Sunday Homily, February 18, 2007 – 7th Sunday, Ordinary Time

 

Readings: 

Malachi 3, 19-20, There will arise the sun of justice.

Psalm 98,  Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full.

2 Thessalonians 3, 7-12,  Night and day we worked.

Luke  21, 5-19, Nation will rise against nation.

 

 Introduction: 

Before the Exile the OT prophets warned the Israelites of the punishment they were about to receive for not being obedient to the Commandments.  After returning from their exile to find their temple, homes and fields in destruction they were exhorted by the OT prophets to restore and rebuild and purify themselves before God.

The written words of the very small book of the prophet Malachi anticipated the coming of a messenger to prepare their hearts to welcome and put into practice the life-giving and love-giving words and actions of the Messiah. 

Our reading from St. Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians continues this theme: the virtuous will be known by their words and actions.

 

Homily:

When our first reading begins with these words, ‘a day is coming,’ it is speaking of the Day of Judgment to separate those whose life and love giving words and actions have served God and neighbor from those who failed to do so.

The Prophet Malachi implies that those who have served God and neighbor have done so naturally because they have been purified [by the Spirit].  Indeed, Jesus’ words in the Matthew gospel to those who have shown mercy and justice invite them to enter the kingdom of God prepared for them from the foundation of the world.

 

 

They are told that they had clothed him when he was naked, given water and food when he was hungry and thirsty.  The just are perplexed; they ask him ‘when did we clothe you or visit you when you were sick or in prison?’ 

The Lord replies, ‘when you did it to the least of those around you, you did it to me and for me through the Spirit.’ 

 

 

In today’s gospel his disciples ask Jesus when this Day of Judgment was coming. The gospels tell us that only the Father knows the day when his Son, the bridegroom, will come for his bride; but Jesus replies that those who have endured persecution and have chosen to be led by the Holy Spirit will recognize the signs in the heaven. Then they are to raise their heads knowing that their redemption is at hand.

 

 

Ten years ago I spent some time examining some early Christian writings that were not included in the NT.  I came across a writing that was done by a 22 year old, well educated, young woman named Perpetua living in the north African city of Carthage in the year 203 AD.

 She was writing about herself during the last days of her life. She had just finished the final stage of the catechumenate when she had been arrested for being a Christian.  [The Romans in Carthage needed some Christians to throw to the Lions on the Emperor’s Birthday.]

 

 

Perpetua was baptized as she waited to be put into prison. Her father came to visit her, begging that she tell the judge that she was not a Christian.  She pointed to a pot near her asking him to tell her what it was.  Then she said to him that in like manner she could not be anything other than what she was, ‘a Christian.’ 

With her head raised high, she identified herself as Christian before the judge.  She described prison as a dark hole, but she prayed for endurance with three others who were catechumen; including her maid, Felicity, who was expecting a child.  

 

 

On the night before they were taken to the arena to be thrown to the wild animals during the festivities these martyrs were given their last meal.  These four Christians called it their love feast; they were receiving the Bread blessed and broken.   By no other name did they want to be called.    Let us cherish the Christian name to which each of us has been called.

 

 

 

Readings: Matthew 21, 1-11, Entry into Jerusalem; Isaiah 50, 4-7, Suffering Servant Song; Psalm 22; Philippians 2, 6-11; Matthew 26, 14-27, 66, Passion.

Because this liturgy is so long, there is no homily today.  Today we celebrate two things.  First we remember Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem with the people placing palm branches before him.  This takes place as we prepare for the Mass.  Next, we read the whole Passion.  This Sunday begins Holy Week and leads up to the Resurrection next Sunday.

Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday are normal days. 

Holy Thursday is the day we remember Jesus’ washing the feet of his apostles and the last supper.  We have a washing of the hands ceremony, this being more germaine to our contemporary lives. 

Friday we remember the death of Jesus.

Saturday is a day of waiting, no Masses taking place until the Easter Vigil, Saturday night.  Then & Easter Sunday we celebrate the Resurrection.

Both Thursday & Friday we will meet at 7:00 P.M. at Mary Kee’s home, 2625 Millington, Plano 75093.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day on Monday.

Readings:

Isaiah 9, 1-6,  The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.

 Psalm 96,  Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.

 Titus 2, 11-14,  The grace of God has appeared.

 Luke 2, 1-14,   In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus.

 

 

Christmas Eve, 2016, Welcome.

 

Isaiah observations:

What:  This is again Isaiah I (one of three).  Isaiah 1 criticizes the people for their sinful ways and forecasts doom, which will come in the form of the Babylonian Captivity.

When: Isaiah was warning the people ahead of the Captivity, ca. 555 before Christ.  It was during the Captivity when the book of three authors was put together.

