Guadete, Rejoice! Third Sunday of Advent

• A summary of last week's homily is in the library ->
• The scriptures for this coming Sunday are at usccb.org ->
• I will be preaching at the Sunday, Dec.12th 9:30am Mass

Be strong, fear not! Here is your God!

Hardening of hearts is a definite danger throughout the history of God's people in the Old Testament. It is exile....to be carried off apart from God. In fact, Jesus has come precisely to soften hearts and his tactic is to "be here". Emmanuel is the Advent word that is translated to "God-with-us". The predicament of the human condition is that we have hardened our hearts so much so that we are not "here" where God dwells. Our hearts are hardened in another place and time - where God is not.

The heart, as I have been preaching this Advent, is the center of our faith life, it is the object of God's desire. God wants "all" of us - he wants our heart where He is. Last week I spoke about the possibility of our "setting our hearts", onto the Kingdom of God. But we have to do it here where God is.

This week I am reflecting upon our hardness of heart, our teflon hearts, our hearts hardened and separated from "here". In that condition they cannot grasp the presence of God which is "here". When the heart is hardened the eyes are turned backward and forward, the mind is resistent to what's real. Hardened hearts cannot "feel" or "perceive" what is, they are stuck in what was or what isn't yet. And God is not in either of those places. That hardness feels....sad.

Gaudete Sunday calls us to rejoice, give up this sadness, the gloom of a prison that hardness of heart is. Come alive to what is ....and what is is the Lord is near, the Lord is now, the Lord is here. This living in here and now is not something we should think about doing, it is now!

Jesus said and says, "no, God dwells here and now and we have got to come alive to what is. God is real and God is reaching out to us. Make "firm" (not hard) your hearts by grasping God present here, now.

December 5th Homily

The homily from last Sunday, Dec. 5th, is in the library. Well...actually it's a summary because "mr. technology" pushed the wrong button at Mass.

December 5th - Advent II

-The homily from last weekend November 27 is in the library->
-The Scriptures for this coming Sunday are at usccb->
-I have the 5:30 PM Mass on Saturday, December 4 and the 11 AM Mass on Sunday, December 5.

I had my heart set on something!

Did you ever have your heart set on something.... like your mother's apple pie or an item on the menu at your favorite restaurant or an annual celebration or performance of a show? Every once in a while that expectation, that hope, or that longing is disappointed. They aren't making that dish this evening, that artist is not coming to town this Christmas, that dessert is not here this year because neither is grandma who made it.

Last Sunday, the first Sunday of Advent, I was wondering, inquiring or suggesting that the purpose or the spiritual task of Advent is the surrendering of our hearts, giving our hearts over to God. The place or location of God, God's kingdom may very well be called "the heart". This Sunday I am wondering with John the Baptist as to what our hearts are set upon. I don't think I have noticed before that in that expression "my heart is set upon" raises the question of what substance is my heart resting on, relying upon, set?

The Scriptures this Sunday and the season of advent and particularly the character of St. John the Baptist offer us two options. The first option is that our hearts are set upon the kingdom of God. The second option is that our hearts are set up the personal ego, the self.

This is an important question and the answer to the question is in the fruit that is our lives. The heart is very truly seen as the root, the source or today the stump out of which the branches and the fruit of our lives grow. Therefore the quality and character of our hearts, the place in which our hearts are rooted, set, will be revealed orcevidenced by the fruit that is our living.

So, upon what is your heart set? Look at your living. The Kingdom of God? Or the center of the universe- you?

Advent I - Homily

The homily from Sunday, November 28th, Advent I is in the library.

Advent I - November 28, 2010

The homily from Nov. 21st is in the library ->
The readings for this Sunday, Nov. 28th are at usccb.org ->
I will be preaching at the 5:30pm Mass on Saturday and the 11:00am on Sunday

A Thief

I am struck by the violent nature of the advent of our God as described by Jesus in this week's gospel. Jesus suggests that the comning of the Son of Man will be like a thief into our house against whom we must protect ourselves....so that we would not let our house be broken into.

