Ascension of the Lord
May 24, 2009
Gospel: Mark 16:15-20
Can you imagine trying to explain the story of Jesus to someone who has absolutely no knowledge of Christianity – like a visitor from another planet. Jesus was a human person - but he was also divine. His mother was a virgin - and his father was God. He lived a very quiet life for about thirty years – and then he went out preaching, teaching, performing miracles, and gathering followers. Despite all of the good things he did, some people saw him as a threat - so they had him killed. Before he died, he told his friends that they would be able to change bread and wine into his body and blood - so he could remain with them forever. After he was killed he, somehow, was able to leave his tomb – and appeared to his friends for forty days. Then, one day, as he was talking to them - he was taken up to heaven. We celebrate that event today - the Feast of the Ascension.
As difficult as these events are to describe – they must have been just as difficult to experience. For the disciples it was like riding an emotional roller coaster. In the days before died, Jesus tried to convince them that he would be arrested and executed for their sake. He was – yet after his death - he was alive again and appeared to them a number of times. During that time, he had to convince them that he was truly alive. Now, forty days after his resurrection, he tells them he is leaving again – and disappears from their sight.
Mark tells us that he just left them standing there – probably with mouths wide open and eyes searching the heavens. Where did he go? Did they understand what had just happened? He is alive – then he is dead – then he alive again – now he is gone.
They were confused and frightened – and understandably so. Thankfully, ten days later – at Pentecost – God sent the Holy Spirit to clear their minds and help them understand.
Just as we cannot fault our spiritual ancestors for their lack of understanding - we cannot fault non-believers if they find it difficult to accept our beliefs. Many are difficult to understand – much less believe. This is why God gives us the Holy Spirit – and the gift of faith. Faith allows us to believe what we cannot understand. As St. Thomas Aquinas explained it: “For those with faith no explanation is necessary; for those without faith no explanation is possible.”
Although we cannot expect non-believers to accept our beliefs, it is not too much to ask that they respect them. Unfortunately, there is a growing trend in our society to have contempt for our beliefs – and for those of us who believe. Christians - particularly Catholic Christians - are rarely portrayed today on television and in the movies as anything but religious fanatics or criminals. And, if you dare to publicly express the belief that marriage should only be between a man and woman you will be vilified as a homophobic bigot.
As Catholics living in a world that does not accept many of our values – you and I must do more than just react when we are attacked for them. We must be more pro-active in defending our faith. The best way we can defend our faith is to live it – not just when we are in church - but at home, at school and at work. We must be faithful – if imperfect – messengers of the gospel.
We must also honor our traditions even when they are met with derision and scorn. There are those who think that many of our traditions are little more than superstitions. Seeing the Blessed Mother in a cheese sandwich – or burying a statue of St. Joseph in order to sell a house – may be. But asking Mary and the saints to intercede for us – and believing that God can do anything – are not superstitions – they are essential elements of our faith.
Processions have always been an important part of our Catholic tradition. Catholics love a parade - we begin and end each mass with a procession. More importantly, throughout history Catholics have walked together to publicly express their faith and to demonstrate the strength of their beliefs. Catholics have walked through hostile environments – and they have processed in wheelchairs and on their knees. I will never forget the processions at Lourdes and Fatima. The first procession was Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem – and the second was along the Via Dolorosa to Calvary.
Tonight, after mass, I hope you will join us as we walk in procession as a culmination of our month long Flowers of May devotion to Mary. We honor Mary – the mother of God and our mother – because she shows us the way to her Son. Spreading his gospel in a world that has become – in many respects – so hostile to it is not something we can do by ourselves. We need all the help we can get – from Mary and all the saints – and from the abiding presence of God in our lives as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
The earliest Christians were confused and bewildered as they watched Jesus disappear from their sigh for the last time. Yet, Mark tells us “they went forth and preached everywhere.” – to a world no less indifferent to their message as the present world is to ours.
