True Joy (Sunday homily)

 The keynote of this Sunday, called Gaudete Sunday, is “joy.” 

As you may have noticed, the word “joy” or “rejoice” 

showed up in the readings and the opening prayer.

(And that’s the rationale for rose-colored vestments.)

So, this may seem an odd time to bring this up, but:

Many people feel awkward admitting that

they don’t feel particularly joyful at this time of year.

If you lost someone you love – as we all did, in losing Father Jim! – 

or if you are facing a health crisis, as many of us are, 

or your finances or your family are in chaos,

it can be very hard to feel cheerful or happy, 

no matter how many Bing Crosby or Taylor Swift songs you hear.

That leads to a key point:

Joy is not the same thing as being cheerful, or happy or “up.”

Cheerfulness and being excited and having big smiles are wonderful.

And it’s actually a small but powerful thing you and I can do, each day: 

Smile, say please, and thank you, and be patient.

Don’t get huffy; pray a decade of the Rosary while you wait.

But to make the main point: the Joy we are focusing on today

is not merely an emotion or a mood.

And I’ll give you a powerful example of this that I will never forget.

Many years ago, I was called to the hospital to visit an elderly woman; 

I’d visited her before and now, I pretty much knew, this was the end.

When I entered the room, I was stunned: 

there was probably 15-20 people in that hospital room, 

and that’s not easy to do.

And everyone was praying. “Hail Mary, Hail Mary, Hail Mary…”

Her husband of 60 years was sitting at her side, holding her hand.

Rosemary, in the bed, was leading the prayers!

At a certain point, her voice became a whisper.

Then her husband Don fell silent, and then we all did.

And it became obvious: she was gone from this world.

And right away, Don broke the silence saying,

“I’m heartbroken, but I’m joyful.”

The heartbreak needs no explanation.

But let me explain add some background for Don’s joy.

Don always credited his bride for leading him to Jesus Christ.

Don’s faith was and is uncomplicated but profound.

He’s with us, in another parish, and just celebrated 100 years!

Both he and Rosemary knew – and taught their family –

that with their hearts centered on Jesus, 

closing her eyes to this life meant opening them to Glory!

That is Joy, beyond mere emotion and an up mood.

So…

Some of us are very blessed: things are going really well.

However, some of us are facing pain in our bodies, 

or far worse, in our families and relationships. 

We are grieving, or we are facing a frightening unknown. 

You don’t have to apologize for not being cheerful –

And please, let’s not put anyone on the spot that way, OK?

But you can be joyful.

It’s OK to keep things simple and low-key.

Another reminder: we have confessions every day this week but Friday.

If you are taking part in our “Walk with One” project, 

this is a good week to connect with a family member or friend.

If you want quiet time to pray, 

remember our churches are open each weekday for private prayer.

A great way to be quietly joyful is to do as John the Baptist said:

If you have an extra coat, give it away. Be fair. Be content.

Above all, remember our Creator isn’t far away.

He chose to come not just near us, but to become one of us.

He chose the human path from conception, to birth, to death, 

and to eternal life.

He chose our heartbreak. And that is joy.

What really is our hope? (Sunday homily)

 The keynote of Advent in general is ETERNITY.

The keynote of this Sunday in Advent is HOPE.

One of the things we Christians exist to do – 

and which you and I must often do for each other – 

is to remind each other that we are created 

not just to exist for a short time, but for eternity.

Think about the dreams and ambitions people have. 

So many of them go far beyond the horizon of this life. 

Look at Elon Musk, who is creating electric cars and 

satellite communications and building rockets to go to Mars. 

Or consider the dream that most people have: 

to meet that special someone and build a family. 

If you marry at, say, 25, maybe by 60 you’ll have a few grandchildren; 

but will you live long enough to see their grandchildren? 

One of the most powerful testimonies to our being made for eternity 

comes at funerals. Why are people sad? 

That sorrow only makes sense because we want more; we expect more.

The nature of love is such that we cannot accept any time limit. 

Again: you and I are made for not a limited existence, but for eternity.

So far, so good. But a far bigger question remains: 

What is that Eternity? What will you and I be like?

Very often, TV shows or movies depict that eternity 

as just a continuation of this life. 

If you like golfing here, you’ll spend eternity golfing there. 

I think that’s meant as a joke, but still: is eternity really 

just this world, repeated forever? Is that actually what we want?

This is why God came into the world, becoming one of us.

The whole point of the Incarnation – which fulfills 

all the promises of the Scriptures – was to give us, 

not some vague promise of eternity, 

but rather, something very specific to hope for and to aim for.

Eternity isn’t just more of the same, forever. 

Eternity is being united with Jesus: to be like him, and to be with him, 

and all the other people who he draws to himself.

The prophet Baruch was speaking to the people of Jerusalem 

when they were at a low point. 

They’d been conquered, their lives wrecked, and their hope destroyed; 

and worst of all, they knew they’d come to this sorry state 

because they’d ignored the voice of God.

Baruch tells them: you need not give up! 

God can change us and make us alive with his glory.

One of the worst temptations many of us face is this: 

to think that we really can’t change, that our sinfulness is just built-in, 

and we’re not going to overcome anger or gluttony or sloth or lust. 

These next two weeks there will be lots of extra confession times 

at our three churches. 

The real point of the sacrament of penance 

is not only to take away the guilt of our sins.

That is only worthwhile if we also receive the grace to change.

And that is what the Prophet Baruch, and John the Baptist, 

want you to know: you can change! 

God will take away the reproach of sin and give you glory!

As I said a moment ago, the task each of us has 

is to be living signs of hope to each other. 

Why should we change, why bother? 

Because you and I have not some vague hope, but a very specific one: 

God came to dwell with us, becoming one of us, 

giving his life to the fullest measure, for us: that’s what the Cross is! 

And he came back from the dead to show us eternal life, 

as well as to prove he wasn’t leaving you and me behind.

Do you believe you are eternal? 

Do you believe Jesus wants you with him, in that eternity? 

That is our hope. Live it! 

And, again, extra confessions are available the next two weeks.

It's all about Eternity (Sunday homily)

A lot of people say this season of Advent 

is about preparing for Christmas, but that’s not really on the mark.

Advent is about what is “behind” Christmas.

Advent is about what Christmas is about.

Advent is about Eternity.

Saint Paul tells us “to be blameless in holiness 

before our God and Father 

at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his holy ones.”

The opening prayer said, 

“Grant your faithful…the resolve to run forth 

to meet your Christ with righteous deeds at his coming…”

And clearly, the Gospel is not talking about Christmas Day!

So, why do we have these prayers and readings 

in the weeks before Christmas?

The answer is that both Advent and Christmas are a reminder 

that this world – however solid and permanent it may seem – 

is transitory.

And, even if this billions-year-old earth goes on for billions more years, 

you and I will certainly not.

Eternity is ever-present.

Most of us get behind the wheel and drive here and there. 

Very routine.

I recall a very ordinary trip down I-75 on a rainy day. 

I thought I was being reasonably cautious. 

In an instant, my car was spinning out of control!

By the grace of God, I somehow got my car – doing several 360s – 

across 3 lanes, and it came to rest in some tall grass on the roadside.

No injury; my banged-up car was driveable. 

The one word I repeated over and over 

was not something rude, but “Jesus, Jesus!”

That was a reminder of just how close eternity is.

And that is what Advent is: a reminder of the very same thing.

Eternity is closer than we realize.

As real as all this is around us, 

Eternity, while hidden, is infinitely more real.

