We hear in our Gospel reading today – Jesus ask His disciples two simple questions: first – “Who do the people say that I am?” and then second – “But who do you say that I am?”
Stepping back – just for a moment – from these two questions and from what the disciples said in response to them – we find Jesus.
Jesus knew that His time on earth and consequently His time with His disciples was running out – you see right after this episode presented to us in our Gospel today, Jesus reveals to His disciples for the first time His coming Passion – He tells them that He must go to Jerusalem and there He would suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and that He would be killed …
Jesus knew that His time was running out and He probably wondered what impact if any His ministry was having on the people – that is why He asked the first question- He wanted to know what the people thought – but perhaps more importantly Jesus probably wondered what impact He was having on His disciples … He must have wondered what would happen once He was gone – and that is why He asked the second question to His disciples – to find out where they where – to see if they would be able and willing to carry on His ministry.
So Jesus asks His apostles – “Who do the people say that I am?” And we heard their reply – they said – “some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets”
Notice – my brothers and sisters – that all of the disciples quickly responded to this question – that there wasn’t any hesitation on their part – that it is easy for them to say what they had heard others say about who they believed Jesus to be … it was easy because they were just passing on information – they were just sharing what they had heard … it was testimony on their part that didn’t require any personal commitment … the first question was easy for them to answer …
Notice also – who it was the people thought Jesus to be – some believed that he was John the Baptist who had come back from the dead (for John was revered by many people), some thought that He was Elijah the greatest of all the prophets, or Jeremiah who was believed to be the forerunner of the Messiah, and others believed that He was just one of the prophets – and even though their responses did not agree with each other as far as who it was they believed Him to be …
what their responses revealed to Jesus and to us is that the people then knew that this Jesus was no ordinary man – they knew that He was someone special … and this undoubtedly made Jesus happy … probably it provided Him some satisfaction … but He wanted to know more … He wanted to know what His closest companions, His chosen followers thought – so He asked them the second question “but who do you think that I am?”
I can only imagine how quiet it must have got … I can only imagine that at that moment the entire world stopped to listen for their reply … and that … Simon Peter’s response “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” rang forth from the very depth of his being … from his soul and that he realized first in his heart this reality that Jesus was the Son of God before his mind could comprehend what that meant – but he knew this to be true.
I think Simon Peter’s response shocked him as much as it did the others – and I believe all creation sang with joy at that moment – Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God! And then Jesus says those most beautiful words: Blessed are you, Simon son of Johan. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And as if that isn’t enough Jesus goes on to say: “and so I say to you, you are Peter (Petros – which in Greek means rock), and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.”
But that’s not all – there’s still more wonderful news: “I will give you – Jesus said to Peter - the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
Had Simon Peter had any real sense at that moment he would have exclaimed as the Virgin Mary did – my soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord – My spirit rejoices in God my savior – for He has done great things for me … Simon Peter’s testimony that day – his affirmation with the words “you are the Christ the Son of the living God” declared his conversion – the change of heart that Jesus was looking for in him and in the rest of His apostles and in each of us … a change of heart that allows God to work in us and through us … a change of heart that assured Jesus that all of His efforts were not in vain …
The good news my brothers and sisters – revealed by Jesus to the world that day is this: although His time on earth was short – although He would soon leave this world – His presence would continue to the end of times in His new Body the Church – Jesus would be the Head of this Church, Peter would represent His authority and to him Jesus gave the keys of Kingdom – to him was given the power to guide the rest of the apostles, to elect new apostles and priests, to dispense the sacraments of salvation, to forgive sins, to change bread and wine into His flesh and blood, to organize the militant Church that would bear testimony to Christ’s Living Presence amongst us and to guide the Church in accordance with His will.
Peter was the first pope of the Church – and the Church is still very much alive today – and when you look at the Holy Father, you are looking at Peter. And just as Jesus is the way, the truth and the Life so also is His Church the way, the truth and the life.
We the Church – the Body of Christ today – have become His mouth, His hands and feet and each of us are called to carry Him into the world.
My friends, Christ is asking each of us today a simple question – who do you say I am? Our response must be that of St. Paul who confessed his faith and love for Christ when he said: it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me.
My brothers and sister, if that indeed is our response then we must make sure that all that we do, all that we say, the friends we have, the clothes we wear, the music we listen too the television we watch, and what we do with our time, talent and treasure – do this actions reflect our response to this question – who do you say that I am?
Praise to our Lord Jesus Christ – now and forever!
The Harvest
Lord let all that I say this day, let all that I do this day bring glory and honor to you Father – Amen!
The parable we heard in our Gospel reading today about the sower has two messages – the first and more obvious one is to those of us who hear the Word of God and how we respond to it.
There are different ways of accepting the Word of God, and the fruit which it produces depends on the hearts of those who hear it – and good and lasting fruit can only be produced by those who accept the Word of God into their hearts.
The impact of any spoken word – the fruit it may or may not produce – depends on the disposition of those who hear it … it depends on how open we are, how willing we might be to learn – how willing we might be to be challenged – how willing we might be to change …
There are those with shut minds and hardened their hearts – and no matter what someone says – even if it is the Word made flesh – the Son of God or the Church speaking authoritatively or some deacon – that word they speak has no more chance of gaining entry into that person’s heart than the seed that is sown on a path of ground that has been packed down – that is hard – from so many people walking on it.
What causes people to shut their minds to hardened their hearts – pride, prejudice and fear. Sometimes an immoral character and a particular way of life can also shut a person’s mind to the truth – truth which condemns the things that an individual loves and which accuses the things that he or she does; and many such people refuse to listen to or to recognize the truth which condemns their very actions, for there are none so blind as those who deliberately will not see.
There are hearers of the Word of God with minds like the shallow ground. These are the people who fail to think things out and think things through. These are the people that are at the mercy of every new craze, that worry too much about the latest fashion – they drop new things as quickly as they pick them up for the next new thing fad that comes along …
There are those hearers of the Word of God that have so many interests in life that often the most important things get crowded out … our modern lives are so busy - so fast - that we don’t have the time or the energy to pray, we don’t have the time or the energy to study the Word of God – to internalize it – to sit with it and to allow it to become part of us – or we can become so involved so busy in committees and good works and charitable services that we leave ourselves no time for Him from whom all love and service come. Our work can take such a hold of us that we are too tired to think of anything else – perhaps for some of us our work is an excuse to avoid those things we know we should do, those thing we know we need to do.
You see my brother and sisters it is not always or just the things that are obviously bad that are always dangerous – it is the things which are good too that can be dangerous, for the “second best is always the worse enemy of the best” – it isn’t that we deliberately set aside daily prayer, it isn’t that we deliberately set aside the bible, the rosary or even Mass from our lives; it can be that we often think of these things and intend to make time for them, but somehow in our crowded and busy lives we just never get round to them. We must be careful that Christ isn’t pushed into the sidelines of our lives.
Then there are those people who are like the good ground – they hear the Word and like the good ground their minds are open and receptive; they are willing to learn. They come prepared to hear the Word and are never too busy, too distracted or too proud to listen. Such people can understand and accept the Word; and such people can turn it into action in their lives and produce good fruit – not only in themselves but in others.
The real hearers of the Word of God are those who listen, who understand and who obey.
I said that the parable in our Gospel today has two messages – the first is to the hearers of the Word – well the second is to the preachers of the Word.
I can’t speak for all preachers – because I don’t know all of them – but I know my heart and when it comes to preaching – I struggle with it – it doesn’t come easy to me – I have feelings that I’m not qualified to preach – I have feelings that people don’t really care what I have to say – I am often disappointed and discouraged with my apparent lack of success.
But the Gospel message today to me and to every preacher is very clear – the harvest is certain – some of my words and my efforts may be like the seed that falls by the wayside and is snatched away by the birds; some of my words and my efforts may fall on shallow ground and never come to maturity; some of my words and my efforts may fall among thorns and be choked to death; but in spite of all that – I know that the harvest will come.
No farmer expects every single seed sown to germinate and bring forth fruit – but that doesn’t stop them from sowing – nor does it make them give up hope of the harvest – they sow with confidence – they sow with faith – that even if some seed is wasted – even if some seed is lost – the harvest will certainly come.
When I preach – I don’t know what affect it is having – but I preach with confidence and faith in the One who called me … for the harvest is certain. And the Lord has been good to me – for when I get discourage the Lord always sends someone to reassure me that my efforts aren’t in vain. And the message God has for me and any preacher who may doubt themselves is that God didn’t call the qualified – we can certainly see that in His disciples – I see that in myself – but God qualifies those he has called – for His harvest is sure.
There are two messages today – one for those who hear the Word and one for those who preach it – but each of us are all called to bear fruit – and to say that another way – perhaps a more contemporary translation of that might be – we are called to “get a life”. A “life” not defined as the world defines it – but one as defined by the Word made Flesh.
We make a living from what we receive – but we make a LIFE from what we give – and in the end it’s not the number of years in your life that counts – but it is the life in your years that matters.
Each one of us have been called to bear fruit – each one of us can make a lasting difference – an impression on another’s life – let every word you speak today, let every thought you think and every action you take – bring Glory and Honor to Him – the eternal Word – for His harvest is sure. Amen!
Real life example:
He was in the first third grade class I taught at Saint Mary's School in Morris, Minnesota. All 34 of my students were dear to me, but Mark Eklund was one in a million. [He was] very neat in appearance but had that happy-to-be-alive attitude that made even his occasional mischieviousness delightful.
Mark talked incessantly. I had to remind him again and again that talking without permission was not acceptable. What impressed me so much, though, was his sincere response every time I had to correct him for misbehaving: "Thank you for correcting me, Sister!" I didn't know what to make of it at first, but before long I became accustomed to hearing it many times a day.
One morning my patience was growing thin when Mark talked once too often, and then I made a novice teacher's mistake. I looked at him and said, "If you say one more word, I am going to tape your mouth shut!"
It wasn't ten seconds later when Chuck blurted out, "Mark is talking again." I hadn't asked any of the students to help me watch Mark, but since I had stated the punishment in front of the class, I had to act on it.
I remember the scene as if it had occurred this morning. I walked to my desk, very deliberately opened my drawer and took out a roll of masking tape. Without saying a word, I proceeded to Mark's desk, tore off two pieces of tape and made a big X with them over his mouth. I then returned to the front of the room. As I glanced at Mark to see how he was doing, he winked at me. That did it! I started laughing. The class cheered as I walked back to Mark's desk, removed the tape and shrugged my shoulders. His first words were, "Thank you for correcting me, Sister."
At the end of the year I was asked to teach junior high math. The years flew by, and before I knew it Mark was in my classroom again. He was more handsome than ever and just as polite. Since he had to listen carefully to my instructions in the "new math," he did not talk as much in ninth grade as he had in the third.
