Homily: 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

The Gospel this weekend begins with the question that is asked a number of times across the gospels – and one that each of us may have asked in our own spiritual journey: “Lord, will only a few be saved? Or better said – who is going to heaven and who is going to hell?! To which Jesus answers: “Strive to enter through the narrow gate.” In those days the narrow gates were the side doors of the walled city where you could enter. They were less exposed and less visible allowing occupants to come and go inconspicuously.

So, what does the ‘narrow gate’ look like for you and me today? Once we figure that out, how does that begin to tell us who wins the ticket to heaven and who doesn’t? This complicated Gospel sounds more like a message of exclusion rather than inclusion. So, which is it and what does it mean for each of us?  Check it out…

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Homily: Palm Sunday

 

I was blessed to have just returned from spending three weeks with my nineteen-month-old granddaughter, Bloom. During our time together she retaught me one of the core lessons we need to be reminded of this Palm Sunday as we move into Holy Week.  What did she do and what did she teach me?  Check it out…

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Homily: 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time A

“Many are invited, but few are chosen” may be one of the most misinterpreted and misused scripture passages ever written. Used by many to divide and exclude, actually when you understand the context of this parable you will see that it is all about how to include and be open to an invitation that is always present for all people.

Sounds confusing?  It’s not.  See what I mean…

 

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Homily: 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

This weekend we hear the familiar story of the Good Samaritan.  But if you followed the news this past week it would seem the question asked by the lawyer in this week’s Gospel regarding “Who is my neighbor” takes on many meanings. But did you ever notice that Jesus really never answers that question and what he does do is often missed.

So perhaps a recent true story of a plane full of people and their flight crew can open your eyes to a deeper meaning of this Gospel…and point you in the direction of the face of God. 

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For the readings of the day, click here

Homily: 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Catechetical Sunday...Parable of the Vineyard Workers...Alicia Keys and Richard Rohr.  How do they all come together in order to shed light on your salvation and possibly a new found focus on your life?

Well, check it out!

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O Sapienta

 

O Wisdom, O holy Word of God, you govern all creation with your strong, yet tender care. Come and show your people the way to salvation.

 

The O Antiphons begin with God's wisdom in showing us the way to salvation. And it seems that the easiest way to have done this was for God to come to us, incarnate as Jesus the Christ.

 

"And the Word became Flesh and dwelt among us" Jn 1:14

 

Perhaps the reason was that we were overly consumed with asking the wrong question...and still are. Namely: How do I get to heaven? Or in other words: How do I earn salvation?

 

But I think we have it all backwards.

We think we are human, learning to become divine and actually it is just the opposite.

We think eternal life starts when we die, but actually it begins now.

We think of a “Santa Claus God” who is checking the list to see who is naughty and nice in order to determine who is worthy of heaven, yet God loves and accepts all.

We think that salvation can actually be earned! When actually it is all a gift.

 

We need to stop focusing on what we need to do for salvation, what we need to do "to get" to heaven and instead bring heaven to Earth, right now.

"...thy will be done on Earth as it is in heaven"

 

God's dwelling place is right here, right now, among the people. Emmanuel!

 

O come, Thou Wisdom from on high,
Who orderest all things mightily;
To us the path of knowledge show,
And teach us in her ways to go.

 

Rejoice! Rejoice!

Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

 

 

 

Family Trees

It is that time of the year, as the summer wears down, that many have just finished family vacations. It is often during these times that we connect with an eclectic group of family members, some we have not seen in many years. It is normally at that point we wonder what planet in the universe some of them came from! I think that if most of us were to draw a family tree there would be those branches that are a bit scarred or twisted.  We all have those family skeletons in the closets.  Those who have been disowned. Those who live on the fringes.  But they are still family.

But if you think your family tree has some odd branches, did you ever look at the genealogy of Jesus?   Makes yours and mine look not so bad!  If you drill down into the family tree of Jesus you will find it filled with kings and slaves, Jews and Gentiles, and the righteous and sexually immoral.  Slaves?  Gentiles?  Sexually immoral?  And all part of the lineage of our Savior?  You bet.

Why?  Hope.  Gives me hope.  My blood line is not perfect, neither is yours.  Matter of fact I am not perfect and neither are you.  But Christ came to bring salvation of ALL people.  For God's grace and love is greater than any imperfection found in us and our families.  Indeed, our family trees deeply reflect the divine providence God has for all.

And that is truly good news.