Today's selection: One of the all time beautiful passages promising light to people who have walked (or lived) in darkness.  

All of today's readings are consoling and dear.

 

 

Cody with his kids Ben and Olivia.

 

A Christmas Story

Despite the fact that I have told this story previously, I like it so much and it is so relevant, I would like to repeat it.  

I remember my first Christmas adventure with Grandma. I was just a kid. I remember tearing across town on my bike to visit her on the day my big sister dropped the bomb: "There is no Santa Claus," she jeered. "Even dummies know that.”

 

 

Jennifer and her beautiful little one say, "Merry Christmas."

 

My  Grandma was not the gushy kind, never had been. I fled to her that day because I knew she would be straight up with me. I knew Grandma always told the truth, and I knew that the truth always went down a whole lot easier when swallowed with one of her "world-famous" cinnamon buns. I knew they were world-famous, because Grandma said so. It had to be true.

Grandma was home, and the buns were still warm. Between bites, I told her everything. She was ready for me. "No Santa Claus?" she snorted…."Ridiculous! Don't believe it. That rumor has been going around for years, and it makes me mad, plain mad!! Now, put on your coat, and let's go." 

 

 

The Beautiful Claire and her beautiful daughter, Chloe.

 

"Go? Go where, Grandma?" I asked. I hadn't even finished my second world- famous cinnamon bun. "Where" turned out to be Kerby's General Store, the one store in town that had a little bit of just about everything. As we walked through its doors, Grandma handed me ten dollars. That was a bundle in those days. "Take this money," she said, "and buy something for someone who needs it. I'll wait for you in the car." Then she turned and walked out of Kerby's. 

 

Carrie and Paul with her granddaughter, her daughter and husband.

 

I was only eight years old. I'd often gone shopping with my mother, but never had I shopped for anything all by myself. The store seemed big and crowded, full of people scrambling to finish their Christmas shopping.

For a few moments I just stood there, confused, clutching that ten-dollar bill, wondering what to buy, and whom on earth to buy it for. I thought of everybody I knew: my family, my friends, my neighbors, the kids at school, the people who went to my church. 

 

Hi to the Great Gerwer Clan.

 

 

I was just about thought out, when I suddenly thought of Bobby Decker. He was a kid with bad breath and messy hair, and he sat right behind me in Mrs. Pollock's grade-two class. Bobby Decker didn't have a coat. I knew that because he never went out to recess during the winter.

His mother always wrote a note, telling the teacher that he had a cough, but all we kids knew that Bobby Decker didn't have a cough; he didn't have a good coat. I fingered the ten-dollar bill with growing excitement. I would buy Bobby Decker a coat! 

 

 

Sir Charlie helping his grandson light up the candles.
 

 

I settled on a red corduroy one that had a hood to it. It looked real warm, and he would like that.

"Is this a Christmas present for someone?" the lady behind the counter asked kindly, as I laid my ten dollars down. "Yes, ma'am," I replied shyly. "It's for Bobby." 

 

The Nativity Scene.

 

The nice lady smiled at me as I told her about how Bobby really needed a good winter coat. I didn't get any change, but she put the coat in a bag, smiled again, and wished me a Merry Christmas.

That evening, Grandma helped me wrap the coat (a little tag fell out of the coat, and Grandma tucked it in her Bible) in Christmas paper and ribbons and wrote, "To Bobby, From Santa Claus" on it.

 

 

The music team of Shonda, Ray, and David with a special welcome back to Wendy.

 

 

Grandma said that Santa always insisted on secrecy. Then she drove me over to Bobby Decker's house, explaining as we went that I was now and forever officially, one of Santa's helpers.

Grandma parked down the street from Bobby's house, and she and I crept noiselessly and hid in the bushes by his front walk. Then Grandma gave me a nudge. "All right, Santa Claus," she whispered, "get going."

 

 

John reading the second half of the Eucharistic prayer.

 

I took a deep breath, dashed for his front door, threw the present down on his step, pounded his door and flew back to the safety of the bushes and Grandma.

Together we waited breathlessly in the darkness for the front door to open. Finally it did, and there stood Bobby. 

 

The Team, Georgie, Kevin, Mike, and John

 

Sixty years haven't dimmed the thrill of those moments spent shivering, beside my Grandma, in Bobby Decker's bushes. That night, I realized that those awful rumors about Santa Claus were just what Grandma said they were — ridiculous. Santa was alive and well, and Grandma and I were the proof.

I still have Grandma’s Bible with the coat tag still tucked inside: $19.95.”

 

 

 

And The Angels.

