Sunday Homily 3-11-12, 3rd Lent

Readings:

Acts  5, 27-32, 40-41,  The Sanhedrin ordered the apostles to stop speaking in the name of Jesus

Psalm 30,  I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.

Revelation  5, 11-14, I heard to voices of many angels.

John 21, 19-31,  Simon, do you love me more than these?   

 

Introduction: In our reading from Luke’s Acts we are told that the apostles are teaching, through the power of the Spirit, about the Lamb of God.  At this time they have in their possession the gospels of Mark, Matthew and Luke. In the Book of Revelation, written later, we are told about the four living creatures that glorify the Lamb of God. They are the gospels of Mark, Matthew, Luke, and John; in these gospel stories Jesus is alive to us through the power of the Spirit.

 

 

Homily by Mike:

Today’s gospel reading is not in the original John gospel. It was added later with two other parable-like stories.  Since the gospels complement one another, the inspired writers of the Matthew gospel prepare us for this reading with the words, ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a net, thrown into the sea, that catches people of every kind,’ and that’s why Jesus had called his disciples to be fishers of men.

In Judaism, there was a net; it was called the Sabbath Synagogue Service.  Later the inspired writers initiated a net in which the Sunday gospel reading fulfilled the expectation of the Law and/or the Prophets for the coming of Christ.  We give thanks that the Holy Spirit moved the Church to re-institute the net during Vatican II, to be used in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. 

 

In today’s parable-like story, Peter and six others have gone fishing for gentiles, not fish.  We know their intention because seven disciples also began this mission to the gentiles in the Matthew and Mark gospels, and in Luke’s Acts of the Apostles.  We are told on the first day of their mission they caught nothing.  Jesus tells them in this parable story to use the net, and that even if they cast it to the worst possible place, the right side of the boat were the rudder would most likely tangle the net; they would still catch many gentiles. The success that the disciples have ignites John’s heart, and he tells Peter, ‘It is the Lord.’

Now, there are two synonymous fish in this story.   Each has the same Greek definition, ‘to be eaten along with the bread.’  Recall the gospel stories about the loaves and fish that anticipate the Lord’s Supper. After the Lord blesses the loaves and fish, or gives thanks over them, he gives them to his disciples to distribute to the Jews and to the gentiles.  So, what is it that we are to consume today along with the body of Christ, the bread blessed and broken that we are called to become daily in our lives?  It is this Sunday’s Liturgy of the Word where our parable story was first proclaimed and now being explained.

 

Many of you have or have seen other Christians whose cars or homes show the symbol of the fish, ichthus, one of these two words for fish in this parable story. Recall its Greek acronym stands for, ‘Jesus, Christ, God’s Son and Savior.’ Believers identify themselves with it. And they should! This Greek word for fish is found throughout Matthew, Mark and Luke; but in John it is only found there in today’s reading along with the other word for fish found only in John.

 

If you study today’s reading carefully in Greek, you will realize that the net used by the seven to catch many gentiles was composed of the 153 parable-like stories written by the inspired writers of Matthew, Mark and Luke.  In our reading today, Jesus joins them with the original gospel stories of John, that were not yet in use but in these disciple’s possession, along with the additions to the John gospel on the grill, to form the one Gospel. The truth presented by this parable-like story is that the net that was formed will not be divided; there is one Gospel, one net, to be used to the ends of the earth.

Today’s parable-like story ends this way:  Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish.  This is how the disciples knew that it was the Lord present to them in both the Liturgy of the Eucharist and the Word.

 

 

Readings:                          

1 Kings   17,  17-24, See, your son is alive.

Psalm 30,  I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.

Galatians 1, 11-19,    The gospel preached by me is not of human origin.

Luke 7, 11-17,  The dead man sat up and began to speak.

 

 

Welcome, Vivian.  It is so nice to see you.  You are gorgeous.

 

1 Kings observations:

What :  1 Kings is the third book in a 4 book semi-historical history of the early tribe of Israelites.  The books, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings.  The story goes from Samuel, the last of the judges, to Saul, the first of the kings, to King David (with Goliath, Jonathan, Mikah and dancing, Bathsheba & Solomon).

