'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.

Don't answer too quickly (Easter homily)

Tonight’s Mass is supposed to be an ordeal. 

In the modern day, we have made it much easier.

It used to have many more readings, and would go all night.

When the faithful receive the Holy Eucharist,

particularly those doing so for the very first time, 

and the priest shows the Lord to the faithful, saying, 

“Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world; 

blessed are those called to the Supper of the Lamb”:

This would happen just before sunrise.

In other words, it coincides with the Resurrection!

So, for those who are becoming a Christian tonight,

With baptism, confirmation and the Holy Eucharist:

This night is especially for you.

For the rest of us – including those who were baptized 

in other Christian communities, 

and tonight enter into the fullness of the Catholic Faith – 

this is a re-experiencing, a rediscovery of these mysteries.

We call them mysteries, by the way, 

because the Apostle Paul and the first Christians called them that. 

The word “mystery” suggests something hidden and inaccessible; 

and that’s the point: Jesus gives us access!

The veil is torn in two; heaven is open; you and I are born again!

The other thing about a divine mystery 

is that pulling aside one veil doesn’t “solve” it. 

With God’s creation and redemption, there is always more. 

So the long vigil is meant to reinforce 

that exploring this mystery goes on, as it was in the beginning, 

is now, and ever shall be, world without end.

That is one reason why – 

although we are baptized and confirmed only once – 

you and I re-encounter these mysteries each year at this time, 

each Lord’s Day, and even every day.

In a few minutes, the deacon and I will lead you to the font.

The Easter Candle, the pillar of fire, goes before you.

Unlike pharaoh who perished in the sea, you are led safely through!

In baptism, you die: with Christ.

We all die; but this is the death you and I choose: 

with Jesus, accepting his cross and making it our own.

Every time you make the sign of the cross, 

Every time you bless yourself with holy water, you remind yourself:

I died with Christ, and through him, I will rise again!

So I want to be very clear and serious here:

this moment is a fork in the road, an ending and a beginning.

I will ask you to renounce sin and the vanities of this world.

I will ask you if you believe

in God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, 

and in the faith given to us through the Apostles.

Before you answer those questions, I must warn you:

to be a Christian has always been costly.

There has always been a tug-of-war 

between the kingdoms of this world, 

the kingdom of our own will, and the kingdom of Jesus.

And if no one ever told you this, I tell you now:

your choice of allegiance to Jesus Christ and his Kingdom,

which is in this world, imperfectly, in his Church:

that choice will cost you, sooner or later.

It may seem over-dramatic to speak of martyrdom; 

we’re in Ohio after all, not ancient Rome!

But martyrdom comes in a thousand small, daily, tedious choices 

long before it becomes some great climactic witness.

Probably none of us will ever stand before a guillotine; 

but every one of us faces the refrigerator, the computer, 

and the emperor that is our own will.

It isn’t a firing squad, but criticism from coworkers, friends and family, 

that cows us and shakes our resolve.

So, why should anyone profess this faith? Why should you?

On behalf of the faithful, some of whom are gathered around you, 

and on my own behalf as a Christian, I testify:

God has acted in time and history.

Jesus, the Son of God, having our same flesh,

revealed to us a Trinity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

For our salvation, he embraced the Cross. 

He truly died and rose, in his mortal body, from the dead.

He is the judge of all mankind, to whom he offers not only mercy, 

but new life, fullness of life, and union with God, 

in the resurrection and the new world to come.

Jesus, risen from the dead, is the true and faithful witness!

He drew you here and he invites you to life.

The Axis (Good Friday homily)

This day, which stands at the center of our Sacred Three Days,

Is the Day of all days.

The Cross stands at the center of time; and all Creation, all history, 

revolves around it as the earth revolves on its axis.

Thus everyone, without exception, 

must come and stand before the Cross. 

That is the meaning of the Final Judgment each human soul will face.

So it is a mercy that God has draws us here, now,

while you and I can still be changed by it.

We see the Cross, and we ask “Why?” 

Be very clear: No one made Jesus do this. 

The Father did not make his Son do this.

Before time, Father, Son and Holy Spirit knew man would sin. 

God saw it all, 

From the vanity and self-importance,

Wrath and pride, lust and greed and gluttony;

To the cruelty people visit on each other large and small,

From Cain and Abel, to Hitler and Mao,

To the crack of a whip, the prison of a slum, 

The office of an abortionist, and all the forms of our indifference.

