Homily: Sept 29 - Feast of Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael

Scripture and Tradition are clear about the existence of the angels.  Though Scripture mentions angels over 200 times, only three are mentioned by name.  They are the Archangels whose feast we celebrate today: Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael.

Michael, whose name means “he who is like God” is the “great prince” angel in the book of Daniel, who is made special protector of the Chosen People.  And as we heard in the book of Revelation, Michael is chosen by God to lead the army of faithful angel’s against Satan’s army of fallen angels.

All angels were initially created holy, but many angels chose to turn away from God’s service and rebelled against God. Michael’s name is taken from his battle cry “Who is like God?”  Michael shouts this battle cry, “Who is like God?” at Lucifer and the angels who sought to usurp God’s sovereignty as they are cast out of heaven.

We hear the name of Gabriel several times throughout the year as we read the story of the annunciation.  Gabriel’s name means “God is mighty” or “God is my strength”.  We see Gabriel bringing these special messages that God, the mighty one, has come to the help of his people.

The Archangel Raphael’s name means “God has healed”.  In the Old Testament book of Tobit, Raphael heals Tobit of blindness, he protects and guides Tobias on his travels and he delivers Sarah from an evil demon.

All of the angels are God’s servants, but Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael are given special roles in salvation history.  It is an angel who announces the birth of Samson, but it is an archangel, Gabriel, who announces the birth of John the Baptist and the Messiah.   Many angels serve God in protecting us from evil, but it is Michael who is set as a protector of the whole Church, who we can call upon by name.

You may have noticed the statue of St. Michael in the sanctuary today.  After Mass we will kneel in prayer and offer the beautiful prayer to Saint Michael composed by Pope Leo XIII.  We know the names of these archangels in particular so that we can have access to their heavenly assistance.  In an age filled with terrible evils, we do well to call upon these heavenly servants all the more.  

Through the intercession of the archangels may we know God’s healing, strength, and protection in our labors for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

Through the intercession of St. Raphael may all who suffer from loneliness or sickness know the healing graces of our loving God.  We pray to the Lord.

Through the intercession of St. Gabriel, may God’s strength be with all those who work for the Spread of the Gospel.  We pray to the Lord.

And through the intercession of St. Michael, may all who are persecuted for the faith be protected against the wickedness and snares of the devil.  We pray to the Lord.

Homily: 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Self-emptying of Christ

Our second reading is one of my favorite passages in the entire New Testament and one of the most precious texts in our Christian Tradition: the second chapter of Paul’s letter to the Philippians. 

Each of Paul’s letters is unique.  In his letter to the Romans, Paul explains the Christian faith in a very Roman manner—as a systematic and theological treatise; in his letter to the Galatians, he chastised the Galatians for abandoning the orthodox Christian Faith and turning to false doctrines; in his very practical first letter to the Corinthians he corrects many of that communities moral failings; and in his profound letter to the Ephesians, Paul develops an understanding of the Church as the Mystical Body of Christ.

His letter to the Philippians isn’t so much a theological treatise or condemnation of moral transgressions as it is a very pastoral, personal, intimate letter to a community of Christians for whom Paul had a particular fondness.  Phillipi was this small Roman colony in eastern Macedonia.  And it was the first city in Europe Paul evangelized; so Christianity came to Europe through this little colony at Philipi. 

Paul wrote his letter some twenty years after his first visit, when under house arrest in Rome he awaited his death.  Though he praises the Philippians for their faith, he also writes about one of his great worries, the threat of disunity.

Find your unity, he writes, by “having in you the same attitude that is also in Christ Jesus.”  So he’s telling the Philippians, here’s how you need to operate, here’s how you need to think, have the same attitude, the same mind, as Jesus.

How does he describe the attitude?  “Though Jesus was in the form of God, he didn’t deem equality with God as something to be grasp at.”  Jesus didn’t lord the fact that he was God over others.  When the people wanted to make Jesus King when he multiplied the loaves, he withdrew to the mountain.  He sought not the place of power, but the place of service.  He was God; there is no doubt that the biblical testimony and the faith of the Church was that Jesus is God in the flesh.  Yet, he did not grasp at godliness.

His humility is in striking contrast to the pride of Lucifer, the Devil.  Lucifer, created as an angel of great intellect and beauty desired to be higher in heaven, he wanted to take God’s place, he did grasp at godliness.  He wanted to Lord power over the other angels and over creation, so he led a rebellion against God and God’s faithful angels.  Of course there was really no contest, Satan was cast out of heaven, he fell like lightning. 

In his malice, he tempted Adam and Even in the garden to do the same.  He told them that they could not be happy unless they grasp at the fruit, they couldn’t be happy unless they made themselves like God.

One of the famous lines of John Milton’s Paradise lost has Satan standing before God and saying, “non serviam”, I will not serve.  Jesus, on the other hand, says I have come not to be served, but to serve.  Paul tells us that Jesus emptied himself and became a slave.  Jesus shows that true glory is not found in grasping, but in giving; that true freedom comes not in disobedience, but through obedience.  Where Satan rebels against God and tempts humans to do the same; Jesus shows that true Joy is found in surrendering to the will of God the Father. 

And Saint Paul is telling the Christians of Philipi and all of us, to have the same attitude as Christ; not of Satanic pride, but of Christ’s humility.

