-still working on last week's homily upload
-scriptures for this week are at USCCB.org
-I am preaching at the 8am Mass
Key word - "structure"
I am thinking that this week's homily is page two of last week's. Last week I said that Jesus is the encounter space, the opening into which we are called to dwell. Jesus is the place where we will intersect with the life of heaven, communion. To be alive in God is to live in Christ.
We as Catholics do nothing as individuals and so this week's encouragement is to dwell in Christ with others to form the full stature who is Jesus Christ. Our faith, our salvation is experienced fully in our communion with God, THROUGH Christ, in the Church.
To be a stone "in the structure" and to be "living" stone through our life in Christ. We are just a part. None of us is whole apart from Christ in the Church.
This theme is old and over used for me, but it is continuously "given" to me to reflect upon. How do I experience the Kingdom of God? Only through the opening which is Jesus Christ and the communion that is His body, the Church. Anything less is "dead".
Friday, May 20, 2011
Friday, May 13, 2011
May 15th - Good Shepherd Sunday
-last week's homily is not easily found by some. Here is the link http://www.archive.org/details/May82011-Easter3
-the Scriptures for Sunday are at USCCB.org->
-I am preaching at 4:00, 8:00, and 9:30 Masses
The Gate
On a Sunday which is typically celebrated as "priesthood Sunday" or World Day of Prayer for Vocations, the image of Jesus as the gate captured my attention. The most revolutionary thought I might have is that Jesus is NOT gate or door as we imagine these barriers. Even the Pearly Gate is imagined as a barrier.
Jesus is gate or door in the sense of "way" - thus "gateway" or "doorway". This is in contrast to the Pharisees who, in just the previous scene, have "barred" the man born blind from the synagogue. Rather than gateway or shepherd, the Pharisee is barrier and bouncer.
So, as was the sheep guarding practice of ancient palestine, Jesus lies in the gateway, making himself the principal path, the way, the conduit, the viaduct between sheepfold and green pastures of life (read: ourselves and the life-giving springs of communion).
Jesus Christ as sheep gate, priest, and lamb of sacrifice has placed himself between (mediatrix) God and humanity, reconciling us to the Father IN Himself. Priesthood is mediation! His priesthood lasts forever and he shares that priestly mission with the baptized, but in a special way with our consecrated priests. It is a noble goal and a humbling privilege to lay down one's life in the church as the gateway of grace, salvation, and reconciliation so that others (Jesus and souls) might traverse upon us - ecclesial doormats. The priesthood is encounter place, the way, the rendezvous for Jesus and souls. Thank God for priests.
It is of course a sad and serious temptation to assume that priestly position as pathway and usher of grace and then turn it into a barrier or become a bouncer in an material human reality called church! Ouch, Pharisee. Have mercy on us.
So, passing through the gate of grace and reconciliation is not a one-time event...it is a perpetual care plan. Priesthood( of Jesus and in the ordained office) is the role and function of mediation. For our souls must constantly and continuously enter into unity with Jesus as a way of walking through the gate. Be united with Christ and in Him pass through to communion in eternal life! There is no other way!
-the Scriptures for Sunday are at USCCB.org->
-I am preaching at 4:00, 8:00, and 9:30 Masses
The Gate
On a Sunday which is typically celebrated as "priesthood Sunday" or World Day of Prayer for Vocations, the image of Jesus as the gate captured my attention. The most revolutionary thought I might have is that Jesus is NOT gate or door as we imagine these barriers. Even the Pearly Gate is imagined as a barrier.
Jesus is gate or door in the sense of "way" - thus "gateway" or "doorway". This is in contrast to the Pharisees who, in just the previous scene, have "barred" the man born blind from the synagogue. Rather than gateway or shepherd, the Pharisee is barrier and bouncer.
So, as was the sheep guarding practice of ancient palestine, Jesus lies in the gateway, making himself the principal path, the way, the conduit, the viaduct between sheepfold and green pastures of life (read: ourselves and the life-giving springs of communion).
