15th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2024 - Chosen to share the word of truth

This last week, I joined about 227 priests for a conference down in Wheeling, West Virginia hosted by the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology. For a couple hours of each day, Biblical Theologians like Dr. Scott Hahn and Dr. John Bergsma offered fascinating cutting-edge lectures on biblical topics. Each morning, Dr. Bergsma would lead us through the Old Testament foreshadowings of the Holy Spirit, and in the evening Dr. Hahn was lead us through the Scriptures, unpacking the biblical concept of prophets and prophecy.

Spending several days just immersed in the Scriptures together with brother priests from all over the country was really good for the old mind, heart, and soul. 

This coming week, I’ll be making pilgrimage with several parishioners and a hundred or so Catholics from the diocese of Cleveland, to join several thousands of fellow pilgrims from around the country in Indianapolis for the historical National Eucharistic Congress. I’ve put details regarding the Congress in the bulletin, and I ask that you keep me, the parish delegates and diocesan delegates in prayer this week. I hope to invite our delegates to share their experiences with the parish in the next few months of being sent on pilgrimage by the bishop. 

In the first reading, we hear about how the prophet Amos had been sent by God to a place called Bethel. He wasn’t raised in Bethel, which is in Northern Israel. Amos grew up in the south, in Judah. And Amos didn't have special prophetic training--he wasn’t raised in the Temple; he wasn’t attending a special training course or formal formation program for prophets. He was a shepherd and fruit farmer. As we heard in the reading, “I was no prophet, nor have I belonged to a company of prophets; I was a shepherd and a dresser of sycamores.” 

But God sent the ordinary man, whose grow up in a simple family of agricultural workers to prophecy to the king of the north.

And God sent Amos at a very interesting point in Israel’s history. It was a time of relative prosperity, economic growth and military success. But it was also a time of rampant social injustice and religious corruption. The king and the national business elite, we might call them, were growing in wealth by exploiting the poor. Business owners were fixing their scales, cheating their customers.  The king allowed the idolatrous practices of the Canaanites to pervert the religious worship of the nation mandated by the one true God. 

And so God sent Amos to warn the king, to warn the leaders, to warn the people, to repent or there would be consequences. And was Amos’ message well received? Well, we heard today how the corrupt and idolatrous priest of Bethel, Amaziah, told Amos to leave and never come back, for God is not in charge here, but the king. The corrupt clergyman takes the side of the king over God!

The Word of God was not welcome in Bethel. The prophet is often tasked with sharing unpleasant unwelcome messages. The king doesn’t like to hear that he is not in charge of the universe. The prophet speaks truth to power, calling sinners to repentance, to bring their lives back into alliance with the one and only power that matters—God. If your life is not in line with God, you will bring ruin to yourself, to your family, and your nation. But that message is not welcome by those who cling to their earthly power and positions of privilege.

And to speak truth to power, God chose the ordinary farmhand, Amost as his prophet, just like Moses, who was a simple shepherd, and David, who was a simple shepherd, and the apostles, who were simple fishermen. What’s the lesson? Trust God. He calls ordinary people—manual laborers—not just people like us, but us, he calls us to deliver powerful messages rooted in the Word of God.

Recall that in our baptism, each one of us has become an anointed prophet. You and I have the task of being prophets. Well, what is a prophet? Remember, in the biblical sense, a prophet is not just someone who foretells the future. Christian prophets aren’t fortune tellers with the ability to predict the outcome of the World Series. But in Scripture what do we see the prophets doing? We them diagnosing the spiritual illnesses of kings and peasants, friends and family, and pointing them to God who alone can heal them. The prophet is the spiritual diagnostician who recognizes when someone or some institution is not in line with God, and says something—he does something. The prophet speaks the truth in love. 

Now, as a priest, certainly, I have a prophetic role, liturgically, I share in my homily, what the Lord has placed on heart through prayer, reflection, training and experience. And also in spiritual direction and counseling and the other different facets of priestly ministry, I have a prophetic role here in the parish. But ya’ll do to! Not necessarily liturgically, your prophetic role is fulfilled in gatherings of family, friends, and coworkers. When you take a family member out lunch and share your concern because they have not baptized their children and are not going to mass, that’s a prophetic action very pleasing to the Lord. When you share with a friend who has become consumed in materialism or fallen into new age or protestant error, that they would do well to come home to the faith, that’s prophetic. When you ask a coworker to stop taking the Lord’s name in vain and blaspheming in your presence, that is prophetic. And that’s part of our role in the Church.