Humility, many Christian writers say, was Jesus’ favorite virtue. 

Jesus chose to be born in a stable, into a family forced to become refugees in Egypt.  He lived in the obscure village of Nazareth. He had the menial job of a carpenter. During His public ministry, Jesus had nowhere to lay His head.  He took his meals with the outcasts, laid hands on the lepers.  He allowed himself to be scourged, and mocked, and put to death as a criminal. Jesus’ humility is beyond comprehension.

Yet he shows us that we cannot have true love without humility.  There is no eternal life without humility.  We cannot know, love, and serve God without humility.

Jesus shows through his humble death, that our greatest strength comes in our ability to lay down our life, the great power that comes in humbly admitting our need for God.  Happiness does not come in seeking positions of power, but in giving up our power that we may serve, it doesn’t come in Lording possessions be in generous giving of our time, talent, and treasure

St. Paul recognized that pride and unhealthy ambition which are the opposite of humility often lead people to lie, cheat, and compromise their faith in order to obtain the success they crave.  So he says, “Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves.”

There is a beautiful prayer written by Cardinal Merry del Val the Secretary of State of Pope Saint Pius X which honestly, I have not prayed enough, called the litany of humility.  It goes “From the desire of being esteemed…deliver me Jesus.  From the desire of being praised…deliver me Jesus.  From the desire of being preferred to others…deliver me Jesus.  That others may be loved more than I…Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.  That in the opinion of the world, others may increase, and I may decrease…Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.”  A beautiful prayer which reflects what Paul is trying to teach the Philippians.

We get in trouble when we grasp, when we cling to the past, or when we cling to created things.  Our souls are in trouble when we grasp at the newest technology, or the new car, or the new lover,  as if they will fill the emptiness in.    Happiness is not found in clinging and grasping, but surrendering to the will of the Father.

As we come forward today to the receive the Eucharist, recognize Jesus who has emptied himself—who has so humbled himself to become food that is gnawed and digested.  But he does so, that we may be strengthen in holiness, that we may emulate his own self-emptying and humble service to the Father.

May we become what we receive, to quote St. Augustine.  Eucharist, broken and poured out for others, offered to the Father, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

Homily: Sept 26 - Saints Cosmas and Damian - Struggling vines make better wines

In that beautiful first reading from the book of Ecclesiastes we heard there is an appointed time for everything: to time to be born, a time to die, and so much in between—the undulating ebb and flow of life like seasons of weather.  Each of us could no doubt speak of times of joy, times of difficulty, where we needed to learn to rely on God’s grace.

Ecclesiastes reminds us how through the struggle, through the ups and downs of life, God places the timeless into our hearts; through the struggle God makes us into the people we are meant to be. 

An old Italian saying states “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.  And the same is true for us.  In struggle, we often become our best selves. 

Cosmas and Damien were twin brothers born at the end of the third century in Syria.  They were physicians and were known as “the moneyless ones”, because they didn’t charge their patients.  They were actually the first surgeons to successfully perform a limb transplant, and this was in the early fourth century.

Christians who openly professed their faith, in the early fourth century during the persecution of Diocletian, did so at great risk.  For openly practicing their faith, for living and seeking to pass on the Gospel of Christ, Cosmas and Damien were arrested, tortured and beheaded.

Cosmas and Damien are examples for us of what Christianity is all about.  Sacrificing ourselves for others.  Living generously for others, pouring ourselves out in service, the way Jesus did, witnessing to the love of God, and the truth of the Holy Gospel, even with our lives.

They sacrificed wealth in order to serve the sick free of charge, and they sacrificed their very lives when they were martyred for the faith.  Yet they are like those “struggling vines who make better wines”.  They became their best selves when they gave their lives away in self-sacrifice. 

Through the difficult times of life we learn to humbly surrender and to trust God.  For Cosmos and Damien were able to give greatly because they trusted God greatly; in giving themselves totally to Him, they were able to give themselves away in his service. 

 May we like Cosmas and Damien be generous with our time, talent, and treasure in service to God, may we be perfected in his service for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

Homily: Monday of the 25th Week in OT - "Lumen Fidei - The Light of Faith"

In the Gospel, Jesus stresses the importance of allowing the light he gives us to shine forth for others to see.

The idea that God’s word light is found throughout Scripture.  Psalm 119 says, “God’s word is a lamp to our feet and a light to my path.”  His word, his wisdom helps to avoid the dangerous things in the darkness and shows us the path that leads to happiness, joy, fulfillment, freedom, understanding, and life.

Light, pushes back the darkness see we can see.  I began the school year reflecting with the kids on the image of the light from a light house shining on rocks to guide a ship into safe harbor.  As young children, many of us had night lights in our room.  There’s something very comforting about a little light shining in the darkness.

Pope Francis’ first encyclical back in June of 2013 was called Lumen Fidei, on the light of Faith.  Its opening line, “The light of Faith: this is how the Church’s tradition speaks of the great gift brought by Jesus.” 

The light of faith helps us through its moral aspect, to avoid sin and to walk the path of righteousness.  But also, by the light of Faith we come to know about God and we come to know about ourselves. 

