Last Sundays homily is available at this link August 24 Homily
This week's scriptures are available at this link Sunday Readings
I am preaching at the 4:00 and 11:00. Masses this weekend St. Albert Website
See it, Say it, Live it!
Over the past few weeks I've been hearing the Word of God calling us to a new and deeper experience or path to life - communal life, that is. This Sunday's contribution to that discussion addresses the particular path to communion - which is beyond self!
Yes, that's it! The life that Jesus promises his disciples is not without the self, it is not within the self, it is beyond the self. To have the freedom to extend one's love beyond one's neighbor with an eye on The Lord is the secret to experiencing the Kingdom present now unto eternity. It's what we call communion. You can't have communion without bringing yourself. But that self has got to be "self-forgetful" enough that one can "keep the heart focused upon the Kingdom that exists "beyond the self" in love.
That is the gift of grace and faith that is poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. It is the power to realize that one's life isn't about preservation of the self but the liberation of the self from self-consumption which is the freedom to love. Jesus crucified and forsaken is the model for this freedom. Unity with Him by faith is the means to such freedom. Communion with others around the table of The Lord is the sign of this new life. And love of neighbor is the telltale sign that one sees it, says it, and lives it.
4 comments:
Such a beautiful homily Father. Thank you for sharing.
The proof of this teaching from the Matador is the joy that comes when I do extend myself for others. People often say when they hear thanks from another after helping them in some way, that it is really they that received the gift in the giving. It is the gift of joy they refer to. That spiritual gift is so great that you lose yourself as you give yourself away.
Recently a teen asked me why I stop and talk to people I don't know. My reply was because I would hope that people would stop and say hello to me. I think sometimes we complicate things. Say hello and smile and move on. This action alone will prompt others to do the same. In the huge congregation of St. Albert it has taken a long amount of years to feel a belonging. I think we definitely need to do more to be welcoming. I feel pretty secure in what I do, but wish the belonging could have come easier. I truly believe that giving is the best way of receiving. We need to trust and accept the Holy Spirit each day in our lives.
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