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.