The prophet Joel foretold a time when the spirit of prophecy would be poured out on all flesh. And it happened! Through baptism. All who are baptized are prophets. As Paul says in our second reading, In him we were also chosen, destined. We who have heard the word of truth, are to share it.

Now, scripture says, that prophecy is not a matter of personal interpretation. In other words, prophecy is not about sharing your opinion; it’s about sharing but the Word of God. And so we do well to be immersed in God’s word—the Scriptures--and the doctrines of our faith which apply God’s word to particular topics and circumstances. Read the bible every day. Read Catholic biblical commentaries. Catholic scripture studies. Podcasts that break open the scriptures. That you might be immersed and rooted in God’s word. Tolle et lege, take and read. So that you can be equipped with what you need for your prophetic mission.

In the Gospel, the Lord tells the apostles to take nothing—barely anything—for their prophetic journey: just the sandals on their feet and the word of God in which he had formed them. They were to trust Jesus—that he had given them everything they needed for the task for which he had appointed them. Trust God, that what you need is to be formed in the Word of God, so that you can help souls who are lost return to the Father, to repent, and be free of their demons. Some, like the corrupt priest in the first reading might not welcome the truth, but some people will, and there life will be changed for eternity because you had the care and courage to share the truth with them for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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As you may have heard, seen, or read, yesterday, at a presidential campaign rally in Butler, PA, there was an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. It appears that the the former president suffered a bullet wound to the ear, while a member of the audience was killed by a stray bullet, and another was injured.

This is a sad, but, sadly not a surprising act, as the level of violent rhetoric in our nations political life has been on the rise. Please pray for our nation, for president trump and his family, for the safety of our political leaders, and for an end to domestic terrorism and the attitudes and actions which breed it.

Yesterday, July 13 was the anniversary of the third apparition at Fatima, when our Lady appeared to the three shepherd children, and introduced herself as Our Lady of the Rosary. The first apparition was on May 13, the same day that Pope John Paul II survived an assassination attempt in St. Peter’s square. Please pray the rosary for peace, safety, and deliverance from evil. Following the final blessing, we will offer special prayers (Leonine prayers) for our nation and for the repose of the victim.

13th Week of Ordinary Time 2024 - Friday - "I desire mercy"

 Earlier in the week, we considered how the prophet Amos was sent by God to the northern kingdom, particularly those with economic, social, and political power, taking them to task for their mistreatment of the needy, poor, and afflicted—enriching themselves at the expense of the vulnerable.

In today’s reading we hear about how the greedy merchants were eager for the religious feasts to be over so that they could return to their unethical business practices. They would “add to the weights, and fix their scales for cheating”. In other words, they would falsify the volume of their product and the price of the product, so that the buyer would be doubly cheated. 

This passage is certainly a warning from the word of God for all those engaged in business. However, Amos also describes how these sins against the poor were bringing destruction to the kingdom. Theft and exploitation and greed are antithetical to the order of God. 

In its section on the seventh commandment’s prohibition of theft, the catechism talks about how “those responsible for business enterprises have a responsibility to society for the economic and ecological effects of their operations. They have an obligation to consider the good of persons and not only the increase of profits.”

Now, most of us do not own our own businesses, but there is certainly a lesson here for all of us. You don’t have to own a business to be tempted by greed or covetousness or pure self-interest. Only thinking about yourself is bad for you and for everybody. Rather, the individual and society thrive when each of us aims at the highest good for ourselves and others. Christ-like sacrificial self-giving which alleviates the burdens of others and works for their betterment, is good pro omnibus et singulis—for all and for the individual.

Catechism says, “God blesses those who come to the aid of the poor and rebukes those who turn away from them: "Give to him who begs from you, do not refuse him who would borrow from you"; "you received without pay, give without pay." It is by what they have done for the poor that Jesus Christ will recognize his chosen ones.”

This is why in the Gospel, the Lord tells the pharisees to go and learn the meaning of the words, “I desire mercy”. 

When we engage in works of mercy-- coming to the aid of our neighbor in his spiritual and bodily necessities—instructing, advising, consoling, comforting, feeding, clothing, healing, and visiting the lonely, we transform lives and the fabric of our society. May we be found in all of our dealings to be honest, generous, and merciful for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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For all Christians, that we may heed the call to show mercy and compassion in our daily lives, recognizing Christ in the face of the poor and marginalized. Let us pray to the Lord.

That the values of the kingdom of God may guide our government leaders and legislators, our families, businesses, civil institutions, and all our domestic affairs. 

For those suffering from poverty and exploitation: may they find relief and support through the work and charity of the Church and people of good will, and for the conversion of the greedy and selfish.

That our parish may continue to respond generously to the needs of our neighbors. 

