32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, November 6, 2022

Readings: Nehemiah 8, 2-10; Psalm 19; 1 Corinthians 12, 12-30; Luke 1, 1-21

Nehemiah – The book of Nehemiah takes place during the Babylonian captivity. Three main characters play roles, though the first two are not mentioned in today’s reading. Cyrus is the benevolent ruler of Babylon. Nehemiah is the Jew Cyrus puts in charge of restoring the city of Jerusalem and the temple. Ezra, the central character of today’s reading, is a priest & law scholar.

We arrive on the scene after Nehemiah has established Jerusalem. The people have assembled in the town center and asked Ezra to read to them the law that orders their new lives. We hear part of the reading, a part that emphasizes rejoicing.

1 Corinthinians – During the time of Paul the Greek city of Corinth was almost as significant as Athens. Paul had established a community there and in his letter he is offering his advice to the people.

Chapter 13 is Paul’s famous letter about love being kind & patient. Chapter 12, our reading today, offers an almost amusing analogy of the community to a body. We are parts of the body and consequently we are important, making our unique contributions.

Liberty to Captives and Sight to the Blind – It was 21 years ago that the Jesuit superior in Nairobi told me in a letter that I should go back to the States for good. I was shocked and downcast by the news. It took me some years to get over it.

This spring Rosemary, Mary Ellen, & I will return for my first visit. Something I had hoped I would do, but never knew for sure.

In my 10 years there, I did two basic things. First, I helped establish a spiritual center-retreat house on the edge of Nairobi, Kenya. We bought 39 acres with two houses on the edge of a stream across from the Nairobi game park. In fact one night coming in late, another Jesuit & I (Louie Lambert) saw a giraffe crossing our front lawn.

The second thing I did was to help create spiritual growth & human maturity seminars, which we gave to priests, nuns, and bishops in Tanzania, the country just south of Kenya. I coordinated a mobile team of 2-3 priests and a Dutch nun.

These seminars were residential and lasted 1, 2, or 4 weeks. They were marvelous events with all races and men & women. We even gave a number of the seminars in Uganda during the days of Idi Amin.

All during my time in Kenya & Tanzania, I used to reflect upon what I was doing over there. I did not want to be considered a missionary, because I saw the negative effects of the cultural imperialism that came with the missionaries. For instance, drums were forbidden at Masses some places because they were considered pagan.

What did motivate me was the line in today’s gospel, "I come to give sight to the blind and liberty to captives." This still motivates me. I take the line metaphorically, not literally. For instance, this is why I talk often about the fundamental option instead of mortal-venial sin. I know my spirituality has moved from blindness to better sight, from prison to greater liberty. Otherwise, I would not have had the courage to get married.

I suggest that we, too, are challenged to help others see better. We do it with little kids. We do it with senior citizens. What a gift to help a person see that they are good and not bad.

This is what Jesus says in the gospel that he is doing. It is what I hoped I was doing in Kenya & Tanzania. It is what we are all challenged to do today.

Name one person you can touch into better sight, greater liberty.

Download the homily as an mp3 file (8751.1K).

Special Thanks:
For reading, Alexandra & Mary Ellen
For the Altar Bread, Linda Fleming
For Serving, Carmen & Ashley
For the Altar & cake, Margie Dugan & David & Alexandra
For the Books & Communion Cups, Roy & Carol Strom, Beth  & Rob Robinson
For ushering & all sorts of jobs, Cliff Wright
For the music, Ray & Wendy & Hue

 Readings:

Samuel 16, 1, 6-7, 10-13. Samuel chooses and anoints David.

 Psalm 23,  The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want.

 Ephesians 5,  8-14,   You were once in darkness, but now you are light.

 John 9, 1-41,    The beggar given sight.

She is back, Everybody, with a new little baby boy, Caleb.   Congratulations, Bethany.

Observations on 1 Samuel:

What: The is the first book of a 4 book series tracing the history of the Israelites,  1 & 2 Samuel and 1 & 2 Kings.  Samuel, Saul, and the great David are the main characters.

When composed:   800 & 700 years before Christ the work was being put together.  Mostly finalized, guess when, Babylonian time, ca. 555 years before Christ.