We have the benefit of their experience – and of 2,000 years of Catholic tradition – as we accept the challenge to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with all humankind. We must strive – always and everywhere – to be faithful bearers of that message.
Mothers’ Day
May 10, 2009
Gospel: John 15:1-8
Many years ago – during the 1970’s when such things were popular – I took a two-week summer nature course. One of the assignments was to adopt a tree.
Every day we were supposed to go to our tree and talk to it, write to it, and draw pictures of it. I thought the whole idea was silly, but I wanted the credit so I went along with it. Every morning I would report to my oak tree, ask how it was doing and write nasty little notes to it. I am pleased to report that my tree never responded.
Jesus spoke to the people of his day in images they could understand. Today, we hear him speak of vines and branches. I do not know much about grapevines, but every time I hear this gospel, I remember some of the things I learned from my tree.
For one thing, I realized that a tree could not survive without the nutrients that come up from the roots, through the trunk to the branches – and a branch cannot live apart from the trunk. Once a branch falls from the tree it dies.
So it is with the People of God. Jesus says, “I am the vine, you are the branches.” Jesus is the trunk of tree that provides the nourishment we need to survive - his Body and Blood present in the Eucharist we share.
We are the branches. We can have no meaningful life apart from him.
The more I looked at my tree, the more I began to appreciate its true strength and beauty. The tree’s strength comes from the trunk – sturdy and solid - but its beauty is in its branches. No two branches are alike. They are more similar than different, but each is distinct. The artistry of God’s creation is brought about by the many diverse parts that come together to form this mighty and magnificent object.
So it is with the People of God. We gain our strength and sustenance from Jesus Christ – the true vine – who is the center of our lives. But the beauty of God’s creation lies in the fact that each one of us – each branch of that marvelous creation called humanity – is as unique as a snowflake. And what it even more remarkable, each one of us is loved by God individually – as an indispensable part of the whole. This is why when we judge someone by the color of their skin, or by the language they speak, or by anything other than as a unique child of God - we are taking an ax - not just to that branch - but to the essence of the tree itself.
I also noticed how much other creatures depended on my tree for life. The bird nested in its branches. The squirrel waited for its acorns to drop. We humans depend on it for shade - and for the very air we breathe. The life of the tree comes from the trunk – but the branches help provide life to other living creatures.
So it is with the People of God. Jesus is the true vine that gives life to all of us – but he calls each one of us – each branch – to help sustain that life. He calls us to provide a nesting place for those who require shelter - food for those who must be nourished - a cooling place of rest for family and friends. He calls us – always and everywhere – to support the life that God gives us.
I do not think that anyone understands this better than a mother. From conception to birth, she is the only source of sustenance for the life within her – and from birth onward, she continues to nourish and care for it.
As we celebrate Mother’s Day, let us always remember our mothers – and anyone who has nurtured as only a mother can – adoptive mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers, foster mothers, godmothers – even single fathers who are often called to be both father and mother to their children.
Abraham Lincoln once said: “All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.” An angel is a messenger from God - sent to do God’s work. That is also a pretty good definition of a mother. Happy Mothers Day!
From Death to Life
April 26, 2009
Gospel: Luke 24:35-48
A family was driving home from mass on Easter Sunday. There was Mom, Dad, a boy about 12 and a girl about 6. The boy asked his parents if they knew the first thing that Jesus said when he walked out of the tomb after the resurrection. Mom said, “Wow, what a great question. I have no idea.” Dad said, “I don’t know either, but let’s turn back and ask Fr. Zamora – he will know.” So, they went back and asked Fr. Zamora but he did not know. Then they asked Fr. Tim and Fr. Theo and Fr. John and they did not know either. Then they asked the deacons, but they did not know. Even Msgr. Badia had no idea what the first thing was that Jesus said when he came out of the tomb.