The light of human reason is good: it is created by God to help us live well.  But there are certain mysteries that the light of reason cannot pierce.  It cannot answer “why God made us?”  Because of the light of faith, every child in Catholic school used to know, “God made us to know, love, and serve Him in this life, so that we can be happy with him in the next.”  Human reason alone cannot answer “what happens beyond the veil of death.”  The light of faith pierces that great mystery.

The Pope writes, “The light of faith is unique, since it is capable of illuminating every aspect of human existence.”  There is so much unhappiness and confusion in the world in matters of justice and commerce and politics and human relationships because modernity treats the light of faith as a false light.  Modernity calls light “darkness” and darkness “light.”  Therefore, as the Pope writes “There is an urgent need,” “to see once again that faith is a light, for once the flame of faith dies out, all other lights begin to dim.” 

“An urgent need” he says, like Jesus, to not hide the light of faith under a bushel, but magnify the light through our Christian service, through evangelization, through living by faith openly in the public arena. 

May we walk always as children of light, and bear the light of faith for all to see, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

Homily: 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Nothing strips us of joy faster than Envy

Saint Matthew tells us that Jesus went far and wide to the towns and synagogues of Galilee preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven.  In fact, Jesus uses the phrase “the kingdom of heaven” over thirty times in Matthew’s Gospel, it was at the heart of his preaching.  Sometimes he’s bluntly telling people to repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand, sometimes he uses parables to explain what the kingdom of heaven is like—as he does in today’s Gospel. 

Not so long ago we heard that the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant selling everything he owns in order to obtain the pearl of great price, or how the kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, or the parable where the kingdom of heaven is like a man who sows seed in a field, and his wheat grows alongside weeds, and only at harvest time are the two separated. 

Sometimes Jesus’ parables describe the urgency we need in turning away from our sins, sometimes they teach us about what it means to be a Christian in a largely non-Christian world.   Largely, his kingdom of heaven parables and teaching explain how we are to act in this life in order to prepare for the next—the requisite actions and attitudes we need in this life in order to obtain the everlasting life he died to obtain for us.

The parable in today’s Gospel begins at dawn with a landowner hiring laborers for his vineyard promising them a daily wage.  Then at nine, noon, three, and then at five o’clock, at the end of the work day, he hires more laborers and pays them all the same wage.

This offends our sense of justice a bit.  It seems unfair that those who worked less should receive the same wage at those who toiled throughout the whole day.

We sympathize with the laborers hired at dawn that the labors hired at 5 o’clock, who only worked a twelfth of the day, should only receive a twelfth of the wage. 

The landowner then took the disgruntled workers aside to explain his action.  The landowner explains that the demands of justice indeed have been satisfied.  The laborer consented to a day’s wage and has been paid a day’s wage.

Justice requires that he pay a wage commensurate to the work rendered.  The landowner did not have to pay the late arrivals the full days wage. But, it’s his money, he can do with it what he wants.  If he wishes to be generous, he is surely free to do so. 

The vineyard adds a cautionary question: “Are you envious because I am generous?” 

Envy.  St. John Vianney said, “I do not believe there is a more ugly and dangerous sin than envy.”  St. John Climacus said, “Nothing is so divisive as envy, which is a deadly evil, in a certain sense more deadly than greed.  A greedy person is happy when he gets something.  An envious one is happy, not when he himself gets something, but when someone else does not.”

There is nothing that strips us of joy and gratitude quicker than envy and an attitude of entitlement.  Envy is a failure to appreciate the good things we have received. 

When we see the neighbor’s new car and begin to think evil thoughts about him, we are committing envy.  Envy can easily turn into malice, which is why it must be stopped in its tracks with an act of humility immediately.  Envious thoughts can turn into malicious words and actions, if we don’t make our peace.

In this parable, Jesus teaches us to emulate not the envy of the disgruntled laborer, but the generosity of the landowner.  The landowner is lavishly generous with the latecomers.  And this teaches us something about the kingdom of heaven.  The kingdom of heaven is a lavishly free and generous gift on the part of God.

In a sense, all of us are those laborers who came at the end of the day.  Have any of us really spent every waking moment fully and totally from the beginning of our lives in God’s service?  Unless your name is Mary of Nazareth, the answer to that question is no, for you, for me, for everyone.  All of us are latecomers because all of us have sinned.  Yet, the invitation to repent and believe in the Gospel is made to everyone. 

The opposite of envy is humble gratitude.  The greek new Testament word for gratitude is Eucharistia.  At the Eucharist, we first and foremost give God humble thanks for the gift of our salvation.  Jesus Christ’s labor of love, his self-sacrifice on the cross, without which the gates of heaven remain closed for all of us.  Secondly, at the Eucharist we thank God for the gift of life, for the blessings which fill that life.

This is why it is good to come to Mass a few minutes early.  We kneel in prayer and we collect all of the things we are thankful for, all of our petitions, that they can be offered along with the Eucharistic sacrifice on the altar.

And really, is there anything more lavishly generous than the beautiful gift of the Eucharist.  Every time Mass is celebrated Christ is giving himself to us for our salvation.  He is giving his body and blood that we may be strengthened in holiness and come to eternal life.

Blessed Mother Theresa of Calcutta said, “"When Jesus came into the world, he loved it so much that he gave his life for it.  He wanted to satisfy our hunger for God. And what did he do? He made himself the Bread of Life. He became small, fragile and defenseless for us. Bits of bread can be so small that even a baby can chew it, even a dying person can eat it."

