Why did Jesus praise the dishonest steward? (Sunday homily)

 The parable Jesus told is confusing in some ways. 

But here's the key point: 

Jesus is telling us to have the right approach 

to money, and stuff, and material success.

Let's compare the worldly way with God's way:

The worldly way is to use people to gain success and money;

God's way is to use money and position to gain people – 

that is, for the Kingdom.

One of the principles our Church teaches 

in the category of social justice 

is "the universal destination of goods." 

What does that mean?

It means that while we may own this or that thing, 

ultimately, everything belongs to God; 

and God gave everything in Creation for all his children to enjoy.

Think of a family. Mom passes out slices of pizza to everyone. 

He intends everyone to get some. 

What happens when Mom or Dad looks up 

and sees one child has three slices, and two have none?

God doesn't intervene the way my parents, or yours, would. 

But he sees, and he will hold us accountable.

Now, the point is not socialism, 

because that just lets people in government play god, 

and they make a mess of it. 

Rather, the point is that you and I help 

every one of God's children get a fair chance. 

And while my pizza analogy works for a household, 

It doesn’t work for understanding the resources of our world.

Many people mistakenly argue that our world is resource-poor,

and that we have too many people. 

First, it is simply not true that our world is lacking in resources.

This is a good and abundant world. 

It is a worldly way of thinking to say, there are too many people.

God never says that.

Remember the large, hungry crowds following Jesus?

The disciples voiced the worldly mindset when they said, 

“send them away.”

Second, that “too many people” mentality fails to grasp 

that people, themselves, are the greatest resource of all. 

It took human ingenuity to turn mold, that grows on cheese, 

into a revolutionary life-saving medicine: penicillin.

Lots of places in our world are poor, not for lack of resources,

But because of conflict and corruption and roadblocks to opportunity. 

God gave us the gift of human intellect, guided by conscience,

so we can work together to share our abundance 

for the sake of human well-being. 

Let's get back to how we approach our stuff and our plans.

It is good to be a go-getter; and to seek financial security.

But the key question we might ask is...

What is it all for?

What will I do with my success, and whatever stuff I acquire?

What Jesus praised was not the dishonesty of the steward,

But his prudence in using stuff to create relationships, 

For the sake of his future.

And Jesus’ point is this:

What makes sense to do in a worldly way,

Makes even more sense to do in light of eternity.

The crooked steward was thinking about his future. 

What about your eternal future? 

The best use of our stuff, Jesus tells us, 

is to gain people for the Kingdom?

If you have a house, you can welcome people.

If you have a car, you can give rides.

And whatever you have – money, stuff, talent, or time –

you can give it away.

Of course, the most important “thing” to give away is…yourself.

You and I can do a lot of good with stuff; but it is giving ourselves, 

creating relationships, that makes the most difference.

We talk a lot about “stewardship,” but that’s all it really is.

None of our stuff will be with us in heaven.

But we can bring people.

'The answer to darkness is not more darkness' (Holy Cross homily)

 Last weekend and this, I am giving a financial report at all Masses, 

in order to be transparent and accountable.

But the readings and the events of the past week also need attention, 

so I will circle back to that in a moment.

(Here I repeated the financial report from last week; 

I couldn't be present at all eight Masses on one weekend.)

Now, let me pivot to that first reading which is very strange.

Why would God tell Moses to make a bronze serpent?

For that matter, why did God send serpents 

among the people in the first place?

The key is to recall both the serpent in the Garden: 

who was, more than an enemy of God, an enemy of humanity.

But here’s another detail many miss: 

the serpent was also one of the false gods of Egypt.

In short, God was reminding his people of their choice:

Go back to being slaves of evil in Egypt or go forward to a life of faith.

That’s why the serpent was nailed to the pole:

The healing they needed was to cast away the false god.

Destroy it and accept that it was destroyed.

Perhaps you wonder why our Lord Jesus 

would connect that episode to his own saving death on the Cross.

He is telling us that, like the Israelites, 

You and I must crucify all our false hopes and false gods.

And the number one false god each of us worships is ourselves.

Our own greed, lust, wrath and pride.

This past week brought a sad remembrance of 9/11, 

and shocking assassination of a political activist in Utah.

I remember the anger unleashed by those attacks 24 years ago:

I felt it myself at the time!

And there is a rage beginning to boil in our present day.

I’ve seen people say online, we have to “hate” those 

who commit these acts of violence, and those who justify it.

To which I say, I hope you say: 

NO! Nail that hatred to the Cross!

Crucify the false god of wrath and violence.

The answer to darkness is not more darkness.

You and I, as the St. John Paul II Parish Family, 

are called to be joyful Catholics sharing Christ with everyone. 

Our work is never done—and with your engagement and support, 

there is no telling how far we can go.  

Let’s dream big. Let’s do more. And let’s keep building a parish 

that draws others from darkness to the light of Jesus Christ.

Our Lady of Good Hope (Sunday homily)

This weekend, we do something special 

for Our Lady of Good Hope Church. 

We celebrate the patronal feast of this church!

When I arrived, we tried this in January, 

but further research reveals that this title comes from Dijon, France – 

where they have tasty mustard, too! – in the 1000s. 

There’s a great deal more in this weekend’s bulletin.

One detail that jumps out at me 

from the history of the devotion to Our Lady of Good Hope 

is the times when people were facing challenges – 

far worse than any we face. 

They responded by crying out to Mary, 

and through her intercession, they prevailed. 

Moreover, they didn’t just stay inside the church, waiting. 

They took the image of Our Lady to the streets, 

recalling David’s actions in the first reading, 

and how we brought our Lord Jesus to the streets of Miamisburg 

the past three summers.

Also this weekend, I am once again providing you a financial report 

to be transparent and accountable. 

In this weekend’s bulletin, you’ll find a summary 

of the fiscal year that ended June 30, 

as well as the budget for the current fiscal year. 

Our finance committee helps prepare the budgets and track spending. 

Our pastoral council weighs in on major spending decisions and planning. 

Your parish staff and I have been careful stewards 

of what you have entrusted to us. 

And I am grateful for so much commitment and wisdom. 

For all activities last year, we spent about $7 million, 

with almost half of that in Bishop Leibold School. 

Remember, nearly 50% of our income 

also comes from Bishop Leibold tuition. 

The good news is this: together, we are maintaining stability. 

We continue to pay our bills, 

You and I sustain many activities and apostolates, 

and we educate more than 380 students 

in a Christ-centered environment at Bishop Leibold School. 

We have almost as many involved in our Parish School of Religion, 

high school programs and special sacramental preparation. 

Two-thirds of every dollar goes directly to people—

our teachers, our parish staff—and the rest to the programs 

that bring faith alive for parishioners of all ages. 

A year ago, I presented a budget planning to spend about $3.5 million on non-school activities; 

we ended up spending about $3.2 million. 

So, you can see, we are trying to squeeze every dollar! 

For this current year, the budget is virtually flat, 

and even then, there’s a small deficit of $3,000. 

But here is the more important issue: what could we do with more?

One of the great gifts we have in our parish family 

is the staff leadership that helps me not get bogged down, 

so we can all keep a view to the far horizon. 

Dr. Wallace, who served our school so faithfully, 

is now meeting one-on-one with parishioners, listening to your hopes, 

and helping us strengthen the financial future of our parish family. 

I’ve also asked our parish directors: 

if you had more resources, what would you do? 

Their responses are inspiring. 

You’ve heard about them over the last several weeks 

in what we have published in our bulletin. Allow me to highlight a few. 

• Faith Formation: hiring deeply needed staff members 

to support our continuing growth, 

to include adding another night of junior high youth ministry, 

walking more closely with the 40+ adults 

on their way to becoming Catholic and their sponsors, 

and enhancing the skills of our catechetical leaders 

to serve our entire parish family in every season of life.

 

• Outreach & Care: Creating a greater presence in Franklin, 

West Carrollton and Moraine, 

to help meet material and spiritual needs.

• School Ministry: Enhanced technology and classroom support, professional development, 

and competitive salaries to recruit and retain excellent teachers.