Readings: Acts 10, 34-43; Psalm 118, This is the Day the Lord has Made, Lus Us Rejoice and be Glad; 1 Corinthians 5, 6-8; John 20, 1-9 

 

The Readings:

 

It is almost impossible for us today to understand how significant the story told in Chapter 10 of Acts was for the Jewish people at the time Luke wrote it.  Our first reading is part of that narrative.  The two main characters are Peter, who is in Caesarea, and Cornelius a Roman Centurion, in Jaffa, about 30 miles south on the Mediterranean coast. The scene is the home of Cornelius a centurion.

 

 

 Remember up to this point the Jews had felt like they had a monopoly on God.  In this chapter 10 Luke uses two separate incidents taking place in different locations to set the stage for our reading.  We meet Cornelius having a vision of an angel who tells him to send for Peter.  Meantime Peter is sitting hungry on the roof in Caesarea and has a vision of all different kinds of animals and being told by God to eat. 

 

 

There is the usual discussion about unclean and Peter is made to see that God only makes clean!  The folks from Jaffa arrive and summon Peter to go see Cornelius.  Peter heads off to Jaffa, worried about his dream and then when he hears about Cornelius’ dream he sees the connection and proceeds to baptize Cornelius and his household.  Our first reading today is what can best be described as a quick lesson from Peter about Jesus. 

 

   

Our second reading is from Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians.  I am going to take a certain amount of license in focusing only on the word yeast in the reading, as the full topic of this section of the Letter does not need to be brought up here.  Read it for yourselves!  Yeast is used in beer making and bread making and basically it converts sugars into bubbles.  So we are to be bubbles in society! Gas pockets!  But seriously, when I think about yeast, I think about the huge effect just a little has on the dough.  And for us in society as Christians, I believe that we too can have a huge effect on society.

 

Easter Homily:

 

 

I remember one Easter when I was studying in seminary.  We normally had to stay in the seminary until Easter Sunday morning before we could go home for Easter holidays.  This one year I skipped out and caught the boat from Dublin to England arriving at about 6AM.  I found a church and went to early morning Mass on Easter Sunday and then took the tube out to my cousin Eileen’s flat in Kensington.  She was married to Bill who was protestant,  Church of England.  Bill was going to church that morning and invited me to my first protestant Easter Service. 

 

 

  

I can remember being amazed by the fact that most of the service was all about Easter eggs.  The whole sanctuary of the church was full of them.  I had never associated the Resurrection with eggs before then.  Yes, we always got chocolate Easter eggs, but I put them in the same category as toys at Christmas, nothing to do with the Birth of Jesus, just a very happy coincidence! 

 

 

 

Right now in our front garden at home there is a dove, patiently sitting on some eggs in a nest in one of the trees.  Our next-door neighbor has a duck doing the same thing in their front garden in some bushes.  The Church, by some happy coincidence chose spring as the time of year to celebrate the Resurrection and I think this gives us our first clue in how we should view the Resurrection.  We can’t understand it, it is a mystery, but analogies can help us part of the way.  The Resurrection requires an act of Faith, end of story.  Don’t try to understand it.  It is outside our human capability.

 

 

And it was outside the expectations of the apostles and also of Mary of Magdala in our Gospel reading today.  She was heading to the tomb to properly bury Jesus.  As you will recall, when Jesus was arrested it was abandon ship, everyone fled, Peter didn’t hesitate to deny that he even knew Jesus.  We know that the apostles went back to their old trades, Peter, James and John to being fishermen. 

 

 

The event we are celebrating today was not what any of the people who had walked with Jesus before his death had expected.  And it is not an easy event to describe and understand.  So the accounts in the New Testament are all over the map on what exactly happened, but one thing was certain in the minds of the early church; God had raised Jesus from the grave and that made all the difference in their lives. 

If we look back at the different gospels readings we have listened to during this lent we will recall the Temptation of Jesus, were Jesus is tempted and so can understand when we are tempted. 

 

  

 

The story of the Transfiguration, when Peter attempted to capture the impossible moment by putting up tents, again a perfectly human reaction to being faced with the Divine, the second chance being given to the useless fig tree and then the two very powerful stories of forgiveness with the Prodigal Son and the Woman caught in adultery. 

 

 

 

The strong message of forgiveness from these stories has to give us hope and encouragement.   We can always start anew with God his love is constant.  And the message of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus is that an indication of how unreserved that love is.  Armed with the knowledge of God’s love and forgiveness, we can be like yeast to the lives of those we meet in the world.  Lets not worry about how big a difference we will make, let’s just be sure we make a difference. 

The message, the victory of Easter, is that mankind’s biggest fear, death is finally laid to rest. 

 

 
 

 

We have a God who not only loves us unconditionally, but who wants us to be in His presence forever.  Not something which we can prove or even understand, except thru faith.  The presence of the Holy Spirit helped the early Christians believe, and that same Spirit can help us today too.  We too have a new life.  Happy Easter. 

