Homily: Monday - 2nd Week of OT 2017 - Struggling vines make better wines

There is an old Italian saying, “struggling vines make better wines.”  Grape vines that struggle, that have to work hard, generally result in a better quality grape which will produce a better quality wine. 

It’s sort of counter-intuitive. You’d think that the vine that could simply relax in a restful vineyard, in well-tilled soil would grow plump-juicy berries, but no. Vines will produce grapes of greater character, and richness, when they have to struggle through slate, and sand, and rock, and tree.

Similarly, in the Christian life. Luxury, decadence, and comfort often produce rather mediocre, and likely deficient Christians. The person who has to strive and suffer and work for an object, typically tends to value that object more than the person who does little or nothing to obtain a thing. Suffering for a thing produces a deeper desire and appreciate for a thing.

The Letter to the Hebrews today speaks of the suffering of Jesus the High Priest. He suffered to obtain eternal salvation for us. Consider how much God must love us, in order to suffer unfathomable suffering for us.

We also see the suffering in the lives of the martyrs and saints. They are willing to embrace suffering, torture, imprisonment, and death, in order to obtain the eternal life the High Priest won for us.

To grow in our own desire for the Lord, the saints by word and example teach us to fast and offering up our own suffering.

Fasting. Fasting is counter-intuitive as well, isn't it? If food was made by God, and God made our bodies to desire and hunger for food, why would we ever deprive ourselves of it? For one, Fasting toughens us up like those struggling vines. Intentional fasting deepens our hunger for God.To fast from physical food is an act of faith, that spiritual food and reliance on God is more valuable. “When we fast, our body prays”

Likewise, the sufferings of every day life, can become an occasion to unite ourselves with the Lord who suffered. From papercuts and mosquito bites to the ravages of cancer and the death of a loved one, being ignored, cut-off, criticized, or demeaned; these occasions of sufferings can become occasions for grace when we become mindful in our suffering of the one who can bring good out of the greatest suffering. We do offer up our suffering with little prayers like, “Use this pain, Lord, for the salvation of my brother, my country, my soul."

Today our nation recognizes Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, as a civic hero, a man who suffered for the sake of justice and peace. On this day, let us consider how we are called to suffer and labor for righteousness for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

For Pope Francis and all Church leaders: that their example and service may lead others to Christ and bind the Church in greater unity

For our next President and his administration: that the Lord may give them the strength for effective dialogue aimed at healing the deepest roots of the evils in our world. ….Let us pray to the Lord.

For the Church, that we may be a witness to Christ's love by practicing charity and promoting justice and peace throughout the world, that the values of our faith may guide us as we exercise our civic responsibilities.

For all civic leaders that they might find ways to bring an end to war and violence, and promote peace and development for all nations.

For the seminarians preparing for priestly service in our diocese: that they may persevere in their studies and preparation for ministry.

For all the needs of the sick and suffering…

For the repose of the souls of our beloved dead…