Jesus Christ as sheep gate, priest, and lamb of sacrifice has placed himself between (mediatrix) God and humanity, reconciling us to the Father IN Himself. Priesthood is mediation! His priesthood lasts forever and he shares that priestly mission with the baptized, but in a special way with our consecrated priests. It is a noble goal and a humbling privilege to lay down one's life in the church as the gateway of grace, salvation, and reconciliation so that others (Jesus and souls) might traverse upon us - ecclesial doormats. The priesthood is encounter place, the way, the rendezvous for Jesus and souls. Thank God for priests.
It is of course a sad and serious temptation to assume that priestly position as pathway and usher of grace and then turn it into a barrier or become a bouncer in an material human reality called church! Ouch, Pharisee. Have mercy on us.
So, passing through the gate of grace and reconciliation is not a one-time event...it is a perpetual care plan. Priesthood( of Jesus and in the ordained office) is the role and function of mediation. For our souls must constantly and continuously enter into unity with Jesus as a way of walking through the gate. Be united with Christ and in Him pass through to communion in eternal life! There is no other way!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
May 8, 2011 - Third Sunday of Easter
-Homily from May 1 is in the library->
-Sunday scriptures are at USCCB.org->
-I am preaching at 5:30 on Saturday and 11:00 and 12:30 Mass on Sunday
Stay with us....
The concept of "remaining" is a fundamental reality at the root of our Catholicism. It speaks to the sacramental relationship that Christ has established in and through his Church. It is not intellectual, but relational.
Most of us Catholics are preoccupied with the "whatness" of the Blessed Sacrament rather than the relationship to the Person of Jesus. Do we think of God's Word and Sacrament as an offer of intimacy or rather some divine fact or data that is to be simply understood and affirmed with the mind?
Pope JPII and Benedict XVI favor one over the other and they cry out with the church...stay with us!
-Sunday scriptures are at USCCB.org->
-I am preaching at 5:30 on Saturday and 11:00 and 12:30 Mass on Sunday
Stay with us....
The concept of "remaining" is a fundamental reality at the root of our Catholicism. It speaks to the sacramental relationship that Christ has established in and through his Church. It is not intellectual, but relational.
Most of us Catholics are preoccupied with the "whatness" of the Blessed Sacrament rather than the relationship to the Person of Jesus. Do we think of God's Word and Sacrament as an offer of intimacy or rather some divine fact or data that is to be simply understood and affirmed with the mind?
Pope JPII and Benedict XVI favor one over the other and they cry out with the church...stay with us!
Monday, May 2, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
May 1, 2011 - Mercy Sunday
-The Easter homily is in the library ->
-The Scriptures for May 1st are at USCCB.org
-I will be preaching at 4:00 Mass on Saturday and 12:30 on Sunday
Who's Doing What?
"....the Lord added to their number those who were being saved." The newborn Church of Acts of the Apostles seems to be the Body of Jesus Christ, doing what Jesus does, saving others. The church is not a highly efficient or necessarily effective organization with a mission. The Church is the incarnate Body of Christ reaching out, often clumsily, for souls. Jesus said, "when I am lifted up I will draw all people to myself."
Church, let's wake up to the role we are to play, in the person of Jesus, to reconcile all people into Communion with God who loves us. It is Jesus acting. We are the access point, the instrument, by which God is reconciling the world through Jesus Christ...adding to their number. We call it Mercy.
Can we let Him do what He does? That's the challenge.
-The Scriptures for May 1st are at USCCB.org
-I will be preaching at 4:00 Mass on Saturday and 12:30 on Sunday
Who's Doing What?
"....the Lord added to their number those who were being saved." The newborn Church of Acts of the Apostles seems to be the Body of Jesus Christ, doing what Jesus does, saving others. The church is not a highly efficient or necessarily effective organization with a mission. The Church is the incarnate Body of Christ reaching out, often clumsily, for souls. Jesus said, "when I am lifted up I will draw all people to myself."