Now, that might provoke a question:

If Eternity is so much more real than what we usually call “reality,” 

why is it hidden from view? 

I’ll answer that with a question to parents.

Moms and dads, are there not realities you are happy 

to keep your young children from experiencing, for now?

Do you not seek to keep those realities “hidden”?

Does that mean those realities are not real?

Now: God keeps Eternity hidden from us for a different reason: 

not because it’s a harsh reality, but because when we meet Eternity, 

the time for preparation and conversion has ended.

That time to get ready for Eternity is now. 

It is a mercy that God gives us this time.

Let me reiterate: Advent is not “about” preparing for Christmas.

Rather, Advent and Christmas are both about Eternity.

Which leads me to say this.

Some of us have, over the years, 

implored everyone to save Christmas for Christmas;

but I am, here and now, raising the white flag! 

Instead, I’m proposing something not so difficult and ultimately more important. 

As people around us celebrate Christmas, 

help them realize what Christmas truly means.

Many people want to domesticate Christmas, make it tame.

It’s just a nice story. It’s just about the “good feels.”

It’s about romance, or about being more pleasant than you really are.

That version of Christmas is safe – but it is empty.

You and I have the next few weeks, when it’s all Christmas, Christmas, 

to bear witness: Eternity is real and we will all face it.

There is no reason to die from fright.

Instead, be ready. You and I were made for Eternity.

There’s a TV channel promoting its movie lineup promising, 

“The Best Christmas Ever”!

No: the best Christmas ever will be when Jesus finds us ready.

Maybe you saw the postcard we sent, 

inviting each of us to look around for family or friends 

who could use that reminder.

During this time of remembering Eternity, 

maybe there is someone you want to include?

There’s a live Nativity at Good Hope next weekend: invite someone!

There are opportunities for prayer and reflection, 

and there will be extra confessions scheduled during December. 

Bring someone along!

Helping bring the Kingdom (Sunday homily)

 This feast of Christ the King was established by Pope Pius XI in 1925. 

This was the time in which communism had taken power in Russia 

and was threatening Europe; 

Mussolini and his Fascist party 

had been in power in Italy for several years; 

and two years earlier, 

Hitler had tried the first time to seize power in Germany, 

and had published his manifesto for Nazism. 

The pope knew the times, and knew that the world 

needed to be reminded: Jesus Christ is the only rightful king!

Pope Pius said the following when he declared this feast: 

…manifold evils in the world 

were due to the fact that the majority of men 

had thrust Jesus Christ and his holy law out of their lives; 

that these had no place either in private affairs or in politics: 

and…as long as individuals and states refused to submit 

to the rule of our Savior, there would be no really hopeful prospect 

of a lasting peace among nations. 

Men must look for the peace of Christ in the Kingdom of Christ.

It’s just as true today as nearly 100 years ago.

Communism and fascism may seem remote, 

but there are new “isms” that seek to dominate.

You can lose your job 

if you say that men and women are uniquely made for each other – 

that that reality is the essential meaning of marriage.

There are young women who are losing the ability 

to compete fairly in sports 

because of the anti-science ideology that claims

male and female aren’t matters of science, but personal belief.

So, the task of speaking the truth continues.

The world needs its true King just as much as it ever did.

Someone will say, but we live in a representative republic, 

made up of people of all religious beliefs. 

That’s true. And you and I have the same right 

to propose values and visions for our nation as anyone else.

Remember, in our country, the real rulers 

aren’t the President and Congress, governor and legislators and judges; 

“we the people” are sovereign. 

So, Pope Pius’ words are really directed to you and me. 

And that means that each and every Catholic 

has a grave duty—a grave duty, I repeat—to do the following things:

1) To be well informed as we reasonably can, as citizens.

2) To speak out and use our gifts to persuade.

3) To be registered to vote, and to then to cast our votes at every election.

4) And, when we vote, to cast our votes consistent with Christ’s Law.

Some will say, but look what Jesus said to Pilate: 

“my kingdom is not of this world.” 

Jesus’ kingdom does not originate in this world, 

because it originates in heaven. 

But Jesus clearly came from heaven to bring his Kingdom here.

He calls you and me to be his hands and voices here.

Jesus told us, 

that when we stand before him, on the Last Day, 

he will separate to both sides of him, 

those who showed mercy, and worked for justice, 

and those who neglected to do so.

While the establishment of his universal Kingdom 

depends on more than any one of us, 

each of us has the power to let him be king in our own lives.

Do Jesus reign over my thoughts? 

Or, do I let bigotry and vengeance find place in my mind and heart?

And, if Jesus is king in our hearts, 

how can worry and fear find a place there?

Is Jesus king over our computers and our TVs? 

Or are there places we go online that dishonor him and his creation?

Let me offer some practical things that can help.

Displaying images of Jesus in our homes can help us remember.

And coming regularly to confession 

Helps us put good intentions into action.

To quote Pope Pius a final time: 

“When once [we] recognize, both in private and in public life, 

that Christ is King, society will at last receive 

the great blessings of real liberty, well-ordered discipline, 

peace and harmony.”

Don't be frightened, be ready! (Sunday homily)

 When we hear words like these from Jesus, it can be frightening.

We wonder what he is saying, what this is about.

Is he talking about the end of the world? 

Or is he talking about something else?

This Gospel is actually about many things at once.

But at the center, always, is the Cross.

Think of the two thieves. They were the same.

Neither had any worthiness.

One repented and the other rejected.

And that’s the whole story.

If the thought of the end of this life frightens you,

then come stand at the Cross, with repentance and faith, 

and you’re as right as you can be!

How you and I do that is through the sacraments.

Baptism and confirmation, confession and Holy Communion: 

these bring the power of the Cross into our lives, 

and bring us back to the Cross to have God’s abundant grace.

The rest of Jesus’ words are also pretty straightforward.

He’s saying, no matter what happens, 

even if the stars fall from the skies! Jesus is the Rock.

Of course, people want signs. They read books and listen to podcasts, 

they pay out big money for people to give them the “secrets.”

There’s no need for any of that. All you need are the sacraments. 

Come to him with repentance and faith.

I just told you the “secret.” No charge!

Pope Benedict used to explain that when we talk about Jesus’ coming, 

we might do better to call it the completion of his coming.

Jesus isn’t absent. He’s here!

But his presence now is very polite: he’s hidden and, if you will, quiet.

Jesus speaks, but softly. 

He’s not booming out, silencing every other voice, as is his right as King.

At a certain point, time will end. His coming will be complete. 

And then, all will indeed fall silent before Him.

As a boy, I sometimes dreaded Dad coming home. 

Why? You know why: because I’d behaved badly.

But the good news is, Jesus gives us something my Dad couldn’t give us.

We couldn’t talk to him during the day: cell phones didn’t exist!

And my dad probably wouldn’t have wanted us to call him at work.

But our Father in heaven gives you a cell phone:

It’s called confession.

Don’t dread, don’t worry, don’t fear.

Yes, confession can be intimidating.

I don’t like confessing my sins to another priest!

But then, it’s also embarrassing to go to the dentist, 

and he sees that I haven’t been flossing.

I can guess it’s awkward for spouses to face each other 

when one or both has messed up.

But if there is one truth that is universal, 

it is that all humans need to change. 

Not just those other people: you and I need conversion, too.

Second universal truth: changing other people is a mistake!

Me changing me is hard enough: I can’t possibly change others.

But oh, we try and try.

Maybe because we’d rather avoid the hard work of changing ourselves, 

and instead, blame other people for not letting us change them.