That's truly extraordinary generosity.

Nothing strips our hearts of peace and joy faster than envy.  For the joy of the kingdom of heaven is not found in getting our own way, being the one in control.  The joy of the kingdom is not obtained through iphones, new gadgets, new cars, athletic trophies or storing up treasure on earth. 

Nothing fills us with true joy like humble gratitude for the lavish, generous love God has for each of us. 

At this Mass Jesus Christ pours himself out in love for our salvation.  By his sacrifice, may our hearts be purified of all envy and be filled with humble gratitude, that we know and experience the true joy of the kingdom of heaven for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

Homily: September 19 - Saint Januarius - Miracle of Blood

A lot of people are gathering in Naples Italy today on this feast of their patron Saint.  Saint Januarius was their bishop and he was killed in the last major persecution by the Roman Empire, that of Emperor Diocletian.  In the year AD 305, he and his companions were beheaded for refusing to worship pagan idols. 

Because he was hated for preaching Jesus Christ he was killed.  Saint John Paul II said that we are living in a “new age of martyrs”.  There is a new hatred for the Gospel, and a new hatred for those who profess it and preach it.  The twenty-first century has already seen in its first 14 years one million people killed around the world because of their belief in Jesus Christ – – one million already in this still young century.

The Bishops encourage us to intercede for the persecuted, to pray often for those who suffer, especially now, for their faith—who are not able to celebrate in the same religious freedom that we enjoy in this country.  The bishops also encourage us to support organizations which bring aid to persecuted Christians; they are our brothers and sisters in Christ, and if we can help, we should.

There is a very unique relic connected to the feast of Januarius, a tube of the bishop’s blood, which has dried.  However, several times a year, including today, his feast day, the relic is brought out for public veneration, and the blood liquefies.  This miracle has been occurring for over 600 years and it’s one of the most scientifically studied religious phenomenon in the world.  Scientists have been unable to explain this miracle. 

This is a good reminder that miracles do happen, God accomplishes great works in our midst that are not always scientifically explainable. 

A miracle is about to occur on this very altar.  Ordinary bread and wine will become the body and blood of Jesus Christ to strengthen us in holiness. 

But secondly, it is important to remember, that his blood is not just a spectacle or a magic show for our entertainment.  True blood was shed by a man who believed that the Christian faith was more important than his life.  He died, the martyrs die, so that those without faith might come to belief, and those with struggling faith may be strengthened. 

The martyrs are the grains of wheat spoken of by Jesus who through their death produce much fruit.  May our faith be strengthened by them, that we can give witness to the true faith in all we do for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

Homily: September 15 - Mother of Sorrows - Stabat Mater Dolorosa

Today’s Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows logically follows the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross.  Yesterday, we recalled the suffering of Christ on the Cross, the Passion he suffered for our salvation.  Today we recall how Mary stood close to the cross and shared his suffering.

At the cross her station keeping,

Mary stood in sorrow weeping

When her Son was crucified.

While she waited in her anguish,

Seeing Christ in torment languish,

Bitter sorrow pierced her heart.

With what pain and desolation,

With what noble resignation,

Mary watched her dying Son.

Ever-patient in her yearning

Though her tear-filled eyes were burning,

Mary gazed upon her Son.

Who, that sorrow contemplating,

On that passion meditating,

Would not share the Virgin's grief?

Those words are just the first few stanzas of that beautiful poetic meditation known as the Stabat Mater.  This beautiful hymn reflects upon the Blessed Virgin’s union with Christ as he suffers and dies on the cross.  The grief of any mother watching their child suffer is truly terrible.  Yet, she with perfect love must have suffered all the more.  The Church Fathers teach in fact, that Mary’s sufferings were so great that all the suffering of all the martyrs together do not compare to her suffering with Christ. 

The Stabat Mater also expresses the devout soul’s desire to share her suffering; to not let her suffer alone.  “Who would not share the Virgin’s grief?”  We are to contemplate with her the sufferings of Christ, recognizing God’s great love for us in his willingness to bear the sin of the world, our sins.

And not just to meditate upon Christ’s crucifixion, but we, like Mary and with Mary are called, to share in his suffering, to bear the cross with him.  In this way, our earthly sorrows can be transformed into acts of love. 

God brings about through Mary’s sorrows and our sorrows united to hers great graces for the conversion of sinners.  Suffering is the result of sin, yet, on the cross Jesus transforms suffering into the remedy for sin. So too sorrow is transformed.  Even the greatest calamity, either private or public, can become an opportunity for drawing near to God and becoming like Christ and obtaining grace for sinners.

In the Collect prayer, beginning today’s Mass we prayed, O God, who willed that, when your Son was lifted high on the Cross, his Mother should stand close by and share his suffering, grant that your Church, participating with the Virgin Mary in the Passion of Christ, may merit a share in his Resurrection. for the glory of God and salvation of souls

Homily: September 14 2014 - Exaltation of the Cross

September 14, The Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross is such an important feast, that when it falls on a Sunday, it replaces the normal Sunday celebration, which is why I’m wearing red, the color of Good Friday, instead of Green, the color of ordinary Time.  If something is exalted, it is lifted high for all to see, it is honored, and so today we lift high the cross, we give honor to the Holy Cross by which Jesus redeemed the world.