One Friday, things just didn't feel right. We had worked hard on a new concept all week, and I sensed that the students were frowning, frustrated with themselves — and edgy with one another. I had to stop this crankiness before it got out of hand. So I asked them to list the names of the other students in the room on two sheets of paper, leaving a space between each name. Then I told them to think of the nicest thing they could say about each of their classmates and write it down. It took the remainder of the class period to finish the assignment, and as the students left the room, each one handed me the papers. Charlie smiled. Mark said, "Thank you for teaching me, Sister. Have a good weekend."
That Saturday, I wrote down the name of each student on a separate sheet of paper, and I listed what everyone else had said about that individual. On Monday I gave each student his or her list. Before long, the entire class was smiling. "Really?" I heard whispered. "I never knew that meant anything to anyone!" "I didn't know others liked me so much!" No one ever mentioned those papers in class again. I never knew if they discussed them after class or with their parents, but it didn't matter. The exercise had accomplished its purpose. The students were happy with themselves and one another again.
That group of students moved on. Several years later, after I returned from vacation, my parents met me at the airport. As we were driving home, Mother asked me the usual questions about the trip — the weather, my experiences in general. There was a light lull in the conversation. Mother gave Dad a sideways glance and simply said, "Dad?"
My father cleared his throat as he usually did before something important. "The Eklunds called last night," he began.
"Really?" I said. "I haven't heard from them in years. I wonder how Mark is."
Dad responded quietly. "Mark was killed in Vietnam," he said. "The funeral is tomorrow, and his parents would like it if you could attend." To this day I can still point to the exact spot on I-494 where Dad told me about Mark.
I had never seen a serviceman in a military coffin before. Mark looked so handsome, so mature. All I could think at that moment was, Mark, I would give all the masking tape in the world if only you would talk to me. The church was packed with Mark's friends. Chuck's sister sang "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." Why did it have to rain on the day of the funeral? It was difficult enough at the graveside. The pastor said the usual prayers, and the bugler played taps. One by one those who loved Mark took a last walk by the coffin and sprinkled it with holy water.
I was the last one to bless the coffin. As I stood there, one of the soldiers who had acted as pallbearer came up to me. "Were you Mark's math teacher?" he asked. I nodded as I continued to stare at the coffin. "Mark talked about you a lot," he said.
After the funeral, most of Mark's former classmates headed to Chuck's farmhouse for lunch. Mark's mother and father were there, obviously waiting for me. "We want to show you something," his father said, taking a wallet out of his pocket. "They found this on Mark when he was killed. We thought you might recognize it."
Opening the billfold, he carefully removed two worn pieces of notebook paper that had obviously been taped, folded and refolded many times. I knew without looking that the papers were the ones on which I had listed all the good things each of Mark's classmates had said about him.
"Thank you so much for doing that," Mark's mother said. "As you can see, Mark treasured it."
Mark's classmates started to gather around us.
Charlie smiled rather sheepishly and said, "I still have my list. It's in the top drawer of my desk at home."
Chuck's wife said, "Chuck asked me to put this in our wedding album."
"I have mine too," Marilyn said. "It's in my diary."
Then Vicki, another classmate, reached into her pocketbook, took out her wallet and showed her worn and frazzled list to the group. "I carry this with me at all times," Vicki said, without batting an eyelash. "I think we all saved our lists."
That's when I finally sat down and cried. I cried for Mark and for all his friends who would never see him again.
By: Sister Helen P. Mrosla
________________________________________
The purpose of this letter, is to encourage everyone to compliment the people you love and care about. We often tend to forget the importance of showing our affections and love. Sometimes the smallest of things could mean the most to another. I am asking you to please send this letter around and spread the message and encouragement, to express your love and caring by complimenting and being open with communication. The density of people in society is so thick that we forget that life will end one day. And we don't know when that one day will be. So please, I beg of you, to tell the people you love and care for, that they are special and important. Tell them, before it is too late.
I leave these messages with you and ask you to continue to spread the message to everyone you know.
The parable we heard in our Gospel reading today about the sower has two messages – the first and more obvious one is to those of us who hear the Word of God and how we respond to it.
There are different ways of accepting the Word of God, and the fruit which it produces depends on the hearts of those who hear it – and good and lasting fruit can only be produced by those who accept the Word of God into their hearts.
The impact of any spoken word – the fruit it may or may not produce – depends on the disposition of those who hear it … it depends on how open we are, how willing we might be to learn – how willing we might be to be challenged – how willing we might be to change …
There are those with shut minds and hardened their hearts – and no matter what someone says – even if it is the Word made flesh – the Son of God or the Church speaking authoritatively or some deacon – that word they speak has no more chance of gaining entry into that person’s heart than the seed that is sown on a path of ground that has been packed down – that is hard – from so many people walking on it.
What causes people to shut their minds to hardened their hearts – pride, prejudice and fear. Sometimes an immoral character and a particular way of life can also shut a person’s mind to the truth – truth which condemns the things that an individual loves and which accuses the things that he or she does; and many such people refuse to listen to or to recognize the truth which condemns their very actions, for there are none so blind as those who deliberately will not see.
There are hearers of the Word of God with minds like the shallow ground. These are the people who fail to think things out and think things through. These are the people that are at the mercy of every new craze, that worry too much about the latest fashion – they drop new things as quickly as they pick them up for the next new thing fad that comes along …
There are those hearers of the Word of God that have so many interests in life that often the most important things get crowded out … our modern lives are so busy - so fast - that we don’t have the time or the energy to pray, we don’t have the time or the energy to study the Word of God – to internalize it – to sit with it and to allow it to become part of us – or we can become so involved so busy in committees and good works and charitable services that we leave ourselves no time for Him from whom all love and service come. Our work can take such a hold of us that we are too tired to think of anything else – perhaps for some of us our work is an excuse to avoid those things we know we should do, those thing we know we need to do.
You see my brother and sisters it is not always or just the things that are obviously bad that are always dangerous – it is the things which are good too that can be dangerous, for the “second best is always the worse enemy of the best” – it isn’t that we deliberately set aside daily prayer, it isn’t that we deliberately set aside the bible, the rosary or even Mass from our lives; it can be that we often think of these things and intend to make time for them, but somehow in our crowded and busy lives we just never get round to them. We must be careful that Christ isn’t pushed into the sidelines of our lives.
Then there are those people who are like the good ground – they hear the Word and like the good ground their minds are open and receptive; they are willing to learn. They come prepared to hear the Word and are never too busy, too distracted or too proud to listen. Such people can understand and accept the Word; and such people can turn it into action in their lives and produce good fruit – not only in themselves but in others.
The real hearers of the Word of God are those who listen, who understand and who obey.
I said that the parable in our Gospel today has two messages – the first is to the hearers of the Word – well the second is to the preachers of the Word.
I can’t speak for all preachers – because I don’t know all of them – but I know my heart and when it comes to preaching – I struggle with it – it doesn’t come easy to me – I have feelings that I’m not qualified to preach – I have feelings that people don’t really care what I have to say – I am often disappointed and discouraged with my apparent lack of success.
But the Gospel message today to me and to every preacher is very clear – the harvest is certain – some of my words and my efforts may be like the seed that falls by the wayside and is snatched away by the birds; some of my words and my efforts may fall on shallow ground and never come to maturity; some of my words and my efforts may fall among thorns and be choked to death; but in spite of all that – I know that the harvest will come.
No farmer expects every single seed sown to germinate and bring forth fruit – but that doesn’t stop them from sowing – nor does it make them give up hope of the harvest – they sow with confidence – they sow with faith – that even if some seed is wasted – even if some seed is lost – the harvest will certainly come.
When I preach – I don’t know what affect it is having – but I preach with confidence and faith in the One who called me … for the harvest is certain. And the Lord has been good to me – for when I get discourage the Lord always sends someone to reassure me that my efforts aren’t in vain. And the message God has for me and any preacher who may doubt themselves is that God didn’t call the qualified – we can certainly see that in His disciples – I see that in myself – but God qualifies those he has called – for His harvest is sure.
There are two messages today – one for those who hear the Word and one for those who preach it – but each of us are all called to bear fruit – and to say that another way – perhaps a more contemporary translation of that might be – we are called to “get a life”. A “life” not defined as the world defines it – but one as defined by the Word made Flesh.
We make a living from what we receive – but we make a LIFE from what we give – and in the end it’s not the number of years in your life that counts – but it is the life in your years that matters.
Each one of us have been called to bear fruit – each one of us can make a lasting difference – an impression on another’s life – let every word you speak today, let every thought you think and every action you take – bring Glory and Honor to Him – the eternal Word – for His harvest is sure. Amen!
Real life example:
He was in the first third grade class I taught at Saint Mary's School in Morris, Minnesota. All 34 of my students were dear to me, but Mark Eklund was one in a million. [He was] very neat in appearance but had that happy-to-be-alive attitude that made even his occasional mischieviousness delightful.
Mark talked incessantly. I had to remind him again and again that talking without permission was not acceptable. What impressed me so much, though, was his sincere response every time I had to correct him for misbehaving: "Thank you for correcting me, Sister!" I didn't know what to make of it at first, but before long I became accustomed to hearing it many times a day.
One morning my patience was growing thin when Mark talked once too often, and then I made a novice teacher's mistake. I looked at him and said, "If you say one more word, I am going to tape your mouth shut!"
It wasn't ten seconds later when Chuck blurted out, "Mark is talking again." I hadn't asked any of the students to help me watch Mark, but since I had stated the punishment in front of the class, I had to act on it.
I remember the scene as if it had occurred this morning. I walked to my desk, very deliberately opened my drawer and took out a roll of masking tape. Without saying a word, I proceeded to Mark's desk, tore off two pieces of tape and made a big X with them over his mouth. I then returned to the front of the room. As I glanced at Mark to see how he was doing, he winked at me. That did it! I started laughing. The class cheered as I walked back to Mark's desk, removed the tape and shrugged my shoulders. His first words were, "Thank you for correcting me, Sister."
At the end of the year I was asked to teach junior high math. The years flew by, and before I knew it Mark was in my classroom again. He was more handsome than ever and just as polite. Since he had to listen carefully to my instructions in the "new math," he did not talk as much in ninth grade as he had in the third.
One Friday, things just didn't feel right. We had worked hard on a new concept all week, and I sensed that the students were frowning, frustrated with themselves — and edgy with one another. I had to stop this crankiness before it got out of hand. So I asked them to list the names of the other students in the room on two sheets of paper, leaving a space between each name. Then I told them to think of the nicest thing they could say about each of their classmates and write it down. It took the remainder of the class period to finish the assignment, and as the students left the room, each one handed me the papers. Charlie smiled. Mark said, "Thank you for teaching me, Sister. Have a good weekend."
That Saturday, I wrote down the name of each student on a separate sheet of paper, and I listed what everyone else had said about that individual. On Monday I gave each student his or her list. Before long, the entire class was smiling. "Really?" I heard whispered. "I never knew that meant anything to anyone!" "I didn't know others liked me so much!" No one ever mentioned those papers in class again. I never knew if they discussed them after class or with their parents, but it didn't matter. The exercise had accomplished its purpose. The students were happy with themselves and one another again.