The two books of Kings focus on Solomon and his building of the temple and, finally, the split into two states, Israel in the north, Juda in the south with Jerusalem.  Ultimately, the story tells the defeat of the state of Israel by Syria and the disappearance of those northern 10 tribes. 

 

 

Harper, too, says, "Welcome, Vivian, and welcome, Everybody."

 

 

When composed:   during the Babylonian Captivity, ca. 555 before Christ.  Why at this time?  Same reason why so much was composed at this time, to explain why the Captivity, to keep the tribal identity, and to provide hope for a brighter future.

Who composed:   Tradition said Jeremiah the prophet, but contemporary studies show at least 3 writers.

Today's selection:  the prophet Elijah raises the dead son of a widow.

Sources: New Jerusalem Bible, Wikipedia

 

 

And sez Victoria, "Hi, Everybody, it is nice to be back." 

 

 

Giving Life

This morning we have two stories of people giving life.  First, Elijah brings back to life the son of a poor widow.  Similarly, Jesus brings back to life the son of another poor widow.  Of course, we all think, ‘Well, that does not apply to me.  I cannot bring people back to life.’

Two observations. 

 

She is back, Folks.  Welcome home, Cathy, from Turkey.

 

 

First, it was common currency for the people to give to their leaders, whether religious or political leaders, the power to give people life.  You were not much of a leader if you could not bring people back from the dead.

Secondly, I would propose that, despite what you are thinking, you and I all have the gift to bring people back to life.  One example. 

 

 

The Team with special help from Buddy.

 

Fr. Duffy.  I never had the opportunity to memorialize Duffy or attend his memorial because Rosemary & I were out of town.  Here is how Duffy gave life to me and to the people of St. Marks. 

Before Duffy arrived at St. Marks I had worked for some years saying the 9:00 A.M. Mass in Spanish in the cafetorium or the English Mass in the church and, of course, the 10:30 cafetorium Mass.  Only once in those years did I ever enter the rectory.  That was because the bishop came to dinner one evening.

 

 

College is out.  Welcome home Dana and Dawson.  Your mom is happy.

 

 

When Duffy settled in, guess what.  The rectory was wide open.  Welcome, everybody.  I remember when I would finish the two Masses I was exhausted.  I would cross the patio and head to the rectory.  I would go upstairs to take a 20 minute nap in an empty guest bedroom. 

Then I would come down to the kitchen where Rita had made chocolate chip cookies big as dinner plates and homemade vanilla ice cream. Yes, you know it.  Wow!   I had a cookie and ice cream seated at the big dining room table where Duffy held court.  This continued even after he had his medical problems and did not say Masses.  He welcomed everybody.  It was like a train station in there.

 

 

The Best Music, Shonda, Bethany, David, and, of course, Vivian.

 

Before he got sick he totally turned on the people of St. Marks.  He welcomed.  He, also, had an amazing gift for the comic and camaraderie.   

Remember the first communion Masses we used to have on Saturdays?  Remember the two special ones?

 

Offertory, Mary & Frank, Grace and Cheryl.

 

 

Duffy used to ask the kids who was Jesus’ mom, and his dad.  You got the answer, you got a dollar.  Then, who is the holiest priest in St. Marks for five dollars?   Who was it?  Duffy, of course.  No way.  Duffy calls a little girl.  She whispers, “Fr. Stack!   This, of course, brought down the house and Duffy, of course, put on a dance. 

This happened two years in a row.  The second year I was concelebrating.  When another little girl said Fr. Stack and Duffy started dancing around, I came down from the altar platform and gave the girl $5. 

 

 

"Oh, No," sez John, "I forgot to pick up the coffee."

 

Life at St. Marks with Duffy was so much fun, full of life, and always, “welcome, everybody!”   Duffy gave me life.  Duffy gave us life.  Duffy gave the people life. 

Who has given you life?  Who gives you life?

To whom do you give life and how? 

Readings: 2 Kings 5, 14-17; Psalm 98; 2 Timothy 2, 8-13; Luke 17, 11-19.