This is part of what more looks like. 

This is what your generosity can make possible. 

I said it last year and I will say it again. 

If all we want is a balanced budget, that’s easy: 

we can balance lower, lower, less, less. But don’t we want to do more? 

Reach further? Sow more seeds of faith? Help more in need? 

Change more lives?

In the pews, you’ll find pledge cards, 

which will mark the end of our Open Wide the Doors program for 2025. 

I’m asking you to prayerfully consider three things:

1. Share a prayer request. We will bring your intentions to prayer as priests and deacons.

2. Offer your time. Volunteer opportunities abound, 

and your involvement makes our parish more alive.

3. Increase your offering. If you already give regularly, 

consider an increase. If you don’t yet give regularly,

perhaps today is the day to start—

even a small commitment makes a difference.

Many parishioners find electronic giving 

to be the most reliable and secure option. 

If you’d like help setting that up, our staff is ready to assist you.

You and I, as the St. John Paul II Parish Family, are called to be 

joyful Catholics sharing Christ with everyone we encounter. 

Our work is never done—and with your engagement and support, 

there is no telling how far we can go. 

The name of this church is not, Our Lady of Standing Pat!

Let’s dream big. Let’s do more. And let’s keep building a parish 

that draws others to know Jesus Christ.

Note: I gave this homily also at St. Mary of the Assumption, leaving out the information about the title of "Our Lady of Good Hope," as we only observed that in Our Lady of Good Hope Church.

The best seat in the house (22nd OT Sunday homily)

When we are children, we all have those moments 

when we are trying to get mom or dad’s attention. 

Look, mom! Look! Look! LOOK!!

Of course, our parents want to look and see what we’re doing;

But they might be driving, or fixing dinner, 

or getting other work done, and they can’t always look. 

They might even get irritated.

But let me tell you something, 

and this is true no matter how young, or how old, you are: 

parents never stop wanting to look at their children. Never.

Whenever I have a baptism, afterward, I ask to hold the baby.

You know what happens: if the baby is peaceful and content 

in her mother or father’s embrace, once she’s in my arms, 

she getting agitated and cries. 

Then, when I give the baby back, he’s calm again.

That infant recognizes his parents but doesn’t recognize me.

That connection literally begins with conception, 

and is cultivated in a thousand ways from that point on.

That complex reality of love and trust and interdependence

is absolutely necessary for each of us to be healthy and balanced.

Not just as children but throughout our lives.

On the other hand, some children do not experience this, early in life, 

and that can leave a wound that can take a long time to heal.

All this came to mind because of what happens in the Gospel:

People jostling for the best seats; 

not because they are most comfortable, 

but because they gain the attention of the host.

They want to impress or push some agenda.

But consider: if you have a solid relationship with the host, 

why do you need any of that?

This is the key to true humility: knowing who you are; 

having that peaceful, confident relationship with God.

What passes for humility – downing myself, denying our gifts – 

is actually false humility.

Accepting mistreatment, being a doormat – 

is not only false humility, it is a destructive distortion. 

And so, let me state this clearly:

Never does God expect any of us to endure abuse or degradation!

If you’re being mistreated, at work or at home, that’s never OK.

Get help. Don’t wait. Ask someone you trust. You can talk to me.

True humility comes from having that good relationship with God, 

and therefore, having security and confidence. 

That enables you and me to acknowledge our gifts 

and accept our weaknesses. We know who we are in God.

Then there’s no need to impress anyone.

So, the natural next question is, how do I get to that place?

Just as baptized child needs to be in his or her parents’ arms,

So you and I need to have a strong relationship with God.

Without that, we have a spiritual wound, an insecurity.

We don’t fully know who we are.

That friendship with God requires more than an hour a week.

It needs periodic apologies and patching things up;

In spiritual terms: a regular examination of ourselves,

And frequent use of the sacrament of confession.

And, let me explain something a lot of people miss.

The real success of a fruitful confession is less about 

what happens in the “box,” in the confession room, 

and far more about what happens in the 30 minutes beforehand.

I mean, specifically, the way we examine ourselves spiritually.

There are many guides available, just look online 

for “Catholic examination of conscience.” 

It’s always a series of questions, based on Scripture, 

to help us see what we need to see, and then, confess.

That helps us overcome fear and grow in holiness.

Today is a good day to ask: do I have that friendship with God?

And to do the work to build that friendship.

Then any seat in the house is the best seat.

Many or few? (21st OT Sunday homily)

 Perhaps you have noticed there are times when 

someone asks Jesus something, 

but his response doesn’t really answer the question!

Rather, Jesus answers the question that should have been asked.

So, today, “Someone asked him, Lord, will only a few be saved?”

Pay attention to how Jesus responds.

He refers to a narrow gate—so that sounds like “few,” right?

But, later, he refers to people coming from east and west, 

north and south—that sounds like a lot.

So the question Jesus actually answered was, 

not “how many” are saved; but simply, how to be saved.

And that is by striving to enter the “narrow gate.”

In the Gospel of John, Jesus says, “I am the gate, 

and whoever enters through Me will be saved.”

So, why is the gate is “narrow”? That sounds bad.

But remember why cities had gates: 

because they also had walls, to keep out threats.

A narrow gate means you can see clearly who comes and goes.

That is perfectly apt for Judgment Day:

no one will slip anonymously into the Kingdom. 

One by one, you and I will meet the gaze of Jesus our King, 

and either he knows us, or not.

A narrow gate doesn’t mean only few enter; 

it means you have to be patient and wait your turn.

It also means that while you might squeeze in,

Nothing you bring with you, will.

Not bad habits and attachments to food or booze or the Internet.

Nor the baggage of unforgiveness and recrimination.

All that must be left outside, or else we are left outside.

Notice also what our Lord said:

“Many will attempt to enter, but won’t be strong enough.”

In fact, none of us is “strong enough”! No one!

You and I have got to drive out of our minds  

every last trace of the idea that anyone 

gets to heaven because we’re good enough!

No one can be “good enough”; no one can be strong enough.

You and I get there by grace, which makes us fit for heaven.

Remember the lost sheep – how did it get back home?

The Lord puts it on his shoulders.

Only Jesus is “strong enough”—and he will carry us through!

Till now, there’s a word I haven’t uttered: hell.

Is hell real? Jesus knows that it is. He talks about it a LOT.

In the Gospel, Jesus says that people will be cast out, 

because he never knew them.

That means there was never a true friendship.

What’s more, when you and I arrive at the narrow gate, 

will we actually be willing to leave behind whatever we brought along? 

People assume that there will always be a chance to repent, later.

But let’s be candid: as the years go by, 

we not only get hardening of arteries;

even more, you and I also get hardening of habits and attitudes.

“Later, later, later” pretty easily turns into “never.”

Assuming you can always repent later is called “presumption.”

And it leads to a hardness of heart.

So, what about hell?

The conclusion I reach is this:

No one is “sent to hell” so much as people turn away from heaven.

We “refuse” heaven by refusing the graces God gives us.

The most dangerous spiritual place to be 

is not being constantly in line for confession, 

having failed over and over, and feeling as weak as a kitten.

No, the dangerous frame of mind is to think, 

I don’t need conversion. I’m just fine.

But the good news, which Jesus puts right in front of us, is:

There is a way to heaven; it’s narrow, but wide enough for two; 

Jesus, carrying you.

This yadid dwelling place (Sunday homily)

 Every year, on or near August 14, you and I have the opportunity 

to recall the consecration of this house of God. 

And, I would say further, that it is also a duty.

Which raises the question: Why? Why do we do this?

First, because of gratitude. It is right to be grateful

that God worked through you, the people of St. Mary, 

to create this place where Jesus dwells with us.

Now, it is painful to say, but: how we miss our beloved former pastor, 

our friend, Father Jim Manning!

I almost said, we wish he were here, but he *is* here.

Holy Mass is where all the faithful are united, 

on earth, in purgatory, and heaven. So, he’s with us.

Just not as we would wish.