That group of students moved on. Several years later, after I returned from vacation, my parents met me at the airport. As we were driving home, Mother asked me the usual questions about the trip — the weather, my experiences in general. There was a light lull in the conversation. Mother gave Dad a sideways glance and simply said, "Dad?"
My father cleared his throat as he usually did before something important. "The Eklunds called last night," he began.
"Really?" I said. "I haven't heard from them in years. I wonder how Mark is."
Dad responded quietly. "Mark was killed in Vietnam," he said. "The funeral is tomorrow, and his parents would like it if you could attend." To this day I can still point to the exact spot on I-494 where Dad told me about Mark.
I had never seen a serviceman in a military coffin before. Mark looked so handsome, so mature. All I could think at that moment was, Mark, I would give all the masking tape in the world if only you would talk to me. The church was packed with Mark's friends. Chuck's sister sang "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." Why did it have to rain on the day of the funeral? It was difficult enough at the graveside. The pastor said the usual prayers, and the bugler played taps. One by one those who loved Mark took a last walk by the coffin and sprinkled it with holy water.
I was the last one to bless the coffin. As I stood there, one of the soldiers who had acted as pallbearer came up to me. "Were you Mark's math teacher?" he asked. I nodded as I continued to stare at the coffin. "Mark talked about you a lot," he said.
After the funeral, most of Mark's former classmates headed to Chuck's farmhouse for lunch. Mark's mother and father were there, obviously waiting for me. "We want to show you something," his father said, taking a wallet out of his pocket. "They found this on Mark when he was killed. We thought you might recognize it."
Opening the billfold, he carefully removed two worn pieces of notebook paper that had obviously been taped, folded and refolded many times. I knew without looking that the papers were the ones on which I had listed all the good things each of Mark's classmates had said about him.
"Thank you so much for doing that," Mark's mother said. "As you can see, Mark treasured it."
Mark's classmates started to gather around us.
Charlie smiled rather sheepishly and said, "I still have my list. It's in the top drawer of my desk at home."
Chuck's wife said, "Chuck asked me to put this in our wedding album."
"I have mine too," Marilyn said. "It's in my diary."
Then Vicki, another classmate, reached into her pocketbook, took out her wallet and showed her worn and frazzled list to the group. "I carry this with me at all times," Vicki said, without batting an eyelash. "I think we all saved our lists."
That's when I finally sat down and cried. I cried for Mark and for all his friends who would never see him again.
By: Sister Helen P. Mrosla
________________________________________
The purpose of this letter, is to encourage everyone to compliment the people you love and care about. We often tend to forget the importance of showing our affections and love. Sometimes the smallest of things could mean the most to another. I am asking you to please send this letter around and spread the message and encouragement, to express your love and caring by complimenting and being open with communication. The density of people in society is so thick that we forget that life will end one day. And we don't know when that one day will be. So please, I beg of you, to tell the people you love and care for, that they are special and important. Tell them, before it is too late.
I leave these messages with you and ask you to continue to spread the message to everyone you know.
Prison Ministry - Reflection on 1st Reading
Our first reading today, from the Old Testament, from the prophet Zechariah speaks to us today about Joy, about Hope and about Peace – our first reading today speaks to us about Jesus – the Messiah, the Prince of Peace.
We are first called to Rejoice – because salvation is at hand, because in Jesus we will find justice, in Jesus there is hope and in Jesus we will find peace. Ultimately – whether in our lives or in our lifetime – good triumphs over evil.
This reading – 500 years before the birth of Christ – describes the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday – a King riding on an ass – a sign of peace.
Jesus is the fulfillment of the scriptures – He is the One. Imagine if you would – Jesus called His disciples and for three years He taught them. Jesus knew the scriptures. This reading from the prophet Zechariah is certainly one that Jesus would have explained, one he would have taught to His disciples.
Why – because this reading predicts – the coming of a King – but not just any King – the King of Peace – and that peace will not be just for the Israelites but for the whole world – He – the King of Peace – will proclaim peace to all the nations and His dominion will be from sea to sea – to all the ends of the earth.
And we are to REJOICE – because our savior has set us free.
Don’t let the world get you down – rejoice – rejoice always in the Lord. It’s not easy to do – it is much easier to feel sorry for yourself when misfortune comes your way – I know I used to – I used to ask the Lord why this and why that – but not anymore – I place my trust in the Lord – I place my faith in Him to work things out – and He does.
Do you know Jesus? Do you really know Jesus?
I think the difference – at least in me – was when I quit knowing about Jesus in my head and started knowing about Jesus in my heart. When I opened my eyes to the many blessings I have received – then – I could see Jesus working in my life.
Childhood memories … Hard times – living pay check to pay check – working 3 jobs to make ends meet – taking classes in the evenings to get my degree - the loss of our first child after 18 months and a miscarriage after that … but more than that which was bad enough – the sin and temptations in my life – that through the grace of God I have overcome …
The Joy, the Peace when you place all your Hope in Jesus … rejoice says the Lord – rejoice – your king has come and set you free.
Prayer of Abandonment
Father, I abandon myself into your hands; do with me what you will. Whatever you may do, I thank you: I am ready for all, I accept all. Let only your will be done in me, and in all your creatures - I wish no more than this, O Lord. Into your hands I commend my soul: I offer it to you with all the love of my heart, for I love you, Lord, and so need to give myself, to surrender myself into your hands without reserve, and with boundless confidence, for you are my Father.”
We are first called to Rejoice – because salvation is at hand, because in Jesus we will find justice, in Jesus there is hope and in Jesus we will find peace. Ultimately – whether in our lives or in our lifetime – good triumphs over evil.
This reading – 500 years before the birth of Christ – describes the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday – a King riding on an ass – a sign of peace.
Jesus is the fulfillment of the scriptures – He is the One. Imagine if you would – Jesus called His disciples and for three years He taught them. Jesus knew the scriptures. This reading from the prophet Zechariah is certainly one that Jesus would have explained, one he would have taught to His disciples.
Why – because this reading predicts – the coming of a King – but not just any King – the King of Peace – and that peace will not be just for the Israelites but for the whole world – He – the King of Peace – will proclaim peace to all the nations and His dominion will be from sea to sea – to all the ends of the earth.
And we are to REJOICE – because our savior has set us free.
Don’t let the world get you down – rejoice – rejoice always in the Lord. It’s not easy to do – it is much easier to feel sorry for yourself when misfortune comes your way – I know I used to – I used to ask the Lord why this and why that – but not anymore – I place my trust in the Lord – I place my faith in Him to work things out – and He does.
Do you know Jesus? Do you really know Jesus?
I think the difference – at least in me – was when I quit knowing about Jesus in my head and started knowing about Jesus in my heart. When I opened my eyes to the many blessings I have received – then – I could see Jesus working in my life.
Childhood memories … Hard times – living pay check to pay check – working 3 jobs to make ends meet – taking classes in the evenings to get my degree - the loss of our first child after 18 months and a miscarriage after that … but more than that which was bad enough – the sin and temptations in my life – that through the grace of God I have overcome …
The Joy, the Peace when you place all your Hope in Jesus … rejoice says the Lord – rejoice – your king has come and set you free.
Prayer of Abandonment
Father, I abandon myself into your hands; do with me what you will. Whatever you may do, I thank you: I am ready for all, I accept all. Let only your will be done in me, and in all your creatures - I wish no more than this, O Lord. Into your hands I commend my soul: I offer it to you with all the love of my heart, for I love you, Lord, and so need to give myself, to surrender myself into your hands without reserve, and with boundless confidence, for you are my Father.”
Do You Believe
Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
Over 2000 years ago – we know that God’s plan for our salvation became flesh and blood when His only begotten Son was born of the Virgin Mary …
Today the Church celebrates that precious Flesh and Blood – the Eucharist – the most Holy Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ …
Today the Church celebrates the Bread of Life – that came down from Heaven – for God so loved the world that He gave us His only Son – born of a woman – so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but might have eternal life in Him …
Jesus – our Lord and Savior – humbled Himself – became flesh and blood – so that we might share in His divinity – and ever obedient to his Father – He gave up His life – accepting death on a cross – for us … for our salvation …
God knew that we had a debt that we couldn’t pay – that is why He sent His son into the world – not to condemn it, but that the world might be saved through Him – to restore our relationship with Him – Jesus knew that in time He would have to pay that debt and return to His Father – He also knew how weak we are – that we could never attain salvation without Him …
During His 3 years of public ministry Jesus prepared His disciples to carry on once he was gone. He performed many miracles and taught them many things…
He changed water into wine, He raised the dead back to life, He multiplied loaves and fish feeding thousands of people – these miracles were done so that we might believe in Him – but they were also done so that we might believe His most difficult teaching – for He said: "I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world."
Many did not believe – many could not believe that we are to eat His flesh and drink His blood … many left His company and what did Jesus do – He let them go … He went on to say: Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him.
There was no compromise here – Jesus let those followers who could not accept this teaching leave and He asked His disciples then and each of us today – do you also want to go? Do you also find this teaching to hard to accept? Do you believe that the Eucharist is the body, blood, soul and divinity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?
The night before Jesus suffered – we know He instituted the Eucharist at the Last Supper with His disciples – He changed bread and wine into His Body and Blood and they consumed it, and He commanded them to do this in memory of me … and that is what we do …
We know that in just a couple of minutes – Jesus acting through Father Ingles will change the bread and wine on the altar into His precious Body and Blood and we will consume it … but do we believe?
The person who participates in this Holy Sacrament – and does not believe brings only condemnation upon himself – and should not receive.
The person who participates in this Holy Sacrament and is not properly disposed – has not confessed his sins – is not in a state of grace – should not receive.
The person who has not fasted from food and drink for at least 1 hour before receiving Holy Communion – should not receive.
People who are not baptized – cannot receive.
Jesus continues today to humble Himself for us at every Mass – coming now not in the form of man but in the form of bread and wine – Jesus wants to be with us, He wants to be in us, He wants to nourish us spiritually; He wants to give us strength – because He knows how much we need Him; because He knows that without Him we can do nothing; because He loves us … because He doesn’t want to loose any one of us …
That is why it is so important that we attend Mass every Sunday and every Holy Day of Obligation – to obtain the strength we need to avoid sin or the near occasion of sin … but if we aren’t properly disposed – if we are in a state of sin and receive the Lord – the grace we receive in this sacrament is diminished – our sin is an impediment to Christ working in our lives.
If we are frustrated at our ability to avoid sin we must – go to confession often – confess that sin – and then we must receive Jesus – body, blood, soul and divinity – often.
Going to confession occasionally and going to Mass occasionally does not work and for most people going to Mass every Sunday is just not enough – search your hearts – you know this to be true.
Don’t fool yourself – don’t compare yourself to others thinking well I am better than this one or that one – compare yourself to Christ – and we all fall short of Him – do we love like He did – do we sacrifice like He did – do we forgive like He did – because that is what we are called to do.