I think I have always thought that we were suppose to be welcoming of the coming of the Son of Man. "Come, Lord Jesus" we say. So that when He comes it won't be so violent, so intrusive, so painful.

But maybe that's the problem. When we are living our life, our truth or our way we are of necessity "unprepared" to welcome Him. Thus, we are like one whose house is under assault from an "unexpected" or "unwelcome" thief.

If we are living our way, our truth, and our life the coming of the Son of Man will indeed be a violation, a breaking in, a taking by storm.

So, I guess I need to wonder "how I am" in relationship to the Lord's way, His truth, and His life? Am I welcoming Him daily by dying to myself, laying down my life, learning His truth, and walking his way? If so, I would be like an athlete who is in shape who suddenly has to climb a big hill or walk a long distance....it does not shock his system, he does not ache the next day.

However, to the extent that I am clinging to my life in this world, obstinent about my truth and being rather undisciplined in the way of my Christian journey - my system is going to be significantly taxed by the big jolt and it's is going to be painful.

So, it's all about us and our attitude and posture in the Christian life. Our way or the Lord's way. One leaves us welcoming His intervention in our lives, the other leaves us defensive, under attack in the bunker of fear, selfishness, and darkness. Ouch!

What do you think?

November 21st - Christ the King Homily

Just to let you know....the homily from Nov. 21 is in the library ->

November 21, 2010- Christ the King

• The homily from last Sunday is in the library ->
• The Scriptures for this coming Sunday are at usccb.org ->
• I will be presiding and preaching at the 11:00 and 12:30 Masses on Sunday, Nov. 21

That Christ might be pre-eminent..


I like that word "pre-eminent" and I looked it up. It means to "rise above". That Christ might rise above all things in the priority of our lives! I got it. This week we celebrate Christ the King. There is something odd about putting those two concepts together in one phrase...Christ and Kingship.

I'm sure you saw that Prince William is engaged to Katherine. The press asked her how she felt about become "royalty" by this marriage, how was she going to handle it. She smiled and looked adoringly at the Prince and said, "he's a good teacher and will help me learn the ways of reigning."

Would that we would have such humble and open relationship to Christ our King. Jesus will teach us, his bride the Church, to reign as he reigns - but it's from the cross.

This crucified King reign and is pre-eminent in as much as we can allow his self-sacrificing love totake over our lves. Can we learn from him? Can we be worthy subjects of his? Do we desire to she in his kingship like dear Kathleen is longing to share in William's?

I don't know. Christ the King is not a king of power, wealth and prestige. Christ the King reign by self-sacrifice and love - even unto death. Wow, don't know if we're up to that!

Jesus is the good teacher who will teach those who are willing how to reign in this world by the power of the next.

Wadayathink?

Christ is unexpected "reign" not power to rule over others but freedom to give self away in love of others.

Third Thursday Theology Talk - It's Time!

I have posted the Nov 18th Adult Education presentation on Time in the Library ->

November 14th Homily

This homily given on the Feast of St. Albert the Great (Nov. 14th) is in the library ->

November 14, 2010 - The Patronal Feast of St. Albert/33rd Sunday of the Year

Last week's homily is in the library ->
The Scriptures for this Sunday are at usccb.org ->
I am preaching at the 4:00pm on Saturday 11/13 and 8:00 and 9:30am on Sunday 11/14

Deconstruction is Life

It appears to me that the Kingdom of God is being born in our midst, being built through our faith, and being raised up out of our human loving - but it will appear as destruction, deconstruction, demolition. So, don't be afraid or surprised.

I realize that in this day of the "prosperity gospel" people of faith are encouraged to expect the best, believe to win, allow God's prosperity to shower upon us. Thus, this insight about calamity and destruction isn't too attractive. I think I like that prosperity thing a little bit better myself.

But, the "birthing" of the Kingdom demands the deconstruction of all that is NOT of the Kingdom. That is the core message of the Christian God, Jesus, and his cross. Our human condition demands deconstruction of all the "structures" of believing, self-assurance, competition, etc if the freedom of the Kingdom of God is to be unleashed. Deconstruction can be seen as tiny as the letting go of the smallest attachment (deconstruction) in favor of taking the hand of God in the moment(building the Kingdom).