If he were speaking to you now, he’d be the first to say:

This anniversary, this church, isn’t about him.

And that’s true. But God works through events, and people.

And we are grateful Father Jim let God work through him.

I haven’t announced this publicly – but I have mentioned it to few – 

so, today I’ll let everyone know something.

Later this year – we haven’t finalized the date –

We’re going to rededicate the Parish Center, downstairs, 

as the “Father James Manning Pastoral Center.”

The same artist who created the beautiful image of Our Lady – 

that hangs in the baptistry – is creating a portrait of Father Jim.

When that is ready, we’ll put it in place downstairs, 

and everyone will be invited to a celebration at that time. 

No date set, but soon!

Now, if our friend Father Jim were sitting here, 

he’d be gesturing to me to stop talking about him!

So, learning from his good example, 

let’s talk about what we heard in the Scriptures.

In the psalm, we prayed, 

“How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord, mighty God!”

I looked up that word which is translated, “lovely.” 

The root word is “yadid.” And do you know what? 

It’s not about physical beauty.

That is because the “love” involved 

isn’t just affection or even attachment.

“Yadid” is an “intimate, convenantal” relationship. 

Of being “protected” and “cherished.”

God loves us with “yadid” – so much so, he came in the flesh, 

and formed a new and everlasting covenant with us:

That means Jesus, and his death on the Cross, 

and the Holy Mass where his “yadid” love is recalled!

That’s why this church was built. 

That’s why this altar is the center.

That’s why you and I “yearn” to be here!

God’s “yadid” is poured out here.

You and I become His “yadid” – 

that is, His beloved, sealed in a covenant –

And that makes this place “yadid” – lovely!

Of course, it’s about more than a building, but it’s not about less.

Our faith goes beyond this place; 

But this church is an expression of our faith.

And, of our hope.

You would not have contributed and cooperated and sacrificed 

to build this church, if you had no hope!

This sacred place continues a long legacy 

reaching back to our former spiritual home in Franklin. 

The windows and the stations of the cross came from there.

And just as those who built that church could not anticipate 

all the needs of the future, neither can you and I.

We can’t know, but you and I can hope 

that those who planted seeds of faith in Franklin 

are thrilled, as they look on from eternity, 

to see what is coming to fruition in Springboro.

What will future generations do with the legacy we hand on to them?

Right now, the present reality of being Catholic in AD 2025, 

in our country, is that this parish is coming together 

with Saint Henry and Our Lady of Good Hope in shared mission.

Recall, St. Mary was born as a mission of Our Lady of Good Hope.

But even after we are united under the patronage of St. John Paul II,

This church is now called, and will always be called, 

St. Mary of the Assumption Church.

Surely, we’ve all noticed farms around here giving way to homes.

There are going to be a lot of people 

coming to this lovely dwelling place for long years to come!

By the way, that term, “dwelling place,” doesn’t mean a house or home.

It refers to that most sacred place where God chooses to dwell.

So many of the people who helped this building rise 

are sitting right here. You cast your seeds of faith.

You sacrificed. You helped decide, and shape, what would result.

And yet – if you will forgive me – someone else decided, first:

God! God chose to dwell with us.

That not only makes this place beloved – lovely – it also reminds us: 

whatever time brings – and with enough time, it’ll bring everything! – 

you and I will come and go.

This neighborhood, our country, will change.

But God is here. He came to be here. And that will never change.

'From Sodom to heaven' (Sunday homily)

 The title of my homily is, “Six minutes from Sodom to Heaven”:

Some big topics will be dealt with briefly: buckle your seatbelts!

Clearly, I could just avoid the elephant in the first reading.

You and I really need 45 minutes, but I’m only taking six.

So, I will greatly summarize; I can’t say all that is needed.

I’m going to make reference to some delicate topics in a general way.

You may have questions. 

You may wonder how these things apply to you, or someone you know. 

Please don’t hesitate to call or email me.

So, some bullet-points:

- The Church’s teaching on what is right and wrong in matters of chastity, 

including what is appropriate between two men or two women, 

has not changed. 

- This teaching comes from Divine Revelation, both Old and New Testament. 

- What we believe is informed by how God designed human beings, 

male and female, helping us know what is right or wrong.

- Notice: I am talking about chastity in general, which applies to everyone.  

- Despite the slogans we hear, 

“love” means different things in different contexts:

Parents and children; friends; siblings; and mom and dad.

- The specific form of intimacy I’m referring to belongs only in marriage, 

Between male and female, and must always be open to the gift of life.

- Some will say, this is burdensome. But everyone, without exception, 

faces daily challenges cooperating with God’s Plan.

- If your kids ask, “what is chastity,” here’s an answer:

It is the virtue of treating our bodies and our gifts, which God gave us,

with reverence and respect. 

The better you and I learn to say no to our own, “I want it now!” voice,

The better we learn to say yes, very generously, to others.

That’s fundamentally why chastity matters.

- Everyone is called to be a life-giver, throughout our lives.

And that is the thread linking all the readings. 

Jesus highlights how we can be life-givers:

both in ordinary food, and in forgiveness.

To state the obvious: the Christian virtue of chastity can seem strange to some.

It is mocked and demeaned. It is challenging to live out.

Maybe you wonder: Why does God care? 

A lot of folks seem to think that, no, God doesn’t care.

That everything will sort out in the end and everyone’s happy forever.

But if that’s true, God could have told Abraham that – but he didn’t.

Jesus could have told us that – but he didn’t.

The hard truth we learn through life is that our choices matter a great deal.

They shape who we ultimately become.

By our choices – including whether we repent and convert –

either you and I grow into a God-like capacity to give ourselves away, 

or else we narrow ourselves, and even twist ourselves, 

around a counterfeit happiness that can never truly satisfy.

I will be specifically personal here about myself.

My particular shape is not a result of a really bad bee-sting.

I like to eat, more than I should. 

That is a moral failing in me. Gluttony is a sin – not a grace.

Pray for me that I love food less, so that I can love Christ more.

Each of us takes up the Cross, beginning in baptism.

Jesus offers everyone the best of gifts, the Holy Spirit,

who gives us clarity to see, and courage to choose: 

my “no” today opens up to thousand “yesses” in this life, 

and even more, eternal life.

Be like Henry! (Sunday homily)

Today we celebrate the patron of this church, Saint Henry.

That makes today a solemnity for this church!

And that’s why the readings and prayers for this Mass 

are different from what they will be at neighboring churches.

Henry was born in 973; he died on this day, in 1024 – 1,000 years ago.

The Benedictine Order reveres Henry as one of its patron saints.

Henry was taught by a Benedictine, Bishop Wolfgang,

And his wife, Cunigunde, lived in a Benedictine convent 

when she became a widow.

Henry may have felt an attraction to the religious life, 

but his family duties meant he would succeed his father as a Duke, 

and then become King of Germany and the Holy Roman Emperor.

He certainly devoted himself to building up the Church in his realm.

And he gave his support to a reform movement 

that had begun a century earlier 

at a Benedictine monastery in Cluny, France.

It is striking – if you read church history – 

to see how regularly someone was calling for reform.

But, given human nature, this is no surprise.

In each of our own lives, do we not wake up periodically to realize: 

I’ve gotten lazy, I’ve developed bad habits, I’ve let things slip?

Whether it’s John the Baptist, or a Benedict or Catherine of Siena, 

or Pope John XXIII, or the Emperor Henry, 

the Body of Christ on earth continually needs 

those who sound the alarm and call for housecleaning.

This is why our Catholic Faith has always included a focus on penance, 

meaning both including acts of self-denial in our regular routine, 

and of course, observing Lent each year,

and then, regular use of the sacrament of penance.

And that process of reform isn’t only about moral renovation.

Henry reorganized church structures to serve his times.

Our Archdiocese is doing the exact same thing in our time.

In Henry’s situation, they were trying to share the Gospel 

with the Slavic tribes to the east.

In our time, our parish family must go out 

and seek our families and neighbors and re-present Jesus to them.

Another striking detail from those times: it was anything but calm!