Jesus said: Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever."
Amen!
Over 2000 years ago – we know that God’s plan for our salvation became flesh and blood when His only begotten Son was born of the Virgin Mary …
Today the Church celebrates that precious Flesh and Blood – the Eucharist – the most Holy Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ …
Today the Church celebrates the Bread of Life – that came down from Heaven – for God so loved the world that He gave us His only Son – born of a woman – so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but might have eternal life in Him …
Jesus – our Lord and Savior – humbled Himself – became flesh and blood – so that we might share in His divinity – and ever obedient to his Father – He gave up His life – accepting death on a cross – for us … for our salvation …
God knew that we had a debt that we couldn’t pay – that is why He sent His son into the world – not to condemn it, but that the world might be saved through Him – to restore our relationship with Him – Jesus knew that in time He would have to pay that debt and return to His Father – He also knew how weak we are – that we could never attain salvation without Him …
During His 3 years of public ministry Jesus prepared His disciples to carry on once he was gone. He performed many miracles and taught them many things…
He changed water into wine, He raised the dead back to life, He multiplied loaves and fish feeding thousands of people – these miracles were done so that we might believe in Him – but they were also done so that we might believe His most difficult teaching – for He said: "I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world."
Many did not believe – many could not believe that we are to eat His flesh and drink His blood … many left His company and what did Jesus do – He let them go … He went on to say: Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him.
There was no compromise here – Jesus let those followers who could not accept this teaching leave and He asked His disciples then and each of us today – do you also want to go? Do you also find this teaching to hard to accept? Do you believe that the Eucharist is the body, blood, soul and divinity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?
The night before Jesus suffered – we know He instituted the Eucharist at the Last Supper with His disciples – He changed bread and wine into His Body and Blood and they consumed it, and He commanded them to do this in memory of me … and that is what we do …
We know that in just a couple of minutes – Jesus acting through Father Ingles will change the bread and wine on the altar into His precious Body and Blood and we will consume it … but do we believe?
The person who participates in this Holy Sacrament – and does not believe brings only condemnation upon himself – and should not receive.
The person who participates in this Holy Sacrament and is not properly disposed – has not confessed his sins – is not in a state of grace – should not receive.
The person who has not fasted from food and drink for at least 1 hour before receiving Holy Communion – should not receive.
People who are not baptized – cannot receive.
Jesus continues today to humble Himself for us at every Mass – coming now not in the form of man but in the form of bread and wine – Jesus wants to be with us, He wants to be in us, He wants to nourish us spiritually; He wants to give us strength – because He knows how much we need Him; because He knows that without Him we can do nothing; because He loves us … because He doesn’t want to loose any one of us …
That is why it is so important that we attend Mass every Sunday and every Holy Day of Obligation – to obtain the strength we need to avoid sin or the near occasion of sin … but if we aren’t properly disposed – if we are in a state of sin and receive the Lord – the grace we receive in this sacrament is diminished – our sin is an impediment to Christ working in our lives.
If we are frustrated at our ability to avoid sin we must – go to confession often – confess that sin – and then we must receive Jesus – body, blood, soul and divinity – often.
Going to confession occasionally and going to Mass occasionally does not work and for most people going to Mass every Sunday is just not enough – search your hearts – you know this to be true.
Don’t fool yourself – don’t compare yourself to others thinking well I am better than this one or that one – compare yourself to Christ – and we all fall short of Him – do we love like He did – do we sacrifice like He did – do we forgive like He did – because that is what we are called to do.
Jesus said: Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever."
Amen!
He is Risen!
May 8, 2011 Third Sunday of Easter
We heard in our first reading today that On the day of Pentecost Peter stood up with the Eleven and addressed the crowd in a loud voice he said: ‘Men of Israel, listen to what I am going to say …’
It was important that Peter stood up with the Eleven, in front of the whole Church at that time, because the message he was about to preach was not his own - it was the solemn proclamation of the whole Church – they were of one mind and one voice. That by the way is how this and every parish is to be – of one voice – of one mind – in Christ.
It was important also that Peter spoke 'in a loud voice'. The Church must speak fearlessly and with unmistakable clarity on all issues.
And furthermore it was vitally important that this first declaration of the Gospel, of the Catholic faith, should have been made to the whole world. As Luke spells out clearly for us: Now there were devout men living in Jerusalem from every nation under heaven … and it was to these that Peter boldly preached ...
And when the Church is of one mind it is right that the whole world listen ..
We hear in our Gospel reading that a few miles away, on their way to Emmaus, a couple of disappointed ‘former’ disciples, in answer to a stranger’s question, begin their testimony with much the same words as St Peter: All about Jesus of Nazareth…. And what happened …
Actually, their story is remarkably similar in structure and content to Peter’s but these disciples lack two essential ingredients. First they appear to give their account of events without any reference to the Scriptures and, secondly, they are not convinced of the resurrection. Without this dimension their story does not bring joy, encouragement or peace - only downcast faces. What’s more, it leads them away from the community of the Church, away from Jerusalem.
Indeed, they had heard rumors of the resurrection, some women from their group had gone to the tomb and seen a vision of angels 'who declared he was alive'. But these rumors were not enough. They needed to see, to experience the Risen Lord for themselves. As yet they were like those who had gone to the tomb after the women but 'saw nothing'. Their eyes had not yet been opened.
We can only imagine the manner in which Jesus spoke those words: 'You foolish men!' to Cleopas and his friend. I imagine it would have been in somewhat the same tone with which Jesus had used with Philip: when He said: Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and still you do not know me?
The problem here was that, although these two men knew the Scriptures, they didn’t understand them, and therefore they didn’t relate the events which had so disappointed them to the word of God.
St Peter, with the benefit of his Easter faith, on the other hand, now sees all that happened as completely in accordance with what scripture had foretold. He speaks of Christ’s resurrection using the words of Psalm 16. He refers to King David and the promise God had made him that one of his descendants would succeed him on the throne, and speaks also of the promised Holy Spirit.
Jesus sets about instructing the demoralized disciples and soon their hearts are ‘burning’ within them. Jesus shows them that all is as it should be and that the word of God had foretold everything from the beginning.
What Jesus actually said to the two men is not recorded. What we do know is that he brought them to understand and believe the scriptures and to grasp the truth that the passion of Christ was a necessary forerunner to his entry into glory.
But one further surprise awaited these men: While he was with them at the table, he took the bread and said the blessing; then he broke it and handed it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognized him… .
What a shock! It had been Jesus all the time, the Risen Lord! He had shown them the ‘word’ and the ‘sacrament’ and then disappeared. Instinctively they knew there was only one thing to do. They must seek him in the ‘community’ and: They set out that instant and returned to Jerusalem.
There they found ‘the Eleven assembled together with their companions’ – the Church – which verified for them the Good News: Yes it is true. The Lord has risen … .
The disciples who had walked away disapointed from the mystery had returned. They were home, in the only community on earth that knew Jesus had risen from the dead. It was their task then just like it is our task today to go out boldly and tell all nations that Jesus Christ is risen!
Alleluia!
We heard in our first reading today that On the day of Pentecost Peter stood up with the Eleven and addressed the crowd in a loud voice he said: ‘Men of Israel, listen to what I am going to say …’
It was important that Peter stood up with the Eleven, in front of the whole Church at that time, because the message he was about to preach was not his own - it was the solemn proclamation of the whole Church – they were of one mind and one voice. That by the way is how this and every parish is to be – of one voice – of one mind – in Christ.
It was important also that Peter spoke 'in a loud voice'. The Church must speak fearlessly and with unmistakable clarity on all issues.
And furthermore it was vitally important that this first declaration of the Gospel, of the Catholic faith, should have been made to the whole world. As Luke spells out clearly for us: Now there were devout men living in Jerusalem from every nation under heaven … and it was to these that Peter boldly preached ...
And when the Church is of one mind it is right that the whole world listen ..
We hear in our Gospel reading that a few miles away, on their way to Emmaus, a couple of disappointed ‘former’ disciples, in answer to a stranger’s question, begin their testimony with much the same words as St Peter: All about Jesus of Nazareth…. And what happened …
Actually, their story is remarkably similar in structure and content to Peter’s but these disciples lack two essential ingredients. First they appear to give their account of events without any reference to the Scriptures and, secondly, they are not convinced of the resurrection. Without this dimension their story does not bring joy, encouragement or peace - only downcast faces. What’s more, it leads them away from the community of the Church, away from Jerusalem.
Indeed, they had heard rumors of the resurrection, some women from their group had gone to the tomb and seen a vision of angels 'who declared he was alive'. But these rumors were not enough. They needed to see, to experience the Risen Lord for themselves. As yet they were like those who had gone to the tomb after the women but 'saw nothing'. Their eyes had not yet been opened.
We can only imagine the manner in which Jesus spoke those words: 'You foolish men!' to Cleopas and his friend. I imagine it would have been in somewhat the same tone with which Jesus had used with Philip: when He said: Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and still you do not know me?
The problem here was that, although these two men knew the Scriptures, they didn’t understand them, and therefore they didn’t relate the events which had so disappointed them to the word of God.
St Peter, with the benefit of his Easter faith, on the other hand, now sees all that happened as completely in accordance with what scripture had foretold. He speaks of Christ’s resurrection using the words of Psalm 16. He refers to King David and the promise God had made him that one of his descendants would succeed him on the throne, and speaks also of the promised Holy Spirit.
Jesus sets about instructing the demoralized disciples and soon their hearts are ‘burning’ within them. Jesus shows them that all is as it should be and that the word of God had foretold everything from the beginning.
What Jesus actually said to the two men is not recorded. What we do know is that he brought them to understand and believe the scriptures and to grasp the truth that the passion of Christ was a necessary forerunner to his entry into glory.
But one further surprise awaited these men: While he was with them at the table, he took the bread and said the blessing; then he broke it and handed it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognized him… .
What a shock! It had been Jesus all the time, the Risen Lord! He had shown them the ‘word’ and the ‘sacrament’ and then disappeared. Instinctively they knew there was only one thing to do. They must seek him in the ‘community’ and: They set out that instant and returned to Jerusalem.
There they found ‘the Eleven assembled together with their companions’ – the Church – which verified for them the Good News: Yes it is true. The Lord has risen … .
The disciples who had walked away disapointed from the mystery had returned. They were home, in the only community on earth that knew Jesus had risen from the dead. It was their task then just like it is our task today to go out boldly and tell all nations that Jesus Christ is risen!
Alleluia!
Prison Ministry - May 1st Year A - Reflection
They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of bread and to the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their property and possessions and divide them among all according to each one’s need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and to breaking bread in their homes. They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
What do you devote yourself to? What do you do EVERY DAY?