1700 years ago, the Roman Emperor Constantine exercised his power over the Roman Empire which extended throughout Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.  Before Constantine was emperor, it was illegal to be a Christian, you could be arrested or killed just for gathering for the celebration of Mass.  Emperor Constantine legalized Christianity by issuing the Edict of Milan in the year 313, which led to the building of churches, Christians could practice their faith in the open without fear of government persecutation. 

The emperor deeply revered the sign of the cross, and wanted to find the True Cross, the actual across upon which our Lord Jesus was crucified.  In 326, his mother, Helen, went on behalf of the emperor to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land to search for the True Cross.  Because Christianity had been illegal, Helen found that Christians were not visiting the holy sites because they had been made into shrines for pagan idols.  Over the cave of Bethelehem stood an idol to the greek God Adonis, over the holy tomb where Jesus had been buried, the site of his resurrection, was an idol to the roman God Jupiter, and over the site of the crucifixion, stood a monument to the goddess Venus. 

In the name of her son the Emperor Constantine, the pagan monuments were torn down and were made ready for building of Catholic churches.  When they dug underneath the shrine to Venus on Calvary, not one, but three crosses were found.

So there was a little problem.  How do you figure out which was the True Cross.  The Bishop of Jerusalem was a holy man by the name of Macarius.  Bishop Macarius prayed to God and he received an inspired idea.  He had all three crosses brought to the house of a woman ill to the point of death.  He prayed that God would reveal which cross was the true cross by bringing about a miraculous healing of this dying woman.  So he touched the first cross to the woman’s skin and nothing happened, and he touched the second cross to the woman’s skin and nothing happened.  But when he touched the third cross to the woman’s skin, the woman opened her eyes, rose from bed, her health was fully restored.  The true Cross had been found.

Constantine’s mother Helen, who is of course St. Helen, had a large Church built upon the hill of Calvary, where the holy relic of the True cross was kept.  Centuries later, the Persian Empire conquered Jerusalem and confiscated the sacred wood of the cross.  The Roman Emperor recovered the Cross on September 14, 614, and ever since the Church has celebrated this feast of the exaltation and triumph of the Cross of Christ.

Christians exalt the cross of Christ because it is the instrument of our salvation, upon it, Jesus Christ shed his blood, that we may be saved from sin and death.  The word salvation comes from the latin word salvus which means healthy or whole.  A salve is used on a wound to heal it.  Christ’s blood poured forth from the cross is the healing balm that heals our souls wounded by sin.  The cross is therefore the instrument of our salvation. 

How fitting that the true cross was discovered through a healing miracle for it is the source of the healing of our souls.

The cross was foreshadowed in our first reading from the book of numbers today.  While wandering in the desert, the Israelites were bitten by serpents and many died.  God provided a remedy however.  “Moses accordingly made a bronze serpent and mounted it on a pole, and whenever anyone who had been bitten by a serpent looked at the bronze serpent, he lived.” 

This wasn’t mankind’s first tangle with serpents. Remember in the Garden of Eden, the devil appeared in the form of a serpent to tempt Adam and Eve.  When they fell to temptation and sin, the poisonous venom of that serpent infected Adam and Eve, but their children, that includes us.  The result of their sin was that death and suffering entered the world, we are born infected.

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. God provided the ultimate remedy for sin through the cross of Christ.

Anyone who looks upon the cross of Christ with faith, anyone who believes in Christ and follows him, as today’s Gospel proclaimed, shall not perish because of the poison of sin, but will have eternal life. 

Even though we are baptized, the effects of the poison still often linger, and we need continued transformation and healing.  All grace flows from the cross.  This is why we kneel before the cross to pray for all things.  This is why we make the sign of the cross before any prayer.  Any healing, any strength, any peace, comes from the cross.  The cross is the fountain of all grace. [See St. Clare altar]

St. Anthony of Padua in a sermon on the cross said: “You cannot better appreciate your worth than by looking into the mirror of the Cross of Christ; there you will learn how you are to deflate your pride, how you must mortify the desires of the flesh, how you are to pray to your Father for those who persecute you, and to commend your spirit into God’s hands.”  The cross shows us how much God loves us.  When we gaze upon the cross of Christ, we are humbled, that God is willing to become man and die for the miserable sinner. 

Saint Mary Magdalene who was present at the crucifixion is said to have meditated on the cross every day for the rest of her life.  And we are meant to do the same.

One way we do that is by making the sign of the cross often throughout the day: before our meals, before we begin work, before we go to bed, before we study, we should make the sign of the cross and ask God to bless us. 

Another way is by making sure your home has a crucifix on the wall in a prominent place.  This is important in our increasingly secular culture.  Someone visiting your home might have no other exposure to Christian symbols of faith.  And it is good for all family members, to have the cross in a prominent place is a reminder of that love family members are to practice towards one another. 

To unleash the transforming, healing powers of the cross, it must be planted firmly in the soil of our hearts.  We are not just to look upon the cross, but to encounter the depths of God’s love for us by reflecting upon it.  By meditating upon the cross, God will continue to free us from all sin and selfishness, that we may become the people he made us to be for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

Homily: Sept 12 - The Most Holy Name of Mary

The Church celebrates the memorial of the Holy Name of Mary shortly after her birthday on September 8, just like we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus shortly after Christmas.