The sharpness of these readings is meant like the teacher 

clapping her hands to silence the class, to listen.

Jesus is saying: this part of the story doesn’t go on forever.

Wake up! Be ready!

And right now, and here, everything we need to be ready is offered.

Don’t be afraid; be repentant. Be ready.

The widow and the 'venture of faith' (Sunday homily)

The Gospel we just heard poses a very simple question, 

but it cuts deep, right to our very core: 

how much are you and I willing to give to Jesus Christ?

It’s not necessarily a matter of money. 

The widow in the Gospel didn’t just give a donation. 

As Jesus said, she gave everything she had to live on. 

She put everything on the line.

How much will you and I put on the line?

Saint John Newman, the great English protestant 

who became Catholic, gave a sermon one time 

in which he posed a similar question. 

He asked, what have we Christians ventured; that is, put at risk? 

He adds: “I really fear…that there is nothing we resolve, nothing we do, 

nothing we do not do…which we should not resolve, and do, and not do, 

and avoid, and choose, and give up, and pursue, 

if Christ had not died, and heaven were not promised us.”

So that’s the question to ask ourselves.

What can you and I point to in our choices, in our lives,

that really is different, because we follow Jesus?

I think of couples who accept greater sacrifice 

in welcoming more children. 

And still others who might earn less money 

because they try to focus more on family.

We hear a lot of criticism and cynicism about people in business.

But surely there are many businesspeople who make decisions 

which the rest of us never know about, that sacrifice profit.

Our young people will certainly face peer pressure and mockery 

when they choose a path of self-denial and integrity.

Let me tell you a secret: you can have a crowd around you, 

with several loud voices taunting you. 

The ones who remain silent? 

They’re watching to see if you have any backbone.

And don’t be surprised if later, very quietly, 

they tell you, you did the right thing. 

Don’t expect them to speak up. But know you made a difference.

So, back to St. John Henry Newman’s question.

What do you and I put at risk for Christ?

What will we lose if Jesus ends up not being who we believe he is?

The widow put it ALL on the line for faith in God.

At this moment, I really think I’m in the way; 

I’m interrupting a conversation 

which is really between each of us, and Jesus himself. 

He’s the one who makes the invitation:

Come, follow me – and Peter and Andrew, James and John 

left their nets; their livelihood; everything they had.

Jesus speaks to you as only he can. 

He has prepared your life and given you your gifts. 

What will you answer?

The frame and the purpose (Sunday homily)

 A few years ago, I recall seeing a neighbor rebuilding his garage.

He’d knocked down the old one and started a new one.

And I noticed how hard he worked to get the frame just right.

Or else it wouldn’t stay standing.

The first commandment our Lord mentions: put God first.

That’s the frame. It keeps the rest of our life upright.

It helps us stand firm when the winds of pressure or desire blow hard.

We’ve all been in situations where someone said, 

we have to compromise.

Our politicians make that excuse 

for cutting corners with the Constitution or with the moral law.

In our personal life, we make compromises.

As a priest, I am frequently tempted to put the work I do first,

and I’ll pray later. 

If a priest can be tempted to do that, how about you?

The second commandment gives us purpose. What are we for?

You and I are here to make a difference in others’ lives.

As each year goes by, I learn a little better

just how self-centered I can be.

Think of a baby. He points to his mouth and says, “feed me!”

She points to her diaper and says, “change me!”

I’m always amused to see how kids think mom is a coatrack.

Somewhere along the line you and I recognize that

God didn’t give us our talents, our time, and treasure, just for us.

We discover the satisfaction of helping others is like nothing else.

Look: we can get cynical and negative. 

The politics right now don’t help.

But here’s a choice you have, whatever else is going on.

You can choose to marinate in all that fretting and fighting.

Or, you can choose to add some joy to another person’s life.

It is as simple as opening a door, 

or letting someone else out of the parking lot first.

If you’re online getting burned up about…all that stuff,

Then put down the phone! Do something else.

Don’t worry: those people online will argue just fine without you!

A funny thing happens when you start 

making little, extra efforts at kindness and calm.

It spreads to other people. 

And in time, it turns into a habit of helping. 

It becomes who we are.

And when you look back on the day, 

the griping and the sourness doesn’t matter as much.

Let me say a couple of things about the election.

Be sure to cast your vote, if you haven’t already.

And I encourage you to keep these commandments, 

both of them, in mind when you do.

When we have the results, a lot of people are going to be unhappy; 

and truth to tell, some of the others are going to think, 

“Good, they should be unhappy!”

Maybe each of us can resolve – 

Now, before you and I know the results – to be gracious?

And no matter who wins, the frame and the purpose remain unchanged.

God is God; not the government, and not whoever is elected.

And the day after the election, 

there will still be people needing a helping hand.

The truth about Hallowe'en & All Saints (homily)

 

Apologies to Harold Ramis, his great cast and fun film

Let’s spell out a few key points about this feast.

First. There is a lot of nonsense spoken about Hallowe’en, 

which is part of this feast. Hallowe’en means the eve, 

or “e’en” of All Hallows, which is just another way of saying, All Saints. 

So maybe you saw someone claim that we Catholics 

dressed up a pagan holiday and turned it into this feast. 

Not true. 

The fact that a pagan holiday was on or around Nov. 1 is meaningless.

If you do more research, 

you’ll discover there were pagan holidays all year long! 

You can’t pick a day that doesn’t have some pagan association.

That’s why, therefore, you see the same claim made 

about Easter, Christmas, Candlemas, Assumption, 

and lots of saints days as well.

So, the pagan holiday associated with Oct. 31? It was in Ireland.

The first celebration of All Saints on November 1? 

That was in Rome, when Pope Gregory III 

dedicated a chapel to All Saints.

Why’d he pick Nov. 1? Maybe because that’s when it was finished?

But no, he wasn’t thinking about pagans in Ireland!

Let’s stop being on the defensive about Hallowe’en and All Saints.

There’s nothing wrong with wholesome fun. 

But the main point was and is the saints.

That is my second point: Halllowe’en and All Saints are about grace.

Grace is God’s own life and love, poured into our lives, 

to make us like God.

All Saints – including the eve, Hallowe’en – 

exists to celebrate God’s success stories.

What would it say about Jesus’ plan to become human, go to the Cross, found the Church on the apostles 

and send them out in the power of the Holy Spirit, 

and 2,000 years later, and there wasn’t much success?

Like, we maybe got one saint a century, we’re up to 20! Woo hoo!

No! We have in the shared memory of our Church, 

the names of tens of thousands of saints. 

We don’t even know for sure, because so much information was lost.

We have stories about many of them,

But for others, we have but a name and the barest details,

Such as Saint Christopher and St. George.

With Saints Valentine and Cecilia, 

we may have multiple saints jumbled together.

But that makes sense: a boy in the 3rd century 

was named for a saint from the second century, 

and the boy becomes a saint too!

Isn’t that why you name a child after a saint?

There are places named for saints because there was a church, 

but now that’s just a pile of stones. No one knows any more about it.

All that is left is the memory, but what a memory!

They remembered God’s grace and that memory lives on.

Of course, there are vastly more saints 

who we will not know about until we, ourselves, 

become saints and join them.

Just a note here about All Souls, which comes on November 2.

That is the day for the “faithful departed,” meaning: 

for those who weren’t necessarily finished products, 

as it were, in this life, but who have certain hope – 

I repeat, certain hope – of victory.