The eyes of faith can read the deconstruction as birthing. The eyes of faith can read the losses of life as the deconstruction phase of erecting the Kingdom. The eyes of faith can read the dying and rising. The eyes of faith can see the losing as winning for the sake of the kingdom.

Can you see it? Or has the beauty of the temple still "caught your eye"?

This Sunday (Nov 7) Homily

This week's homily on the Resurrection of Jesus is in the library ->

November 7, 2010 - 32nd Sunday of the Year

• There was no homily last Sunday
• The readings for this coming Sunday are at usccb.org->
• I will be presiding and preaching at 5:30 Saturday Mass and 12:30pm Sunday Mass

What are you hoping for?

The cause of our joy or the motivation behind our hope is what is lying at the heart of my reflection this week. St. Paul promotes 'encouragement' to the Thessalonians and he bases it upon a "good hope". "Good hope" was a mystery religion term for "afterlife". Paul is coopting the word and he means here "the coming of the Lord".

Resurrected Life is what Paul is pointing to - and it is not something for only those who have died. Rather, this Resurrected Life is a reality in which we now live - if we have died with Him.

As we come to the end of the liturgical year, it is typical that we would speak about the last things: heaven, hell, death, judgment. Heaven or Resurrected Life is something we ought to consider and see how it figures into our hope, our joy in daily life, our lack of anxiety, our peace.

Do you know the Resurrection from the dead? Does it impact your daily life?

In what are you hoping?

October 31, 2010 - 31st Sunday of the Year

Priesthood Sunday

-The homily for October 24 is in the library ->
-The Scriptures for this Sunday are at usccb.org ->
-Deacon Franz will be preaching for me at 8am Mass.

Jesus says to you, Zaccheus, come down quickly from your perch in your head and join me now in the house of your heart. I stand at the door and knock.

Sunday, October 24th Homily

The Dangerous Faith homily from Sunday is in the library ->

October 24, 2010 - 30th Sunday of the Year

• Homily from last Sunday is in the library ->
• The Scriptures for this Sunday are at usccb.org ->
• I am preaching at the 5:30pm on Saturday and 9:30am on Sunday

Dangerous Religion!

Just when I thought I didn't have anything more to say about faith, it appears God does. While last week's discussion about the nature of being faithful (remember the battle), this week's insight has to do with how one ought to think about the practice of the faith.

St. Paul's letter to Timothy is a beautiful reflection upon the state of his faith and the role or purpose that faith. He says, "I have kept the faith". He realizes that being faithful, running the race, fighting the fight of faith has resulted in himself being given away for the sake of God. "I am being poured out like a libation. What do you think your faith is suppose to be accomplishing in you?That question is answered in the Gospel text.

The pharisee in the gospel is a good religious man, he has done the good and honorable religious thing, but he has not allowed faith to accomplish its purpose - keeping him in communion with God. In contrast, the publican/tax collector is a bad guy, he does bad and terrible, sinful things. However Jesus endorses the tax collector because he is allowing faith to accomplish its purpose in his life - moving him into deeper communion with God. The purpose of believing is to be in communion with God.

I use the expression "cling to the hand of God" as my understanding of faith. It is the flip side of Jesus' promise to "be with you always." Faith, believing for me, is my being with God always...like that little kid walking down the street with his mom or dad...almost unconsciously clinging to that safe hand.

On the weekend of my ordination as a priest the church was celebrating the Baptism of the Lord. The reading from the prophet Isaiah said, "I the Lord have called you for the victory of justice, I have grasped you by the hand." I took that as the "motto" of my first Mass celebration (holy cards, etc). It is an image or a concept that has become much more important for me as I have grown into my faith and my priestly life....to be grasped by the hand of God. I love that. I live that (some of the time) and I preach that to others.

The danger with religion and religious people is that we become forgetful rather than faithful. We begin to see the practice of the faith as something we have done....as if it is about us. That's the pharisee. Sadly, in these cases our practice of the faith becomes the obstacle to "being full of faith". It's hard to see but it is deadly indeed. Self-satisfied feelings (Good thing I am not like other people) rather than God-appreciating thoughts (Lord, have mercy on me a sinner) is the danger of religion. The first separates us from God's loving embrace - the second draws us in.

