesus puts Peter back in his place as leader of the flock (remember .... You are Peter) even after Peter let him down. Jesus checks the sincerity of Peter's conversion, his repentance, and his sincere purpose of amendment and then he says "now go and do what I need you to do"....knowing full well that Peter is still imperfectly Peter.
Jesus trusts frail Peter because of new power from on high. It is no longer reliant upon Peter's weak commitment but it is all about the risen and invincible power of Jesus Christ. Can we do the same in our lives?
Can the husband entrust his heart to the wife who has betrayed him? Can the adult child of the recovering alcoholic parent let there be family love after all these years and injuries?
Only by the power of resurrection. What do you think?
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Mercy Sunday Homily - Do We Know How to Forgive?
The homily for Sunday April 11th is in the library>>>>>>>>>
Check it out!
The book I referenced is "Healing Wounded Emotions" by Martin Padovani, SVD
Check it out!
The book I referenced is "Healing Wounded Emotions" by Martin Padovani, SVD
Friday, April 9, 2010
Mercy Sunday - Can you forgive?
This is the Second Sunday of Easter and more recently it is known as Mercy Sunday. I will be preaching at the 5:30pm Saturday Mass and the 8:00am Sunday Mass.
The readings for this Sunday can be found by following the link on your right>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Last Sunday's homily is available at the Estok Homily Library link >>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Why not join this blog page as a follower - you can do so annonymously. Just like commenting>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I am thinking that the apostolic community was an impressive bunch! They not only had a transformation in their lives personally, but they were working some impressive deeds in the sight of the world publicly. These deeds were changing people's lives. Thousands were being added, crowds would press in upon them, people just wanted to get close to them because of their "power" to heal, to calm, to forgive in the name of Jesus.
Not so much with us today, the succesors to the Apostles. We perform the miracle of the Eucharist everyday and our churches are empty. No one is lining up to hear us preach, feel our power, experience our faith. But I am thinking this could change.
I think we have a gift from God that we are not employing...a gift,if employed, would startle the world. It is mercy. We can forgive. Jesus has entrusted this gift and power to us. And we are not and don't know how to use it. The world is afflicted with unforgiveness. People are holding grudges, nursing wounds, practicing combative politics, terrorizing those who have offended us. Wow.
I think our forgiving others would be an astonishing witness. But we don't know how. I think I have a secret that is the formula for forgiving. It may save our lives and change the world.
The readings for this Sunday can be found by following the link on your right>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Last Sunday's homily is available at the Estok Homily Library link >>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Why not join this blog page as a follower - you can do so annonymously. Just like commenting>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I am thinking that the apostolic community was an impressive bunch! They not only had a transformation in their lives personally, but they were working some impressive deeds in the sight of the world publicly. These deeds were changing people's lives. Thousands were being added, crowds would press in upon them, people just wanted to get close to them because of their "power" to heal, to calm, to forgive in the name of Jesus.
Not so much with us today, the succesors to the Apostles. We perform the miracle of the Eucharist everyday and our churches are empty. No one is lining up to hear us preach, feel our power, experience our faith. But I am thinking this could change.
I think we have a gift from God that we are not employing...a gift,if employed, would startle the world. It is mercy. We can forgive. Jesus has entrusted this gift and power to us. And we are not and don't know how to use it. The world is afflicted with unforgiveness. People are holding grudges, nursing wounds, practicing combative politics, terrorizing those who have offended us. Wow.
I think our forgiving others would be an astonishing witness. But we don't know how. I think I have a secret that is the formula for forgiving. It may save our lives and change the world.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Easter Sunday - It's All About Heaven, Not!
Blessed Easter to All! The Easter homily is up in the archive>>>>>>>>
Why not become a follower - I think you will receive updates when I make entries.