Richard of St. Laurence, a 13^th century French theologian states "there is no such powerful help in any name, nor is there any other name given to men, after that of Jesus, from which so much salvation is poured forth upon men as from the name of Mary." He continues, "that the devout invocation of this sweet and holy name leads to the acquisition of superabundant graces.” 

"Thy name, O Mother of God, is filled with divine graces and blessings," as St. Methodius says. So much so, that St. Bonaventure declares, "that thy name, O Mary, cannot be pronounced without bringing some grace to him who does so devoutly."

Additionally, Thomas of Kempis affirms "that the devils fear the Queen of heaven to such a degree, that only on hearing her great name pronounced, they fly from him who does so as from a burning fire." The Blessed Virgin herself revealed to St. Bridget "that there is not on earth a sinner, however devoid he may be of the love of God, from whom the devil is not obliged immediately to fly, if he invokes her holy name with a determination to repent."

The directives for the liturgy instruct us to bow our heads in reverence at the name of Jesus, at the name of Mary, and at the name of the Saint of the Day when they are mentioned in the prayers of the liturgy. 

When we pronounce her name, we affirm her power, we implore her aid, and place ourselves under her protection.  As she said “Yes” to God in full freedom and love, she helps us to do the same.

It is a privilege to know and to be able to call upon with Love the name of Mary.  At her name demons flee and angels rejoice.

May all come to have confidence in calling upon the holy name of Mary, to seek her protection and receive comfort and strength in the Christian life for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

Homily: September 9 - St. Peter Claver - School Mass - Lighthouses

I have to admit, this is the first time I’ve ever seen lighthouses carried in a procession for Mass.  But a lighthouse is a fitting symbol to think about.  A lighthouse shines its light on rocks so that ships can find their way to safe harbor.  It points out danger to prevent a disastrous shipwreck.  You can imagine how after a long sea journey, that lighthouse would bring so much comfort to the sailors, as it guided them safe to shore.

God does something similar for us doesn’t he?  God created us to know him, love him, and serve him, and to be happy with Him forever in heaven.  And in order to help us do those things, he’s given us many gifts. He’s given us the Scriptures, he’s given us His commandments, His given us the gift of His Son, He’s given us the teaching of the Church, he’s given us the Sacraments, he’s given us the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the example of the saints.  All these things are the light by which we are to be kept safe from evil in the world and brought safely to heaven.

In the Gospel today we heard of the calling of the Apostles.  Jesus chose the twelve to be the foundation stones of his Church.  He would send them to all the corners of the world, to bring the light of the Gospel to those in darkness.  Likewise, he calls us to be faithful to Him in all things, and to bring the light of faith into the world.

We heard in the first reading how St. Paul gave some pretty harsh words to the Corinthians.  The Christians in Corinth were divided in many ways, they argued about a lot of things.  St. Paul was like a lighthouse for the people of Corinth.  With the light of truth, he pointed out that the reason for their division was because they were not following the teachings of Jesus Christ.  They were imitating not the goodness of Christ, but the evil they saw in the world.  St. Paul’s words, though harsh, were like light to the Corinthians, as he encouraged them to be more faithful to Jesus.

We celebrate this first school Mass of the year on the Feast Day of St. Peter Claver.  The saints are God’s lighthouses in the world as well.  St. Peter lived in a time when people in Africa were being captured and sold into slavery.  They were put on ships were they suffered from starvation, dehydration, and truly disgusting conditions.  Many died by the thousand.  St. Peter Claver was a priest born in Spain, who understood the wickedness of the slave trade.  He came to South America where he would minister to the slaves who were brought there, as they came into harbor, giving them food and water, and telling them about God who loves them, and about Jesus who suffered like they did.  St. Peter Claver baptized hundreds of thousands of slaves into the Catholic faith.

He is just one saint who again is like a lighthouse.  And shined with the light of God.  He helped people who were suffering greatly to know the love and closeness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ.  And we are called to do the same. 

Pope Benedict XVI wrote, the love of God in the end is light, and the only light that can illuminate a world grown dim.

May we be a lighthouse, shining with the love and mercy of God to all those we meet for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

Homily: Sept 8 - Nativity of the BVM - "Daybreak of Salvation"

Today’s Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin comes on the Liturgical Calendar exactly nine months after the Feast of her Immaculate Conception.  Just like the Solemnity of Christmas—the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus—comes on the Liturgical Calendar exactly nine months after the Feast of the Annunciation—when the Word was made flesh in the womb of the Virgin Mary.  

The day Mary was born ranks as one of the most beautiful in human history.  Yet, nothing explicitly is recorded in Scripture about Mary’s birth.  In fact, according to certain traditions, no one in the small town of Nazareth where Joachim and Anne lived paid heed to her birth. Although the blood of David flowed in her veins, although she was the virgin about whom Isaiah prophesied, she like her Son had truly had humble beginnings.  Though her birth went unnoticed by her countrymen, one Church Father said that the angels could not find adequate praises to express their joy to the Blessed Trinity for having created this most beautiful of creatures. 

The Prayer after Communion today says “May your Church exult, O Lord…as she rejoices in the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which was the hope and the daybreak of salvation for all the world.”