Finally, seeing all of these grown-ups scratching their heads trying to think of an answer, the six-year old girl said, “I know – I know the first thing that Jesus said when he came out of the tomb.” They all looked at her and her big brother said, “OK smarty pants, what was it?” She smiled and said, “Ta-da!”
Today’s gospel is all about a “ta-da” moment. It is still Easter night, and the apostles are hiding in a locked room because they were afraid. They had seen Jesus die - and had heard that his tomb was now empty- but they did not understand what had happened.
Two men joined them who had seen the risen Jesus earlier in the day. At first, they had not recognized him. But later, when he had supper with them, they did. Now they are telling the apostles about their experience.
Suddenly, Jesus is in the room with them. Ta-da! How did he get there? Did he walk through a locked door? Did he suddenly materialize? We do not know – and it does not matter.
What we do know is that the disciples were terrified – they were scared to death. They thought they were seeing a ghost.
Jesus had to convince them that he was really there. He had them touch his hands and feet and examine where the nails had been. He even had them give him something to eat to prove that he was not a ghost – because ghosts do not eat.
Then he began to explain the scriptures to them – especially the ones that said that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. They had been with him in life and had witnessed his death. Now they were experiencing his resurrection.
He told them to go out and tell his story to the world – a story of repentance and forgiveness of sins for all people.
These disciples – who had locked themselves in a hidden room because they were so afraid – were transformed – they were changed. They were no longer afraid. They went into the streets of Jerusalem and began preaching publicly about Jesus and the great things that had happened. From Jerusalem, they went out to the world.
These disciples are the best evidence we have that Jesus rose from the dead. If anyone ever tells you that the story of the resurrection of Jesus is not true – tell them about these disciples. Tell them how they were transformed after they saw Jesus – how they had been scared to death – but after seeing that Jesus had really risen from the dead - they were no longer afraid.
We must never be afraid to show the world that we are followers of the risen Jesus. I have a niece, who is now married. When she was a little girl, and preparing for her first communion, she would say a prayer before every meal. She even did it in school before she ate her lunch. Some of other kids noticed this and began to tease her and laugh at her. Even a teacher told her that she would have to say her prayer silently. She continued to pray – out loud. She was a brave little girl because she was not afraid to pray – even when others laughed at her and told her not to.
We must never be afraid to tell the world about Jesus. We must never be afraid to act the way He wants us to. We must never be afraid to ask forgiveness when we hurt God or someone else - and, we must never be afraid to forgive others who hurt us.
Jesus rose from the dead – and because of that we must never be afraid.
Driving Out the Money Changers
March 15, 2009
Gospel: John 2:13-25
Looking back on his life, Mark Twain made this comment about his father: “When I was sixteen I thought my father was so ignorant that I could hardly stand to have the old man around. When I got to be twenty-one, I was surprised how much he had learned in five years.”
Most everyone here has experienced children or grandchildren going through that period in life we call the “terrible teens.” It is a time of rebellion – against parents and teachers, rules and laws - even against God. What we sometimes tend to forget – but Mark Twain acknowledged – is that we went through it too.
However, at some point in life, most of us come to realize the necessity of laws and rules, and we begin to see that most of them serve a purpose. We recognize that laws are necessary for our own safety and protection.
The Ten Commandments – the law that God handed down to Moses on Mt. Sinai – are meant to protect us from ourselves. The first three deal with our relationship to God – the rest with our relationship to one another.
God was emphatic when he gave Moses these commandments. “I am the Lord your God, you shall not have other Gods before me.” “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.” “Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day.” “Honor your father and mother.” You shall not kill - commit adultery – steal – or bear false witness. You shall not covet your neighbor’s house – or his wife – or anything to belongs to him” (I think it’s that last part about “coveting” that gets many of us in trouble.”)
The Ten Commandments are like highway signs that God has given us for our journey through life. We only make this journey once and following these signs will save us a great deal of misery and pain. They teach us what is necessary for living a full life – and they express God’s will for us. They provide us with a shortcut to wisdom – a wisdom we could never acquire by ourselves.