• The teaching of the apostles
• Communal life – communism by itself doesn’t work (separation of church and state – but communism + Catholicism = works; communism the Catholic way works)
• Life could be better for everyone – not just a few – but everyone if everything was held in common and distributed according to each one’s needs
• Breaking of bread – every day – can change you
• Prayers – every day – can change the world
Dr David Jeremiah relates the following incident.
While serving at a small field hospital in Africa, I traveled every two weeks by bicycle through the jungle to a nearby city for supplies. This required camping overnight halfway. On one of these trips, I saw two men fighting in the city. One was seriously hurt so I treated him and witnessed to him about the Lord Jesus Christ. I then returned home without incident.
Upon arriving in the city several weeks later, I was approached by the man I had treated earlier. He told me he had known that I carried money and medicine. He said, “Some friends and I followed you into the jungle, knowing you would camp overnight. We waited for you to go to sleep and planned to kill you and take your money and drugs.
Just as we were about to move into your campsite, we saw that you were surrounded by 26 armed guards. I laughed at this and said, “I was certainly all alone out in the jungle campsite.” The young man pressed the point, “No sir, I was not the only one to see the guards. My five friends also saw them, and we all counted them. It was because of those guards that we were afraid and left you alone.”
At this point of my church presentation in Michigan, one of the men in the church stood up and interrupted me. He asked, “Can you tell me the exact date when this happened?” I thought for a while and recalled the date. The man in the congregation then gave his side of the story.
He stated, “On that night in Africa it was day here. I was preparing to play golf. As I put my bags in the car, I felt the Lord leading me to pray for you. In fact, the urging was so great that I called the men of this church together to pray for you. Will all those men who met to pray please stand?” The men who had met that day to pray together stood, there were 26 of them!
(Dr. David Jeremiah’s story about prayer is published in Prayer, the Great Adventure)
Many wonders and signs were done through the apostles
• Peter – cured the crippled beggar – I have neither silver nor gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean, rise and walk.
• They even carried the sick out into the streets and laid them on cots and mats so that when Peter came by, at least his shadow might fall on one or another of them – and they be cured.
• He cured a man named Aeneas who was paralyzed and had been confined to bed for 8 years
• He restored Tabitha to life
What about today – John Paul II – apostolic succession
• 9 days that changed the world – his pilgrimage to Poland in 1979 that created a revolution of conscience that transformed not only Poland but fundamentally reshaped the spiritual and political landscape of the 20th century – the fall of the Berlin wall and the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
• Beatified today – and every year Oct 22 (my birthday) will be the day we celebrate Pope John II
• BE NOT AFRAID
The way we act can and does change people – the way we live (not act) changes people – God in our lives, working through us changes people – a lone we can do nothing.
Each of us are important and a have a part to play in God’s plan of salvation.
My New Coat, God
I have a new coat, it was designed by God and given to me by Jesus Christ. All I had to do to receive this coat was to believe in God's only Son.
I find it fits me perfectly unless I allow myself to become puffed up with foolish pride, then it's too tight. If I walk with my head high, trying to be above those about, then it is too short. But if I walk humbly as I should before God, it fits me just right.
How is the coat made? The shoulders are wide and roomy so that I can help my fellow man carry his burdens.
The collar is made of God's mercy, yes, the mercy of God's promises. First that I may become his child and second, that I will one day dwell with Him in that home prepared for His saints.
The cuffs are narrow, so that there is no room to tuck away grievance and hard feelings toward my neighbors. The pockets are oversized, One is for the love of God; the other is to hold my love for my fellowman and all humanity.
There are three buttons on my coat, which stands for faith, hope and charity. I check on them often so that none becomes loose or lost.
The lining is made of God's forgiveness, which I need so often that I want it next to me at all times.
The belt is made of God's love that encircles me everyday.
The material is thick enough to protect me when the storms of life come my way, but not too thick that I will not be able to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit who guides me.
There are many threads in my new coat, but not one thread of doubt that God's promises are true. Do you wonder about the color of my coat? Why, it's the color of Jesus' eyes that must sparkle when a lost soul accepts Him.
I will need my coat all through life. When I travel through the valley of death and when I view the future, I will always wear my new coat.
What do you devote yourself to? What do you do EVERY DAY?
• The teaching of the apostles
• Communal life – communism by itself doesn’t work (separation of church and state – but communism + Catholicism = works; communism the Catholic way works)
• Life could be better for everyone – not just a few – but everyone if everything was held in common and distributed according to each one’s needs
• Breaking of bread – every day – can change you
• Prayers – every day – can change the world
Dr David Jeremiah relates the following incident.
While serving at a small field hospital in Africa, I traveled every two weeks by bicycle through the jungle to a nearby city for supplies. This required camping overnight halfway. On one of these trips, I saw two men fighting in the city. One was seriously hurt so I treated him and witnessed to him about the Lord Jesus Christ. I then returned home without incident.
Upon arriving in the city several weeks later, I was approached by the man I had treated earlier. He told me he had known that I carried money and medicine. He said, “Some friends and I followed you into the jungle, knowing you would camp overnight. We waited for you to go to sleep and planned to kill you and take your money and drugs.
Just as we were about to move into your campsite, we saw that you were surrounded by 26 armed guards. I laughed at this and said, “I was certainly all alone out in the jungle campsite.” The young man pressed the point, “No sir, I was not the only one to see the guards. My five friends also saw them, and we all counted them. It was because of those guards that we were afraid and left you alone.”
At this point of my church presentation in Michigan, one of the men in the church stood up and interrupted me. He asked, “Can you tell me the exact date when this happened?” I thought for a while and recalled the date. The man in the congregation then gave his side of the story.
He stated, “On that night in Africa it was day here. I was preparing to play golf. As I put my bags in the car, I felt the Lord leading me to pray for you. In fact, the urging was so great that I called the men of this church together to pray for you. Will all those men who met to pray please stand?” The men who had met that day to pray together stood, there were 26 of them!
(Dr. David Jeremiah’s story about prayer is published in Prayer, the Great Adventure)
Many wonders and signs were done through the apostles
• Peter – cured the crippled beggar – I have neither silver nor gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean, rise and walk.
• They even carried the sick out into the streets and laid them on cots and mats so that when Peter came by, at least his shadow might fall on one or another of them – and they be cured.
• He cured a man named Aeneas who was paralyzed and had been confined to bed for 8 years
• He restored Tabitha to life
What about today – John Paul II – apostolic succession
• 9 days that changed the world – his pilgrimage to Poland in 1979 that created a revolution of conscience that transformed not only Poland but fundamentally reshaped the spiritual and political landscape of the 20th century – the fall of the Berlin wall and the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
• Beatified today – and every year Oct 22 (my birthday) will be the day we celebrate Pope John II
• BE NOT AFRAID
The way we act can and does change people – the way we live (not act) changes people – God in our lives, working through us changes people – a lone we can do nothing.
Each of us are important and a have a part to play in God’s plan of salvation.
My New Coat, God
I have a new coat, it was designed by God and given to me by Jesus Christ. All I had to do to receive this coat was to believe in God's only Son.
I find it fits me perfectly unless I allow myself to become puffed up with foolish pride, then it's too tight. If I walk with my head high, trying to be above those about, then it is too short. But if I walk humbly as I should before God, it fits me just right.
How is the coat made? The shoulders are wide and roomy so that I can help my fellow man carry his burdens.
The collar is made of God's mercy, yes, the mercy of God's promises. First that I may become his child and second, that I will one day dwell with Him in that home prepared for His saints.
The cuffs are narrow, so that there is no room to tuck away grievance and hard feelings toward my neighbors. The pockets are oversized, One is for the love of God; the other is to hold my love for my fellowman and all humanity.
There are three buttons on my coat, which stands for faith, hope and charity. I check on them often so that none becomes loose or lost.
The lining is made of God's forgiveness, which I need so often that I want it next to me at all times.
The belt is made of God's love that encircles me everyday.
The material is thick enough to protect me when the storms of life come my way, but not too thick that I will not be able to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit who guides me.
There are many threads in my new coat, but not one thread of doubt that God's promises are true. Do you wonder about the color of my coat? Why, it's the color of Jesus' eyes that must sparkle when a lost soul accepts Him.
I will need my coat all through life. When I travel through the valley of death and when I view the future, I will always wear my new coat.
Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday
Today the Church celebrates Palm Sunday – a day foretold by the prophet Zechariah – when Jesus triumphantly entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey on a road lined with palm branches … while the people shouted “hosanna to the Son of David” … “blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” … “hosanna in the highest”.
Jesus knew that his end was near – that his time was almost up – he warned his disciples that this trip to Jerusalem would be his last …
He told them that the Son of Man would be handed over to the chief priests and scribes and that they would condemn him to death and hand him over to the gentiles to be mocked and scourged and crucified … and that he would be raised on the third day … but they didn’t understand …
Jesus knew that this was his father’s will … he knew that this was what it would take to conquer death and free this world from the slavery of sin … but he was afraid … three times he prayed to His Father that if it were possible, to let this cup pass from Him – but that the Father’s will not his be done …
So Jesus came obediently, he came humbly riding on a donkey – he came in peace – he was a king – the king of peace – he showed us that he came not to destroy but to build up; he came not to condemn us but to free us; he came not with power and might but in the strength of love; he came not to rule but to serve; he came not for glory but for salvation. Jesus showed us the way to the Father – he won for us on His cross the possibility of eternal life.
So it is right when we join our voices with those of the choirs of angels and pray: holy, holy, holy lord god of power and might, heaven and earth are filled with your glory … hosanna in the highest … blessed is he who comes in the name of the lord … hosanna in the highest.
Today the Church celebrates Palm Sunday – also known as Passion Sunday – today marks the opening of Holy Week that culminates in the Triduum – Holy Thursday with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Good Friday with the Veneration of the Cross, the Easter Vigil and finally Easter Sunday.
It is a week rich in scripture – a week full of emotion and if we allow it – it can change our hearts … we are called to enter into the experience and walk with Jesus during the holiest week in the liturgical year and to let the importance of these days take root in us – we must listen with open hearts – allowing the words of scripture to transform us …
And if we do that we will find the strength and courage and perseverance that we need to carry our cross – to embrace our cross – as Jesus embraced His cross … as we are called to do … and there is no better way to prepare ourselves to be transformed this week than the sacrament of reconciliation …
Though he was God – he humbled himself and became man … Though he was God – he emptied himself upon the cross – he did not rebel … he did not turn back … and because of this God greatly exalted him … so at the name of Jesus every knee should bend and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. My brothers and sisters, please take advantage of this special time of the year … amen!
Today the Church celebrates Palm Sunday – a day foretold by the prophet Zechariah – when Jesus triumphantly entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey on a road lined with palm branches … while the people shouted “hosanna to the Son of David” … “blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” … “hosanna in the highest”.