Is faith accomplishing its purpose in you, namely, to keep your hand safely in the palm of God's hand? Or is your religious life and practice pulling your hand away from God's and pating you on the back? Dangerous Religion!

October 17th Homily

The homily from Sunday's Mass is in the library ->

October 17, 2010 - 29th Sunday of the Year

Whew!

• Last Sunday's "summary" of the homily is in the Library ->


• The Scriptures for this coming Sunday are at USCCB.org ->


• I am preaching at the 5:30pm Saturday Mass and 12:30pm Sunday Mass

I titled this "whew" because of my conclusion about these scriptures ...that is, that faith,believing is hard work! Please don't misunderstand - I know that faith is a gift but the living by faith takes a lot of work, effort, zeal, perseverance. The scriptures this week will not leave this topic of "faith" alone.

In the last two weeks I have been preaching on faith (because the scriptures demanded it). You may recall the first week it was "deficient, inefficient, sufficient and ultimately efficient faith". Then last week it was the "how" of growing in our faith with "humility, opportunity, obedience, and re-orientation of life." Well, this week it seems that the whole enterprise of "living in faith" is revealed as a lot of work. We are fighting an up hill battle in the world - which rejects faith (and God Himself)

The first reading clearly shows us that the effort of a community of faith is a battle and it'scomplicated. If we, like the people of God are to live our faith "efficiently" (meaning that it accomplishes through us what God desires in the world) then it is going to take the effort of all of us to win the battle. Some actually fight (soldiers) using the weapons of hope, love, justice, charity, kindness, mercy, compassion, generosity, etc. Some of us pray(Moses), supporting those in the daily battle. And then there are those who support those who pray (Aaron and Hur) by our social, material, enthusiastic support.

Prayer and the work of faith cannot be separated, but living faith in the world is a battle and it takes a lot of intention, a lot of effort, and a lot of cooperation among the members of the household of God. It is not about us individually - believing that we are lost. It is about us communally, organic interdependence, relying upon each person's role and gift (waon) to get the job done, win the battle, keep the faith. Whew!

October 10th Homily

The Homily (kind of) from October 10th is in the Library ->

October 10, 2010 - The 28th Sunday of the Year

• The Homily for October 3 is in the Library->
• The readings for this coming Sunday are at usccb.org ->
• I am presiding at 4:00pm (10/9) and 8:00am(10/10)

How do we get there from here?

Last week's homily concerned the quality or level of our faith (deficient, inefficient, sufficient) and the call to NOT be satisfied with our faith as it was but to grow our faith from an ember to a raging fire that it might be efficient for the mission - leading all people to the Kingdom.

After Mass someone asked me, "yes, but how?" I believe that the journey of the Samaritan and the Syrian lepers in our first and gospel readings shows us the steps necessary to "grow our faith".

The first step on the road to deeper faith is humility....one must know and acknowledge that something is wrong, broken, sick, incomplete, flawed. Like the leper we cannot deny and we cannot hide that we are afflicted.

The second step is that we must be teachable - we must desire the healing of our lack of faith. The slave girl in the first reading was the unsuspecting vehicle for leading her master to faith. Can we hear the Lord's Word or His invitation in the unlikely places (our children, our spouse, our enemy?)?

The third step is obedience to the instruction of those who can heal us, teach us, direct us, guide us....even when we don't understand or appreciate the instruction.

The fourth step is the re-orientation of our lives to the truth of our new-found faith - that is - the "true worship of God". Like the Syrian and the Samaritan, we have to go back to God "anew". This turn about demands a new level of commitment. This demand is probably what kept us away in the first place. So this fourth step is part of the next "first step" that we will eventually take. We are never done growing in faith!

If we want to increase our faith - we need to acknowledge our weakness, recognize the call from God, be obedient to those who can lead us, and be open to new levels of commitment to God in our lives. This will fan the flames of faith in our hearts into a raging fire to light up the world.

October 3rd Homily

The homily for this Sunday, Oct. 3, is in the library->