The Prophet Malachi prophesied the coming of Christ, calling him the “Sun of Justice” who will arise with healing in his rays.  If Christ is compared to the shining Sun, Mary is the daybreak, the perfect dawn.  At dawn here begin to see the light of the Sun on the horizon, and we see the light of Christ already beginning to rise through Mary, in her perfect faith, hope and love, in her beautiful virtue.

Saint Thomas of Villanova explained in sermon that Mary is the heavenly dawn, not only for the world, but especially for each individual soul.  Mary is at work, praying for each on of us, that the light of Christ may fill our hearts all the more. 

If there exists any darkness in our soul and hearts, any hint of selfishness, coldness, any lack of charity, if our hearts are in need of any healing whatsoever, we do well to turn to the Blessed Virgin Mary’s assistance in overcoming that darkness.

Just as God brought Christ into the world through Mary, he wishes to bring Christ into our hearts through Mary.

The Immaculate Mother came into the world at a time when many of God’s people had lost hope in a Messiah, just as many have lost sight of Christ the Sun in our modern day.  Sometimes God waits until we are on the brink of the abyss before extending His hand of mercy. I know a priest who is very fond of the saying, “the night is always darkest, right before the dawn”.  So, let us never become discouraged in our spiritual lives and in our hopes for salvation.  For the Feast of the Birth of the Blessed Virgin fills our hearts with hope and joy in the glory of God and salvation of souls.

Homily: 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time - "I have appointed you watchman"

This last week we celebrated the feast day of a very important Saint:  Saint Gregory the Great.  Saint Gregory was pope at the beginning of the 7th century.  He’s one of only two Popes to be given the title “the great”, though John Paul II one day may be formally given that title.

Saint Gregory was born into the world of politics—he was the son of a Roman senator.  Because of his great administrative talents and moral integrity came to occupy the highest civil office in Rome, that of Roman Prefect, when he was only 30 years old.  And yet, Gregory desired to devote his life more fully to the service of God, and became a quiet, simple servant of the Lord as a Benedictine monk.

God, however, had other plans for Gregory.  He was asked by the Pope to leave the monastery and become the Pope’s personal representative to Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire.  And Gregory was so talented in administration and preaching and teaching that when the Pope died, all of the priests and people of Rome acclaimed him to be the new Pope.

He is called “the Great” not just because he was a talented leader.  He is called “Great” because he poured himself out in service to the Church in an exemplary, yet humble way.  He knew that true human greatness is not found in athletic trophies or political office or wealth, but through humble service to Christ. 

The reason I bring up Saint Gregory is because he has a very famous commentary on today’s first reading from the prophet Ezekiel, particularly, the first line:  “You, son of man, I have appointed watchman for the house of Israel; when you hear me say anything, you shall warn them for me.”

Saint Gregory said that a watchman stands on a high place so that he can see the enemy coming from afar.  Imagine a soldier standing in his guard tower ready to alarm the city if an enemy approached. 

Parents act as watchmen to their children, don’t they?  They guard their children from things that are harmful to their bodies, minds, and souls.  I can hear my mom and dad saying, “Don’t run with scissors, don’t play in traffic, be careful when you talk to strangers.”  Now, vigilant moms and dads warn their children to be careful on the internet. 

Pope Gregory explained how the bishop in his diocese also is watchman.  Last week, Bishop Lennon issued a statement concerning the ALS Ice-Bucket challenge which has become popular lately.  ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease is a terrible degenerative illness that affects the brain and spinal cord and lead to paralysis and death.

The objective of this Ice-Bucket challenge is to raise money and awareness in support of research for a cure for ALS.  It is a good a holy thing to help alleviate human suffering, to support the medical sciences in curing diseases. 

However, in this particular instance, there is a very real and significant moral issue for Catholics.  The ALS Association sponsoring this Ice-Bucket Challenge conducts embryonic stem cell research.  Embryonic Stem Cell research is immoral because it involves the destruction of a human embryo, and thus the destruction of a human life. 

So, the bishop rightly teaches that we as Catholics cannot participate in fundraisers for organizations which conduct and support the destruction of human life. 

Instead, the bishop encourages us to support institutions such as the John Paul II Medical Research 

Institute or the Stem for Life Foundation in New York, both of which conduct research in conformity with the teachings of Christ through his Church.

He is a good watchman because he warns us so we do not participate in the morally unacceptable aspect of this popular activity.  The Watchmen has a difficult job these days whether you are a parent or a bishop, because sometimes there are wolves in sheeps’ clothing.  Activities which look fun and exciting must be measured against the moral teachings of Christ. 

And when the watchman sounds the alarm we have a duty to listen.  The fourth commandment insists that we honor our parents and those in authority through obedience.  Our Lord gives ultimate authority to the Church in teaching matters of morality.  In the Gospel today he speaks to his disciples, “Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven.”  We will be accountable for our disobedienc, when we ignore our parents and the Church on judgment day.  Something which makes us very grateful for the Sacrament of Confession through which we seek God’s forgiveness and the grace we need to reform our lives.

In his commentary on the first reading, St. Gregory also talks about one of the most difficult parts of his job as Pope. The Pope as head of the Church faces many problems as he manages the Church’s affairs.  And Pope Gregry lamented how hard it was to keep his mind focused on the Gospel as he dealt with all these problems and in dealing with those he called, “worldly men”: political officials who did not always have the Gospel as their main priority.  He talks about how easy it is so be drawn in to their idle conversation and worldly chatter.