2 Kings:

• Time of the events: 900 B.C.
• Time when written: 550 B.C., during the Babylonian captivity
• Subject of 1 Kings: This book continues the history of the kings taking up with the death of King David and continuing through the story of David & Bathsheba’s son Solomon.  He builds the famous Temple of Solomon.  After his death the nation divides into the northern & southern states, Israel in the north, Judah in the south (including Jerusalem; remember by the "J’s").
• Subject of 2 Kings: This book continues the history of the decline of the two states until Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon defeats the people. 
• Subject of our chapter 5 (read it all, it is delightful): one of the leaders of the Syrian-Babylonian army goes to visit the prophet of the day, Elisha.  Naaman, the general, has leprosy.  Note the twist of the story at the end.  Thanks is a theme of this selection and it sets the stage for Luke’s story about gratitude.

Gratitude

Last Sunday after our Mass, after Rosemary had counted the income, and had put it on spread sheets, we got in the car to go out for the evening.  I dropped her off at the Royal Lane & Preston Tom Thumb to buy something, she gave me some letters to mail at the corner, and she gave me the two envelopes to deposit in the bank on the same corner.  We always deposit that money right away.

I drove through the parking lot to the mail box and dumped in all the envelopes. All the envelopes.  Namely, her letters and the two bank deposit envelopes.

I knew almost immediately what I had done and, in fact, wanted to reach down into the mail box to retrieve the deposits.  However, I realized I could go to jail for that.  So we typed up a special note with our phone number and put it in the mailbox and figured we would make contact with the Royal Lane post office early the next day before pick up.  Guess what Monday was: Columbus Day, a postal holiday. 

Tuesday morning I got a call from the main post office that they had one of our deposit envelopes and I could pick it up.  When I met the guy I confessed that I was embarrassed to admit that I was the person who put the deposits in the mail box.  He says to me that as a matter of fact it happens a lot on that corner and that a woman had actually put in 10 thousand dollars in cash. 

So we have gotten back the running expenses deposit and still are waiting for the outreach envelope, which he seems optimistic will show up.  The thing that touched me, however, was how this postal supervisor treated my brain dead behavior with such a light touch.  I thanked him for both, for getting the envelope and for making light of it all.  I was really grateful.

The two stories we have in today’s readings are all about gratitude. A few observations.

First.  The temptation is to think I am one of the nine who did not return to thank Jesus. Yes & No.  I would suggest again: we are both.  Lots of times we forget to thank.  Lots of times we thank. 

Second.  There could be symbolism in the nine and one.  Perhaps I am nine tenths ungrateful and one tenth grateful.  This is a pretty normal proportion. A lot of times, however, I am not so much ungrateful as just insensitive, totally unaware.  Perhaps the lepers who did not return just figured they were lucky and went on their way.  The other guy realized he had been given a gift by that stranger and wanted to respond.

Jesus  tells him his faith has saved him.  I would suggest that his gratitude transformed him.

Third.  How is it possible to rearrange the percentages?  Rosemary & I have a favorite little practice that we do every night.  I’ve mentioned it before. We ask each other what were the blessings of the day.  I recommend this. I even recommend it for sitting alone, while savoring the first cup of coffee in the morning, driving or riding the DART to work & back, getting ready to go to school.  Simple question: what were my blessings yesterday or this week?

In that main post office I could have focused on how dumb I was or that I did not get the second deposit back.  Fortunately I could appreciate the supervisor’s light touch and that I had gotten back one envelope, the larger.

You may start now: what were your three biggest blessings this week?

AUDIO: http://mysite.verizon.net/reso7rjy/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/2007-10-14.mp3

Readings: Leviticus 13, 1-2, 44-46; Psalm 32; 1 Corinthians 10, 31-11, 1; Mark 1, 40-45 

Leviticus: The book of the Levite tribe, the priestly tribe, one of the 12 tribes of Israel (from the 12 sons of Jacob–The Patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, & Jacob).

Author: a collection of many sources, but not Moses (impossible).

Date: some laws go back 1400 BCE., others from ca. 450 BCE.  