Before anything began, God saw it all…

And He went ahead. He chose to create us.

And he chose to become one of us.

Was there no other way but the Cross? 

Of course there was. God chose this way. 

Remember, God didn’t invent the Cross; humanity did. 

Had God never become man, 

man would still have faced a cross, but now alone; 

and it would have been all death with no life.

St. Thomas Aquinas tells us the Cross was “too much”: 

“Any suffering of his, however slight, 

was enough to redeem the human race…” 

The Cross is God’s exclamation mark 

on the sheer extravagance of his mercy.

God did the maximum where the minimum 

would already have been generous!

Archbishop Fulton Sheen said this:

“I tell you that if God had not come down …

and given us the supreme example of sacrifice, 

then it would be possible for fathers and mothers, 

men and women of countless ages, 

to do something greater, it would seem, 

than God himself could not* do, namely, 

lay down their lives for a friend.”

Why the Cross? 

Consider an amazing image from our patron,

Pope Saint John Paul II:

God came to earth—so man could put God on trial—

so that man could forgive God.

Our late pope asked, "Could God have justified himself 

before human history, so full of suffering, 

without placing Christ’s Cross at the center of that history? 

"Obviously, one response could be 

that God does not need to justify himself to man. 

It is enough that he is omnipotent. 

From this perspective everything he does or allows 

must be accepted. 

"But God, who besides being Omnipotence is Wisdom 

and—to repeat once again—Love, 

desires to justify himself to mankind.

"He is not the Absolute that remains outside 

of the world, indifferent to human suffering. 

He is Emmanuel, God-with-us, 

a God who shares man’s lot 

and participates in his destiny.

"The crucified Christ is proof of God’s solidarity 

with man in his suffering."

We blame God. God does not argue. 

He comes to us; offers himself for trial. 

Pilate presides, and we are in that court as jury. 

We found him guilty; we sentenced him to death.

The price is paid. God himself atones. 

God and man are reconciled.

We see the horror of the Cross; we see the horror of human evil; 

and we wonder—can man be saved?

The Cross is our answer.

It is God saying “Yes.”

* typo fixed.

Our first Supper as a family! (Holy Thursday homily)

Mystical Supper Icon, All Saints Russian Orthodox Church, Las Vegas.

Tonight’s Mass marks something very special for our parish family.

Look: you have never seen all these priests and deacons at one Mass.

I realize that this is a change: having Holy Thursday Mass together. 

And it may take some getting used to. 

But, if you and I are truly a family, then – like every family – 

There are moments when we’re busy in different ways.

Yet on certain occasions, it is necessary that we come together as one.

Tonight is one of only two times in the whole year

when the Church insists a parish has just a single Mass together – 

the other will be two nights from now, the Vigil of Easter.

Let’s peel back the layers of what we’re doing here.

The first reading describes the Passover, 

celebrated by the Jewish People. 

The lamb was one year old and “without blemish”; 

it was obtained several days before and lived with the family.  

Why is this important? 

This points to Jesus, who became a member of the Jewish household, 

a member of the human family.

Then, with the whole assembly present, the lamb was slaughtered. 

When we come to church tomorrow, what do we recall?

Jesus is crucified with the whole assembly present.

The blood of the lamb is then spread over the doorposts.

This is protection from divine judgment. 

By the way: when you and I are baptized, 

that’s when the blood of the Lamb covers us! 

When we fall back into mortal sin, confession renews it.

And then after the lamb is sacrificed, its flesh was eaten. 

This was necessary to complete the sacrifice.

But only those who were members of the household could eat the lamb.

So, this is why only those baptized 

and who have chosen to join themselves to the household – 

that is, the Church – and who are also in a state of grace,

receive Holy Communion at Mass. 

While the lamb is central to the Passover,

Notice the accounts of Jesus’ Last Supper never mention a lamb.

Why not? Because HE is the lamb!

Instead, he takes the bread, and says, 

“this is my body, given up for you.” 

And of course, there was a cup of wine.

But did you realize there were four cups of wine.

The first was called the “cup of sanctification,” 

and the father began the meal with a prayer, over this cup, 

and the food is brought to the table.

The second was the cup of “proclamation” – 

it was prepared, but not drunk right away; 

because while the food was on the table,

the father would tell the account of what God did 

for his people who were slaves in Egypt.

By the way, when these events were “remembered,”

the understanding was that in remembering, you were present!