Throughout the ages many have regarded the Ten Commandments – if they considered them at all - more like the Ten Suggestions. This is why Jesus was so angry when he arrived at the Temple for Passover and found it filled with animals and moneychangers. Had these people forgotten the commandment about honoring God? They had brought animals into the temple area so they could sell them to people who wanted to offer a sacrifice. If you think that is not so bad remember that no one has ever been able to potty train an ox.
In John’s gospel, Jesus is not angered just because they are ripping people off - He is angered by their very presence. By doing business in God’s house, they are profaning it – they are making improper use of a holy place. They are violating the first commandment because they are worshipping the god of money instead of the One True God.
This gospel reminds me of the time we were in Jerusalem, walking the Stations of the Cross along the Via Dolorosa. There were vendors on both sides, selling everything from knick-knacks to religious articles and vestments. I remember that one shouted out to us, “Make the fifteenth station the t-shirt shop!”
Just this week Pat and I attended a very nice event at a religious facility in the diocese – that will remain nameless. There was good food and great entertainment. Towards the end of the evening, one of the entertainers was singing a medley of beautiful old Italian songs when someone came up to him and whispered in his ear that he had to make “a special announcement.” The special announcement was an auction! They interrupted the singer in the middle of his set so they could conduct an auction to raise money.
I was furious. The cause may have been worthwhile - but did it warrant such disrespect to the entertainer? When did fundraising take the place of old-fashioned good manners?
The mission of the Church is to impart God’s values to the world. We should never allow it to be tainted by the values of the world. “Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace.”
Unfortunately, most of us have been guilty of profaning the holy in our midst. One example is Christmas, which has become for many an orgy of spending that attempts to meet needs that cannot be satisfied with money. If you look around the stores, you will see that they are trying to do the same with Easter.
We have all sinned – we have all violated God’s commandments – but Jesus gives us hope. When he was asked to give a sign that would confirm his authority to drive out the moneychangers, Jesus responded by saying: “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.” He was referring, of course, to his death and resurrection.
It is the death and resurrection of Jesus that makes forgiveness possible. When we turn holy things into unholy things, Christ’s death and resurrection can lead us back to holy ground. When we profane things that should bless us, the cross and resurrection open the door to restoring the blessing. At one time or another, we have all been broken - but when we return to the basic truths that God gave us on Mt. Sinai - and when we bring our brokenness to Jesus – we are made whole again
Keep the Faith
March 8, 2009
Gospel: Mark 9:2-10
According to CARA – which is a research center at Georgetown University – about 24% of the population of the United States identify themselves as Catholic. That figure has remained stable for a number of years, but the number of Catholics who attend mass on a regular basis has steadily declined. Only about 23% of American Catholics attend mass once a week and another 21% attend once a month. Just as disturbing are the 10% of the population (about 30 million people) who say they are ex-Catholics.
There are many reasons why people leave the Church - or do not make it an important part of their lives. Some may have lost faith in church leaders – others may have lost their faith in God. Many have just put their faith into a compartment – a mental and moral closet – where it no longer influences any of their life’s decisions.
Even people of faith sometimes put it into a closet. Sometimes it is just out of laziness. At other times - when beset with difficulties or disappointments – we may give up on God because we think that God has given up on us. On the other hand, in times of prosperity many of us like to think that all of the good things that happen to us are the result of our own efforts. We think that the God who made us – and gave each of us special gifts – has little to do with our success in life, so why concern ourselves with such a quaint notion as faith.
Our readings today are about faith – especially when God does things we cannot understand. Abraham must have been shocked when God asked him to sacrifice his only son. Yet, he set out to do as God asked because he trusted that God would keep his covenant and protect Isaac from harm.
The story of the Transfiguration is the story of three men who could not have understood what was happening – but who still had faith in the One they followed.