Note: an interesting example of how academics better understand these texts.  They noted that both Leviticus 11 & Deuteronomy 14 have similar lists of clean and unclean animals for eating.  Deuteronomy 14, however, has 11 additional critters which are not mentioned in Leviticus 11.  These 11 dwell only in the Arabian desert, not in Egypt or the land of Canaan (Holy Land).   From this it can be deduced that the person (s) writing the laws in Leviticus had not wandered the desert and was writing before the Exodus.  The writer (s) of Deuteronomy, however, had wandered the desert.  Source: The Book of Leviticus; Believe: Religious Information Source, Canon Tristam

Subject matter: laws for better living with Yahweh.  For instance in chapter 11, one may not eat pigs, camels, or rabbits, no animal with a divided hoof.  All winged insects are unclean, except those that hop.  In chapter 12, women are ritually unclean after giving birth, 7 days for boys, 14 days for girls.  Chapter 19, "love one another as one's self."  This morning's selection deals with how people with leprosy are to be treated.  Leprosy, of course, was considered a punishment for sin & disobedience.

Exclusion vs Inclusion

When I first lived in Kenya & Tanzania in the late 70's I spent time working on my Swahili in a Jesuit parish that was in a town called Tabora, Tanzania.  The town is in the middle of Tanzania with no paved roads leading to it.  Only a few roads in the town itself are paved.  The parish had about 3 Jesuit priests in those days, if I remember correctly, a French Canadian, an Irish, and an Indian.    Today the Jesuits have departed and handed it over to the diocese because of not enough Jesuit priests.

In those days the parish had 21 outstations, some of which even had other outstations further out.  These were located in small villages where little mud walled churches had been put up.  Occasionally I found a rather large cement block church left over from times when priests were more abundant.   Each Sunday we would all head out on motorcycles to the outstations. 

On the edge of Tabora there was a special community.  A community of men & women who had leprosy.  The exclusion of these lepers was similar to what we read in Leviticus, though they received better care.  Our parish used to help them a lot and I went to say Mass for them and spent time talking with them often individually, sometimes in a group.  Despite the effectiveness of modern medicine, many had significant scarring and were without hands or feet.  I remember being touched mostly by the quality of their spirits and sense of acceptance. 

I am reminded of this leper community when I read about the lepers in today's readings.  Leviticus lays down the directives, exclusion.  Mark has Jesus dealing with a leper, including him in the community.   I've already discussed Leviticus.  Let me mention 3 points relevant to Mark & his account.

First, Mark's aim.  Mark wants to convince Christians of Jewish & mostly Gentile background that Jesus is the Messiah.  This community probably lived in Galilee, that is, around the Sea of Galilee or in Syria.  How do today's students of the bible know this?  Because they analyzed the text and noted that Mark used Greek rather than Aramaic.  Moreover, Mark describes some Jewish customs.  Both points indicated that he talks to a community made up more of Gentile Christians than Jewish Christians.  They could not speak Aramaic and they did not know Jewish customs.  Also, it is thought that the community was dwellingng around Galilee because Mark describes the geography of those places rather than around Jerusalem. 

Secondly, Mark's means, how does he accomplish his end?  He uses two literary techniques, the somewhat famous Messianic Secret technique and miracle stories. 

When Mark has Jesus tell the leper, "See that you tell no one anything," Mark is using the Messianic Secret technique.  People were saying that they lived at the time of Jesus, but never saw or heard about any of these miracle events.  Mark is saying that they did not hear about them because Jesus tried to hide his powers.  The secret is only supposed to be revealed at the end, at the death & resurrection.  Nevertheless, as part of his technique Mark allows it to leak out by writing that the man "began to publicize the whole matter."

Thirdly, how Mark carefully crafts his writing.  It is noted that in this chapter 1, Mark has 8 points he is using to convince people.  For example, he built community by calling the apostles, he showed power by running off an unclean spirit, he gives life to Peter's mother, and so on.  The miracle he describes today is number 8 and aims at inclusion  of rejects in the community.