I think we can relate.  How easy it is to fall into gossip when everyone else is doing it.  How hard it is to practice custody of our tongues. 

It’s easy to be drawn into sin when it surrounds as on every side.

Have you ever been visiting family out of town and it becomes apparent that they aren’t planning on going to Church that weekend?  It takes a real effort to fulfill our religious obligations when it doesn’t seem like anyone else is doing it.  It takes a real effort to follow the commandments when it seems like everyone else is disobeying them.

So like the watchman, we must constantly be on guard.  Because we often have to make a choice: will I follow the teaching of the world or the teaching of Christ?

We pray for the Pope and for the Bishops that they may be strong in guarding us and warning us and teaching us amidst all of the evils of the world.  We pray for all parents that they may protect their children from spiritual harm. 

May the Holy Spirit help us to be faithful to Christ in all things and give good example by our conduct for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

Homily: September 5 - Blessed Teresa of Calcutta - Servant of the Poorest of the Poor

Blessed Teresa was born in Macedonia in 1910 and spent a brief time in Ireland when she entered the Sisters of Loreto convent in Dublin.  When she was sent to teach at the Loreto school in Calcutta, India, she was overwhelmed by the tremendous poverty and suffering of the destitute.

In 1946, while riding a train to Darjeeling to make a retreat, Sister Teresa heard what she later explained as “a call within a call. The message was clear, she was to leave the convent and help the poor while living among them.” She also heard a call to give up her life with the Sisters of Loreto and, instead, to “follow Christ into the slums to serve him among the poorest of the poor.”

She received permission to establish a new religious order and returned to Calcutta to live among the poor in Calcutta’s slums and to serve them.  She dressed in a white Sari and sandals, the ordinary dress of an Indian woman.

The work was exhausting, but she was not alone for long. Volunteers who came to join her in the work, some of them former students, became the core of the Missionaries of Charity. Others helped by donating food, clothing, supplies, the use of buildings. In 1952 she opened a home for the dying and the destitute. Their service later extended to orphans and abandoned children, alcoholics, the aged, and the homeless.

As the Order grew, houses were founded in other cities around the world dedicated to serving the poorest of the poor.

In 1979 she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. On September 5, 1997, she died.
In every chapel of the Missionary Sisters is a crucifix with the words of Christ in Italian “Ho Sete”—“I thirst”, written above it: A reminder that when we bring drink to the thirsty we are giving that drink to Jesus himself.

When I was studying in Rome, I had the honor of working alongside the Missionary Sisters of Charity at a house for destitute men near the Coliseum.  The men would come off the streets and would be fed and bathed and treated with dignity and respect.  The sisters were so edifying as they treated these men as they would treat Jesus himself.

These Sisters, following the example of Blessed Teresa, who pour out their lives to serve the poorest of the poor are among the most joyful women I have ever met.  A reminder too that the greatest joy is not found in doing our own will, but pouring out our lives in service to God.

May Blessed Teresa continue to inspire us and teach us and pray for us that we may be ever more dedicated to serving Christ in the poor for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

Homily: September 3 - St. Gregory the Great - Servant of the Servants of God

“The Kings of the Gentiles lord their power over their subjects…but it shall not be so among you; rather, let the greatest be as the youngest, and the leader as servant.”  Such a fitting Gospel reading for the memorial of St. Gregory the Great.  He was the first Pope to refer to himself as the servus servorum Dei—the servant of the servants of God, a title which St. John Paul II used for himself many times.  The Pope does not sit upon top of the hierarchy lording his power over the Church, rather he is the servant of all, as he leads, guides, shepherds.  Though, he is in a position of authority, he does not use that authority for his own gain, but for the common good and the good of the Church.

St. Gregory is one of only two popes formally given the title “the Great”.  And in the end, he is known as great just because he was a competent administrator, but that he poured himself out in service to Christ.  He knew that true human greatness is found a total and surrender to Christ.  He put into practice all that he preached and became a living example of the Gospel he proclaimed.

Our Lord Jesus himself said, “I have come not to be served, but to serve.” And so all Christians are to learn from him, and live by his Spirit, seeking not to be served, not to have our needs and desires catered to, not to go on power trips and take delight in controlling others.  The apostles had a hard time with this, they had an argument, “who is the greatest?”  And Jesus says, the little one is the greatest, not the one who sits at table, but the one who serves at table.

Gregory the Great was the son of a Roman senator, and because of his great administrative talents and moral integrity he served as Roman Prefect, the highest civil office in Rome when he was only 30 years old.  And yet, he desired to devote his life more fully to the service of God, and became a hidden, quiet, simple servant of the Lord as a Benedictine monk.

To be the greatest, we must become servant of all.  This is Christ’s teaching whether you are Pope or President, Bishop or Grandparent, teacher, priest, parent, boss, employee, we are all called to emulate the servant heart of Christ; who though he was God, did not grasp at godliness, but emptied himself, and became a slave.

This does not mean that authority is bad, but that it must be used not for our own good, but for the common good.

Through the intercession of St. Gregory the Great, may we put all of our goods, talents, and abilities, our whole life, into the hands of God the Father, that we may be like his Son, the servant of all, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.