If you didn’t know this before, hear me: 

everyone who enters Purgatory will be a saint. Without exception.

Purgatory is the saint-finishing school, and our prayers help.

Now, a final point, about the way this day of grace is being falsified.

Surely you notice that lots of celebration of Hallowe’en 

isn’t about good, but about evil. 

Not about the saints, but devils and other ominous things.

It’s not about heaven, but about hell.

So much so, that many people avoid Hallowe’en.

And that’s a shame because, again, it’s about Heaven, not hell.

Don’t be fooled. 

Of course, the devil would want to change the subject to himself! 

Every time God fills another human being with light, forever, 

is a scalding defeat for the enemy. He hates it!

God wants friendship and love, the devil wants fear and pain.

I am asking all of us to work together to change the subject back:

Hallowe’en and All Saints are about God’s grace changing us.

There’s nothing wrong with having fun with scary stories,

But just remember, to be a friend of Jesus – to be a saint – 

is to have nothing at all to be afraid of.

Our Patron, John Paul II (Sunday homily)

 This weekend you and I do what we always do: we gather for Mass.

We’ll have about 2,500 people in our eight Masses, 

and we’ll have more who will observe via the Internet.

And yet, there’s something we’re doing for the very first time:

All three parishes together 

are observing the solemnity of St. John Paul II.

Today is a good time to reflect on what it means 

that God gave us Pope John Paul II 

as the patron of our three parishes coming together.

“JPII” had an unparalleled devotion to our Lady;

He must love being a protector of two churches dedicated to her!

St. Henry was a king who preferred peace to war;

John Paul helped peacefully win the Cold War.

What St. John Paul might best be known for is that all his life, 

right until his last breath, was about pointing to Jesus.

There is a phrase he often used, which I’d like to propose 

you and I adopt as our inspiration: “Open wide the doors to Christ!”*

He looked ahead to the 3rd Millenium 

and foresaw reimagining parish life, to reorient familiar things.

That’s what you and I have been doing, and there’s more to do.

So, we pause to consider: 

what do you and I want that reimagined life of our parishes, 

the re-ignited spreading of our Faith to those around us, to look like?

Today, I’m giving you an invitation

to play an essential part in making that new reality happen.

That is the objective of our “Open Wide the Doors” campaign, 

which you may have heard about already, 

and you will hear more about, in the days ahead.

Consider the journey we’ve been on.

We could go all the way back to 1852, 

when Our Lady of Good Hope was founded, under another name; 

or to 1867, the beginning of St. Mary in Franklin; 

or to the beginning of St. Henry in 1960.

Lots of challenges and surprises 

and lots of people full of faith ready for them,

including our recent journey bringing us together.

Thank you for already opening wide your hearts to this journey, 

and to the future that remains hidden;

but which will be far brighter faced with faith and not fear. 

You and I, in turn, owe thanks to all who brought us thus far, 

on whose work you and I will continue to build.

It has always required more than the ministry of our priests, 

the instruction of teachers and catechists 

and the labors of staff and volunteers, all so valuable.

No, you and I got here together; it requires all of us.

So, at this moment, I’m asking everyone to pause and consider:

What will be your part, my part of the story 

as we write this next chapter?

You’ve certainly noticed new faces: mine! 

Also our safety volunteers, and new staff members.

You have read about things we’re organizing in some different ways,

Both to get more value for your dollars and to serve people better.

We’ve opened wide the doors of our three campuses.

More people are enjoying the PAC at St. Henry.

You’ve seen improvements 

at Our Lady of Good Hope and St. Mary, long needed.

These things all cost money.

You may not realize it, but I’ve been meeting quietly with folks 

who have responded generously thus far with about $340,000 pledged 

toward these efforts to make our shared homes more welcoming.

But the financial backbone of our parishes is your weekly offerings.

In the next few days, you’ll receive a letter inviting you to consider: what am I willing to offer to help open even wider the doors 

of all three of our churches and all we can offer?

By “wider,” I mean this:

There are 130,000 people who live in our combined parish boundaries.

A lot of them are fellow Catholics who we haven’t met yet.

There are so many ways you and I can welcome them, 

but our present resources are limited.

As you saw in my report a few weeks ago, 

two of our parishes have a deficit, 

almost all due to the maintenance needs we are catching up on. 

We’re spending more because we’re doing more.

You and I can balance our budgets tomorrow by simply deciding:

we won’t be ambitious. We will stand pat.

But that’s not Opening Wide the Doors; that’s shutting them!

And our parishes will not thrive if you and I don’t step out in faith.

When you receive the mailing I mentioned, 

please consider how you can help our parishes take these steps.

There will be a commitment card 

and I ask you to pray about what you will do, 

and bring your commitment to church next weekend. 

And just to make clear: when you check that commitment card, 

you decide what to offer and how it will be used. 

One of our goals is to give you maximum flexibility

in being able to direct your donations where you want them;

and to enable you to contribute safely online or with an envelope.

We can’t do any of this without you!

St. John Paul II had another phrase he was famous for,

Which was, of course, Jesus’ own words:

“Be not afraid”!

Together, you and I can offer ourselves 

and the treasures of our parishes, our shared home, 

to welcoming more, to help others share our faith, 

and as a result, we build the St. John Paul II Family.

It’s in our own hands. Be not afraid!

* After the first Mass, I was reminded by a reading in the breviary that Pope St. John Paul II said these words in his first homily as pope.

The gold of heaven (Sunday homily)

 This meeting between Jesus and the rich young man 

reminds us that there is only one form of wealth 

that we can take with us after we die.

It is not money; we will leave it all behind. 

The only wealth you and I can take with us is other people.

That’s why the most beautiful work any person can accomplish 

is to be a parent, to bring new life into the world. 

We do this both in the natural sense, and in the spiritual sense.

Notice Jesus talks about those who give up family and children 

will “receive a hundred times more.” 

If I had raised a family, it would not have been easy 

to match my parents’ achievement of seven children.

But as a priest, I have baptized hundreds of babies, 

And witnessed hundreds of weddings.

I’ve heard thousands of confessions.

With our Parish School of Religion and Bishop Leibold School, 

we have over 600 children we share our faith with each week.

Parents, you know how beautiful it is to cooperate with God 

and bring new life into the world;

and you grasp better than any others the even more urgent task 

of bringing them into the next world, into God’s Kingdom.

This you promised when you brought them to be baptized.

Recall that we name the family “the domestic church.”

And this a good time to remember that the family – 

not the parish and our many activities, not our school, but the family – is where the faith is first nurtured and best nurtured.

 

As much as we need priests and deacon and vowed religious – 

and you can make such a difference saying yes to that call! –

it is the task of every single Christian 

to beget spiritual life in ourselves and others.

As in family life, this goes beyond what we learn and know;

it is fundamentally about the witness of daily perseverance.

And, to state the obvious: you and I can’t give what we don’t have.

True for money; true for faith. 

People around us, our kids, our coworkers, see what our priority is.

As they see you and me put Jesus at the center, that’s how we do it. 

And anyone can do that, any age or situation. 

Everyone can do this!

By the way: people say, what will revive our parishes?

What’s the secret? This is it!

Jesus at the center, in our lives; people will see it.

And over time, they’ll decide you’re for real, and they’ll respond.

The book of Revelation says the heavenly Jerusalem is a city of gold.

But what is gold to God is not a rock in the ground, but people!

God can have all the gold and diamonds he wants, just by wishing it. 

But God the Son came to earth, 

and shed his blood, for people. He thirsts for souls.