Instead of excluding the leper like Leviticus instructs, Jesus welcomes him.  In fact, he does something that broke the law and the people would be astounded.  He touched the leper.  This was after Mark has the leper break the law by approaching Jesus.  People around are saying, "Wow!", when they read this. 

This might be today's lesson for us.  Inclusion.  Like it was for me in Tabora, Tanzania, it may be easier for us to think of including a leper, because we know the virus is not that contagious and can be effectively treated.  But HIV?  What about other races, colors, religions, students from other schools?

Whom do I have trouble including in my community?

References:

• Austin Cline, Audience of Mark's Gospel (on line), for the 11 extra critters

• Carmelite website, Homilies, for the 8 points Mark makes in chapter 1

AUDIO:  http://mysite.verizon.net/reso7rjy/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/2009-02-15.mp3

Picture 1:  Mass with Sabrina helping

Picture 2:  Hunter & Dillon, Kim, Ken, & Cindy

Picture 3: at the Coffiee Island, Maureen, Greg, & Angelo

Picture 4:  Hunter

 

 

 

Sez Tori, "Welcome in, Everybody."

 

Readings:

1 Kings 19, 9, 11-13,   After the fire there was a tiny whispering sound.

Psalm 85,   Lord, let us see your kindness and grant us your salvation.

Roman 9, 1-5,  I speak the truth in Christ, I do not lie.

Matthew 14, 22-33,  Storm at sea & Peter walking on the water.  

 

 

 

Harper likewise, sez, "Come in, Folks." 

 

Observations on 1 Kings

 What:  1 Kings is the 3rd book in a 4 book set which includes 1 & 2 Samuel and 1 & 2 Kings.   The first chapters of 1 Kings is all about the great Solomon, the son of  the great king David.  With Solomon's death the kingdom split into north and south.  Elijah the prophet condemns this.  He is our subject this morning.

 

 

 

Leo, today you really begin the job of being an altar helper.  We'll make it fun.

  

Tiny Whispering Sounds

This morning I would like to talk about the tiny whispering sounds and propose that they take place often, even daily, both outside of us, and also inside of us.  

I want to begin with a story about our dearest Jackie Urbanczyk, who is a spirit whisperer for me and whose memorial we celebrated yesterday at Hackberry Creek Country Club Las Colinas.  Over 200 people celebrated this lady.

 

 

 

Emma, our delightful Candle Lighter of the Week, at work.

 

Story #1.  15 or 20 years ago we had a Father’s Day party at Jackie & Rick’s house.  It was an annual party we had for the men’s group that met in my little Jesuit office every other Thursday night or so to give the 20 guys who showed a chance to share the blessings of their weeks or the difficulties.  We all sat on the floor, backs against the wall.  The party took place after the Masses I did at St. Marks. 

As I remember, things were going along normal, lunch, talking with wives and even kids.  It was super.  We would usually end up with everybody circling up and sharing the blessing of the year. 

 

 

 

Leo and Buddy, it is so fun having you up here to help out.

 

Suddenly I get clobbered with a water balloon.  Rick & Jackie had two awful little girls whom I loved.  It had to be them.  Time goes on and I get hit again and I spot the villain, Kristen, no less. 

So what did I expect?  I expected that Jackie would tell Kristin that you cannot throw water balloons at the holy priest.   Dream on, Stack.  She was even enjoying it. 

 

 

Shonda, Ben, and David, can it get any better than this!

 

I’ll always love her for that.  Jackie’s whisper to Kristin was that it was okay to throw water balloons at that priest guy.  A spirit whisper to her daughter.

Maybe 3 years ago Jackie came home from being declared cancer free.  Rick had gathered a small  group for a surprise party and Jackie danced in the driveway.  Then the symptoms returned.

 

 

Rick Urbanczyk opens the Memorial for his dearest wife, Jackie.

 

This past Christmas Eve Mass Jackie looked terrific.  I was so happy for her.   Two months later at our Sunday Mass I saw her and knew.

 

 

Shonda & David provided music for Jackie's Memorial, along with Becka, a niece.

