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!

Ho-humming Jesus (Sunday homily)

So, this is a pretty striking reaction to Jesus.

He is healing people, casting out demons, 

and teaching people about God, offering forgiveness and offering hope.

“And they took offense at him.”

We know this kid, they said; he grew up here. 

We know his family. Who does he think he is? 

Ho-hum, they said.

Their hardness of heart “prevented” Jesus from performing miracles; 

not because he was literally incapable of doing so – 

he is God, he can do what he likes – 

but rather, because there was no point.

The point of his healings and his teaching are the same: 

to open people up to the supernatural life God offers them.

But they were closed off; his miracles would do them no good.

It is shocking to think of people reacting this way.

But let me ask you: if you could have just 5 or ten minutes with Jesus, 

in which he would do for you what he offered those people,

Would you rearrange your schedule to meet with him?

I think a lot of us are saying, of course I would!

So then I ask you: what do you think happens in the confessional?

I know: a lot of people get discouraged because they go to confession, and they don’t get better.

But maybe the sacrament is keeping you from getting worse – 

did you ever consider that?

Saint Therese the Little Flower made a point on this somewhere:

That the reason we don’t quickly overcome our sins 

is because that would lead us to massive spiritual pride, 

which can send us to hell just as easily.

So it is God’s mercy that we spend our lives wrestling with sin, 

rather than one confession and done.

It really is this simple: what do you think happens in confession?

Do you believe Jesus is there, with all his power and his mercy?

Do you believe that? 

For that matter, do you believe the Holy Mass is a miracle?

Because that is what it is.

Actually, two miracles; two miracles happen in every Mass; 

and we all witness them.

The first miracle is that God brings us to Calvary, 

to the Sacrifice that Jesus offered on the Cross.

The Mass is the Cross; the Mass brings us to the Cross.

When you and I are at Mass, we are right there with Jesus.

The second miracle is the change of bread and wine 

into the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity – 

the true, real Presence of Jesus our Lord.

And, now that I think about it, there are three miracles.

The third one is that you and I, 

in receiving the Eucharist in a state of grace – 

meaning, we are not conscious of a mortal sin 

that we have not yet brought to confession…

I say again, when we receive the Eucharist in a state of grace,

we are united with Jesus. We have union with God.

When I say it aloud, it is astounding; it’s shattering.

I can’t help wondering, 

how in the world do we ho-hum these wonders? 

How does it happen? And yet, we do.

I don’t mean you; I mean me.

I stand at this altar, day by day. 

I give out God’s mercy in the confessional, and I’m glad to do it; 

but I confess to you, I am not overwhelmed enough. 

Not nearly enough.

It wasn’t just the hometown neighbors of Jesus who ho-hummed him; 

And by their “yeah, so what?” attitude, closed the door to miracles.

No; it wasn’t just them.

I don’t want to be those people. Do you? Do you?

“Jesus, I dare to ask: break down the barriers, break my heart open!

Please keep me, please keep these your flock, 

from being numbered among those 

about whom you are ‘amazed at their lack of faith.’

Please, Lord, in your mercy, may these words not be said of us. Amen.”