You and I are the treasure God values above all. 

This is one reason you and I as Catholics push back 

on the claim that there are “too many people.” 

God never says that. 

We human beings, who sometimes mismanage 

the resources of this abundant world, are the ones who say that.

Human beings, the image of God, are his greatest treasure.

So, I’d say to our children, in your day-to-day experience at school, 

it is pretty common for students to treat each other badly.

When I was a boy, there were some who bullied me.

And there were times I joined in insults, 

or remained silent when I ought to have spoken up.

Don’t wait to be a friend and to be bold standing up for what is right.

The ability to make a difference in someone’s life starts early.

Saturday I got together with a friend I’ve known since Kindergarten!

We’ve been a good influence on each other. I hope I see him in heaven!

Think about that.

You and I are hoping to make it to the Kingdom.

Think about what it will be like to get there, and look around,

and see all the people you helped get there, or who helped you.

That is the only way to be truly rich.

Be part of the flood (St. Henry Dedication homily)

 Today we celebrate a special occasion just for St. Henry. 

That’s why the readings and the Mass prayers were different.

We recall when this church was consecrated 

by Archbishop Daniel Pilarczyk on October 3, 1982.

Here we are, 40 years later. 

And this is a glass-half-full-or-half-empty kind of situation.

The constant of our times is constant change. 

You and I experience it in this parish – 

but that reflects the larger society.

That said, I bet many of wish we could find, here, 

a refuge from that constant froth.

May I point out that when this church was built, 

it was a deliberate expression of change?

This design departs notably from the old, familiar style.

Maybe you like that, or you don’t, but it wasn’t an accident.

The hope was to express openness.

And the point I’m making is that a certain amount of flux 

was baked into this parish’s DNA right from the beginning.

And I think that “openness” this church building tries to model 

is at work in this community.

If you drive past St. Henry, early, mid-day or evening, 

have you noticed? There’s always some cars, always some activity.

Our fields and our Parish Activity Center are busy!

In the midst of the change with our three parishes becoming one,

That activity level is increasing. That’s openness in action.

Every week I sign paperwork approving expenditures 

and big numbers make my eyes pop: one was $21,000!

Then I saw what it was: it was your gifts to St. Vincent de Paul.

That’s openness.

Thank you for that openness.

It is disorienting and tiring to experience change;

At the same time, your openness is a healthy thing.

The task ahead for all Catholics in our country – 

not just this parish –

is to rethink and reorient how open we are, 

how engaging we are, in sharing our faith.

For the longest time, we Catholics were so low-key about that.

This is a culture shift and it won’t be easy.

Forgive me for reminding you: when you and I met two years ago, 

and I listened to the questions and observations of our parishioners,

a frequent yearning was to revive the practice of our Faith, 

to bring people back in these doors, and to bring new people, if we can.

If we’re going to do anything with that desire, we can’t sit still.

I agree with those who’d like a little rest from change!

But we don’t want to get stiff and stuck.

This church was designed to challenge us to action. 

Surely you noticed, the light comes in and changes through the day.

We need a refuge, but we don’t want to close ourselves off.

Indeed, you and I must be willing to be that water that flows out, 

as we heard described in the first reading. 

If you noticed, it starts as a trickle – 

that’s a symbol of each of us individually; 

but all those trickles become a flood, giving life.

That flood happens as each of us shares our hope with others.

Invites others to pray in this church, 

to join our men’s and women’s retreats, 

to help assemble blessings in a bag 

or to walk with women facing challenging pregnancies.

Our Bishop Leibold School, which is growing 

and continues to win awards, is another channel of this life.

Let me be candid: there are some who are more salty than fresh water!

There’s always something to find wrong if you look.

And that’s OK, because finding leads to fixing. 

Keep me in the loop.

But I don’t buy that there’s not a great deal more 

good to celebrate and life to share. 

Be part of that flood!

What Detachment is and how to gain it (Sunday homily)

 This homily is going to be all about one concept, one virtue.

That is something called “detachment.”

What do I mean by “detachment”?

I mean that freedom that comes from 

not being overly concerned with stuff, 

or with pleasure, or food, or success, 

or with the opinions of other people, or with having our own way.

Or with the way the world goes on around us.

In the second reading, St. James tells us: 

you have conflict because of your passions, because of greed and envy.

You want things too much, or in the wrong way.

Detachment is learning to dial down those passions and wants.

Detachment doesn’t mean we don’t care or that we are passive.

It means accepting our limits and finding peace.

In the Gospel, Jesus confronts the Apostles 

over their longing for importance, for being admired and respected.

He puts a child in front of them and says, 

learn how to slow down and pay attention to a child. 

That takes great patience and a certain lowliness.

Detachment means freedom. What you own, owns you.

What do we say when someone is married, has a family, 

and builds a business? That she is “tied down.” 

Detachment is being free of these things.

That freedom means the ability to say “yes” 

where otherwise the answer would be “no.”

“Yes” to others; “yes” to opportunities for ourselves. “Yes” to God.

This is a reason why young people are more likely 

to drop everything and go off on adventures and missions.

So much less to lose. They aren’t tied down yet.

Have you never gotten that faraway look, longing to be young at heart, 

Wishing you could have that carefree mindset once more?

So, how do we gain this virtue of detachment?

Well, there are several ways it happens.

One path is that of suffering. Pain. Crisis. Loss.

Many of us have been there: 

nothing can so narrow our sense of what truly matters, 

as when we are in trouble, or someone we love is.

Another path is that of voluntary self-denial and penance.

You and I do this for six weeks of Lent. 

That’s the reason we give up things like 

candy and beer and video games. 

So that we don’t love them too much.

But this isn’t just for Lent.

Every Friday is supposed to be a day of penance. 

For Christians, penance is a feature of everyday life.

That’s what our parents meant by “offer it up.”

And, parents, I know you live this, 

when you rarely get a hot meal or a full night’s sleep. 

Underneath all this is something else, and that is grace.

Grace is the help God gives us – in uncountable, constant ways – 

to help us grow in holiness, to help us become like him.

To become a saint, which is what God has planned for each of us.

Bishop Binzer told me something once I never forgot, 

and I have found to be good advice:

Be grateful for those people who cause you problems, 

because they are helping you get to heaven.

You and I never really know why the path for us is what it is,

but by God’s grace, you and I find grace on that path.

That grace helps us become free, 

so we can enjoy – but not be possessed by – 

the good things of this life.

That frees our hands to reach for that one Prize that matters:

Jesus Christ and the life he offers.

You don't want a Christ without the Cross

In the Gospel, Peter is offended 

by the idea of the Messiah going to the cross. 

But then, isn’t what Peter says just what we might say?

If someone says to us, “I’ve got a terrible path ahead of me,”

wouldn’t we say, “God forbid! No such thing shall ever happen to you”?

And yet Jesus whips around and says, 

“Get behind me, Satan!” 

He’s not rejecting Peter; but he is warning him 

of how misled, and ultimately fruitless, his thinking is. 

And notice, Jesus doesn’t say get away from me, 

but rather, “get behind me”—

he still wanted Peter with him, but not as a roadblock.

How does this apply to us?

Well, I think about how some people respond when someone says, 

“I am thinking about being a priest,” or entering religious life.”

And parents and grandparents will say, oh no, that will be too hard; 

you’ll be lonely, you won’t make much money. 

They try to talk their children out of it, too much of the cross.

I have known great joy as a priest.

But if anyone wants an easy path, don’t be a priest;

we do NOT need any priests who want an easy path. Not even one.