 

 

Let me give you an example of an inner spirit whisper.  Not always one I want to hear 

 The scene is Hy-Vee grocery store in Spencer, Iowa, dinner time and hundreds of bikers are pouring in, buying dinners, looking for seats anywhere in the dining area, which seats maybe 50 to 75 people. 

David & I are seated side by side at a small 4 person table.  Across from us is a big guy from Iowa and a long haired hippy kind of guy from Spokane.  Both really nice guys, especially Grant the hippy.  The room is packed and people are searching for empty seats.

 

 

 

The venue for the Memorial was the Hackberry Country Club in Las Colinas.  Over 200 filled the ball room.

 

I suddenly hear the little whispering sound.  “It is David’s 32^nd wedding anniversary this very night.  What are you going to do, buddy?  How about standing up and telling everybody to cheer for David? ”  I try to shut this whisper up   But, no it keeps up and I suspect I will feel guilty if I do nothing.  Time is slipping away.  I try to focus on our conversations to no avail. 

Finally, knowing that I will hate myself if I let the opportunity to pass, I jump up and yell, “Hey Everybody (I have to yell out about 3 times to get everybody’s attention), my buddy David is celebrating 32 years of marriage right here with us this evening.”  The place goes crazy and everybody yells and claps. 

 

 

 

Two old pros, as of today.  Good work, Buddy & Leo.  I love working with you both.

 

I’ll tell you, I hate those tiny whispering sounds inside my head.  They get me out of bed at 4:00 on cold mornings to go to the J.  They tell me that that second chocolate chip cookie is a no, no.   And you don’t need that second glass of red wine.

Ever hear that tiny whispering sound in your head?  What does it tell you?

 

 

Readings: Isaiah 66, 10-14; Psalm 66; Galatians 6, 14-18; Luke 10, 1-20.

Isaiah: The scene is this. The Israelites are enslaved in Babylon, which was in today’s Iraq, about 60 miles south of Bagdad, now called Al Hilah. Isaiah is telling the people that the day is coming when they will live again in Jerusalem. 

What a Gift Community

When I used to say Masses before we gathered here I was really spoiled. I would walk into St. Mark’s, for instance, put on my robes, celebrate the Mass, and depart, or go over and goof around with Duffy & Rita in the rectory. I had everything prepared before I walked out on the alter and everything was cleaned up after I left. 

The first time we celebrated here, I remember thinking how many little things have to be taken care of. I got to get my own robes, set up an altar, provide bread & wine, and so on. 

Now I am knocked over at how many people pitch in to make this celebration special. Margie does the alter, Jackie brings donuts, Lisa makes muffins, many of you take turns making altar bread and providing coffee. Margarita comes with juice, Roy with the books, Rob & Beth with the cross & wine cups. And this highlights only a few of you. 

The past two weeks I have been especially touched and moved by the community extending itself.

Last Sunday you may remember that we had the summer blood drive. I thought the numbers might be down. It is summer, after all. Yet, on the contrary, after Mass as I was preparing to depart with Rosemary & Naomi, I passed by the blood mobile. I had hoped we might reach 20 donors, though I was prepared for less. The nurses told me they had already received over 21 and I saw about 3 to 4 people waiting. I was stunned.  And grateful.

The second amazing event took place yesterday when a group of about 15 showed up to put a roof on a home. I had spotted the need for this some time ago. I contacted Lynda & Tom to see if they could induce Habitat to help us. They only build new housing, however, and recommended we contact Lake Point Baptist, because they do renovations. 

Through that contact we met this marvelous guy named Alex Moore, quiet, serene, skilled, and hard working. Alex, who is retired and from MN, actually came over by himself Wednesday & Thursday to augur, set, and cement about 15 4 by 4’s to hold up the roof. He did this so we could all work together Saturday. And did we work. Laying roofing tiles over black tar paper in the afternoon sun was like sitting on a hot frying pan. 

I had to depart the project at 3:00 to get ready for a 6:00 wedding, and the last thing Alex asked me was, "We working next Saturday?" He was ready & wants to finish the job.

This is a gift community. And this is saying nothing about your weekly generosity.

Thanks. 

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