There were constant wars and political struggles.

Henry’s father was called “Henry the Quarrelsome”!

One of the wise decisions his father made 

was to entrust Henry to be educated by the bishop Wolfgang, 

who was later recognized as a saint. 

We might notice that not many politicians become saints!

Why did Henry? Maybe because of the seeds of faith planted early.

If you did the math, Henry lived only 51 years on earth – 

fewer years than this parish has been here in South Dayton –

And yet the light of heaven that shined through his life 

reaches forward a thousand years to us and beyond.

Think about that whenever you say, what difference can I make?

So many kings valued their wives solely for giving them heirs.

He and his wife Saint Cunegunda did not conceive any children. 

Other kings would abandon their wives; Henry remained true.

As king, Henry commanded armies and faced wars; 

but he was notable for seeking paths of peace and reconciliation.

There was one neighboring King who Henry would make peace with – 

then war would break out again, then peace, then war – 

It took a lot of patience before peace finally took hold.

Where did Henry learn these things? 

Was it when he got together with other kings and dukes?

Or was it when he attended Mass, 

or in the habit of prayer that he learned as a youth?

Perhaps as he and his beloved wife contemplated 

how to make a difference for eternity?

Again, it’s all about what you and I make a priority.

We always find time for what matters most. 

As St. Henry Parish comes together with Our Lady of Good Hope 

and St. Mary, as we work together, as we build together,

you and I can be just like Henry, as we:

Share our gifts with our community, not hesitantly, but confidently;

Be messengers of reconciliation, even repeatedly;

Don’t be discouraged as we plant seeds of faith; 

they will sprout, even if it takes a thousand years!

Love our country like Isaiah (Sunday homily)

Friday we celebrated our nation’s birthday: 

Almost 250 years of independence! 

I’ve seen news items recently claiming many Americans, 

including many younger Americans, don’t feel great patriotism.

I don’t know if that is true, 

but I will take this moment to say a few things about patriotism.

Loving our country is good and right.

The Fourth Commandment calls us to honor our father and mother;

That extends to all in authority and all who give us life.

In the Roman way of thinking, patriotism was a form of “pietas”;

We get our word “piety” from that. In Roman thinking,

It was about the devotion and obligation we owe:

To family, to our country, and above all, God.

You and I enjoy such remarkable advantages, 

that most people who ever existed, 

and most people alive today, do not have.

Maybe you don’t like our elected officials.

You have the freedom to say that in public.

You get to protest and organize and vote them out.

No, our nation isn’t perfect. 

As Catholics, we experienced prejudice in this country at times.

However, we’ve never enjoyed this level of freedom anywhere else.

Yes, our society is materialistic, and that’s bad.

But consider this. In 1900, 60% of the world’s population 

was in extreme poverty. Today, that number is 10%.

That’s huge progress. And our nation played a big role.

A lot of complaints people have 

come from misunderstanding our Constitution.

Someone says, why’d she get to say that? It’s called free speech.

Why didn’t they send that person to jail? 

Because a jury found him not guilty. It’s called due process.

Our Founding Fathers gave us the Constitution they did 

because they knew that without certain limits and protections, 

people could get run over.

And one of the best things they did was to give us  

the power to change our system of government.

Over the years, “we the people” have made a more perfect union.

That’s a lot to be grateful for.

In the first reading, the prophet Isaiah loves his country, too. 

God’s People were in deep trouble, in every way. 

Isaiah sees a better future, when God’s people 

would be secure, as in the arms of their mother.

Yet not only Israel, but all nations would be secure in, 

and draw life from, the City of God. 

Isaiah was the voice of conscience in his time.

That responsibility falls to you and me, 

especially given our freedoms and advantages! 

We might notice what Jesus told the 70 disciples.

Stay focused, don’t get distracted along the way. 

Don’t worry too much about what stuff you bring along; 

make sure you bring a peaceful spirit. 

If you find yourself getting worked up, stop and get prayed up.

One way to keep our focus is frequent trips to confession. 

When we feel anger, or worry, or we get off track, 

a good confession helps get our priorities back in order. 

In the second reading, Saint Paul said, 

“the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” 

He’s not saying, I don’t care. He’s not giving up, either.

He’s doing what Jesus did on the Cross:

Giving it all to the Father.

It was when our Lord was seemingly most powerless – on the Cross – 

that he poured out his grace on the world most abundantly.

There is a lot of anger and ugliness in politics.

Our right answer isn’t to turn away, but to bring a peaceful spirit.

Speak out; vote, get involved.

But do so with the grace and power of Jesus Christ.

Peter & Paul were certainly in Rome: what changes? (Sunday homily)

 When we are confronted with someone presenting a religious message, 

there are three ways we can respond.

First, we might say, “Isn’t that interesting?” 

A few years back, visiting Washington, D.C.,

I saw some Buddhist monks in their bright orange robes. 

That was my response: “isn’t that interesting?”

A second response is, “Is this useful?” 

A lot of people send their children to Catholic schools, 

who aren’t themselves Catholic, or even Christian. 

They appreciate the discipline, 

the quality of education, and the moral values – 

and our Bishop Leibold School has all this in spades.

In other words, they see a Catholic education as “useful.”

Then there is a third response we can give. 

And that is to ask, “Is this true?” 

Week after week, deacons and priests give homilies.

We try to make it interesting.

I have tried to make you laugh, only to have you not laugh – 

how crushing! 

Many of us try to give something practical.

But in the end, the only real question is: Is it true?

When Peter and Paul gave their witness,

maybe in a synagogue, or someone’s home,

or on riverbank or in a public square, 

there was little reason for anyone to ask, “is this useful?” 

Have you ever seen a street preacher? 

Or maybe someone on late-night TV? 

Don’t you think that’s how Peter and Paul looked to the Romans?

Then, now and always, people ask what gives meaning to life. 

In every age, people have gazed at the stars 

and wondered what caused them to be there, 

and to move in the way they do. 

Here come Peter and Paul who say, 

none of the gods you believe in are true. 

They are false, every one of them. 

The one true God is the God of the Jews. 

This odd people who you conquered. 

It was to that people God himself came, and became man. 

He became, not a Roman, not a Greek, but a Jew!

And what did you Romans do? You crucified him! 

The one true God died on a cross – and rose again!

That’s your hope! Not Caesar, but Christ! 

And God’s Plan was to send us—Peter, Paul—to tell you!

If you ever go to Rome, you can visit the places 

where both Peter and Paul’s bones were buried. 

There are huge basilicas built over their graves. 

 

Their bones are still there, sometimes on display!

And while it would take too long to explain it, 

There is no good reason to doubt 

those really are Peter’s bones, and Paul’s, 

in the two churches that bear their names.

So while we might wonder about a lot of things 

about this Catholic Faith, 

here’s a good, solid fact which hard-nosed people can appreciate: 

their bones are in Rome. 

What strikes me is this. 

Their presence in Rome, which is beyond doubt, 

Therefore that makes it beyond doubt they really believed it.

And they convinced others to believe and die for this Faith.

No other reason for them to go to Rome, to die there, 

and for anyone to remember them.

So, the improbable, persuasive witness of Paul and Peter continues.

We hear their words. We know they died for it.  

And so, I put the question to you:

Is it true? If so, what changes, today, for you?

Melchizedek points to you (Corpus Christi)

 During the readings, I imagine you wondered, 

"Who is this ‘Melchizedek’ fellow?”

He was a curious, shadowy, figure: 

a king and a priest, whose origins no one knew.

He brought an offering of bread and wine.

He blessed Abraham and all his descendants.

Who is Melchizedek? 

He is the foreshadowing of who would come: Jesus Christ.

> Jesus, the eternal Son of God, who has no beginning or end;

> Jesus, the first and true priest of all Creation;

> Jesus, the rightful king of the universe;

> Jesus, who offers the new and everlasting sacrifice 

that is a blessing to all humanity.

Melchizedek pointed forward to something greater; and so do we.