Today's selection: How Yahweh guided Samuel in selecting David.

Stuart.

Psalm 23, The Lord is my Shepherd.   One of my favorites, very comforting.  Is it true? 

Stuart with Julian.

The Lord is My Shepherd

I would like to talk this morning about that Psalm 23, which is one of my favorites, The Lord is My Shepherd. 

I would like to tie it in with a guy named Stuart, whose funeral I just did in Toronto Friday at 11:00.  I did Stu’s wedding 25 years ago to one of the Reddick sisters, Renee Reddick, of the family whom I had gotten close to when I studied in Toronto from ’68-’72.  Renee & Stewart had separated a couple of years ago, but they were still peaceful with each other. 

Stuart with Julian and Ethan.

Stuart had one extraordinary quality that I envied and used as a model for my own life.  He had a Stuart spirit that created life, energy, friendship, and community around him.  With a megawatt smile and laughter, he invited people to have fun and friendship with gobs of adventures, meals, and get togethers.

You will never guess how many of his friends and admirers gathered together Friday morning at 11:00 in St. John’s Catholic Church to celebrate a Catholic Mass.  We estimated at least 200 people.  The church was full.  Even the two viewings the night before were packed with people and energy.

Stuart and Renee.

A second point.  Stu had a number of hobbies, one of which was playing ice hockey.  After all, he was Canadian.  All Canadians are born wearing skates.  Stu was a big, robust, good looking blond.  If I was playing hockey and saw him barreling down the ice grinning with the excitement of taking me out, I would have jumped over the railing. 

Among all his buddies his hockey team mates seemed to be extra special.  After the funeral Mass a reception was held at a big club on the shore of Lake Ontario right in the middle of Toronto.  His team mates told Renee they were covering the bill.  It was food and open bar for everybody and the party lasted from about 1:00 to 6:00. 

Stuart & his buddy after one hour of bad hockey, looking forward to the next 2 hours.

Stu has a refrain which I used at the Mass to invite everyone to the reception, “1 hour of bad hockey, 2 hours of good drinking.  Let’s begin!”  I think Stuart was playing hockey up to the last year or so of his life.

The third point about Stewart, he helped to nurture and raise two fine sons, one in college, the other in high school.  They are both beautiful kids.

Our Candle Man of The Week, Brandon.

Stuart died of cancer just last week.  The cancer was first discovered this past November, around the time of American Thanksgiving.  Stuart was a Good Shepherd to lots of people.  Was the The Lord a Shepherd to him?  Dying of cancer after 4 months?  There is nothing I shall want?

For me it is the question of unconditional love.  Even though I will die, the love and acceptance is there.

How does the Lord Shepherd you?

For whom are you a Shepherd?

Hi, Genevieve, are you trying out for the choir with that mike, which I know you love? 

Genesis 12:  The  Lord said to Abram; … I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you; …

2 Timothy:  Beloved: Bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God.

Matthew 17:  And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light.

Kevin getting the Zoom ready

Thanks…     

Music,    Shonda

Readers,  Mary and Warren

Gospel,   John Cade

Homily,   John Stack

Eucharistic Prayer A & B,  John Stack & John Cade

The Magic Zoom makers,   Hue & Kevin

Final Blessing, Rosemary

Mary reading from Genesis

Readings:  Download 03-05-23 Readings – 2nd Lent

Homily:   

Warren reading from Paul's letter to Timothy

There will be a Celebration of Life for Ron Senter on April 1, 2023 at Restland  at 2:00 in the afternoon. 

Remember these special people:

For the family of Ron Senter;  For Frank Esparza;  For Jan;  For John Simari's mother who is not feeling well;  For Tom  Quinn who had back surgery on November 21st;  For Sandra who has been diagnosed with Large B Cell Lymphoma;   For Lambrini, John Cade's wife, who is dealing with cancer ;  For Madeleine, Richard Eshelbrenner's granddaughter;  For Hue; For Jackie;  For John's sister, Kathey recovering from a fall;   For Tom Good;  For a young man, 19 struggling with a brain tumor and cancer;     For Mary Hall's friend Cadence still suffering from a serious medical condition;   For Sir Charlie & Jan; 

Jackie's mom, sister, & friend, Lynn;  For Rick Turner searching for a kidney donor, Type O neg.;   For Jean & Cliff Wright;  For Dee, and for her daughters, Lisa & Lauren;  For a young man who is suffering from depression;  John Cade's daughter, Joey, with cancer; from Barbara, a little baby boy named Ford recuperating from an operation & friends, Annie, a mom of 3 kids and Michael ;    for the medical staffs, teachers, and coaches in our public & private schools.