Jesus knew that his end was near – that his time was almost up – he warned his disciples that this trip to Jerusalem would be his last …
He told them that the Son of Man would be handed over to the chief priests and scribes and that they would condemn him to death and hand him over to the gentiles to be mocked and scourged and crucified … and that he would be raised on the third day … but they didn’t understand …
Jesus knew that this was his father’s will … he knew that this was what it would take to conquer death and free this world from the slavery of sin … but he was afraid … three times he prayed to His Father that if it were possible, to let this cup pass from Him – but that the Father’s will not his be done …
So Jesus came obediently, he came humbly riding on a donkey – he came in peace – he was a king – the king of peace – he showed us that he came not to destroy but to build up; he came not to condemn us but to free us; he came not with power and might but in the strength of love; he came not to rule but to serve; he came not for glory but for salvation. Jesus showed us the way to the Father – he won for us on His cross the possibility of eternal life.
So it is right when we join our voices with those of the choirs of angels and pray: holy, holy, holy lord god of power and might, heaven and earth are filled with your glory … hosanna in the highest … blessed is he who comes in the name of the lord … hosanna in the highest.
Today the Church celebrates Palm Sunday – also known as Passion Sunday – today marks the opening of Holy Week that culminates in the Triduum – Holy Thursday with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Good Friday with the Veneration of the Cross, the Easter Vigil and finally Easter Sunday.
It is a week rich in scripture – a week full of emotion and if we allow it – it can change our hearts … we are called to enter into the experience and walk with Jesus during the holiest week in the liturgical year and to let the importance of these days take root in us – we must listen with open hearts – allowing the words of scripture to transform us …
And if we do that we will find the strength and courage and perseverance that we need to carry our cross – to embrace our cross – as Jesus embraced His cross … as we are called to do … and there is no better way to prepare ourselves to be transformed this week than the sacrament of reconciliation …
Though he was God – he humbled himself and became man … Though he was God – he emptied himself upon the cross – he did not rebel … he did not turn back … and because of this God greatly exalted him … so at the name of Jesus every knee should bend and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. My brothers and sisters, please take advantage of this special time of the year … amen!
The Transfiguration of our Lord
In Matthew’s Gospel today we hear about the transfiguration of our Lord and Savior – Jesus Christ.
To transfigure means to change in outward appearance – and in Matthew’s Gospel we hear that Jesus took Peter, James and John up a high mountain and that it was there, on that mountain, that Jesus transfigured before them – His outward appearance changed – His face shone like the sun and His clothes became white as light. Jesus appeared to them in glory – He appeared to them in His glorified body. But that’s not all.
We hear that Moses – who we know represents the Law of the Old Testament – and Elijah – who we know represents the Old Testament Prophets – appeared also – and that they were talking with Jesus. But that’s not all.
We hear that a bright cloud cast a shadow over them – and from that cloud there came a voice – the voice of God – and God said to them: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him.”
At this we hear that – Peter, James and John – filled with fear fell to the ground – so afraid were they that they wouldn’t even raise their eyes – but then Jesus comes to them and tells them – rise, do not be afraid. And when the disciples raised their eyes – when the looked around – they found no one was there except for Jesus.
This vision, this consolation, this blessing, we are told, was at that time just for them – for as they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus told them not to tell anyone what they had witnessed until He had been raised from the dead.
But why – why was Jesus transfigured before them? Why did Moses and Elijah appear? Why did God speak to them? And most importantly – what does all this have to do with you and me today?
To begin to understand these questions consider first that you and I are New Testament people – we are new covenant people – the old covenant between God and the Israelites has passed away – that is why Moses and Elijah appeared – to signal the passing of the Old Testament – the passing of the old covenant – for the kingdom of God – was at hand – Jesus is the new mediator, Jesus is the New Testament – Jesus is the new covenant between God and man – that is why when Peter, James and John found the courage to raise their eyes they saw no one but Jesus – the Old Covenant, the Old Testament was gone – Moses and Elijah were gone. In Jesus both the law and the prophets of the Old Testament are fulfilled. For Jesus said: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Consider now the two questions – why did Jesus transfigured before Peter, James and John and why they heard the voice of God. Peter, James and John received this special blessing – this extraordinary consolation – they saw with their own eyes the transfiguration of Jesus and they heard with their own ears the voice of God. Recall what Jesus said: “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.” – Peter, James and John definitely received a special blessing.
But why? They received this special blessing simply to assure them then – and future generations, us gathered here today – that without doubt Jesus was the Son of God – the Messiah. They received this special grace to give them the strength and courage that they would need to bare their share of hardship for the Gospel – a Gospel of Love – A Gospel that is counter culture and one that no one could have predicted.
This is what we heard in our second reading today from the Second Letter of St. Paul to Timothy: Timothy – who was the pastor of a church, was going through some hardships in the name of the Gospel. St. Paul writes to him and us:
Beloved: bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God. He saved us and called us to a holy life, not according to our works, but according to his own design and the grace bestowed on us in Christ Jesus before time began, but now made manifest through the appearance of our savior Christ Jesus, who destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.
That my brothers and sisters is why we recall the transfiguration of Jesus today to give us the strength we need to bare our share of hardship for this Gospel of Love.
And what is our share of hardship for this Gospel of Love?
Jesus said “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.”
Jesus said that the greatest commandment was this: “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” And “the second is like it: you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” He went on to say that the whole law and the prophets – the Old Testament – depend on these two commandments.
And the night before He suffered, Jesus told His disciples: “This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.” No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.”
But there is more – listen – Jesus goes on to say “It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain …”
My brothers and sisters, you and I have been called – we have been called to be His eyes in this world, to be His hands, to be His voice – to share His love – You and I have been called to fight the good fight – we have been called to live holy and righteous lives – to testify to the light – to be the very salt of the earth – we have been called to turn away from sin and to embrace the Gospel …
We have been called – you and I – to defend the helpless, to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, to shelter the homeless, and to visit those who are sick or in prison …
And the question Jesus has for each of us today is simply this - Do you love me – from the Cross we hear those words – do you love me – we hear those words from the only person who can say them with power, the only person who can say them with authority, the only person who has the right to say them – because He so loved us that He took upon himself our sins – He humbled himself accepting death on a cross for our salvation … He paid the price for our sins – down to the last drop of His blood. It is from the cross we hear those words – do you love me? And if we love Him – then we are to tend His sheep, we are to love each other – we are to be Christ to those around us.
We recall the transfiguration of Jesus today my brothers and sisters to give us the strength we need to bare our share of hardship for His Gospel of Love. If we truly live the Gospel message of love – then the world will hate us – we will be persecuted – but the transfiguration of Jesus serves is to show us today what awaits us in heaven – where we too will be transfigured – where we too will be in our glorified bodies.
To transfigure means to change in outward appearance – and in Matthew’s Gospel we hear that Jesus took Peter, James and John up a high mountain and that it was there, on that mountain, that Jesus transfigured before them – His outward appearance changed – His face shone like the sun and His clothes became white as light. Jesus appeared to them in glory – He appeared to them in His glorified body. But that’s not all.
We hear that Moses – who we know represents the Law of the Old Testament – and Elijah – who we know represents the Old Testament Prophets – appeared also – and that they were talking with Jesus. But that’s not all.
We hear that a bright cloud cast a shadow over them – and from that cloud there came a voice – the voice of God – and God said to them: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him.”
At this we hear that – Peter, James and John – filled with fear fell to the ground – so afraid were they that they wouldn’t even raise their eyes – but then Jesus comes to them and tells them – rise, do not be afraid. And when the disciples raised their eyes – when the looked around – they found no one was there except for Jesus.
This vision, this consolation, this blessing, we are told, was at that time just for them – for as they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus told them not to tell anyone what they had witnessed until He had been raised from the dead.
But why – why was Jesus transfigured before them? Why did Moses and Elijah appear? Why did God speak to them? And most importantly – what does all this have to do with you and me today?
To begin to understand these questions consider first that you and I are New Testament people – we are new covenant people – the old covenant between God and the Israelites has passed away – that is why Moses and Elijah appeared – to signal the passing of the Old Testament – the passing of the old covenant – for the kingdom of God – was at hand – Jesus is the new mediator, Jesus is the New Testament – Jesus is the new covenant between God and man – that is why when Peter, James and John found the courage to raise their eyes they saw no one but Jesus – the Old Covenant, the Old Testament was gone – Moses and Elijah were gone. In Jesus both the law and the prophets of the Old Testament are fulfilled. For Jesus said: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Consider now the two questions – why did Jesus transfigured before Peter, James and John and why they heard the voice of God. Peter, James and John received this special blessing – this extraordinary consolation – they saw with their own eyes the transfiguration of Jesus and they heard with their own ears the voice of God. Recall what Jesus said: “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.” – Peter, James and John definitely received a special blessing.
But why? They received this special blessing simply to assure them then – and future generations, us gathered here today – that without doubt Jesus was the Son of God – the Messiah. They received this special grace to give them the strength and courage that they would need to bare their share of hardship for the Gospel – a Gospel of Love – A Gospel that is counter culture and one that no one could have predicted.
This is what we heard in our second reading today from the Second Letter of St. Paul to Timothy: Timothy – who was the pastor of a church, was going through some hardships in the name of the Gospel. St. Paul writes to him and us:
Beloved: bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God. He saved us and called us to a holy life, not according to our works, but according to his own design and the grace bestowed on us in Christ Jesus before time began, but now made manifest through the appearance of our savior Christ Jesus, who destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.
That my brothers and sisters is why we recall the transfiguration of Jesus today to give us the strength we need to bare our share of hardship for this Gospel of Love.
And what is our share of hardship for this Gospel of Love?
Jesus said “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.”
Jesus said that the greatest commandment was this: “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” And “the second is like it: you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” He went on to say that the whole law and the prophets – the Old Testament – depend on these two commandments.
And the night before He suffered, Jesus told His disciples: “This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.” No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.”
But there is more – listen – Jesus goes on to say “It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain …”
My brothers and sisters, you and I have been called – we have been called to be His eyes in this world, to be His hands, to be His voice – to share His love – You and I have been called to fight the good fight – we have been called to live holy and righteous lives – to testify to the light – to be the very salt of the earth – we have been called to turn away from sin and to embrace the Gospel …
We have been called – you and I – to defend the helpless, to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, to shelter the homeless, and to visit those who are sick or in prison …
And the question Jesus has for each of us today is simply this - Do you love me – from the Cross we hear those words – do you love me – we hear those words from the only person who can say them with power, the only person who can say them with authority, the only person who has the right to say them – because He so loved us that He took upon himself our sins – He humbled himself accepting death on a cross for our salvation … He paid the price for our sins – down to the last drop of His blood. It is from the cross we hear those words – do you love me? And if we love Him – then we are to tend His sheep, we are to love each other – we are to be Christ to those around us.
We recall the transfiguration of Jesus today my brothers and sisters to give us the strength we need to bare our share of hardship for His Gospel of Love. If we truly live the Gospel message of love – then the world will hate us – we will be persecuted – but the transfiguration of Jesus serves is to show us today what awaits us in heaven – where we too will be transfigured – where we too will be in our glorified bodies.