You and I are the image, the sign, for our time, 

that points ahead to the reality that is yet to come, 

a reality that is vaster and greater than anyone can possibly imagine!

This is why, the language we use as Christians 

is full of power even if we don’t realize it.

Here’s an example: you and I use the term, “Body of Christ,”

to speak of both the Eucharist, as well as ourselves.

Do we really think we are the same?

I can imagine you saying, “No! I’m not God! I’m not Jesus!

No one falls to his knees before me!”

That’s all true. 

And yet—when you and I call the Eucharist, as well as ourselves,

"the Body of Christ” — we truly are describing the same reality!

This is because the Eucharist who we adore and receive 

is already, and completely, the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.

Meanwhile you and are still "in process."

Here is the Body of Christ (the Cross),

Here is the Body of Christ (the Eucharist);

and here is the Body of Christ (the people).

This Cross is a sign of what Jesus did for us. 

A tremendously powerful sign, yet only a sign.

The Eucharist is a sign too, 

except the Eucharist is also the reality of what the sign points to. 

Jesus, is truly and really here.

But, if you will, under a veil – the appearance of bread and wine.

His Sacrifice for us is “veiled” within the Mass.

Why is this so?

First, because: do you and I really want to see 

the violence of the Cross? 

Second, because even that graphic reality, while true, 

is still not the whole of it. 

The Son of God became human and surrendered himself for us.

In sharing his dying and rising, you and I become one with him.

The full depth of this reality is just too much for us:

So it is, as I said, “veiled” by the Mass 

and the appearances of bread and wine.

The Sacrifice of the Mass, and the Eucharist,

Serve as a lifeline connecting us to that fuller reality, 

drawing us onward toward it. 

St. Thomas Aquinas called the Eucharist "the pledge of future glory."

Glory for whom? Glory for us!

I said a moment ago that you and I, 

in calling ourselves the Body of Christ,

probably draw back from really thinking

we’re the same as the Eucharist—and of course, we’re not.

Not yet! I repeat: NOT YET! 

But, that truly is what lies ahead for us.

No one said it better than St. Augustine:

If you want to understand the body of Christ,

listen to the apostle telling the faithful,

"You, though, are the body of Christ and its members."

So if it's you that are the body of Christ

and its members, it's the mystery that means you.

It is to what you are that you reply "Amen,"

and by so replying you express your assent.

What you hear, you see, is "The body of Christ,"

and you answer, "Amen."

So be a member of the body of Christ,

in order to make the Amen true.

Do you want to be God's goldfish? (Holy Trinity homily)

 Today is the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity.

When we talk about our believe that God is a Trinity--

God is Three while still being One--

We always wrestle with trying to explain this,

to ourselves and others.

But let me pose a different question: Why do we believe this?

And the answer is: because Jesus Christ told us this.

In so many places in the Gospels – such as today’s Gospel –

we hear Jesus referring to the Father, and to himself,

and to the Holy Spirit.

Even though he doesn’t use the term, “trinity,”

he makes clear that the Father is God, he himself is God,

and the Holy Spirit is God; yet not three gods, but one God.

So, if someone asks you, why do you believe God is a trinity,

the answer is, because Jesus said so.

We believe it because we believe him.

Is it hard to explain exactly how it works? Sure.

But why shouldn’t God’s nature baffle us?

What’s remarkable is how much

of God’s mystery we are able to penetrate.

Look around at our world. Why, of all the animals,

is man uniquely so curious?

By all accounts, apes and dolphins are very bright animals.

They seem to like us. I don’t know why, but they do.

Yet they don’t seem overly curious about us.

Could it be that this unique capacity and longing for truth in us,

is a sign of God’s creation:

that God intended us to try to penetrate his mystery?

In other words, God created us to seek a relationship with him.

Now, we say that: “a ‘relationship’ with God.”

But what does that even mean?

I fix meals on my stove, 

but my stove doesn’t have a “relationship” with me. 

I don’t have a pet; not because I don’t like animals, but I’m too busy.

But for those who have pets, how do you describe that?

There’s a sort of relationship there but it’s limited.

Is that what our relationship is to God? Are we his pets?

No! God gives us freedom you and I don’t give our pets.

And God also asks far more of us. God has bigger ambitions for us.

He calls us “friends”! The Son calls Mary, his creature, “Mother”!

He calls himself the Bridegroom, and we are his Bride.

What a startling image!

We wouldn’t dare to have suggested it ourselves,

because it would seem blasphemous,

to suggest that sort of intimacy.

And that’s exactly what some accuse us Christians of:

Blasphemy, because we state boldly that yes, 

You and I can have an intimate relationship with God.

God isn’t a solitary other, infinitely distant from us.

Unapproachable. Unknowable. Always and forever far away.

Saint Paul tells us in the second reading:

The Holy Spirit is poured into our lives.

God stoops down, and lifts us up,

into the life and love of the Trinity.

God – being Three Persons – is himself a community of love.

You and I, through faith and baptism, are brought into that communion.

Couples, you know what it is to strain your relationship.

How do you heal it? Talk. Listen. Bend. Forgive.

What do we do with God? We go to him in confession.

We talk. He listens. We bend our stubborn will. He forgives.

Now, a practical person might ask:

OK, but what difference does it make that God is a Trinity? 

For us, it’s the difference between being God’s pet,

and being his beloved, his spouse.

This explains everything 

about our Catholic Faith that often seems troublesome.

Why do we do penance? Why deny ourselves?

Why wait for marriage?

Why must marital love be open to life, all the time?

Why can’t we just do whatever we like?

Because we’re not God’s goldfish.

You put a goldfish in the bowl and it does what it likes.

But it never goes beyond that little world.

God has destined you and me for sharing his life.

To be life-givers. 

Truly free and full of possibility, 

which means full of responsibility.

God chose us as his one and only. Forever.

Pentecost & Beacons of Light (Sunday homily)

 There are five super-feasts the whole Church celebrates: 

Christmas, Epiphany, Easter, Ascension, and today, Pentecost. 

These are the days when we bring out our best, 

just like our nation will do in a few weeks on Independence Day,

or families do for the most special occasions. 

Today is the family reunion for the Body of Christ.

Why? What’s so special about Pentecost?

Well, you could look at it this way. 

Christmas is when God gives the world his Son. 

Easter is when Jesus gives us the Father – by opening heaven for us. 

Notice how we signify that in every Mass: 

right after the Eucharistic Prayer, 

which recapitulates Jesus’ offering on the Cross, what do we do? 

We pray the Our Father.

And so, today is when the Father and the Son gave us the Holy Spirit – 

the third Person of the Holy Trinity. 

This forms the complete picture, if you will, of what our destiny is: 

to live forever in relationship with God, and with each other.

In the Old Testament, there were two key things about Pentecost: 

it was when the first harvest happened, of wheat.

And, it is when God gave his law to Moses on Mount Sinai.

Notice how these foreshadowings illuminate what Jesus did.

The Holy Spirit is the true law of God.

And with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, 

the Apostles began the harvest of believers 

that continues to this day.

But to return to a key point: the main thing that happens on Pentecost 

is the giving of the Person of the Holy Spirit 

to the Church as a whole, and to each believer individually.

Notice that: the Holy Spirit isn’t given only on an individual basis.

Sometimes people talk about the Holy Spirit that way:

They say, well, the Spirit told me to do such-and-such…

But the Holy Spirit is not about division. 

That’s what sin does: sin creates divisions and conflict.

The Holy Spirit creates oneness. One Body of Christ. One City of God.

And again, the Holy Spirit is a Person. 

You and I, individually and collectively, are invited 

to have a personal encounter and relationship with God.

For whatever reason, in God’s Plan, the Holy Spirit 

isn’t so much the word that is spoken – we call the Son the “Word” –

but rather, the Holy Spirit gives voice and force to that Word.

Think about how you and I, ourselves, speak.

We have a word we want to say; but if we have no breath?

It’s only a whisper, or nothing at all.

So it is with us as the Body of Christ:

We have a Word to speak, but we need Breath: the Holy Spirit!

Now, some of us are naturally quiet people.

