Readings: Isaiah 49, 14-15; Psalm 62, Rest in God alone, my Soul; 1 Corinthians 4, 1-5; Matthew 6, 24-34.

Isaiah reminders—

 Author: This is Isaiah #2, the composer of chapters 40-55.  January 6 we had a first reading from this same chapter 49, verses 4-5, talking about Yahweh’s people being a servant and light to the nations.  I talked about the taxi driver whose son had been killed for his pickup truck in Cuernavaca.

 Date:  Ca. 575 before Christ.  The Jewish people of Jerusalem are defeated, crushed, & in the Babylonian Captivity.  Isaiah #3, chapters 56-66, is writing after the Babylonian Captivity.

 Today’s Message: Even though life is bad, Yahweh says he will never forget his people, somewhat similar to the reading from January 6.

Sources: Good News Bible

Don’ Worry About Tomorrow? 

 Yesterday afternoon I did a funeral celebration for a lady named Rebecca Sides.  It took place at Turrentine Funeral Home on Ridgeview.  She died of cancer at 58. 

 I did not ever know Rebecca personally.   I knew her through Jean Atwood’s son Sean, who married one of Rebecca’s three daughters, Terra.  Rebecca was the payroll supervisor for the city of Plano, so there were numerous Plano City people there, including her supervisor and an assistance police chief, both of whom gave excellent talks. 

 Of all the things I heard about Rebecca the quality that struck me the most was the way she had her priorities in order.  Her number one priority was her family.  She seemed like the family matriarch, a magnetic force that brought members together, especially her 4 grand kids. 

 I talk about her because she exemplified what Matthew’s two lessons are trying to teach us today and what he has been trying to teach us all during this sermon on the mount.  Namely, getting our priorities in order.

 I want to say a word about each of Matthew’s points, serving two masters and not worrying about tomorrow.  One preliminary reminder.

 Matthew is again using exaggeration, hyperbole, and infinite demand to convey his message.  Do you not want to say, ‘Are you nuts, are you crazy?’  There is another half, infinite acceptance, like the line, “The Lord is gracious and merciful, never gets angry, and is abounding in love.”  Psalm 103 & other places. 

 First, ‘Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, your body, what you will wear.  All these things will be given to you.’  Everyone can see this is like crazy.  And this is the negative aspect.  So it all gets dismissed. 

 The positive is the word  ‘worry’ repeated four times and the reference to the birds and flowers.  We can have our priorities and goals without worry.  We can emulate the birds and flowers to a point.  Worry leads to anxiety, to high blood pressure, and to strokes. 

 Secondly, the idea that we cannot serve two masters.  The negative part of this lesson is that it is either/or, black or white, God or mammon.  More exaggeration. 

 More positively, do we not serve a number of masters in our life?  God may be an ultimate master.  Do we not have numerous sub-masters?  Could it be possible I am my own master?  I wonder.

 All these lessons seem to be telling us to get our priorities in order.  From what I heard, Rebecca had hers in order.

 What are your 3 biggest priorities in life?

 Picture 1:   Leo with his baby sitter, Lynda  

 Picture 2:   Marlene & Cindy

 Picture 3:   Penny

 Picture 4:   Zoe

Readings: 2 Maccabees 7, 1-14; Psalm 17, Lord, when Your Glory appears, My Joy will be full; 2 Thessalonians 2, 16-3, 5; Luke 20, 27-38.

Intro to Readings

 Our first reading somehow got past the censors.  It is from the Second Book of Maccabees.  This is the only Sunday in the entire three-year cycle of readings that we have anything from this book.  It is about the martyrdom of a family of seven brothers and their mother.  I suggest the only reason this reading was selected is because the number seven also appears in the gospel story.  If you want to learn more about this period in Jewish history, Wikipedia has more than enough information to satisfy most. 

Paul is writing to the Thessalonians in our second reading. 