For the sick, the impoverished, the lonely, those suffering from mental illness, those most in need, and those near death: may God, through the loving mercy of the Precious Blood of Jesus, be close to them in their trials.

And that all those redeemed by the Precious Blood of Jesus may come to the glory of heaven, especially X for whom this mass is offered.

Incline your merciful ear to our prayers, we ask, O Lord, and listen in kindness to the supplications of those who call on you. Through Christ our Lord

13th Week in Ordinary Time 2024 - Tuesday - Trusting Christ in the Storm

Yesterday we started reading from the book of the prophet Amos.

Amos was not a professional prophet but a shepherd and fig farmer from Judah. He was called by God to prophesy during a time of relative prosperity for both the Northern and Southern kingdoms. It was a time of economic growth and military success, but a time of rampant social injustice and religious corruption. The rich became richer while the poor were often exploited, and the north, especially, was incorporating idolatrous elements of the pagan Canaanite religion into their religious worship.

Despite being from the Southern Kingdom of Judah, Amos primarily prophesied in the Northern Kingdom, warning the people to prepare for God’s judgement, boldly indicting kings, priests, and leaders for their failure to lead the people in the ways of God.

In today’s passage, Amos asks a series of powerful rhetorical questions to help the people understand the reason they have brought themselves under God’s judgment. Does a lion roar unless there is prey? Is a bird not brought to earth unless it is snared? So too does a city experience evil unless it has turned away from God?

Amos is pointing out a very simple cause and effect relationship between our actions and the evils we bring upon ourselves. Even though there is prosperity for a time, when a city turns away from God, there will be consequences. And Amos’ message is timeless. That cause and effect relationship is at play in every city and nation and household and parish. There may be prosperity for a time, but when family members, parishioners, citizens, priests, bishops, and civic leaders turn away from God, there will be blood, there will be hell to pay.

The good news, the message from the Gospel, is that those who trust in Christ, who are in the boat with Christ and live in close friendship with him, and trust in him, have nothing to worry about. O sure, the world will crumble, the storm will wreak havoc, but the disciples of Christ will survive the storm with their souls in tact. 

Many literally sell their souls for earthly gain, for earthly prosperity, and they, who have sown the wind, shall reap the whirlwind. But those who live with Christ as Lord, who eat his flesh and drink his blood, and follow his teachings, and seek union with him through prayer, shall withstand the storm, and bear fruit that will last unto eternity.

So don’t be afraid when you see the world going to hell. It’s often a result of evils and forces beyond your control. What you can control, is whether or not you put your trust in Christ. Trust in Him and you will experience peace in the midst of the greatest storms, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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For the Church, that we may be bold witnesses like Amos, speaking truth to power and calling all people to authentic faith and justice. Let us pray to the Lord.

For our civic and religious leaders, that they may govern with wisdom and integrity, prioritizing the common good over personal gain. Let us pray to the Lord.

For those suffering from economic exploitation and social injustice, that they may find advocates and assistance in their time of need. Let us pray to the Lord.

For our community, that we may resist the pagan influences of the world, and instead cultivate a deep and sincere relationship with God. Let us pray to the Lord.

For all who are experiencing storms in their lives, that they may find peace and strength in Christ, the master of wind and sea. Let us pray to the Lord.

For our parish, that we may be a beacon of hope and a place of refuge for those seeking God amidst the chaos of the world. Let us pray to the Lord.

For those who have lost hope in the face of societal decay, that they may be reminded of God's enduring presence and love. Let us pray to the Lord.

For the grace to bear fruit that will last unto eternity, living as faithful disciples of Christ in all aspects of our lives. Let us pray to the Lord.

For the sick, the impoverished, the lonely, those suffering from mental illness, those most in need, and those near death: may God, through the loving mercy of the Precious Blood of Jesus, be close to them in their trials.

And that all those redeemed by the Precious Blood of Jesus may come to the glory of heaven, especially X for whom this mass is offered.

Almighty and ever-living God, You spoke through Your prophet Amos in times of prosperity and corruption, and You calm the storms through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Grant us the wisdom and all we truly need to heed Your warnings and the courage to stand firm in our faith. Through Christ our Lord.

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2022 - "Let justice roll on like a river"

 About this time of year, seven years ago already, Pope Francis made a Papal Visit to these United States. He met with our national leaders in Washington and presided over the Canonization of St. Junipero Serra; he addressed the United Nations and visited the 9/11 World Trade Center Memorial in New York, and he spoke to families at the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia. 

While in Washington, the Holy Father addressed Congress. There he invited people of all faiths to consider one of the great American champions for justice, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He spoke of Dr. King’s “dream” of civil and political rights for people of every race, and his call for all Americans to work together to build a nation of justice and peace. 