Others of us, not so much! And that variation is wholesome.

But the Body of Christ, may I suggest, is meant to have – 

through our individual personalities and gifts – a bold voice.

That’s the Holy Spirit, giving boldness to the whole Church.

May I suggest to you that as we celebrate this great feast,

Each of us ask the Holy Spirit to help us to have that boldness.

It may not be in big talk, it might be in big action.

But let each of us be willing to be bold for Jesus Christ!

In a few weeks, members of our Pastoral Council and I 

will present to Archbishop Casey our request 

to finalize our coming together 

as the Parish Family of St. John Paul II.

As our three parishes have grown together, sharing our gifts,

We are trying to be responsive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, 

under the guidance of Archbishop Schnurr, and now, Casey.

We mere mortals can’t perceive the plan perfectly; 

there are twists and turns that come with human frailty.

Still, we know it’s true the Holy Spirit calls all Christians to unity.

So, surely he wants our parish family to become closer.

Remember, that’s the key to Beacons of Light:

Coming together to be a more powerful witness, 

to draw more people to Jesus Christ.

The Holy Spirit is the mighty breath 

that powers our word and witness!

And so, we say: Come, Holy Spirit!

The Ascension -- like Mass -- is about heaven (Sunday homily)

 The feast of the Ascension is NOT about Jesus leaving us. 

Rather, it’s about where Jesus wants to take us.

The Ascension is about heaven; 

Jesus wants to take you and me to heaven.

It’s the exact same thing with Holy Mass.

This is all about getting us to heaven.

This is something some miss, or don’t grapple with.

For one, way too many people take heaven for granted.

And if you do that, then what’s Mass?

It would be like going into court, facing a trial, 

but you were convinced that you’d never be found guilty.

So, there’s nothing at stake. You can just shrug. Not even show up!

So it is for many people coming to Mass.

Or else, people want Mass to boost their mood.

Or they can visit with friends. Or we get to reflect a little.

To be clear, there’s nothing wrong with any of these objectives; 

but none of these is the point of Holy Mass.

And, this means, by the way: if these goals don’t happen –

if you aren’t inspired, if you can’t have quiet reflection, 

if you don’t see familiar faces you hoped to see, 

and you don’t come out of church feeling “up” –

that doesn’t mean you, quote, “didn’t get anything out of Mass.”

It might mean you came with the wrong expectations.

People say: what do babies get out of Mass? Or any of us?

Answer: GRACE!

The Sacrifice of the Mass is about getting us to heaven.

It is Jesus our priest making an offering – himself! – for you and me.

And that demands a response. Some reject. Some shrug.

But when you and I strike our chest, like the tax collector:

Remember, Jesus said, that’s who left justified.

That’s the response. 

And again: if we take heaven for granted, why change?

No drama. Nothing at stake.

What Holy Mass does, as the Cross does, is to confront you and me,

like a mirror, showing us our desperate need.

And only then 

is Jesus’ offering on the Cross – and the altar – good news!

You’re drowning, Jesus says! I’m here to save you! Good news!

But not if I say, “Who’s drowning? I’m fine. No thanks.”

By the way, let me tie this into the great project 

of our parish family, our archdiocese, and our whole Church,

Namely, evangelization:

Drawing others back to the Faith, or drawing them here anew.

As long as people think: I don’t need it, then why would they be there?

On the other hand, the best pitch comes from conviction.

And that comes best, not from me – but you:

From you saying, not, “it’s kind of nice!” But rather: 

“This is my refuge in a storm.

This is my hope.

The Mass, and my Catholic Faith, gives me mercy, 

grace to change, and a way to understand what is dark around me.

“In a word, it’s about heaven.”

If you and I, together, are going to build our parish family 

as we know needs to happen,

Everyone is needed as a convinced messenger. 

Kid to kid. Teen to teen. Family to family.

Young adult to young adult. 

Senior citizen to senior citizen.

Here’s another reason to focus on the deep reality of Mass.

Our focus has to be beyond the externals of our parish.

Of course, let’s become more welcoming, let’s offer our best.

But there’ll always be something on the surface to find fault with.

The best message, I think, is to say, “it’s not about us.

It’s about Jesus. And he’s here.”

So, if you’ve ever been bored at Mass, this is your remedy.

Remind yourself that the salvation of souls is at stake.

Jesus, on the Cross, pleads for them, for you!

He wants us to plead with Him, for them. 

In a moment, at the altar, I’ll lift up His Body and Blood.

You hear, “Through him, with him, in him”: 

This is really Jesus offering himself to the Father.

This is the source of grace to change us.

This is what gives us salvation! This is the entirety of our hope!

Jesus is the point of every Mass. 

He’s in the Scriptures. He’s at the altar.

He feeds you. He goes in peace with you when Mass is ended.

And this is why the Ascension wasn’t a “going away” party.

Jesus went ahead to the Holy Trinity,

And everything that follows is him drawing us in,

Pulling in the drowning swimmers! That is, us!

Jesus hasn’t, really, gone anywhere.

It’s about him reorienting everything toward heaven.

Here’s there; he’s here. 

Mass is about heaven. This to there. 

Us to there. You and me: heavenly.

The City of God (Sunday homily)

There’s a lot going on in all the readings, 

but let’s focus in on the City of God in the Book of Revelation.

And while on that subject, please note: 

it’s called the Book of Revelation, singular, not plural. 

Why is that important? 

Because no matter how complex this book is, 

it’s not a mishmash of statements or visions. 

It has one, single subject; one revelation: 

and that is Jesus Christ and his work to save us. 

All the various details, which are challenging to penetrate, 

together form a mosaic that shows us our Savior. 

And so, we have a city, come down from God. 

A glorious city of gold. 

There are twelve gates that stand open all the time. 

This city is always filled with light. 

This is an image of who you and I, and all believers, 

will be when Jesus has completed his work. 

Not a place of violence or greed. 

Not different factions. You and I won’t be off on our own. 

We are a city – cities are people depending on each other. 

A family. The Body of Christ.

The first reading – without taking time to explain the whole story – 

is resolving a dispute. 

If fights and bad bloods among Christians discourage you, 

they began early! 

The gist of the Apostles’ advice in that first reading is: 

everyone be willing to make some accommodation, some adjustment, 

to maintain our community. Good advice, 20 centuries later.

I want to highlight a detail you may have missed. 

Notice the twelve gates of the city 

bear the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. 

This reminds us of something St. Paul wrote 

in his letter to the Romans: 

God’s gifts and call to the Jewish People are “irrevocable.” 

There’s a lot more we could say about just how 

God intends his Chosen People to play a role in the full plan of salvation.

But for now, let’s be clear he does have that intention!

And realize, his plan is to bring each of us into that “chosenness,”

Not to push anyone out.

You may or may not realize that 

there have been disturbing re-occurrences in recent times 

of hatred and contempt toward Jews.

There was a murder in our nation’s capital days ago.

And a few weeks ago, someone painted ugly graffiti 

on a business just down the road from St. Henry Church. 

So, let’s take this moment to make clear: 

we Christians are called never to hate, rather to oppose hate. 

It may require some of us to speak up, 

maybe even to cause some awkwardness, in confronting bigotry. 

And, lest there be any lack of clarity, 

Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the Apostles were all Jews. 

God’s Plan is that we are a family that is together.

And that’s not just about Jewish or non-Jewish,

or any identity or nationality.

It’s about all the lovely hues of skin color, 

and the symphony of languages in which God is praised, 

all the stunning variety that God himself created.

All are called into the City of God.

What forms and perfects this spiritual family, 

this golden City of God, is Jesus Christ. 

Those who are included are those who let Jesus reshape them. 

You and I can refuse to cooperate, 

which is a frightening thought: 

that would mean we exclude ourselves from that hope!

The process of cooperating, of becoming that City, 

Isn’t easy, isn’t quick. It takes place in our daily lives. 

Each day you and I choose: will I be light or darkness? 

Will I stay close to Jesus, or put other things first?

Will I humble myself and admit wrong? 