Linda, Ray, Gilberto, Mary and Bernadette

Birthdays:  Dee Miller 3/10

Anniversaries:  

Community Finances:   

Expenses: $  1,250.00

Outreach: $  360.00

Thanks again, Folks, for doing what you can.

Richard

Rosemary's Blessing: 

May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be.

May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others.

May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.

May you be content with yourself just the way you are.

Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.

It is there for each and every one of us.

Saint Terese of Lisieux

Amos 8:  The Lord has sworn by the pride of Jacob: Never will I forget a thing they have done!

1 Timothy 2:  For there is one God.  There is also one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as ransom for all. 

Luke 16:  The person who is trustworthy in very small matters is also trustworthy in great ones; 

Very exciting first Sunday at the ArtCentre.  We were welcomed by the Fire Department.  It seems Richard and Hue got stuck in the elevator  and they had to call the Fire Department to get them out

Music,    Ben & Shonda

Readers,  Pat & Fred 

Gospel,   John Cade

Homily,  John Cade

Eucharistic Prayer A & B,  John Stack & John Cade

The Magic Zoom makers,      Hue & Richard 

Final Blessing, Rosemary

John starts Mass at our new home

Readings:  Download 09-18-22- Readings – 25th Sunday Ord

Homily:    Download 09-18-22- Homily – 25th Sunday Ord

Remember these special people:

For Jan; For Sandra who has been diagnosed with Large B Cell Lymphoma;   For Lambrini, John Cade's wife, who is dealing with cancer and Kaliope, John Cade's Mother-in-law;  For Donna and the Dinsmore Family after her brother, Dennis died  from pancreatic cancer;   For Hue; For Jackie;  For John's sister, Kathey recovering from a fall;    For Tom Good;  For a young man, 19 struggling with a brain tumor and cancer;     For Mary Hall's friend Cadence still suffering from a serious medical condition;   For Sir Charlie & Jan; 

Buddy reads the prayer for the lighting of the candles

Jackie's mom, sister, & friend, Lynn;  For Rick Turner searching for a kidney donor, Type O neg.;   For Jean & Cliff Wright;  For Dee, and for her daughters, Lisa & Lauren;     For a young man who is suffering from depression;  John Cade's daughter, Joey, with cancer; from Barbara, a little baby boy named Ford recuperating from an operation & friends, Annie, a mom of 3 kids and Michael ;    for the medical staffs, teachers, and coaches in our public & private schools.

The  Kiss of Peace

Birthdays:   Sandra Pratt 9/18,  Mary Jane Stevenson 9/20

Anniversaries:   Lynda & Tom Fleming 9/18

Community Finances:   

Expenses: $  1,195.00 

Outreach: $  60.00

Thanks again, Folks, for doing what you can.

The Kiss of Peace

Rosemary's Blessing:  

… May God bless you with enough foolishness
to believe that you can make a difference
in this world, in your neighborhood,
so that you will courageously try
what you don't think you can do, but,
in Jesus Christ you'll have all the strength necessary.

"Troubadour: A Missionary Magazine," published by the Franciscan Missionary Society

Exodos 17:  … in their thirst for water, the people grumbled against Moses, saying, "Why did you ever make us leave Egypt?"

Romans 5:  And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit …  

John 4:  Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again; but whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst;

Tom reading from Paul's Letter to the Romans

Thanks…     

Music,    Shonda &  Ben

Readers,  Denni & Tom

Gospel,   John Cade

Homily,   John Cade

Eucharistic Prayer A & B,  John Stack & John Cade

The Magic Zoom makers,   Hue & Kevin

Final Blessing, Rosemary

Denni reading from Exodus

Readings:  Download 03-12-23 Readings – 3rd Lent

Homily:   

The Kiss of Peace

There will be a Celebration of Life for Ron Senter on April 1, 2023 at Restland  at 2:00 in the afternoon. 