To be a priest is to unite yourself with Jesus the High Priest, 

and his priesthood is the Cross.

The joy I have as a priest is seeing how life is born from the Cross.

I get to see that in people’s lives every single day.

Next Jesus then goes on to say – to everyone –

Whoever comes after me must take up his cross and follow me. 

“Whoever”! That’s every single one of us.

Parents, I want you to know what our school 

and our religious education and youth programs

are telling our boys and girls:

To be a Christian man or woman 

isn’t to run away from the Cross, but to face it. 

That’s where virtue happens. That’s how we become saints.

This is a good time to talk about a part of our Faith 

that is most misunderstood, and most widely disregarded, 

and yet I think it will prove, in years to come, 

to be the most prophetic. 

I mean our teaching – 

which goes back to the beginning of Christianity, by the way – 

That marital love always being open to life,

Which is what Natural Family Planning safeguards.

Of course being a parent is a sacrifice. 

So many of you bear witness to this every day;

and I will always remember the sacrifices my parents made, 

which I had to reach adulthood to understand fully. 

But to me, that only proves the truth of this teaching.

Notice, it puts the cross right at the center of marriage. 

How can a home and a family be Christian, 

without the Cross right at the center? 

Let’s go back to Jesus’ words: 

You and I can’t be his disciple without the Cross.

As much as each of us might like such a plan, it simply won’t work.

Bishop Fulton Sheen once explained powerfully 

what happens when you separate the Christ and the Cross.

If you try to have Christ without the Cross, 

you end up with cheap sentimentality. 

This is the Jesus so many say they admire – “oh, isn’t he nice!”

But why would you give your life for Hallmark Card pieties?

Then Sheen talked about the alternative: a cross without Jesus.

In his time, Bishop Sheen cited communism, 

But it could be any number of “isms” and movements

that invite people to discipline, self-denial 

and dedication to something greater than oneself. 

In our comfort-rich but meaning-impoverished culture, 

this is attractive.

The trouble, as Sheen said, 

is that the Cross without Christ is authoritarian and cruel; 

conversion without love and forgiveness only means conformity. 

There is death but no resurrection.

Wednesday the anniversary of 9-11,

When followers of a Cross-without-Christ 

flew those planes into the Towers,  

Demanding that the world be purified.

A Christ-without-the-Cross looks on in horror, but does nothing. 

But those who ran into the fire showed us: 

no one has greater love than this: to lay down ones life for another.

There are lots of reasons to recoil from the Cross as Peter did.

But there is no other way to true life.

Why rules? (Sunday homily)

Let’s talk about rules – because the readings talk about rules.

A lot of people think that being a Catholic is all about rules.

That’s a knock on us from outside. 

It’s what some Catholics themselves say when they complain.

People fault parish priests and the bishops for “too many rules.”

But here’s something that may surprise you.

That’s not actually what I or most parish priests 

or bishops are leading with.

People frequently will say, “Is such-and-such a sin?”

When I answer, I always try to explain the issue, 

so that people can know better how to answer the question themselves.

And it strikes me how often people don’t have patience for that.

Remember, this is why God gave each of us a conscience; 

and for each of us, our job is to inform our conscience 

by learning our faith — that goes beyond “just the rules.”

So, let me give you an example, and offer some guidance to help you:

People often ask, “I don’t know whether something is a mortal sin.”

Here’s how you know the answer to that.

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 1857, 

For a sin to be mortal, three conditions must together be met. 

The object must be “grave matter,” and the sin is also committed 

with full knowledge and deliberate consent."

Notice those three terms. Let’s examine them.

“Grave matter.” Grave means serious, or great; 

that is, the damage the sin causes is serious or great damage.

So: stealing a pad of paper from work may not do grave harm; 

stealing a computer probably does. 

And, just to be super-clear: stealing anything at all is wrong. 

A venial sin is still a sin that damages our love for God and others.

“Full knowledge” means you know clearly that what you did is wrong, 

and how wrong it is. 

So, if you say, “I don’t know if X is a sin” there it is: 

a lack of full knowledge. And that calls for someone to learn more.

And then consent must be “deliberate,” meaning, not impulsive, 

and not under pressure or when you’re at a real low point.

I’m explaining this because what’s important is not just following rules, 

but knowing why we have rules.

Everyone gets to a point — probably every week – 

where we complain about a rule. Rules may not always be fair.

I am absolutely certain I could write better tax laws!

But then, everyone here has the same certainty, right?

My family and your family, every family, has rules – because we have to.

Same for a parish; same for a company; same for a community.

So, we can form some conclusions: rules, like it or not, are needed.

But rules are never for their own sake.

The late Father Mike Seger taught us in the seminary, 

and he said something simple and profound:

“Rules exist to protect values.”

If you can’t figure out why there is a rule, ask:

What value is this rule protecting?

Maybe – as our Lord makes clear in the Gospel –

The rule isn’t working anymore, and we change it.

Or, maybe we rediscover the value that we’ve lost sight of.

Jesus is challenging not just the pharisees, but every one of us:

Are you and I just checking boxes?

“I showed up on time.” “I filled out the right paperwork.” 

“I got right to the line but didn’t cross it.”

I’m sure we’ve all played a game before: 

softball or basketball or a card game like Euchre. 

And all games have rules.

But the rules aren’t the point. The rules make the game possible.

The game itself is the point.

So with our faith…what is the point? Have we forgotten?

To know God and to allow him to bring us into union with him.

The point is to let his grace fill us and change us: 

not just for a good show on the surface, but all the way through.

If it’s only following rules, that means we’ll end up being good robots.

Is that what you want to be for eternity?

But if the point is to become holy, to become truly loving 

and truly generous and truly just and truly merciful,

Then that means for us, heaven is simply being happy 

being the saints God has made us. 

Which sounds better: being a robot, or being happy?

Why we Catholics do what we do with Holy Communion (Sunday homily)

 In the first reading, Wisdom says, come to a meal. 

For a lot of us, meals are eaten on the run, in the car, or at your desk. 

I’m guilty of that!  

Yet that’s not Wisdom’s meal. 

She is saying, set aside real time to focus on both the food and the company. 

Make the most of it. 

Just on the level of a meal, this can be a powerful experience, 

to give real attention both to preparing a meal with love 

and sharing it with others, 

where we focus not just on the food, but the company. 

And that is a prism for the whole of life.

Is the point of the Rosary to rush through as fast as possible? 

Or to be aware of your company: 

Being with Mary and the saints turning our gaze to Jesus, 

And being aware of our fellow pilgrims beside us in the pews?

Now let’s focus on Jesus’ words in the Gospel. 

He is True Wisdom, inviting you and me to the greatest of all meals. 

“The Bread I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.”

These are shocking words, and if you’re not shocked, 

I must ask: were you listening? “The Bread I will give is my flesh…”

People were listening that day, and they were shocked. 

Notice Jesus didn’t back down, he doubled down. 

Over and over, he says, “eat my flesh” and “drink my blood.” 

So, this is not a mere symbol, not a metaphor. 

This, right here, sets us Catholics apart from many other Christians. 

I do not say that to be superior or insulting – 

and I am aware there are those with us who aren’t Catholic, 

who are, in their own way, sorting out their beliefs. 

But it is actually disrespectful to minimize or wave away real differences.

There’s more we could explore here, if there were time, 

but for now, let’s just acknowledge the reality.

If people ask us why we Catholics take this so seriously, 

we can do no better than to point to this Gospel passage. 