 The Gospel reading from Luke has Jesus finally in Jerusalem.  Remember that a major part of Luke’s gospel has Jesus on the great “Journey to Jerusalem”.  Today Jesus is in the temple trying to answer one of those imponderable questions.  “Who gets the bride in heaven?”  The folk who ask the question, the Sadducees are only heard from in Luke in this passage.  They were a group of ultra conservative Jews who only accepted what was written in the Torah and refused all of the oral tradition.  They actually disappear following the destruction of the temple. 

I am keeping these comments brief because I want instead to talk about the sacraments in the homily.

Homily

 I would like to begin by reading from Chapter 3 of the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy from the Second Vatican council.

“The purpose of the sacraments is to sanctify men, to build up the body of Christ, and, finally, to give worship to God; because they are signs they also instruct. They not only presuppose faith, but by words and objects they also nourish, strengthen, and express it; that is why they are called 'sacraments of faith.'

They do indeed impart grace, but, in addition, the very act of celebrating them most effectively disposes the faithful to receive this grace in a fruitful manner, to worship God duly, and to practice charity.

It is, therefore, of the highest importance that the faithful should easily understand the sacramental signs, and should frequent with great eagerness those sacraments which were instituted to nourish the Christian life.”

Many of us last studied the sacraments in CCD class and perhaps a review will be helpful.  There are seven sacraments.  As the council reminds us, the sacraments are a source of grace.  The easiest way for me to understand what that really means is to say that the sacraments help deepen my relationship with God thru a community action. 

If we go back to the very beginning of the Old Testament and the Book of Genesis, in the story of the creation of the world we have this concept of God speaking and then something happening.  God said, Let there be light, and there was light.   I find a similar pattern in each of the sacraments.  We have a liturgy of the Word, followed by an action of some sort, whether it is pouring of water, or anointing with oil or an exchange of promises.  The sacrament of Penance when celebrated as a communal service also fits into this. 

So we can say that each of the sacraments has Word and action.  I also like to divide the sacraments into two main groups.  One group is about joining, namely Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist, and the other group is about special circumstances or situations, namely, Marriage, Ordination, Penance and Holy Orders. 

One of the challenges we have today is to be able to understand the symbols used.  Symbols are a funny thing, because in themselves they can have one meaning, but when an object is used as a symbol it points to something else, and unless you are part of the group using that object symbolically you can too easily fail to understand what is intended in the symbol. 

But the most important aspect of sacrament is that it is a community action.  We seem to have drifted from the original concept of God’s People, to that of individual relationship with God.  But the whole history of the Old Testament was that of a people, a community in relationship with God.  And the New Testament continued that notion.  The early church was a community of believers.  I think we need to begin with that reality when discussing the sacraments too.  They are community actions, not individual actions.  In fact none of the sacraments can be celebrated, and notice I use the word “celebrated” in isolation or on ones own. 

In future homilies I would like to delve into each one of the sacraments in detail, but let's not forget, while we talk of the seven sacraments, we acknowledge that almost any action/activity which brings us closer to God deserves the title sacrament.

Picture 1:     Mass beginning

Picture 2:    Offertory with Grace & Marsha

Picture 3:    Carol & Marilyn

Picture 4:    Jan (The photo taker) & Curtis & Charlie

Readings:  Isaiah 5, 1-7; Psalm 80; Philippians 4, 6-9; Matthew 21, 33-43. 

Isaiah:

• The biggest of the big 3 prophets not only because of the book's volume, 66 chapters, but because of the beauty of some passages. 

• Time written: before the Babylonian Captivity (ca. 590) chapters 1-39 seem to have been composed by the prophet.  After the Captivity (ca. 540) at least two followers seem to have composed chapters 40-66.

• Today's selection: talks about a vineyard worker who labors carefully to bring forth good grapes, but gets only weeds.  What does he do with the vines?  This story matches up with Matthew's parable.