The Salt of the Earth
Two weeks ago, we heard Jesus call His disciples – come follow me, He said, and I will make you fishers of men … that call, my brothers and sisters, was for each of us too – Jesus wants to make each of us – His disciples – fishers of men … that is how God chooses to work in this world – though each of us – you and I are called to make this world a better place … and why is that, why isn’t the world a better place if God created it and all that He created was good … well that is what Jesus explained last week.
Last week we heard Jesus begin to teach His disciples – from His Sermon on the Mount, we heard the Beatitudes … where Jesus explained the realities of this world – about the poor, the exploited and the oppressed – ALL a result of human weakness – a result of our sinfulness – a result of our freedom to choose – to choose between right and wrong between light and dark – but it doesn’t have to be that way – we can overcome the darkness of this world we can make this world a better place – Jesus warned us last week though that those who seek to live righteous lives in this world will be persecuted – but He said also – that our reward would be great in heaven …
And this week my brothers and sisters, we hear more from the Sermon on the Mount – we hear what a true disciple of His is called to be – the very salt of the earth – a light shining in the darkness of this world … and why is that, because that is what it takes to make a difference in this world – it takes ordinary people like your and I leading extraordinary lives – leading exemplary lives –devoted to Christ – to break the chains of this world.
Our first reading – from the Prophet Isaiah, written hundreds of years before the birth of Christ – explains why you and I today are called today to be His disciples:
We know that thousands of years ago, God chose to have a “special” covenant relationship with the Israelites – the Jewish people. He would be “their” God and they would be “His” people. All nations would know that they, the Israelites where His people by how they conducted their affairs, how they conducted themselves – how they related to one another, and how they related to their neighbors and with strangers. You see the Israelites were called to be the very salt of the earth – to be lights shining in the darkness.
We know that God, over the centuries kept His promises to the Israelites but they often times chose to “wander” far from Him – they choose not to keep their promises to God. When the Israelites wondered away from Him – God would send His prophets to call them back – and when they were exiled from their homeland – He would deliver them back again from their exile.
This passage today from Isaiah (who was martyred) was written after God had delivered Israel to their homeland bringing an end to their Babylonian exile. And in return we hear that the Lord commanded them to: Share your bread with the hungry, shelter the oppressed and the homeless; clothe the naked when you see them, and do not turn your back on your own. Then, He said, if you do these things, your light shall break forth like the dawn … and you shall call upon the Lord and the LORD will answer you.
Turns out though that the Israelites – even though they had this special relationship with God – were just like the rest of the nations – they were a “stiff-necked” people – who turned to God only when things were going bad for them and strayed far from Him when things were going good for them. Jesus, in the New Testament describes this one-sided relationship between God and the Israelites in the parable about the landowner – recall my brothers and sisters:
There was a landowner who had a vineyard, who leased it to tenants and went away; and who at harvest time sent his servants (who we know were the prophets) to these tenants (who we know were the Israelites) – and the tenants seized the landowner’s servants, one they beat, another they killed and a third they stoned. The landowner then sent other servants (more prophets) which were more numerous than the first ones – but they too were treated in the same way.
Finally, we are told, the landowner sent his son (who we know was Jesus) – He sent his son thinking that the tenants would respect his son. But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another – this is the heir, come let us kill him and acquire his inheritance. And that is what they did – they seized him, threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.
Jesus then asked those who He was speaking to “What then will the owner of the vineyard do to those tenants?” To which they replied “He will put those wretched men to a wretched death and lease his vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the proper times.”
To which Jesus replied “Therefore, I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you (Israelites) and given to a people that will produce its fruit.” – indicating that that the old covenant was passing away and that a new covenant was being made.
A new covenant my brothers and sisters that each of us are part of – God wants to have a special relationship with each of us. You might say wait a minute – I’m not qualified to be His disciple – I’m weak, I’m not smart at all … well, that is where our second reading from St. Paul comes in …
St. Paul was sent to evangelize the Greeks. The Greeks were very serious about philosophy – they were very educated – he wasn’t – he felt intimidated and not up to the challenge. But Paul realized, though the grace of God, that his preaching wasn’t based on logic or reasoning, but had the convincing power of the Holy Spirit. He reminded the Christians at Corinth that their faith rested not on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.
Philosophy is good, important and necessary, but the wisdom of philosophy is infinitely inferior to the power of God. This was Paul’s message to the new Christians at Corinth and his message to each of us today. Trust in God.
Hear what else St Paul had to say to the Corinthians: Not many of us are wise by human standards, not many of us are powerful or of “noble” birth … rather, God chose us, the foolish of the world to shame the wise, God choose the weak of the world to shame the strong, God choose the lowly and despised of the world – those who count for nothing – to reduce to nothing those who are something – so that no human being might boast before God.
Which brings us to today’s Gospel – the last line of today’s Gospel – your light – my brothers and sisters – must shine before others – that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.
Give glory to God, my brothers and sisters – in all that you say and all that you do – in all that you accomplish – give glory to God.
Last week Jesus warned us that if we led righteous lives – like we are capable of doing, like we are called to do – then the world would not understand us – the world would fear us – and we would be persecuted.
This week Jesus calls us to be the very salt of the earth – to be that which exemplifies God’s creation – to be what God created us to be – a people holy and righteous – then we will be beacons, we will be lights – shining in the darkness of this world – showing the way and leading others to Christ.
But there is a warning for us also this week my brothers and sisters – Jesus tells us not to boast in our accomplishments – pride – that will be our downfall – because it is only through the Holy Spirit and the Grace of God that we accomplish anything, that we break the chains of this world.
We’ve been called – you and I – to make a difference in this world – for some that might mean touching the lives of millions of people, for others that might mean touching the lives of only a few people – it doesn’t make a difference how many or how few we have been called to serve – all that matters is that we serve them – that we share the gifts we have been given with them.
We’ve been called – you and I – to let Christ’s light shine though us – in the good times and in the bad – so that others might see that light of Christ in us and want also to be part of it.
The question that faces each of us today my brothers and sisters is simply this – how well do we let the light of Christ shine through us – how well do those around us know that Christ is the light of our life – how well does the way we interact with those around us reflect the light of Christ – how well do the choices we make, the language we use, the way we dress, the things we do with the time, talent and treasure that we have been given, reflect the light of Christ shining though us – so that others will know by associating with us that we belong to Christ – that He is our God and we are His people.
Do not be afraid to lead holy and righteous lives – do not be afraid if the world chooses to persecute you – do not be afraid that you haven’t got what it takes to make a difference in this world – you do – trust in God and Jesus promises that one day you will hear these words – well done my good and faithful servant – enter into the joy of your master’s house.
Amen!
Last week we heard Jesus begin to teach His disciples – from His Sermon on the Mount, we heard the Beatitudes … where Jesus explained the realities of this world – about the poor, the exploited and the oppressed – ALL a result of human weakness – a result of our sinfulness – a result of our freedom to choose – to choose between right and wrong between light and dark – but it doesn’t have to be that way – we can overcome the darkness of this world we can make this world a better place – Jesus warned us last week though that those who seek to live righteous lives in this world will be persecuted – but He said also – that our reward would be great in heaven …
And this week my brothers and sisters, we hear more from the Sermon on the Mount – we hear what a true disciple of His is called to be – the very salt of the earth – a light shining in the darkness of this world … and why is that, because that is what it takes to make a difference in this world – it takes ordinary people like your and I leading extraordinary lives – leading exemplary lives –devoted to Christ – to break the chains of this world.
Our first reading – from the Prophet Isaiah, written hundreds of years before the birth of Christ – explains why you and I today are called today to be His disciples:
We know that thousands of years ago, God chose to have a “special” covenant relationship with the Israelites – the Jewish people. He would be “their” God and they would be “His” people. All nations would know that they, the Israelites where His people by how they conducted their affairs, how they conducted themselves – how they related to one another, and how they related to their neighbors and with strangers. You see the Israelites were called to be the very salt of the earth – to be lights shining in the darkness.
We know that God, over the centuries kept His promises to the Israelites but they often times chose to “wander” far from Him – they choose not to keep their promises to God. When the Israelites wondered away from Him – God would send His prophets to call them back – and when they were exiled from their homeland – He would deliver them back again from their exile.
This passage today from Isaiah (who was martyred) was written after God had delivered Israel to their homeland bringing an end to their Babylonian exile. And in return we hear that the Lord commanded them to: Share your bread with the hungry, shelter the oppressed and the homeless; clothe the naked when you see them, and do not turn your back on your own. Then, He said, if you do these things, your light shall break forth like the dawn … and you shall call upon the Lord and the LORD will answer you.
Turns out though that the Israelites – even though they had this special relationship with God – were just like the rest of the nations – they were a “stiff-necked” people – who turned to God only when things were going bad for them and strayed far from Him when things were going good for them. Jesus, in the New Testament describes this one-sided relationship between God and the Israelites in the parable about the landowner – recall my brothers and sisters:
There was a landowner who had a vineyard, who leased it to tenants and went away; and who at harvest time sent his servants (who we know were the prophets) to these tenants (who we know were the Israelites) – and the tenants seized the landowner’s servants, one they beat, another they killed and a third they stoned. The landowner then sent other servants (more prophets) which were more numerous than the first ones – but they too were treated in the same way.
Finally, we are told, the landowner sent his son (who we know was Jesus) – He sent his son thinking that the tenants would respect his son. But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another – this is the heir, come let us kill him and acquire his inheritance. And that is what they did – they seized him, threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.
Jesus then asked those who He was speaking to “What then will the owner of the vineyard do to those tenants?” To which they replied “He will put those wretched men to a wretched death and lease his vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the proper times.”
To which Jesus replied “Therefore, I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you (Israelites) and given to a people that will produce its fruit.” – indicating that that the old covenant was passing away and that a new covenant was being made.
A new covenant my brothers and sisters that each of us are part of – God wants to have a special relationship with each of us. You might say wait a minute – I’m not qualified to be His disciple – I’m weak, I’m not smart at all … well, that is where our second reading from St. Paul comes in …
St. Paul was sent to evangelize the Greeks. The Greeks were very serious about philosophy – they were very educated – he wasn’t – he felt intimidated and not up to the challenge. But Paul realized, though the grace of God, that his preaching wasn’t based on logic or reasoning, but had the convincing power of the Holy Spirit. He reminded the Christians at Corinth that their faith rested not on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.
Philosophy is good, important and necessary, but the wisdom of philosophy is infinitely inferior to the power of God. This was Paul’s message to the new Christians at Corinth and his message to each of us today. Trust in God.
Hear what else St Paul had to say to the Corinthians: Not many of us are wise by human standards, not many of us are powerful or of “noble” birth … rather, God chose us, the foolish of the world to shame the wise, God choose the weak of the world to shame the strong, God choose the lowly and despised of the world – those who count for nothing – to reduce to nothing those who are something – so that no human being might boast before God.