You and I are remaining faithful 

to how Catholics have heard these words since the very beginning. 

One of the first to call us “Catholic” was the bishop Ignatius, 

about 70 years after the Last Supper. 

He spoke about the Eucharist as we do, today.

And more examples could be cited.

And it’s all connected to questions like, is the Mass a true sacrifice? Yes. 

Does there continue to be a true priesthood? Yes. 

And do we believe it is important to maintain continuity with those before us? Again, yes.

Still, we can get a panicky, not knowing how to explain 

our Catholic practice of only Catholics – in a state of grace – 

receiving the Eucharist.

If asked, you might answer that we believe receiving the Eucharist 

is not just one familiar rituals. 

Anyone can receive ashes or bless themselves with holy water.

But for Catholics, the Eucharist is the supreme moment of focus on Jesus himself. 

Since Jesus tells us the Eucharist 

is his whole self, Body and Blood, given for us and to us, 

it is necessary that you and I come prepared to give our whole selves to him.

Remember Lady Wisdom inviting us: take time to give yourselves wholly.

So: there needs to be a holistic act of faith on our part,

giving ourselves wholly to the whole Body of Christ;

Not just what the priest or distributor is holding up,

But the whole mystical Body of Christ – that is, the Church.

This is what it means to become Catholic. 

When people become Catholic a little later in life, this is clearer: 

they take time to understand the implications, to prepare, 

and then in a solemn way, they commit themselves publicly. 

Then: their first Holy Communion.

For those of us who were baptized as babies, 

it was our parents who had to make a solemn commitment, 

which they did on the day of our baptism. 

Then, as we mature, we grow into our own solemn commitment. 

What I’m describing is the origin of Lent: 

either for those entering the church to fast and prepare and convert; 

or for the already baptized to fast and renew our conversion. 

Then comes Easter when some are baptized and the rest of us renew our baptism. 

And this is relived each Sunday at Mass. 

Notice we recite the Creed each Sunday: a solemn profession!

If no one ever told you that all this is serious, solemn stuff, 

then I’m telling you now. Don’t just toddle along. Ask yourself: do I believe this?

And for those around us who want to receive the Eucharist,

The right answer is, “Yes, we want that too! But let us help you prepare. 

This is worth a lot more than a moment’s reflection, don’t you think?

'What happens in St. Mary Church...' (Sunday homily)

 Today we have a feast day special for just this church. 

That’s why the readings are different today, 

and apologies to anyone who expected something different.

Today we recall when this church was consecrated by Archbishop Schnurr.

The bishops consider such an occasion so important 

that it can be celebrated on a nearby Sunday, so that’s what we do; 

it was actually August 14, 2016, 

when this structure changed from merely a building into the House of God.

And that right there is what we celebrate:

God dwelling among his people.

And that makes this church, and every church so consecrated, holy ground.

A bit of heaven on earth.

You may think I’m speaking figuratively or using a metaphor, 

but I am speaking very literally. I mean my words with full force.

You and I live in a secular age, in which increasingly, 

people speak of God as if he is just a figure of speech.

And if he actually exists, we really can’t say anything definite about God.

God becomes kind of an ink-blot test, remember those?

Someone shows you an ink-blot 

and you say, “Oh, I see a bird” or “I see a tree.”

The funny thing is, humanity was supposed to be so much better off 

when science and reason prevailed, 

and any claims about faith and the supernatural 

were segregated off to be purely personal.

But that doesn’t seem to be working out.

Like it or not, some part of us seems to be oriented toward mystery, 

toward the transcendent, toward – dare I say – the spiritual?

And so, if you look around, you may notice more and more people who,

in declaring themselves not to be interested in religion, 

End up embracing a world-view that is not more rational, but less, 

grounded not in science but subjectivity?

How else to explain those who insist emotional experience 

is more real than objective biological facts – 

which is what the “transgender” issue boils down to?

So, let me return to what I said a moment ago.

This church is a bit of heaven on earth. God is here with us.

This is no more than an extension of the words we recite in the Creed:

“For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven,

and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man.”

This – God becoming what we are and becoming knowable by us – 

is the only remedy for our friends, neighbors, or any of us 

to avoid being lost in the abyss of our own subjectivity.

Of course, this feast day is not only about a sacred building.

It is about the consecrated people who are changed by what happens here.

That takes the matter to the next level:

This building’s holiness is demonstrated by our holiness.

People will believe God is here by what they see in you and me.

There’s a TV ad that says, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.”

That statement has many problems we can talk about another time, but: 

This cannot be true about this place. 

What happens in St. Mary’s church, if it’s real, 

cannot and will not stay in this church!

Through baptism, through confession, through prayer together, 

through the Holy Mass, through mourning and rejoicing together, 

The Holy Spirit is working to shape each of us into the likeness of Jesus.

What happens here pushes out from here:

In a readiness to forgive and seek peace amidst strife;

In a calm steadiness amidst the uncertainties of the world around us;

In an unrelenting generosity to those most in need.

As the hymn says, “They will know we are Christians by our love”;

And they’ll know God dwells here by meeting us.

'Food that endures' (Sunday homily)

 Last Sunday, the key idea was “signs” – 

that is, which point us toward Jesus Christ, who is the destination.

This Sunday, we hear the Lord Jesus say:

“Do not work for food that perishes

but for the food that endures for eternal life.”

So I wondered: how do these two types of food compare?

Let’s start with “food that perishes” – that is, natural, ordinary food.

This food you and I can grow or raise ourselves, or we buy. 

Although food is much easier to get than in Bible times,

It still costs real money and takes real work.

If we don’t eat it, we will die.

If we eat the wrong kind, we will get sick.

If you or I eat too much, we get fat.

But even if we eat the right food, in the right amount, 

You and I will still die, because this natural life cannot go on forever.

Such is the “food that perishes.”

Now, what about the enduring food Jesus offers us?

You and I cannot produce it; we cannot prepare it. It is simply given.

What does it cost? I was going to say it’s free, and that’s true.

Yet in another sense, no food is more costly,

because what we “pay” to receive Jesus is, simply, our whole selves. 

He gives himself entirely, and he demands the very same from us.

Our entire selves: let that sink in.

Many wonder why the Christian Faith is facing troubles in our time.

So many profess to be Christian, but don’t really live it. 

Many live compartmentalized lives: one part of me prays, 

one part of me believes, but another part of me cheats on my taxes,

or mistreats my spouse, or goes to dark places on the Internet, 

or depends on alcohol to make me happy,

or is envious or controlling, and so on and so on.

Meanwhile there are so many who simply ignore the claims of Christ.

They don’t think they are rejecting him; but he’s a figure on a cross, 

a picture on the wall, and maybe he gets a visit one or two times a year.

Why is this happening?

It is true that bad Christians – high or low – give scandal.

Nevertheless, the main reason people 

do not continue with their Christian Faith, or do not accept it,

is because Jesus simply asks too much.

We might be willing to give him a part of us; but he demands ALL.

And so, by the way, this is why when we commit a mortal sin, 

we must be reconciled – through confession – 

before receiving the Eucharist. 

Jesus is not content to have only part of us; he wants all!

So, yes, the “food that endures” is indeed costly.

What else about the food Jesus gives?

While natural food can only communicate natural life,

The food of Jesus provides supernatural life that never ends. 

But without Jesus, you and I will be eternally hungry and empty, 

and that is hell.

These are the two foods placed before us.

And Jesus says, you’re working hard for ordinary food; I understand.

