Homilies

Over the past several weeks, we have been journeying with Jesus and his disciples from Galilee to Jerusalem.  During this time with Jesus, the disciples seem to have become incredibly thick headed (stubborn).  To each of Jesus’ three passion predictions, they make inappropriate responses—Peter scolding Jesus; the disciples arguing who is the greatest; and James and John requesting places of special honor in the Kingdom.

And, if you were to take a moment now, how might you describe your relationship to Jesus? Are you a humble disciple putting aside self-interest, being a servant of all?  Are you willing to fully embrace the Cross, the clearest expression of Jesus’ mission? Are you willing to give up your life for others, or are you more concerned about your reputation? These are difficult questions and it is hard to be completely honest with ourselves, isn’t it? We pray that we can be all we hope to be in the eyes of Jesus. But, can we truly embrace what Jesus is asking of us? (pause)

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30th Sunday of Ordinary TimeRead More »

Over a glass of wine one evening, a friend flatly stated that she did not believe in hell. She argued that if God loves us unconditionally then no one would ever be sent to such a dismal place for eternity. She is not alone in thinking that. Jesus shares the same hope that no one would end there but he also knows that not everyone will listen to his message of salvation. He often cautions that our ultimate destiny depends on the choices we make. God doesn’t reject sinners; rather sinners reject God, so hell should be seen as a place for those who reject God’s ways.

In our times a false gospel has arisen, which has won many hearts and minds to its misguided ethic that could be called the “Gospel of Nice.” It never mentions “hell” because that might hurt someone’s feelings and it never corrects anyone’s wrongdoing for fear of losing human respect or friendship.

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26th Sunday of Ordinary TimeRead More »

With so many candidates running for the presidency, some whom few of us never heard of a year ago, I could picture anyone of them asking one of us, “Do you know who I am?” Of course, politicians want to be recognized.  When George Bush was president, he visited a nursing home once. He came upon a wizened old man hobbling down the hallway. Taking the man by the hand, President Bush asked, “Sir, do you know who I am?” The man replied, “No, but if you ask one of the nurses, she can tell you.”

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24th Sunday of Ordinary TimeRead More »

After five weeks of reflecting on the sixth chapter of John’s gospel and the theme of Jesus as the Bread of Life, we return this weekend to continue our readings from Mark’s gospel. The theme of today’s readings is the nature of true religion and how we live our faith.

As we hear in the first reading, the Law of Moses was very important for the people of Israel– a legal system they had developed in their desire to be God’s people.  Through the Law they were to lead lives which were different, better than their pagan neighbors. There was a great emphasis on the observance of the Law as a sign of commitment and obedience to God.  By the time of Jesus, however, the Law had become so hopelessly complicated that only experts could interpret its application to the many practical problems which would arise in daily life.

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22nd Sunday of Ordinary TimeRead More »

The theme through these readings prompts the question of staying or leaving. Joshua knew what he was committed to. He also knew that many who had followed him in the desert for 40 years to reach the Promised Land were now attracted to the many gods of their neighbors. “If it does not please you to serve the Lord, decide today whom you will serve. As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” They replied, “We will also serve the Lord, for he is our God.”

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21st Sunday of Ordinary TimeRead More »