Which brings us to today’s Gospel – the last line of today’s Gospel – your light – my brothers and sisters – must shine before others – that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.
Give glory to God, my brothers and sisters – in all that you say and all that you do – in all that you accomplish – give glory to God.
Last week Jesus warned us that if we led righteous lives – like we are capable of doing, like we are called to do – then the world would not understand us – the world would fear us – and we would be persecuted.
This week Jesus calls us to be the very salt of the earth – to be that which exemplifies God’s creation – to be what God created us to be – a people holy and righteous – then we will be beacons, we will be lights – shining in the darkness of this world – showing the way and leading others to Christ.
But there is a warning for us also this week my brothers and sisters – Jesus tells us not to boast in our accomplishments – pride – that will be our downfall – because it is only through the Holy Spirit and the Grace of God that we accomplish anything, that we break the chains of this world.
We’ve been called – you and I – to make a difference in this world – for some that might mean touching the lives of millions of people, for others that might mean touching the lives of only a few people – it doesn’t make a difference how many or how few we have been called to serve – all that matters is that we serve them – that we share the gifts we have been given with them.
We’ve been called – you and I – to let Christ’s light shine though us – in the good times and in the bad – so that others might see that light of Christ in us and want also to be part of it.
The question that faces each of us today my brothers and sisters is simply this – how well do we let the light of Christ shine through us – how well do those around us know that Christ is the light of our life – how well does the way we interact with those around us reflect the light of Christ – how well do the choices we make, the language we use, the way we dress, the things we do with the time, talent and treasure that we have been given, reflect the light of Christ shining though us – so that others will know by associating with us that we belong to Christ – that He is our God and we are His people.
Do not be afraid to lead holy and righteous lives – do not be afraid if the world chooses to persecute you – do not be afraid that you haven’t got what it takes to make a difference in this world – you do – trust in God and Jesus promises that one day you will hear these words – well done my good and faithful servant – enter into the joy of your master’s house.
Amen!
The Kingdom of Heaven is Yours
Last week we heard Jesus call His disciples – this week He begins to teach them – and us – the realities of this world and what it means to be His disciple – and next week, we will hear how we are called – as His disciples – to be the very salt of the earth – to be lights shining in the darkness of this world.
And why is all of this? Why did Jesus have to come? Why did He have to die on the cross? Why today, 2000 years later, are we called to be His disciples? The simple answer is that this is God’s plan for our salvation – God’s plan to free us from the realities of this world. And what are those realities?
You see, my brothers and sisters: We know this to be true – that God created everything, the heavens and the earth – all that seen and unseen – and we know that what He created was good … and that the world He created has more than enough resources to meet the needs of everyone … yet people are starving to death as I speak … and children here in the USA will go to bed tonight hungry …
We know this to be true – that before the earth was formed – before each of us were formed in our mothers’ wombs – we know that God knew us – that He loved us – and that He called each of us by name – to spend eternity with Him … and that in our Father’s house there are many rooms … yet people here are homeless … sleeping in shelters and on the street …
We know that God so loved us that He created us in His divine image, giving us the freedom to choose between Him and the world, between good and bad, between light and darkness, between right and wrong … and that God gave each of us gifts to share, gifts that allow us to be productive and creative to meet not only our needs but the needs of others, the needs of the world … but we don’t share our gifts as we should … instead we store up earthy treasures …
We know that God did not create sin – that sin entered the world through us, as a result of that freedom to choose which God gave to each of us – and we know that sin continues to exist in the world today because many of us are weak, because we choose darkness over light, because we choose to be of this world – to do our will and not God’s will … and because of this, the world will never be what God created it to be … His kingdom here on earth …
We know that the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction and those who enter through it are many …
We know that in the fullness of time, God so loved the world that He sent His only Son – to free us from the captivity of sin and death that had entered the world … and to show us the way to the Father, to happiness and to eternal life … and what did we do, we crucified Him.
And we know this to be true – that unless a man be born again, he can not enter the kingdom of heaven.
These are the realities of our world. And in our Gospel today, we hear the Beatitudes – the first four Beatitudes call our attention to the realities of this world – they speak of those who are poor, those who are exploited, those who have no voice, no hope and who despair; those who have no power, who aren’t treated with dignity; those who cry out for justice – who hunger and thirst for righteousness.
The reality of this world is such that these lest brothers of ours won’t ever find satisfaction – but Jesus tells us that they will be comforted, that they will inherit the land, and that they will be satisfied – for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
The next four beatitudes speak to each of us – God’s children – and how today each of us must confront these harsh realities of this world – we are to be merciful, we are to be clean of heart, and we are to be peacemakers.
And the reality of this world we are told, for people who do this, who are righteous – is that they will be persecuted – but Jesus tells us that theirs too is the kingdom of heaven.
The last beatitude is addressed to each of us individually – to give us courage to live as we were created to live – holy and righteous – to be the salt of the earth, to be lights shining in this world of darkness.
You see my brothers and sisters, the reality is that its not easy in our society today and it is getting harder each and every day to proclaim the truth – the truth that abortion and euthanasia are murder, that capital punishment is wrong, that evil exists in all the ugly forms of pornography, that evil exists in prostitution, homosexuality, same-sex marriages and cohabitation – but you know what – the world doesn’t have to be this way – the world wasn’t supposed to be this way.
It is this way because good people remain silent – perhaps because we are afraid – you see the last beatitude tells us that if we choose to proclaim the truth – if we stand up to the evils in this world then we will be persecuted, insulted and falsely accused – but that not all – Jesus tells us that we should rejoice – because if we do stand up against evil – if we find the courage to confront evil – our reward will be great in heaven.
The reality is this – we know, we know in our hearts that no one – no one should be hungry or homeless, no one should be poor or exploited or rejected … but we remain silent – evil it appears has silenced us – we have no voice – we have been marginalized in our society, silenced in the media – and it appears as if evil has won.
But all is not lost. We know that God can make straight all the crooked lines not only in our lives and but also in this world. We know that you and I have been called and that God will give us the words and the strength and the courage and the resources to do that what He has called us to – holiness.
And we know that by living holy and righteous lives – by sharing our gifts and not counting the cost we can make this world a better place.
God never intended the world to be as it is today – the world is as it is because of we have all sinned, we have all exploited the freedom that God gave us – but He knew this would happen and He has a plan for our salvation – no one who turns to Him – who does His will, will be lost.
What we heard today in Mathew’s Gospel is what Jesus taught His disciples – we heard the message He wanted them then and us today to take to heart, the message He wanted them and us to take into the world, the message He wanted them and us to live …
Do not despair – rejoice for the kingdom of heaven is ours.
And why is all of this? Why did Jesus have to come? Why did He have to die on the cross? Why today, 2000 years later, are we called to be His disciples? The simple answer is that this is God’s plan for our salvation – God’s plan to free us from the realities of this world. And what are those realities?
You see, my brothers and sisters: We know this to be true – that God created everything, the heavens and the earth – all that seen and unseen – and we know that what He created was good … and that the world He created has more than enough resources to meet the needs of everyone … yet people are starving to death as I speak … and children here in the USA will go to bed tonight hungry …
We know this to be true – that before the earth was formed – before each of us were formed in our mothers’ wombs – we know that God knew us – that He loved us – and that He called each of us by name – to spend eternity with Him … and that in our Father’s house there are many rooms … yet people here are homeless … sleeping in shelters and on the street …
We know that God so loved us that He created us in His divine image, giving us the freedom to choose between Him and the world, between good and bad, between light and darkness, between right and wrong … and that God gave each of us gifts to share, gifts that allow us to be productive and creative to meet not only our needs but the needs of others, the needs of the world … but we don’t share our gifts as we should … instead we store up earthy treasures …
We know that God did not create sin – that sin entered the world through us, as a result of that freedom to choose which God gave to each of us – and we know that sin continues to exist in the world today because many of us are weak, because we choose darkness over light, because we choose to be of this world – to do our will and not God’s will … and because of this, the world will never be what God created it to be … His kingdom here on earth …
We know that the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction and those who enter through it are many …
We know that in the fullness of time, God so loved the world that He sent His only Son – to free us from the captivity of sin and death that had entered the world … and to show us the way to the Father, to happiness and to eternal life … and what did we do, we crucified Him.
And we know this to be true – that unless a man be born again, he can not enter the kingdom of heaven.
These are the realities of our world. And in our Gospel today, we hear the Beatitudes – the first four Beatitudes call our attention to the realities of this world – they speak of those who are poor, those who are exploited, those who have no voice, no hope and who despair; those who have no power, who aren’t treated with dignity; those who cry out for justice – who hunger and thirst for righteousness.
The reality of this world is such that these lest brothers of ours won’t ever find satisfaction – but Jesus tells us that they will be comforted, that they will inherit the land, and that they will be satisfied – for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
The next four beatitudes speak to each of us – God’s children – and how today each of us must confront these harsh realities of this world – we are to be merciful, we are to be clean of heart, and we are to be peacemakers.
And the reality of this world we are told, for people who do this, who are righteous – is that they will be persecuted – but Jesus tells us that theirs too is the kingdom of heaven.
The last beatitude is addressed to each of us individually – to give us courage to live as we were created to live – holy and righteous – to be the salt of the earth, to be lights shining in this world of darkness.
You see my brothers and sisters, the reality is that its not easy in our society today and it is getting harder each and every day to proclaim the truth – the truth that abortion and euthanasia are murder, that capital punishment is wrong, that evil exists in all the ugly forms of pornography, that evil exists in prostitution, homosexuality, same-sex marriages and cohabitation – but you know what – the world doesn’t have to be this way – the world wasn’t supposed to be this way.
It is this way because good people remain silent – perhaps because we are afraid – you see the last beatitude tells us that if we choose to proclaim the truth – if we stand up to the evils in this world then we will be persecuted, insulted and falsely accused – but that not all – Jesus tells us that we should rejoice – because if we do stand up against evil – if we find the courage to confront evil – our reward will be great in heaven.
The reality is this – we know, we know in our hearts that no one – no one should be hungry or homeless, no one should be poor or exploited or rejected … but we remain silent – evil it appears has silenced us – we have no voice – we have been marginalized in our society, silenced in the media – and it appears as if evil has won.
But all is not lost. We know that God can make straight all the crooked lines not only in our lives and but also in this world. We know that you and I have been called and that God will give us the words and the strength and the courage and the resources to do that what He has called us to – holiness.
And we know that by living holy and righteous lives – by sharing our gifts and not counting the cost we can make this world a better place.
God never intended the world to be as it is today – the world is as it is because of we have all sinned, we have all exploited the freedom that God gave us – but He knew this would happen and He has a plan for our salvation – no one who turns to Him – who does His will, will be lost.
What we heard today in Mathew’s Gospel is what Jesus taught His disciples – we heard the message He wanted them then and us today to take to heart, the message He wanted them and us to take into the world, the message He wanted them and us to live …
Do not despair – rejoice for the kingdom of heaven is ours.
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