The Parable of the Landowner with a Vineyard

Sometimes I encounter a parable that I find really difficult to understand.  This is one of them.  I wonder why the landowner would send his son to the tenants after twice they had killed his servants when they went to collect the produce. 

Obviously, as in the case of all parables, we are faced with multiple layers of symbolism.  Of course, the landowner represents Yahweh.  The tenants are the Jewish people.  Remember Matthew is writing both to Jews and Gentiles. He is warning the Jews that they are going to lose their preferential place in Yahweh's plan if they do not accept Jesus as The Savior. 

The son is Jesus, the savior, the man the Jews criticized and condemned to death.  But why would He send his son? 

I have one story about this that gave me an insight into the mind set of Yahweh and Matthew's intention with the parable.  You may have heard me tell the story three years ago, but it is all I got even to this day.

It concerns a red oak I planted years ago on the corner of Willow Lane and Inwood.  This is the south eastern corner of the Jesuit property.  I had just started planting trees in Dallas.  It may have been fall of '87 or fall of '88.  I planted a whole row of trees on both Inwood and Willow, edging the campus. 

On the Inwood side of the corner is a bus stop and students from various schools used to catch the bus there.  The winter after I planted the five gallon red oak, it was pulled out and thrown away.  I replanted.  Later in the year it was pulled out and thrown in the creek again.  I was hurt, mad, and especially frustrated because it was the tree on the very corner, Willow side.  It one day would shade the bus stop, in fact.

I waited.  I reflected.  Eventually I decided to plant again in the fall, but this time I was going to plant a tree two times the size and two times the cost.  I thought, 'maybe the kids will respect the bigger tree.  I really hoped to have a nice tree some day shading the people waiting for the bus. 

So I planted.  And waited some more.  Today a beautiful red oak shades the people waiting for the bus.  It is almost twenty years old.  

The parable of the landowner presents the man as somewhat idiotic but also ready to take revenge on the tenants who killed his servants and son.  I think I see two levels of symbolism.

On one level the landowner represents Yahweh who has, first, tried to deal reasonably with the tenants.  Then, secondly, Matthew indicates that Yahweh will put the wretched laborers to a wretched end, meaning the Jews are going to get it.

I see a second level of symbolism, which maybe Matthew did not intend.  The landowner who seems so idiotic represents a Yahweh who is truly idiotic.  But he is idiotic over his people because He loves them.  We are his people.  We are the tenants.   

My experience with the tree showed me that I can do idiotic things to make our place a better place to live in.  I was fortunate. 

What is your image of our God?

AUDIO: sorry, none today.

Acts 10:  To him all the prophets bear witness, that everyone who believes in him will receive forgiveness of sins through his name.

Colossians 3:  If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above,  where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.

John 20:  On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb.

John Cade's Homily:  Download 04-20-25 Homily – Easter Sunday

Music,   Ben 

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Thanks again, Folks, for doing what you can.

Randolph and Michelle get a cookie for their anniversary

Rosemary's Blessing:

Joyous Time of Year 

May the glory
and the promise
of this joyous time of year
bring peace
and happiness to you
and those you hold most dear.

And may Christ,
Our Risen Saviour,
always be there by your side
to bless you
most abundantly
and be your loving guide.

Author Unknown    found on xavier.edu/jesuitresource webpage

Happy 1st Easter, Dear Atlas, so nice to see  you.  Know that you have a terrific mommy.  Congratulations, Dearest Wendy

Readings:  (Easter Sunday)

 Acts of the Apostles 10, 34, 37-43 , Peter proceeded to speak

Psalm 118,  This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad.

 1 Corinthians 5, 6-8,  A little yeast leavens all the dough.

John  20, 1-95,  Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning.

Congratulations, Brandon.  What a neat little boy you have.

Acts of the Apostles 

This work is basically the story of the development & growth of the Christian community after the death of Jesus up to Paul's arrival in Rome.

It is considered more idealistic than factual.

The author seems to be Luke, the same who wrote the Gospel.