Still, receive this Food; “work” for this Food I will give;

And the “work” we do for it, is to put our faith in Jesus; 

as I said, to give him our entire selves, nothing held back.

The bread and wine, used for Mass, is “food that perishes.”

It is ordinary.

In a few moments, before our eyes, 

through the unworthy hands of this sinful priest,   

Jesus himself will change these ephemeral, earth-bound elements, 

into that Food which he promised to give: 

His very self, his Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity.

Now, do you see something else? 

This food, this perishable food, this is us!

You and I, like the bread and wine, 

do not have supernatural life in ourselves; 

and if God had not acted and entered time to share it, 

we would spend eternity without supernatural life!

What Jesus does to the bread and wine on the altar, 

He is determined to do to you and me!

This is what it means to receive the Eucharist;

As Saint Augustine said, we become what we receive.

I’m going to end with two questions.

Don’t answer too quickly. 

Look deep in your own heart, confront yourself, 

and tell yourself the answer. 

Think hard about whether you truly mean it. 

Do you believe this change – from bread and wine, 

into Jesus’ Body and Blood, his true and real Presence – 

actually happens on this altar?

And do you believe that what Jesus does to bread and wine, 

He can and he will – AND WILL! – do to you?

Jesus is the Food that Endures: Become what you receive!

What kind of sign? (Sunday homily)

 A few years ago, I made a trip to Germany;

I rented a car to get around. 

Even without speaking much German, 

I could figure out the speed limits and what exits to take. 

In other words, the signs did their job.

Today’s Scriptures talk about signs.

Elisha performs a sign, which points to what Jesus himself did later.

And in the second reading, 

Saint Paul tells the Ephesians, in effect, 

they are a sign by how they live their lives.

For the next five Sundays we will hear Jesus himself teach us

about the Eucharist, from Chapter six of the Gospel of John. 

That decision by the Church, to give so many Sundays to this, 

is also a sign: of how very important the Holy Eucharist is.

Now, speaking of highway signs.

The way they work is, they point you to the next major city, 

and then when you reach that, 

the signs refer to the next place, and so forth.

So, with I-75: when you get on, it’ll say, north to Toledo, 

or south to Cincinnati.

Not until you get beyond Cincinnati does it say “Lexington,” 

And so forth, all the way to Florida. 

That’s how God leads us through life. 

You and I move forward in stages,

and before you know it, we’re home.

When you and I talk about the sacraments,

They are more than merely signs.

A traffic sign doesn’t have any power in itself,

but the sacraments do: 

the power of God is at work through them.

And when we speak of the Most Holy Eucharist, 

Jesus’ Body and Blood, his true, full self,

What you and I are dealing with is now, 

not so much a waypoint, as our “destination.”

As you and I follow the path given us, 

responding to our hunger for Jesus, who is somewhat hidden,

stage by stage, we pass beyond the surface, beyond the ordinary;

and when we have that awareness that he’s real,

the Eucharist is Jesus himself! 

He draws us all the way to full union, and to heaven.

But now comes the challenge.

We’re not just given signs. You and I are signs.

We can either be good signs that point the right way,

or bad signs, that people disregard.

We’ve all had the conversation where someone

points to a bad priest or bishop,

Or a phony politician, or some other Catholic who is a bad witness,

And they say, “that’s why I won’t be a Catholic.”

There’s the bad sign!

What do we do? Give them another sign to look at.

A convincing sign. A sign that is bright with the Holy Spirit.

That sign is you.

See? This is what we’re talking about when we say,

our St. John Paul II family must become about evangelizing and welcoming.

This is it: you and I becoming that credible, attractive sign, 

pointing to Jesus.

Let me give you two ways to become that kind of sign.

The first way is to be a penitent. 

People aren’t drawn by who are boastful, 

who claim to have it all figured out. 

That’s not what you and I need to be.

Our family, friends and neighbors can identify with us 

when we admit our failings and demonstrate we are trying 

to become the best version of ourselves.

In short: go to confession! Make a habit of confession.

How powerful a sign it would it be if OLGH, SM and SH 

became crowded with people seeking confession and conversion?

How much will that help each of us 

to be convincing witnesses for Christ?

The second way you and I can be a powerful sign is by our reverence, 

at Holy Mass and specifically, in receiving Holy Communion.

Now, so many are doing that.

Your love for the Eucharist is a powerful sign to me!

That said, now is a good time to reflect and ask ourselves,

Does how each of us approaches Holy Mass, and the Eucharist,

Fully reflect what we believe.

So often people feel rushed; our mind is on the rest of the day.

We can treat what is special as too ordinary.

All of us, including me.

What can help is to pause, before Mass starts, and during Mass,

To remind yourself: I am in the presence of the God who made me,

And more than that, became human to die on the Cross for me.

God is giving himself to me.

And this is why it’s so important to have moments of actual silence – 

without talking or music – before and during Mass.

Also, remember that when we come to receive the Eucharist,

The bishops ask that everyone show some sign of reverence.

Some kneel. Others genuflect. 

Others bow or make the sign of the cross.

The idea is slow down and notice: my God, given to me!

Jesus forms us into his Body on Earth, the Church 

to be signs pointing to him.

You decide how powerful a sign you will be.

Planting seeds of faith with St. Henry (Sunday homily)

This weekend we celebrate the patron of this church, Saint Henry. 

Saint Henry’s feast day falls on July 13 each year; 

for a parish or church named for a saint, that day is a solemnity 

and the bishops allow the feast to be celebrated 

on the nearest Sunday – so that’s what we’re doing this weekend.

The point is that a parish should know its patron saint.

We were entrusted to his care; Saint Henry prays for us in heaven!

Before I go any further, let me share some news.

1) You might enjoy knowing that Joseph Allaire, 

one of our seminarians 

and a son of Our Lady of Good Hope parish, 

made a trip to Germany this summer, 

and visited the grave of St. Henry and his wife, St. Cunegunda. 

2) You can see some improvements on our campus, 

and I hope you like having some repaired curbs and fresh asphalt. 

3) Meanwhile, we are installing a new floor in the PAC 

and added some fresh paint. 

With a renewed Parish Activity Center, 

you and I can fill it with activity again, for all ages, 

from prayer and meetings to social activities and sports.

There are generous people who are helping make these improvements possible 

this summer and if you want to help, let me know. 

Now let me share a bit about Henry. 

He was born in AD 973 and died in 1024, a thousand years ago.

He was part of an important family. 

His father had been Duke of Bavaria.

But then his father fell into disfavor with the King, 

and dad was deposed from his office.

Later, the political winds changed again, and Henry and his family 

were back in their position of power and prestige.

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. 

Perhaps St. Wolfgang helped Henry learn from his family’s trials 

to focus on Christ’s kingdom, instead of his own, uncertain one?

Some people have great conversion moments; perhaps Henry did too.

Others are set on a path of prayer early on – this was Henry’s story. 

He was taught the importance of giving Jesus time every day.

Sometimes the most life-changing decisions are the simplest.

And we might notice that not many politicians become saints!

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

This is what we do in our parish family in so many ways.

With Bishop Leibold School, with religious education and preparation for sacraments, 

with retreats and other activities for adults,

With our many opportunities to feed the hungry and help the troubled, All this plants seeds. 

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.

Henry’s family complained to him that he was squandering his fortune; 

not on palaces and politics, but on the poor.

As king, Henry commanded armies and faced wars; 

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

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;

- Make our churches and all our facilities welcoming, 

which is some of what you’re seeing happen this summer;

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

they will sprout, even if takes a thousand years!