Will I seek grace in the sacraments? 

Life in any city means we rely on others 

to supply our food and water and electricity. 

In the City of God, that’s the sacraments: 

our light and power and life.

So, brothers and sisters, look intently at that City.

That’s who God wants to make you. Let him do it!

Notes on the Readings, 6th Sunday of Easter

When I prepare a homily, sometimes I write out notes on the readings to organize my thoughts. I don't need these anymore, but I thought maybe they'd be of interest, so I'll post them here. Watch this space for the resulting homily.

The first reading talks about healing a dispute. It may not be clear without more context but: it asks everyone to make adjustments to maintain unity; for individuals to make some personal sacrifices for the common good.

The second reading describes the City of God, which represents who we will be in the New Creation. Our eternity with God isn’t about each of us being individuals, all on our own, but rather, being a community. The city is peaceful, unified and glorious. Its gates are always open. It is always full of light.

Jesus’s words in the Gospel emphasize that when you and I are fully united to him, whether he is walking on earth – as he was with the Apostles – or he is at the right hand of the Father in heaven – as he is now – we have no reason to be sorry or sad. Jesus continues to be our source of life and transformation. He is the one who is building us into that City of God!

The Apostles’ letter:

The first reading refers to a dispute that arose after non-Jews were being baptized and becoming Christians – the first Christians were all Jews, as was Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the Apostles. The influx of non-Jewish believers prompted the question: did they need to adopt the practices that belonged to Judaism, such as a limited diet and circumcision? The answer was no. This came from the St. Peter, based on Scripture and what he observed of God’s action through him, and endorsed by St. James the Apostle – in whose name some had advocated a different course. The Apostle James recommended certain steps, described in this letter, that would foster unity between Christians who were either Jewish or non-Jewish in origin.

This reminds us that, then as now, there can arise disputes and disagreements, based on good-faith attempts to do the right thing. The decision of the Apostles at that time was an accommodation that bridged the differences. Non-Jewish Christians were urged to avoid eating certain things; today we don’t even talk about this, it’s a non-issue, but it was a different world then. It reflects the overriding goal of each of us being interested in supporting our fellow believers, and making sacrifices that help them, rather than creating scandal or distractions.

In our time, can you and I think of ways individual Christians might either cause scandal to others, by insisting on “doing it my own way” – versus making a sacrifice that might help maintain unity and help others not to be discouraged?

The City of God:

Described as 1,500 long, wide and high. This would stretch from Dayton to Utah to the west, and to the Caribbean Sea to the south, and go west into the Pacific Ocean; and way up to where our satellites circle the globe.

The city is made of “pure gold, transparent as glass.” This is curious: gold can’t be “transparent” as we understand it, except when hammered out to extreme thinness, or theoretically under intense pressure that we cannot create. This language may be better understood as not “transparent” but “pure”; more likely, it is deliberately not something occurring in nature, and therefore, belonging to super-nature.

Gates: Angels are gatekeepers? Names on gates: 12 Tribes of Israel. 

This reminds us that God’s gifts and call to Israel are, as St. Paul said in Romans, “irrevocable.” There have been disturbing re-occurrences of hatred and contempt toward Jews – a murder in our nation’s capital, and ugly graffiti on S.R. 741 – so we remember that we Christians are called never to hate, and to oppose hate, and to recognize the Jewish people as continuing to enjoy God’s favor and to have a role to play in his plan.

Foundation: Apostles – note, they are essentially united to Jesus, who is the true, ultimate foundation.

Jesus’ words in the Gospel:

Jesus is answering a question from St. Jude: why are you manifesting yourself to us, but not to the world?

Jude’s question may have reflected the belief among Jews of his time (and since) that the Messiah would manifest himself to the whole world. Hence, he is puzzled by what he just heard Jesus say.

The answer given here is that, in the next phase of the plan of salvation, Jesus will manifest himself to those who love him and keep his commandments; this will involve the Father’s love and the presence of the Holy Trinity in that person’s life. 

However, other Scriptures (Matthew and Revelation to name two) make clear that at a certain point, the Savior will, indeed, be manifested to the world. Further, we might understand it this way: for a time, Jesus will be manifested to the world by invitation – through the witness of Christians and with the assistance of grace – leading to conversion. But at a definite point, the Messiah will be manifested as Judge.

Why should the Apostles rejoice that Jesus goes to the Father?

For three reasons at least. First, for Jesus himself who is both human and divine; as a human being, will not his Ascension be a wonderful thing? Second, for the consequences of his Ascension, which will be the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which means the Apostles – and everyone – will take a big step forward in knowing the Holy Trinity, and in being empowered as witnesses, and in becoming truly the Body of Christ.

Third, what he is saying is that if the disciples fully, truly loved Jesus, they would have no fear or anxiety about his ascension. They would have the greatest possible closeness and have full trust and confidence. Jesus understands that we don’t always have that, and he doesn’t react to that inadequate love by rejecting us. Rather, he always seeks to raise us up. This is what he did with Peter: he lifted him when he sank into the water; and when, in his confession of love after the Resurrection: Peter’s “yes, I love you” was a weaker expression of love, but Jesus accepted it, and ultimately, transformed Peter into one who gave his life for Jesus.

How can the Father be greater than the Jesus? The Father and Son are equal in divinity; yet Jesus in his humanity is the creature of the Trinity.

Holy Communion brings us to the New Creation (Sunday homily)

 A few moments ago, we heard a reading

in which John tells us he saw “a new heavens and a new earth.”

Our world is beautiful!

Every day, as spring unfolds, it’s more marvelous.

Think of all his wonders to behold:

rivers and meadows, waterfalls and canyons,

snow-caps and rain forests, deserts and oceans—

Think of all the forms of life that fill the earth.

When night falls, look up and behold

the spangled sky, littered with gaudy extravagance.

Imagine what wonders fill the countless galaxies!

You fall asleep, dreaming of them!

What a world—why make a new one?

Because it is damaged.

I left out one part of God’s Creation: US!

Human beings have not only the greatest potential—

but we can also do the greatest damage.

So, you and I are the ones who need to be made new;

and a new us means a new heavens and a new earth.

What might that be like?

Well, imagine we could somehow extract from this world,

all the envy, and greed, and pride…

all the anger and apathy and selfishness?

That would be a “new heavens and a new earth”!

That and more is what John saw.

So: how do we get there?

Today you and I celebrate the Lord rising from the dead,

same as every Sunday, but especially in Easter Season.

Ah, but there’s something special today!

Many fellow believers here

will receive the Eucharist for the first time!

So I just asked: how do we get to the new Creation?

The Eucharist is how we get there.

Jesus told us many things.

He said, “I am the Bread of Life”;

He said, “my flesh and my blood are truly food and drink.”

In a few minutes, at this altar,

you’ll hear him say, through me,

“This is my Body” and “This is the Chalice of my Blood.”

So, all that points to the Eucharist we share.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus spoke of “glory”:

The Father gives glory to the Son;

and the Son shares his glory with us.

That happens through the Eucharist.

Boys and girls, I know that your teachers and parents

have taught you many things about the Eucharist.

We believe that we’re together

with Jesus, Mary, the saints and angels—

all heaven and earth, right here in the Mass!

You and I know that we don’t come to receive the Eucharist,

unless we have faith, unless we turn from our sins,

and unless we are ready to live as part of His Church,

the New People, his chosen Bride.

So, the Eucharist is not a gift just for us:

this isn’t a “look at me, I’m special,” day.

Instead, this is a day Jesus chooses us in a new way,

to be givers and sharers of his life, with others.

All this is how we become his new creation.

We might wish for a “one-and-done” process to holiness.

But that isn’t how it works.

You were baptized as babies;

then you had to grow up some, before this day.

And far more lies ahead for you.

God wants us to grow into that new Creation.

And that’s the same for everyone here.

Yes, including grandma and grandpa.

Each of us needs to keep growing in holiness.

Let me tell you a secret…

The communion that matters the most,

isn’t the first…but the last one!

Remember I said, this Creation is wonderful—

but a new one is coming, far better?

This first communion is wonderful;

but the last one—the one that takes us from this world to the next – 

that’s the one to get excited about:

because that communion will never end!

Grownups, maybe you’re looking back

on your first communion.

But don’t look back, look forward—

to your next one, and to that last one!

And, if it’s been a while, do as these young people did:

go to confession, and make another “first” communion,

back on your way to that forever communion!

Boys and girls, I just want to end by saying “Thank you!”

Your eagerness, your joy, is a powerful example for everyone here.

I said a moment ago Jesus wants you to share

the new life he gives you in the Eucharist.

And already, you are witnesses to that 

by your joy and faith and reverence today. Thank you!

Helping others join the 'great multitude' (Sunday homily)

 On Thursday, you and I received the news: a new pope, Pope Leo XIV.

You and I can only imagine 

the sense of responsibility Pope Leo must feel. 

It may have taken a few hours or even a few days for it to sink in.

The most important response you and I can give, 

beyond our gratitude for having a shepherd, 

is to give him our best help.

Here’s how you and I can help Pope Leo:

First: pray for him!

Second: don’t impose unfair expectations on him. 

Namely, he’s not Pope Francis, 

nor is he Pope Benedict or Pope John Paul.

Third, remember that he is a human being, the same as you and I.

What we believe is that God gives the bishops – 

and the pope in particular – 

help to avoid running the Church “into the ditch,” as it were.

That doesn’t mean the pope is given divine illumination.

Nor does it promise that every decision he may make will be perfect.

We believe that the Holy Spirit protects the bishops, 

in their shared teaching office, from teaching error. 

That is what “infallibility” means, 

and it applies to the bishops when they act together, 

and when the pope acts as our chief pastor.

Today, you and I are also celebrating a special day 

for several of our children, 

who are receiving their first Holy Communion.

Children, maybe you noticed the curious words in the second reading: 

the Apostle John said he saw “a great multitude,

which no one could count, from every nation, race, people, and tongue.”

Think of how vast a crowd that must be! As far as the eye can see!

This is a promise of what Jesus will do to bring people to heaven.

But here’s something each of us needs to recognize:

Jesus chooses to do this, not all on his own, as he might, 

But rather, to do this through you and me.

He gathers this “great multitude” through his Church. That’s us.

It is your job and mine to tell people about Jesus.

To give everyone a welcome to know Jesus better.

To show in our daily lives, the difference Jesus makes.

Now, this is a good time to recall the first reading:

Paul and Barnabas and other Christians – 

when they did what I just described, in telling others about Jesus – 

did you notice what happened? 

They were insulted and beaten up.

Eventually, Paul and Barnabas and others were killed 

because they were faithful to Jesus!

You and I must not kid ourselves 

or mislead others about the cost of being a disciple of Jesus.

To say yes to Jesus is to say no to other things in life:

It may mean we don’t end up with as much money or stuff;

We may have to give up some fun things on the weekend, 

so we can attend Holy Mass.

Most of the time, the choice to be faithful involves small decisions, day-by-day, 

that maybe no one but God will know about.

It can seem easy to say “yes” one time to Jesus.

Where it gets harder is to keep saying “yes,” day by day by day.

This is why Jesus gave you and me the sacraments, in particular, 

the sacrament of confession, 

where we return to him after we lose our way;

and the Most Holy Eucharist, 

where we are united to him as fully as is possible in this world.

Remember: the Holy Eucharist isn’t just a symbol.

Holy Communion is union with Jesus himself.

He gives his Body and Blood – ALL of himself – to you and me.

He does this so that you and I can be able to make him real to others. 

To be faithful. To be strong. To remember who we are.

I can only imagine the first time Pope Leo offered Mass, 

after becoming our shepherd, 

he focused on how much more strength and courage and help 

he needed from Jesus. To be a witness.

You and I may not be pope. But we need that same help.

Today, second graders, you say yes to Jesus in a new way.

The rest of us are helped by your example: to consider our own “yes.”

Please, children, show us: not just a “yes” today, but every day,

Until one day, you help the rest of us join that great multitude!

Why are they eating all the time in the Gospels? (Sunday homily)

 If you look at the Gospels, 

Jesus spent a lot of time eating with people and feeding them.

Did you ever wonder why that is?

To prepare a meal for another person,

to invite someone to a meal, and to accept that invitation, 

are powerful signs of welcome and love. 

And turn it around: what would it mean to say, 

“NO! I will NOT eat with you!”?

So the reason there’s so much eating in the Gospels?

Because Jesus wants us to know: he likes being with us!

He wants to feed us! He loves us.

So notice what Jesus put at the center of the life of the Church:

The Holy Mass, where he gives us, 

not just ordinary food, but his own, precious, Body and Blood! 

The best of foods! The best of meals!

Many of us have family or friends 

who belong to other Christian traditions, and for them, 

Holy Communion, or the Lord’s Supper as some call it,

Is only a sign, or only a reminder.

They believe that the bread and wine never become anything else.

That’s not what we believe as Catholics, together.

However, some individual Catholics actually think that way.

They say, well, it looks like bread, it tastes like wine,

So that’s all it is, and I don’t believe there’s any miracle.

But then, there were people who met Jesus, and said,

He looks like he’s only a human being, 

So I don’t believe he’s also the Lord our God!

People don’t ever say these things to me, but if they did, 

here’s what I would want to say back to them:

And, 2nd graders, these questions I’m going to pose are only for reflection, 

you don’t have to raise your hands!

But: I would ask people who doubt the Eucharist:

Do you believe that you need to be saved?  

Do you need God to rescue you from what sin does?

Do you need God to forgive your sins and change you, 

to keep you from hell and bring you to heaven? 

Now, some people, if they were very candid, would admit:

No, I don’t need God to do those things. 

I’m doing just fine.

And if that’s what you believe, then Jesus makes no sense.

Baptism, confession, all the sacraments make no sense.

Above all, the Mass and the Eucharist just aren’t very important.

So bread, wine, body, blood, whatever? Who cares?

On the other hand, if you look in your heart, and see:

I’m not just fine on my own. I do wrong things, 

And if it weren’t for God helping me, I’d end up in a terrible state!

Then it makes all the difference whether Jesus gives you a cracker, 

or he gives you his own Body, his own Blood! 

His own divinity and soul and self!

 

If you believe this, if you believe 

Jesus really is making this happen at Holy Mass –

and that is our Catholic faith – 

then isn’t it obvious why we come Sunday after Sunday?

Like a lot of people, I have a pill I’m supposed to take every day.

It keeps my arteries clear. So, I take my pill.

Jesus doesn’t offer us a pill;

He offers us his very self.

Jesus says, “Eat my flesh and drink my blood.” 

And he said, “whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood 

has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day.”

Now, in today’s Gospel, Jesus is drawing Peter especially to a meal; 

But it’s not about fish and bread.

It’s about healing Peter’s earlier betrayal.

This episode on the beach is like going to confession:

Peter is forgiven and brought back into union with Jesus;

back to the union that is Holy Communion.

That’s what the Eucharist really is: not merely a ritual, 

but that union with Jesus that begins in this life, 

and it becomes perfect in eternity.

So why wouldn’t all Catholics want to have this Food, this Life, 

as often as they could?

Today, our second graders are making their first communion. 

I can see how much you have been looking forward to this day. 

So have your parents, and so have I!

But I want to say something I try to say each year.

It isn’t your first communion that matters the most, 

but our last communion, and all that come between.

 

That repetition is critical. Parents, you know this is true! 

You remind your kids over and over to say “please” and “thank you.”

Having to keep reminding them drives you crazy, 

but if you don’t, the habit will never take root.

So, why be surprised that Jesus knows this too?

And says, keep coming back, Sunday after Sunday?

Sad to say, lots of people make a first communion, but drift away.

So, you keep coming. Stay close to Jesus through prayer 

and especially in the sacrament of confession.

And keep coming to Mass and keep receiving Jesus’ Body and Blood.

He so wants to feed us. It’s the most important thing to him.