You were actually brought there spiritually, through the meal.

So, when Jesus tells the Apostles, “do this in memory of me,”

two things:

That reveals he made a plan for each of us to be part of his Passover.

Jesus planned for what we call Holy Mass,

and for priests to offer this sacrifice.

And second, our “remembering” here, 1,995 years later,

likewise makes you and me truly present: 

in the Upper Room, at Calvary, at the empty tomb.

It happens not because we want it; but because he wants it!

Now, back to the Passover.

After everyone ate, the father would share the third cup, 

called the “cup of blessing.” 

And Saint Paul just told us that this was the cup Jesus took up, 

and said, “This is my Blood.”

I said earlier there were four, where’s the last one?

Tomorrow, you and I will hear these words in the Gospel of John:

After this…Jesus said, “I thirst.”

There was a vessel filled with common wine….

They put a sponge soaked in wine…up to his mouth. 

When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, “It is finished.” 

And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit.

So, we don’t finish this Mass tonight. No final blessing.

We do go on a procession – to a special altar – recalling the Garden.

Let me share something very special 

about how Father Manning arranged this church.

By the way, Father Jim wanted to be here 

for this first gathering tonight as a family. 

He was a huge part of the work that brought us together.

Now, notice: the window to your left shows Melchizedek and Abraham. 

That meeting foreshadows the Holy Mass, 

and it’s referenced in the Eucharistic Prayer.

Look over to your right: that shows the Apostles 

gathered with Jesus on the night before his death. This night!

There’s still another detail I want to share with you.

In Jesus’ time, when the lamb was prepared for the meal, 

in order to roast it, do you know how they did it? 

They took two skewers, made of wood. 

One was speared through the torso, from head to tail. 

The other was speared through both shoulders. A cross.

Tomorrow we will worship the Cross on which our Savior, 

our Lamb of God, was slain. 

Tonight is our Passover. It begins tonight. 

'The Week of Salvation' (Palm Sunday homily)

 Listening to the Gospel we heard--the heart of our Faith --

Makes me fall silent. Maybe you, too.

That’s why we do this every single year.

If you’ve come this far in Lent, 

it may be that you feel you missed the boat.

You can still make Holy Week your Lent.

If you ever said, I wish I knew my Faith better, 

may I suggest that taking time during Holy Week,

to come on Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil?

These days will help you go deeper into our Faith,

because this week is the heart of our Faith.

If you wish you’d gone to confession—it’s not too late. 

There are confessions Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.

To accommodate everyone, we added a Sunrise 7 am Mass 

here at Our Lady of Good Hope just for Easter. 

And, if Masses are crowded, let’s try to have good humor and patience.

We’ll have folks we don’t see very often;

Yes, your favorite seat may be filled.

Our generosity of spirit can only make it more likely 

we’ll see them again.

Also, as the Mother Church for our parish family,

Our Lady of Good Hope is the site of our shared Easter Vigil.

We have a large group of men, women and children 

Who will be baptized and confirmed 

and receive Jesus in the Eucharist the first time.

This is the week of salvation. His week; our week.

It’s about what we did to the Lord; even more, what he did for us.

Why so much death? (5th Sunday of Lent homily)

 

This Gospel provides an opportunity to deal with a question 

that sometimes people ask about us Catholics: 

Why do we talk about death so much?

Why is an image of Jesus dying on the Cross so prominent?

Many say we should focus on the Resurrection.

Sure: but you can’t talk about resurrection without talking about death.

One answer might be: well, death is just part of life.

That’s true, but only to a point.

It ignores something else we Christians believe: 

that God, in the original plan, did not want us to die. 

Let me say that again:

God’s original plan did not include death!

The world we live in – which includes sin and death –

is not the world God wanted for us;

And it isn’t the new world he is preparing for us.

Sin means that our life is a shallow, shadow kind of life. 

Let’s remember that death came into the world 

because of human rebellion against God.

That rebellion, however, doesn’t mean living without God; 

it means replacing the God who actually made us,

with the god of my own will, my own desires, making myself god. 

And that means not a world centered on one God,

but a world of seven or eight billion gods – one for each of us;

and what do you think that world looks like?

That’s a world of greed, injustice, murder and indifference. 

And that kind of so-called “living” – Jesus came to tell us – 

is a shadow experience of life; a kind of “deathly” living.

Whereas Jesus came to give us true life; the fullness of life.