 

 

Picture 1:  Mass beginning

 

Picture 2:  Want to know what happens to priests who marry?  They become grand dads.  Fr. Tony with Emma.

 

Picture 3:  And with mom, Julie

 

Picture 4:  Quads with mom & dad

 

Picture 5:  Quads  with grandmother & aunt

 

Picture 6:   Holy Thursday, Washing of Hands, at the Robinsons

 

Picture 7:  Good Friday Stations at the Robinsons

 

Readings: 1 Samuel 16, 1-13; Psalm 23; Ephesians 5, 8-14; John 9, 1-41.

Samuel: Another huge jump from last week when we were in the desert with Moses after the exodus from Egypt, which itself was a big jump from the story of Abraham’s call in Genesis.  This book of Samuel is the first big book after the Pentatuch, the first 5 books of the Old Testament.  The book chronicles the shift among the Hebrews from a judge leader to a king.  The big characters: Samuel, the last great judge, Saul, the first king, and the fabulous King David.

Today’s selection tells how Samuel found and choose David to someday be The Man.

Marriage # 5: The Art of Giving

At the prospect of marriage, I was told by you can imagine whom, "Stack, you’ve had it easy all your life in the Jesuits.  You don’t know how hard marriage is and how much you will have to give up."   It was enough to scare me into bailing out.  It seemed like it was going to be all give and no get.  Now I’ve been married 3 years, that’s what it has been.

Actually, as you all know so well, it has been all gift.  Never the less, the event of giving is essential to the art of marriage.  I’m learning more about this every day.  I see at least three ways the giving takes place.  There may be more, but let me talk about words, listening, and touch.

I am surprised how easy it is to get out of the habit I was trained in as a kid and as a Jesuit to mention two simple phrases.  "Please," for one.  I can so easily simply say, "Would you do this," or "Would you get this for me?"  It seems polite to me, but it does not quite cut it.  It may be polite, but the "please" makes the difference.  It is courtesy.

Secondly, "thanks."  I am impressed in my dealing with couples how often "thanks" has fallen out of usage.  In my mind I assume Rosemary knows I am grateful.  Often it may be some small thing, like moving so I can pass by.  Temptation: walk by saying nothing.  A trap, a lack of courtesy. 

There is a third set of words that needs to be heard, therefore spoken a number of times a day.  How often do we hear of someone who has lost a loved one and regrets this was not said before parting, "I love you."  If it is not said, I don’t know it for sure.  My confidence & my security in my relationship is enriched by hearing "I love you."

Besides words playing a role in the art of marriage, the flip is true: listening.  This may be hard.  I’m reading the sports page, I’m listening to Garrison Keilor and Rosemary says something.  Curses.  I better listen up or I’ve had it.  Listening itself has verbal & non verbal parts. 

Verbal means more than hearing.  It means listeningto what is being said.  Very difficult sometimes.  Non verbal involves listening to the body language.  Some body language is obvious: a slammed door, a book thrown, silence.  Other body language is more subtle, a sadness, a distance, a reluctance to talk.  What’s up?  I notice–fill in the blank—.  If it is obvious, maybe some real listening is in order.  If it is subtle, ask an open ended question, like, "How are you doing."  Not, "You feel bad/good?"  Closed ended questions get off with an answer of yes or no.  Open ended questions involve explanation.

Finally, the art of marriage involves touch.  Hugs to start with.  I have a great hunger for hugs, as you all know.  Balm for the spirit.  Besides hugs, however, the gift of touch involves all sorts of little contacts, with hands, a finger, a foot, an elbow.  A hand on the arm.  Granted, some people don’t like this much touch.  Beware of the buddy, buddy arm around my shoulder.

Oh, there is a fourth.  Rosemary says to remind the guys, "Remember, diamonds are a girl’s best friend."  Can someone help me with this?  Who doubted I would be better off married?

How does word, listening, touch play a role in the art of your marriage (friendship)?

AUDIO:  http://mysite.verizon.net/reso7rjy/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/2008-03-02.mp3

 

Acts 12:  Suddenly the angel of the Lord stood by him and a light shone in the cell.  He tapped Peter on the side and awakened him, saying, “Get up quickly.”

2 Timothy 4:  The Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the proclamation might be completed and all the Gentiles might hear it.

Matthew 16: He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”  Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”  Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father.

John Cade and John Stack ready to start Mass
 

 

Thanks…     

Music,   Ben & Shonda

The Kiss of Peace

 

Outreach: $   490.00

Thanks again, Folks, for doing what you can.

 

 

Paula gets a cookie for her birthday

 

 

Rosemary's Blessing: