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?
5 comments:
I like your thoughts on this gospel. It is something to think about during Advent. What are we preparing for? In what way will we be "ready for Christmas"?
Interesting that the last word of Fr.'s commentary the Ouch! left me in a reflective mood for more than a few minutes.
I say ouch like many do, when there is some kind of hurting!
The idea that " I am not prepared" for the arrival of the thief at any moment hurts. It is not that I do not know what to do, but because the doing the right thing it is very hard.
What if the thief manage to enter my heart tonight, I am sure you all will hear my Ouch very laud!:-)
This idea is telling me that Advent is an excellent time to "wake up" and be vigilant, I am sure this will allow me to recognize the unexpected arrival of this most blessed thief, he is not such a bad thief after all. He is giving me the opportunity to take with him my sins, weakness, lack of faith,desires for control and more in exchange for freedom,peace and a great relationship with him being able to live in the present moment. Of course this will motivate me to pray and live without fear... leaving the door open for the thief to come in at any time. Gitana
Procrastinators. We're busy taking care of our earthly, daily lives not looking at the big picture. I was reminded of the Matador's words about Jesus visiting with Mary and Martha. Mary came and sat with Jesus and would not be moved from his side, while Martha busy in the kitchen complained that Mary was not helping her. How painful for Martha to come to the realization that she missed out because she wasn't prepared for Jesus' visit.
I like how the Matador makes sense of this Gospel. It does well getting at why the Son of Man would be like a thief. As I pondered that I wondered what it is that he is here to steal? What could I possibly have that this type of thief would want? And then I realized – it is my heart. He does not want my possessions, he is not here to take my family from me, he’s not even attempting to take my will or sense of control – but rather he wants all of those out of my heart, and wants just my heart…unattached. As the Matador explained – if I haven’t already done the work of preparing my heart for him, his thievery will be a painful process. But if I have already made those choices and am at work in perfecting my devotion to him, making him the center of my life, this will be an easy steal. It strikes me that this indeed is a perfect Gospel for the opening of Advent. It gives me the chance to take inventory of my heart, clean out the “stuff” that shouldn’t be there, so that on Christmas Day I am more prepared to say to the Lord, “Here – I have this ready for you – this gift of my heart.”
I think my problem is, I am so busy, full of anxiety at the window waiting for the thief to come, that I neglect the other things God has given me to care for: children, husband and home. And while I don't think it is wrong for me to focus on the eternal big picture, seeing the world for what it is, I think I need to focus on the act of loving with my whole heart. Truly, what is better? Reading the Bible and spiritual book while yelling at the kids to be quiet, not making dinner, etc... or putting aside my spiritual needs and focusing on loving and caring for those to whom God has entrusted me? After much reflection on the Matador's words, I am pretty sure the thief would rather find me in the act of loving and living His word, than sitting by the window, book in hand and with my nose pressed against the glass, waiting too anxiously for His arrival? lr
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