Homilies

In July of 1776, 57 men who believed in our intrinsic human right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness signed the Declaration of Independence. That has been the American credo ever since. Our very presence here suggests that we have life and liberty, but have we found happiness?

If not, then perhaps we need to first consider what happiness is. Many people associate happiness with pleasure and having what they desire, yet psychologists tell us happiness cannot be purchased. The Oxford Dictionary defines happiness as “deep pleasure in, or contentment with, one’s circumstances.” In other words, the poorest person in our community could be quite happy while the richest person could be very unhappy in spite of his or her wealth. …

4th Sunday of Ordinary TimeRead More »

Once while having lunch with Archbishop Brunett, he picked up the bottle of water on my tray and exclaimed, “Thirty grams of sugar! Wow!” Stunned by his comment, I felt like he was saying, “Shame on you!” He then told me that he had pretty much eliminated sugar from his diet. Now, I could see the value of cutting out candy, cookies, and deserts, but any thing that has sugar, like carrots and potatoes? With skepticism, I asked him if this sugar free diet really worked and he bragged that he had lost 35 pounds.

I am not suggesting that any of us here need to go on such a diet but in today’s gospel, we find Jesus walking through the most unchurched region of ancient Israel, Zebulun and Naphtali, urging those who would listen to consider a diet free of sin. “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” …

3rd Sunday of Ordinary TimeRead More »

In the mountains of northern India, where the temperatures can drop dangerously low, travelers keep warm with a small vessel, wrapped in cloth that contains a burning coal. Three men were traveling toward the sacred cave of Amarnath when one of them saw other travelers suffering from the cold. He took the coal out of his vessel and lit a fire so everyone could get warm. They continued their trip alive.

When it grew dark, the second traveler used the burning coal from his vessel to light a torch so that all in the party could see the path and travel safely. Mocking the other two, the third man said, “You fools! You wasted your fire for the sake of strangers.”

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2nd Sunday of Ordinary TimeRead More »

A group of clergy in a small U.S. town decided to put up a Christmas crib in the town square. They approached various individuals for a donation. On the priest’s list was the editor of the local weekly who favored the idea until the priest remarked, “Many people especially the children will be inspired to see Jesus, Mary and Joseph and the animals right here in the center of town.”

The editor snapped, “Mary must be left out. That would be promoting your denomination.” The priest countered, “Tell you what. You tell me how we can show a birth without a mother and I’ll agree to leave Mary out.” The mother was with her child in the town square. …

Solemnity Of Mary – The Holy Mother Of GodRead More »

Merry Christmas! I’m not one to say “Happy Holidays” or “Season’s Greetings.” Instead of being politically correct, I wish you a merry and blessed Christmas, for this day a savior is born to us whom Isaiah describes as Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Prince of Peace. We gather to celebrate the birth of the eternal Word made flesh.

The right word at the right moment can transform a person, for good or for ill. Hollywood knows well the dramatic value of such moments. So did John. The opening line of his Gospel makes it clear that the divine nature of Christ has existed eternally with the Father. John tells us, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The second person of the Trinity, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, didn’t suddenly come into being when he was born in Bethlehem. He has existed with the Father for all eternity. Yet on this night, God found the right moment to transform the world.

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ChristmasRead More »