And to have that fullness of life, 

you and I must die to what this world thinks is life. 

This is where God’s mercy is at work.

As you and I get a little older, our eyes aren’t so good, 

our hearing fades, our body doesn’t do all it used to…

this experience has a way of humbling us, and teaching us: 

you really aren’t God, you know that? 

And if we listen, and accept the lesson, we grow wise. 

And we are reminded: this life isn’t my destination; 

I’m on the way to something bigger and better. 

It is in letting go of this world that we gain the world to come.

This might be a good exercise for each of us: 

to look ourselves in the mirror, and ask the question: 

“Who is God?” And then tell ourselves: “Not you.”

Dying to self is the very hardest thing we do: 

we fight it from the first word many of us learn – “No!” – 

to our last breath.

And yet: think of those whose sacrifices gave us our freedoms.

Think of those who, when disaster strikes, run to the fire.

Think of your own parents.

Only when we die to ourselves do we become life-givers.

At this Mass, we are joined by those preparing to be baptized in two weeks.

Baptism is dying with Jesus, so that we can live for him forever.

Dying to shadow-life; rising to eternal life.

They are here to pray, 

but also, to seek our prayers, for the grace of conversion.

God has called them; and their witness reminds us: 

he’s calling you and me too!

Next week is Palm Sunday and then Holy Week:

if the Cross is the most important thing that ever happened, 

then Holy Week recalls the most important week in history.

We’ll have all our normal activities this year!

Make the most of it.

If you need to go to confession, but have been procrastinating, 

there are plenty of opportunities over the next two weeks. 

Do I live for me, for here, for this? Or do I want to live forever?

Who is blind? (4th Sunday Lent homily)

 

Credit: Masterfile

Of all the people in the Gospel who couldn’t see,

only one was healed.

It was he who, without question or delay,

simply went and did as the Lord said.

Everyone else tried to analyze, argue or deny.

That’s not to say we shouldn’t try to understand.

Some questions we ask help us to see;

There are others we ask that aim to delay choosing.

So often, there comes a point when we know:

no more delays—just go!

When I was 19, I left the Catholic Church,

And joined another church. I came back 10 years later.

Over that time, I had questions,

I debated and wrestled—and that was right.

But, there came a moment, and I remember it vividly.

It was during Lent: as I drove home from work one day,

past a Catholic church, I heard the question in my head:

“What holds you back?” And I knew: “Nothing, Lord.”

A day or two later,

I went to confession for the first time in 10 years.

So, how about you? Are you holding back, or delaying,

on something you know the Lord wants you to do?

For a lot of us, that’s how we handle the sacrament of penance;

That is to say, we hem and haw and put it off.

It’s no great mystery why that happens.

Not many of us want to admit our sins,

especially to another human being.

Maybe we get discouraged,

Or we rationalize, I’m doing pretty good.

Just so you know; priests go through the exact same thing.

Again, the blind man could have had all the same feelings.

Did you notice, he didn’t ask to be healed?

Maybe he’d gotten accustomed to his situation or given up hope.

It amuses me to imagine him arguing with Jesus:

“Hey, what’s with this messy mud on my eyes?

Can’t you heal me without that?”

That makes me laugh, 

because sometimes I have conversations like that:

“Do I really have to do it this way?”

Instead, he simply went and did what the Lord asked.

He, and he alone, was healed.

So—for the sacrament of penance—just go!

We have confessions Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 

Thursday, Saturday and Sunday!

Check the bulletin.

As Mass began today, we prayed the words of Isaiah:

“Rejoice…”

But wait, Lent is about self-denial—

what are we rejoicing about?

Well, consider the blind man in the Gospel.

After the Lord put clay over his eyes,

and sent him to the pool:

what might he have been thinking?

I don’t know, but: if he felt certain he would be healed, 

would not his heart have swelled with hope?

Would he not have raced to that pool? 

Well then, the same for us:

Even as we pray, and confront our sins,

and ask God to help us change,

You and I really can be sure

God will forgive and heal us.

Here at this Mass, some among us can’t wait to be baptized.

They’re racing to the pool! In a moment, 

I’m going to invite you to join me in praying for them, 

for God’s help on the rest of their journey.

Meanwhile, the rest of us can—in confession—

Go back again to the pool of Jesus’ healing forgiveness.

And, when we share the Eucharist at Mass,

We are the blind man who can now see.

We come to worship the one who healed us.