Why not become a follower - I think you will receive updates when I make entries.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
The Holy Triduum
My homily from Palm Sunday is posted at the Library>>>>>>
the readings for all of the celebrations are at www.usccb.org
I will be presiding at the Holy Thursday Mass at 7:30, the Good Friday service at 7:30pm and on Easter Sunday 9:30am downstairs in the parish hall and 11:00am in the church.
Blessed Easter!
the readings for all of the celebrations are at www.usccb.org
I will be presiding at the Holy Thursday Mass at 7:30, the Good Friday service at 7:30pm and on Easter Sunday 9:30am downstairs in the parish hall and 11:00am in the church.
Blessed Easter!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Palm Sunday - Let the passion begin!
Last week's homily is available in the "Library">>>>>>>>>>
The scriptures for this Sunday can be found at www.usccb.org under "daily readings".
Since the passion is so lengthy my preaching at the 4:00pm & 8:00am masses will be brief. The most difficult but important thing for Catholics in Holy Week is to show up. I mean physically and consciously or spiritually. In Catholicism we can't separate the two. We are a sacramental people. It is insufficient to just "spiritually commune with Jesus" (try to be a nicer person for example) if you are not going to actually commune with Jesus in Word, Sacrament and Community. So be there!
It is also insufficient for us as Catholics to simply go through the motions again this year while remaining spiritually and personally unavailable. So.....show up!
Make a re-turn to the Lord! Show up this Holy Week. Let the passion begin for you, with you, in you. Show up!
The scriptures for this Sunday can be found at www.usccb.org under "daily readings".
Since the passion is so lengthy my preaching at the 4:00pm & 8:00am masses will be brief. The most difficult but important thing for Catholics in Holy Week is to show up. I mean physically and consciously or spiritually. In Catholicism we can't separate the two. We are a sacramental people. It is insufficient to just "spiritually commune with Jesus" (try to be a nicer person for example) if you are not going to actually commune with Jesus in Word, Sacrament and Community. So be there!
It is also insufficient for us as Catholics to simply go through the motions again this year while remaining spiritually and personally unavailable. So.....show up!
Make a re-turn to the Lord! Show up this Holy Week. Let the passion begin for you, with you, in you. Show up!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Lent 5 - March 21, 2010
Sunday's homily is up in the Estok Homily Library>>>>>>>>>>>>
See what you think.
See what you think.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Lent 5 - Where are we aiming?
Homily from last Sunday is available at the Estok Homily Library>>>>>>
This Sunday's readings are available at usccb.org "daily reading" >>>>>>
I will be presiding and preaching at the 11:00am Mass on Sunday 3/21.
Something New!
The warning of the prophet that "God is doing something new" is less of a warning and more of a hopeful promise. This promise feeds into my Lenten theme of conversion. Recall we are invited to make a re-turn to the Lord but our destination (deeper reconciliation in communion with God and neighbor) is not some place where we have been before. It sounds a bit like Alice in Wonderland but we are called back to a place we've never been before!
St Paul speaks eloquently of the state of those called to a converted life in Christ....not that he is living it perfectly but he is fixed on the new destination. He is turning away from what was and he is moving toward the new thing before him.
Have we accepted the liberation from what was, what never was and committed to what can be with God?
This Sunday's readings are available at usccb.org "daily reading" >>>>>>
I will be presiding and preaching at the 11:00am Mass on Sunday 3/21.
Something New!
The warning of the prophet that "God is doing something new" is less of a warning and more of a hopeful promise. This promise feeds into my Lenten theme of conversion. Recall we are invited to make a re-turn to the Lord but our destination (deeper reconciliation in communion with God and neighbor) is not some place where we have been before. It sounds a bit like Alice in Wonderland but we are called back to a place we've never been before!
St Paul speaks eloquently of the state of those called to a converted life in Christ....not that he is living it perfectly but he is fixed on the new destination. He is turning away from what was and he is moving toward the new thing before him.
Have we accepted the liberation from what was, what never was and committed to what can be with God?
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