Thanks, Dearest Emma, for being our Candle Lighter of The Week

A Random Act of Kindness

Mary Ellen has a friend named Diane.  They met in their book club probably many years ago.  Diane was a significant help with the move of Mary Ellen from her nice condo to Prestonwood Assisted Living.

A couple of weeks ago Diane and another friend of hers decided to go out for lunch.  They chose Napoli’s Italian, which I think is on Independence & McDermott.  Do our Juliettes not know this place already?  

Offertory.  Happy Easter Dearest Cameron, Trey, Brady, & Reid, and also to your crazy dad, my beloved friend.

So they have their lunch, chat, and finally ask the waiter for their bill.   Instead of giving them their bill, the waiter says that another lady who had been eating in the restaurant had paid for them and left. 

Another Random Act of Kindness.

And You?  Performed any Random Acts of Kindness lately?

Special thanks to our Special Easter Team, Georgie and Buddy, along with John and Mike.

Happy Easter

(P.S.  Incidentally, Rosemary suggested to me that maybe we ought to have lunch once in a while at this Napoli’s.)

I think this must be Christmas or Easter.  So many old & dear friends.

Watch out, My Dear Leo.  A big rabbit is just about ready to snatch you.

Readings: Isaiah 2, 1-5; Psalm 122; Romans 13, 11-14; Matthew 24, 37-44

Isaiah: One of the great O.T. prophets, Isaiah lived ca. 800 years B.C.  The work itself is composed by at least three contributors.  The writer of the first part talks about two dangers to the community, external attacks from enemies and, even more, internal corruption and infidelity.

Our section in chapter 2 talks about a happy day when all will be peaceful on Yahweh’s holy mountain, that is, Jerusalem.

Three weeks to Prepare Myself for Christmas

Last Tuesday Rosemary, Naomi, & I were all flying back from Hilton Head to Dallas on a small, two engine Delta special.  The terminal at Hilton Head accommodates all of two planes at the same time.  We went through the single line for security and walked out on the runway to get on the plane, dropping Naomi on a patch of grass for one last trip to the potty before boarding.

When we climbed the steps into the tail of the plane a flight attendant greeted us with enthusiasm & warmth.  Along with so many other people in the 3 airports we visited, she was all excited about the puppy Naomi on board, the puppy who was celebrating her 15th birthday.

We walked up the aisle toward our seats in the third row and prepared to get settled.  Another flight attendant was standing at the top of the aisle just watching people come on board, saying really nothing.  When she saw us with Naomi in her little carrier with her head sticking out, she barked, "The dog has to go all the way in the box."

Hospitality.

Want to know a good way to prepare for the coming of Christmas?  Try hospitality.  What a difference between the welcome of these two flight attendants.  And what a difference it makes to those who experience the hospitality.  You can practice this not just when someone comes to visit you or phone you.  You can do it in Tom Thumb, in the parking lot, with the check out person.  You can do it on the streets in traffic.  Your hospitality can help create an atmosphere of peace.

I would propose another healthy way to prepare for the coming of Christmas.  No fear.  Matthew’s story about the thief coming in the night is not God’s way.  So, if you have it, get rid of your fear of God this Christmas. 

The idea of the story can be seen as an invitation to watch, not watch out.  I watch for those visits of God that transform my life.  Perhaps moments of hospitality. 

While you are at getting rid of fear of God and practicing hospitality, try one other thing.  Compliment someone one time a day.  A compliment can be affirmation, encouragement, even asking someone how they are, not in the more superficial way we do when greeting people.  But in a the more significant way, the way that says, "I am listening."

I knew I had been hit by some special insight when the two flight attendants welcomed us in such contrary manners.  I personally can attest to how much better I felt about the first girl’s hospitality.  Maybe as Christmas comes closer we can all be more hospitable like she was.

What are you doing to prepare yourself for Christmas?

AUDIO: http://mysite.verizon.net/reso7rjy/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/2007-12-02.mp3