Remember these special people:

For the family of Ron Senter;  For Frank Esparza;  For Jan;  For John Simari's mother who is not feeling well;  For Tom  Quinn who had back surgery on November 21st;  For Sandra who has been diagnosed with Large B Cell Lymphoma;   For Lambrini, John Cade's wife, who is dealing with cancer ;  For Madeleine, Richard Eshelbrenner's granddaughter;  For Hue; For Jackie;  For John's sister, Kathey recovering from a fall;   For Tom Good;  For a young man, 19 struggling with a brain tumor and cancer;     For Mary Hall's friend Cadence still suffering from a serious medical condition;   For Sir Charlie & Jan; 

Jackie's mom, sister, & friend, Lynn;  For Rick Turner searching for a kidney donor, Type O neg.;   For Jean & Cliff Wright;  For Dee, and for her daughters, Lisa & Lauren;  For a young man who is suffering from depression;  John Cade's daughter, Joey, with cancer; from Barbara, a little baby boy named Ford recuperating from an operation & friends, Annie, a mom of 3 kids and Michael ;    for the medical staffs, teachers, and coaches in our public & private schools.

Richard letting us know about the Love For Kids day

Birthdays:   John O'Donnell 3/14

Anniversaries:  

Community Finances:   

Expenses: $  735.00

Outreach: $  0.00

Thanks again, Folks, for doing what you can.

Good Morning, Buddy, good to see you so bright and awake.

Welcome: Catholic Mass with coffee & juice, and pastries, some bought, some home-made.

Time: 9:30; Celebrate with the Community & Stack. 

Place: Sigler Elementary, 1400 Janwood Drive, Plano, TX 75075 

Good Morning to you, too, Georgie.  How did you keep Buddy so awake?

Readings:

Wisdom 11, 22-12, 2,   Before the Lord the whole universe is as a grain from a balance.

 Psalm 145,  I will praise your name forever, my king and my God.

2 Thessalonians 1, 11-2, 2,  We always pray for you.

 Luke 19, 1-10,   Zacchaeus the tax collector in the tree.

Offertory, Cole with his mom, Erin, and his grandmom, Diane.

Community Activities:  

ROMEO MEET: Friday, October 28, Jason's Deli, Collin Creek Mall, west side of Central, 1:00.  Welcome all wakos,  you will fit right in.  

JULIET LUNCHEON, (aka.,just us ladies into eating together):  

Juliet's Luncheon will be in the evening so everyone who works plus our lunch bunch can get together for an evening of fun.

We will meet at 6:30 P.M. Thursday, November 3rd

It is BYOB.

Ocean Seafood and Grill

3829 W. Spring Creek Pkwy. Suite 105, Plano

It is behind Chic Fil A Spring Creek and Coit.

Kara, wake up your mom.  Tell her she is missing all the good stuff. 

Christmas at the Dallas Symphony

This year we are going to the Meyerson on Friday, December 16th at 7:30 pm.   We will have seats in the Orchestra section at approximately $45.00 per person.  Please let Rosemary (rosemary.mcginn@sbcglobal.net) know as soon as possible if you are interested in going.  As always we will gather at Tulip Lane before the performance.                            

See how wide awake Liam is, Denise. 

What is going on in Our Catholic World

1. Why are they leaving? Commonweal,  September 23, 485 words,   Download WHY CATHOLICS LEAVE 10-27-16   

Play station with Tori, Leo, and Zoe.

True?

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

Maya Angelou

Take your breath away?  How about Zoe! 

See you Sunday.

J.S., 214-783-0443

The Best, Shonda & Ray.
 

JSM Mission-Faith Statement

Help create a Catholic Community that welcomes all God’s People, provides for and challenges spiritual and total growth.

Reaches out to help people who are disadvantaged and make the world we live in a better place to live.

Take your breath away?  Peace.