Church, let's wake up to the role we are to play, in the person of Jesus, to reconcile all people into Communion with God who loves us. It is Jesus acting. We are the access point, the instrument, by which God is reconciling the world through Jesus Christ...adding to their number. We call it Mercy.
Can we let Him do what He does? That's the challenge.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Easter Sunday Preaching
The homily from Easter Sunday, April 24th, is in the library. Blessed Easter to all!
Friday, April 22, 2011
Easter Sunday -April 24
-Homily for Palm Sunday is in the library
-Easter readings are at USCCB.org->
-I am preaching at the 11am Mass in church.
What time is it?
Time Keepers
Every major sporting event has a time keeper. What inning, quarter, period is it? How much time is on the clock? The question of time is pertinent this Easter!
Our celebration of the resurrection of Jesus can be understood and experienced in one of two ways....as hard time or God's time. Too many of us have heard the Good News of Easter Joy "he is risen" and we have believed that resurrected life is simply something for Jesus, somthing that happens only in heaven, something out there, something future, - promised land at last. In the meantime, however, we have to do the "hard time" of life without heaven, imprisoned, locked up, without eternity, without light, joy, peace, and love. That would not be faith in the Risen Lord at all. That's hard time even for religious people who claim to believe and live free.
The other choice, the recommended choice today, the choice that we can make as people of Faith is to know and believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and to live it by faith now and unto eternity. Jesus has not simply risen unto heaven but by his death and resurrection "heaven has been born in our hearts." By faith and baptism we can step into God's time, God's eternity, God's mercy and peace, God's love and life - here, now!
What time are you keeping?
-Easter readings are at USCCB.org->
-I am preaching at the 11am Mass in church.
What time is it?
Time Keepers
Every major sporting event has a time keeper. What inning, quarter, period is it? How much time is on the clock? The question of time is pertinent this Easter!
Our celebration of the resurrection of Jesus can be understood and experienced in one of two ways....as hard time or God's time. Too many of us have heard the Good News of Easter Joy "he is risen" and we have believed that resurrected life is simply something for Jesus, somthing that happens only in heaven, something out there, something future, - promised land at last. In the meantime, however, we have to do the "hard time" of life without heaven, imprisoned, locked up, without eternity, without light, joy, peace, and love. That would not be faith in the Risen Lord at all. That's hard time even for religious people who claim to believe and live free.
The other choice, the recommended choice today, the choice that we can make as people of Faith is to know and believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and to live it by faith now and unto eternity. Jesus has not simply risen unto heaven but by his death and resurrection "heaven has been born in our hearts." By faith and baptism we can step into God's time, God's eternity, God's mercy and peace, God's love and life - here, now!
What time are you keeping?
Monday, April 18, 2011
April 17, 2011 - Palm Sunday "Homilette"
The brief introductry remarks to Holy Week from this Sunday are in the library
Bible Study April 14th in the Library
The lecture for our LRSS Bible Study April 14th in the Library. It is 57 minutes long and includes a practice of Lectio Divina.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Palm Sunday-April 17
-Last week's homily I in the library(as well as scripture study lecture from 4/14)
-scriptures for Sunday are at USCCB.org
-I will be preaching at 11:00am Mass
Lay down Your Cloak
One of my favorite scriptures in all of the bible is from chapter 3 of the Letter to the Colossians(former translation): "Because you are God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with heartfelt mercy...."
A friend reminded me that this Holy Week, the passion will invite us to throw our cloaks and palms before the Lord. One of the fathers of the church encouraged us to see our lives, our virtues, our selves down in sacrifice and support of Jesus.
In fact, what aspect of your life and mine does Jesus require that we lay down? This Holy Week would be the time to lay down that article of clothing, that garment, as we approach the Lord's Passion.
-scriptures for Sunday are at USCCB.org
-I will be preaching at 11:00am Mass
Lay down Your Cloak
One of my favorite scriptures in all of the bible is from chapter 3 of the Letter to the Colossians(former translation): "Because you are God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with heartfelt mercy...."
A friend reminded me that this Holy Week, the passion will invite us to throw our cloaks and palms before the Lord. One of the fathers of the church encouraged us to see our lives, our virtues, our selves down in sacrifice and support of Jesus.
In fact, what aspect of your life and mine does Jesus require that we lay down? This Holy Week would be the time to lay down that article of clothing, that garment, as we approach the Lord's Passion.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Friday, April 8, 2011
Apil 7 Bible Study Lecture
The 45 minute lecture concerning the April 7th Little Rock Scripture Study is in the library. It is entitled "April 7 Bible Study 5 - MtAndMk Resurr"
April 10th - Lent V
-The homily from April 3 is in the library->
-the scriptures for Lent V are at USCCB.org->
-I am preaching at the 8:00am and 9:30am Masses on Sunday 4/10
Now!
In the years that I served as an emcee for the bishop I was always training young servers for big liturgies. Somewhere in that instruction I would say "today we are going to use the first definition of the word 'now'. When I say "now" to you about some task I mean now, immediately, right away, this moment.".
The instruction generally would make them smile but it alerted them to the mode of operating for the task at hand. Jesus' conversation with Martha outside the tomb of her very dead brother is missing the word "now" but the definition of "now" is implied and essential to the mystery of who Jesus is and what faith is all about.
Martha says " Yes, Lord, I know he will rise...in the resurrection on the last day." Jesus then gives her the "now" instructions..."I AM the resurrection". NOW!
There's obviously at least two ways to believe in the resurrection: for then or NOW. I am thinking that this is the heart of St. Paul's instruction to the Romans...living in the flesh or in the Spirit. There must be disciples of Jesus living in the flesh (delayed resurrection) and those living in the Spirit (NOW).
In theology class we refer to some of this as "already but not yet" meaning that, while something is real for us, it is not yet complete. I think I and too many disciples of Jesus are straddling the time divide: thinking that we are living His life already with and in the Spirit, but really we are walking dead men in the "not yet" attitudes of the flesh.
What is a not yet attitude of the flesh? Yep, fear, sadness, and anger(see "Martha"). How many disciples spend how much energy and religious capital justifying sadness, fear, and anger. When we do that, we are if you will, dead in the water (baptismal water, that is). We really don't believe in the Jesus who is resurrection and life NOW. Or do we?
-the scriptures for Lent V are at USCCB.org->
-I am preaching at the 8:00am and 9:30am Masses on Sunday 4/10
Now!
In the years that I served as an emcee for the bishop I was always training young servers for big liturgies. Somewhere in that instruction I would say "today we are going to use the first definition of the word 'now'. When I say "now" to you about some task I mean now, immediately, right away, this moment.".
The instruction generally would make them smile but it alerted them to the mode of operating for the task at hand. Jesus' conversation with Martha outside the tomb of her very dead brother is missing the word "now" but the definition of "now" is implied and essential to the mystery of who Jesus is and what faith is all about.
Martha says " Yes, Lord, I know he will rise...in the resurrection on the last day." Jesus then gives her the "now" instructions..."I AM the resurrection". NOW!
There's obviously at least two ways to believe in the resurrection: for then or NOW. I am thinking that this is the heart of St. Paul's instruction to the Romans...living in the flesh or in the Spirit. There must be disciples of Jesus living in the flesh (delayed resurrection) and those living in the Spirit (NOW).
In theology class we refer to some of this as "already but not yet" meaning that, while something is real for us, it is not yet complete. I think I and too many disciples of Jesus are straddling the time divide: thinking that we are living His life already with and in the Spirit, but really we are walking dead men in the "not yet" attitudes of the flesh.
What is a not yet attitude of the flesh? Yep, fear, sadness, and anger(see "Martha"). How many disciples spend how much energy and religious capital justifying sadness, fear, and anger. When we do that, we are if you will, dead in the water (baptismal water, that is). We really don't believe in the Jesus who is resurrection and life NOW. Or do we?
Thursday, March 31, 2011
March 31, 2011 Bible Study 4 - John's Passion
The 45 minute lecture from St Albert Lenten Bible Study on 3/31 is in the library->
Lent IV - April 3, 2011
-The homily from 3/27 is in the library->
-The scriptures for this Sunday are at USCCB.org
-I am preaching at 5:30 Mass on Saturday and 12:30 Mass on Sunday
Bias!
That's not a nice word. It certainly isn't meant as a compliment. It is used in it's most benign way in reference to research or scientific methodology. Frequently, the best researchers are desperate to identify their biases in regards to the subject to be studied. The doggoned thing about bias is that you don't readily see them.
If one wants to be free of bias, which is nearly impossible, one must be constantly vigilant and interested in seeing them. The reason it's hard to see your own bias is because bias is part of the way you see. So, can you see the way you see? Rarely does one have the courage to see one's bias. And often the best we can do is to admit our bias and try to compensate for it. You really are never free from your bias.
The scriptures this week and the art of believing is imaged as seeing. Grace, in fact, may be define as to "see as God sees." Most of us suffer from our biases regarding religion. Jesus is presented in Johns gospel as the Truth... that must be seen. The religiously trained and engaged people in today's story of the blind man were especially blinded to Jesus' Truth and Jesus as the Truth. Their bias was messianic expectation. They were so certain about what and who and how the messiah would be that they couldn't acknowledge or see the Real Thing as He came. Bias!
I think too many Catholics have a broken/deadly bias regarding God and eternal life. It is sad because it blinds them to the Real God they think they see. How might that bias be affecting you? Fear? Self-doubt? Anger or resentment? Many things are blinding us to seeing as God sees or even seeing God as He desires to be seen.
-The scriptures for this Sunday are at USCCB.org
-I am preaching at 5:30 Mass on Saturday and 12:30 Mass on Sunday
Bias!
That's not a nice word. It certainly isn't meant as a compliment. It is used in it's most benign way in reference to research or scientific methodology. Frequently, the best researchers are desperate to identify their biases in regards to the subject to be studied. The doggoned thing about bias is that you don't readily see them.
If one wants to be free of bias, which is nearly impossible, one must be constantly vigilant and interested in seeing them. The reason it's hard to see your own bias is because bias is part of the way you see. So, can you see the way you see? Rarely does one have the courage to see one's bias. And often the best we can do is to admit our bias and try to compensate for it. You really are never free from your bias.
The scriptures this week and the art of believing is imaged as seeing. Grace, in fact, may be define as to "see as God sees." Most of us suffer from our biases regarding religion. Jesus is presented in Johns gospel as the Truth... that must be seen. The religiously trained and engaged people in today's story of the blind man were especially blinded to Jesus' Truth and Jesus as the Truth. Their bias was messianic expectation. They were so certain about what and who and how the messiah would be that they couldn't acknowledge or see the Real Thing as He came. Bias!
I think too many Catholics have a broken/deadly bias regarding God and eternal life. It is sad because it blinds them to the Real God they think they see. How might that bias be affecting you? Fear? Self-doubt? Anger or resentment? Many things are blinding us to seeing as God sees or even seeing God as He desires to be seen.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Sunday, March 27th, Lent III
-The homily from March 20/Lent II is in the Library ->
-The Scriptures for Lent III are at USCCB.org ->
-I am preaching at the 4:00pm Saturday Mass and the 11:00am Sunday Mass
"We are not in Kansas anymore!"
This week's scriptures and the scrutiny we celebrate with the Elect for Baptism remind us that being saved is a new "place" out of which we live. The grace of salvation is a new orientation for our lives and a new arena or operation that IS our lives "in Christ Jesus."
Do we sense and interact with the grace in whch we now stand? Do we realize that our old self was crucified with Christ and that the life we now live is a life of faith hidden with Christ in God?
I hope so because if not we could be missing, not having access, to that all-important "grace", which is, partcipation in the life of God. The life of the Trinity is a new reality, new stuff, a new place out of which we can live with power and light.
By faith, let's open our eyes and see, or renew our sight, that where we are standing isn't in "kansas anymore"
-The Scriptures for Lent III are at USCCB.org ->
-I am preaching at the 4:00pm Saturday Mass and the 11:00am Sunday Mass
"We are not in Kansas anymore!"
This week's scriptures and the scrutiny we celebrate with the Elect for Baptism remind us that being saved is a new "place" out of which we live. The grace of salvation is a new orientation for our lives and a new arena or operation that IS our lives "in Christ Jesus."
Do we sense and interact with the grace in whch we now stand? Do we realize that our old self was crucified with Christ and that the life we now live is a life of faith hidden with Christ in God?
I hope so because if not we could be missing, not having access, to that all-important "grace", which is, partcipation in the life of God. The life of the Trinity is a new reality, new stuff, a new place out of which we can live with power and light.
By faith, let's open our eyes and see, or renew our sight, that where we are standing isn't in "kansas anymore"
Monday, March 21, 2011
Friday, March 18, 2011
March 20 - Lent II, the Transfiguration
Pain at the heart of glory!
-The homily from last Sunday is in the Library->
-The scriptures for this week are at USCCB.org->
-I am preaching at the Saturday 5:30 Mass and the Sunday 11:00am Mass
I am most encouraged and captured by Paul's words to Timothy from this week's second reading: "Beloved: Bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God." Enduring suffering for the sake of the gospel opens or gives the apostle access to the power of salvation, grace.
We see this similar truth taught in the Gospel of St. Matthew this Sunday. The transfiguration of Ch 17 is a remedy to the scandal of the cross that has been revealed to the disciples at the end of Ch 16. Together with Paul's admonition to Timothy this says that bearing the suffering for the gospel (the cross) is necessary portion of bearing the glory of the Kingdom. in fact there is no glory of salvation and eternal life but through the "access code" of the cross/suffering.
My continuing reflection upon the Mass Lent leads me to see that the gift of the Eucharist similarly preceded, anticipated, and interpreted for the apostles the agony of the cross. The scandal of the cross is made meaningful and useful for all the disciples of Jesus unto today. The grace of the Eucharist is precisely the power to bear with or see through life's hardships from the position or reality of the joy and glory of Jesus' triumph over death and the gift of eternal life.
Jesus Last Supper (eucharisitic) advice to his apostles and all of us: Don't be scandalize (torn away from God), do not misunderstand the agony of human hatred, sin, and death(the crucifixion). See through it as a door to real life, joy, and peace of the Kingdom.
Does this make sense to your faith journey in life?
-The homily from last Sunday is in the Library->
-The scriptures for this week are at USCCB.org->
-I am preaching at the Saturday 5:30 Mass and the Sunday 11:00am Mass
I am most encouraged and captured by Paul's words to Timothy from this week's second reading: "Beloved: Bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God." Enduring suffering for the sake of the gospel opens or gives the apostle access to the power of salvation, grace.
We see this similar truth taught in the Gospel of St. Matthew this Sunday. The transfiguration of Ch 17 is a remedy to the scandal of the cross that has been revealed to the disciples at the end of Ch 16. Together with Paul's admonition to Timothy this says that bearing the suffering for the gospel (the cross) is necessary portion of bearing the glory of the Kingdom. in fact there is no glory of salvation and eternal life but through the "access code" of the cross/suffering.
My continuing reflection upon the Mass Lent leads me to see that the gift of the Eucharist similarly preceded, anticipated, and interpreted for the apostles the agony of the cross. The scandal of the cross is made meaningful and useful for all the disciples of Jesus unto today. The grace of the Eucharist is precisely the power to bear with or see through life's hardships from the position or reality of the joy and glory of Jesus' triumph over death and the gift of eternal life.
Jesus Last Supper (eucharisitic) advice to his apostles and all of us: Don't be scandalize (torn away from God), do not misunderstand the agony of human hatred, sin, and death(the crucifixion). See through it as a door to real life, joy, and peace of the Kingdom.
Does this make sense to your faith journey in life?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)