Justice is one of the famous themes of the prophets.  “The Lord is a God of Justice” Isaiah says. “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” Zechariah says, “Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.”

The prophet Amos in our first reading this weekend speaks about Justice. Amos, by the way, was often quoted by Dr. King. In his famous “I have a dream speech” Dr. King, evoked the prophet Amos when he said “Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a mighty stream!” 

What is Justice? Simply, Justice is a virtue by which we give to others what we owe them—to give God what belongs to God, to family what we owe to family, to neighbor what we owe to neighbor, to those in authority what we owe to them, and so on.

In the first reading, Amos is sent by God to the Jewish people who were failing to be just. “Hear this, you who trample upon the needy and destroy the poor of the land! Talk about grave injustice. "When will the new moon be over," you ask, "that we may sell our grain; and the Sabbath, that we may display the wheat?”  What’s going on here?

Well, the festival of the new moon was a key religious Jewish observance and during that time you didn’t do business.  And of course, the Sabbath day, was a day of rest, a day of prayer, of sacrifice, when you don’t work.

So, Amos here is calling to repentance his fellow Jews who are so concerned with their business operations and money making that they squirm with impatience during the religious observances.   They can’t wait to get back to work and get this religious stuff over with. They are failing to give God their undivided heart—which they owe him, as a matter of justice. Moreover, they were cheating the poor, tipping the scales in their favor. Their dishonesty in business, exploiting the poor, was a grave injustice. 

So, Amos was sent by God to let these people know God sees you. God sees your injustices and He is not pleased. And you will not escape the consequences of your injustices—unless you repent and make restitution.

Perhaps this is why there has been in the last few decades such a push to remove reference to God from civic life—the wicked hate to be reminded that they will face judgment. Especially Sundays have become divorced from God. Some of you may remember that just a few decades ago, Sunday was a day for God and family.   If you wanted to get gas for Sunday, you had to run out on Saturday night because Sunday morning Sohio gas station would be closed. The stores were closed. 

Now, Sunday seems an awful lot like any other day.  Practically all of the stores and restaurants are all open on Sunday. People aren’t squirming to hurry through their religious obligations; they are skipping them entirely. Less than 20% of Catholics in our country go to Mass on Sundays. In most European countries, it is even less than that.  

In line with the prophet Amos, from a biblical perspective, this loss of the importance of the Sabbath is nothing short of disastrous.  When we replace the Sabbath with human activity, religious life will soon evaporate. And how many of us have seen this in our own families. I know I have.

For when you begin to think you don’t owe God anything, you will soon come to believe you don’t owe anybody anything. Including respect and just treatment. 

In the Gospel today, we heard of the dishonest steward. The dishonest steward gets caught for his unjust use of time and handling of his master’s resources. That’s us folks. We’ve been caught. We’ve sinned. And so, like the dishonest steward, we need to make good, prudent, shrewd use of the time we have left. We have to make a choice: choose your master, God or mammon. Jesus says we can’t serve both. One of them requires our undivided hearts.

Daily prayer, it’s a matter justice, we owe it to God. Obedience to the commandments, it’s a matter of justice, we owe it to God. Faithfully adhering to the laws of the Church, learning and adhering to Catholic doctrine, confessing our sins when we’ve transgressed, supporting the works of the Church and charity toward the poor no matter their race or creed or personal politics, showing mercy to those who ask of it, diligently using our time, resting on the Sabbath, giving God an undivided heart, these are all matters of justice.

Justice, as I mentioned, is a virtue. When we practice it we grow in holiness and happiness. Justice is a foretaste of the resurrection—when all injustice will be eradicated in the world and in our hearts. And we can grow in virtue in a number of ways. By seeking to avoid even the smallest injustice toward neighbor; by paying our debts and fulfilling our promises in a timely manner; by avoiding doing any harm in word or deed to the reputation of others; by showing special concern for the poor; and by giving to Caesar what is owed to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God.

We especially grow in justice toward God when we engage in the daily discipline of prayer, acknowledging and thanking God for the blessings he showers upon us; making sacrifices for the work of the Church.

The prophet Amos says “Hate evil, love good, and establish justice”. Catholics have a grave duty right now, to help reestablish justice in our country—recovering the importance of justice toward God and neighbor, justice in business, justice in politics, justice on Sundays, justice in public and justice in private, justice in the life of the Church. The just shall be remain in the hands of God, and no torment shall touch him.  In the words of the Psalm, “may justice flourish in our time, and fullness of peace” for the glory of God and salvation of souls.