When Jesus took his three most trusted disciples - Peter, James and John – to the top of a high mountain, he was transfigured. We do not use that word – transfigured – much in everyday conversation. The word that is closest to the Greek word used in the gospel is “metamorphosis.” We use that word even less, but it means that something changes into something else. Think of a caterpillar that changes into a butterfly.
The Jesus that those three disciples saw on that mountain was not Jesus of Nazareth, the carpenter’s son who had already performed many miracles that they did not understand. They saw the glorified figure of Jesus the Christ - the Son of God – standing in the presence of Moses and Elijah.
This event is so unbelievable that many have tried to explain it away. Some say that it is just a story that was made-up to emphasize the divinity or Jesus, or to show the link between the Old and New Testaments. Others say that if it occurred at all it must have been after the resurrection. However, there are good reasons to believe, as I do, that it really happened, as recounted in Mark - and in Matthew and Luke as well.
Throughout Mark’s gospel there are many times when Jesus performs a miracle and tells his disciples – and others – not to tell anyone about it. He is not ready to reveal who he really is. But, every time he says that they go out and blab it to everyone they meet. That is how his fame spread.
This time he tells them not to say anything – and they don’t! They are so dumbfounded by this experience that they are afraid if they tell anyone about it they will be locked away in a loony bin.
We know that Peter did not have a clue what was going on. Mark tells us that Jesus was having a nice chat with Moses and Elijah when Peter says “in reply,” “it is good that we are here.” To who or what is Peter replying? No one was speaking to him. And when he offers to build three tents so they can capture the moment, he is just babbling out of fear. Mark says, “He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified” – and that was before they heard the voice from heaven.
These three guys must have been petrified – and it would certainly have been understandable if, when they came down from that mountain, they ran for their lives. But, they did not run - they remained with Jesus.
They were sometimes weak – they would scatter when Jesus is arrested and Peter will deny him three times – but their underlying faith was strong. That faith would be tested by the crucifixion - but would be affirmed by the resurrection. They will come to appreciate that their presence on that mountain was a wonderful gift from God.
Even those of us who practice our faith regularly face times when that faith must be reinforced if it is to remain out of the closet. Lent is a good time to do that – through increased prayer and sacrifice. But, at all times - times of trial and times of prosperity - we must never lose faith. We must never lose sight of God’s love for us. We must never forget that everything we have is a gift from God – to be used for God’s glory and not our own.
Abraham discovered that even the worst thing imaginable could be turned around if you have faith.I think St. Paul put it best: “If God is for us, who can be against us.”
Believe the Good News
March 1, 2009
Gospel: Mark 1:12-15
On the first Sunday of Lent, we always hear the story of how Satan tempted Jesus in the desert. Last year we heard Matthew’s version; next year we will hear Luke’s. Today we hear Mark’s.
Mark’s gospel is the shortest and his description of events is sparse. For example, Matthew and Luke go into detail describing the three temptations and give us dialogue between Jesus and Satan. Mark gives us two sentences - Jesus went into the desert for 40 days, Satan tempted him and there were wild beasts and angels – but those two sentences are full of meaning.
Mark tells us that the Holy Spirit drove Jesus into the desert - he really did not have much of a choice in the matter. Before he could go out into the world, he had to spend a considerable amount of time in the desert. He had to be tempted by Satan and live among wild beasts. Only after going through all that were angels sent to minister to him.
Lent is often described as a “desert experience,” but the fact is that we spend a good deal of our lives in the desert - and we do not have much choice in the matter either. We are confronted with temptations every day - and many of the challenges we face are like wild beasts seeking to devour us. Especially during uncertain times such as these, many are tempted to lose hope and give in to despair. Even when we are in the midst of people we love, we may sometimes feel abandoned and alone.
It is during these “desert times”, that we are more likely to seek and find the Kingdom of God. When things are going great, we may not seek God because we like to think that our success is due to our own efforts. But when we are forced into the desert – when things are not so great – God may be the only lifeline we have. This is when God sends his angels to minister to us.
An angel is one who is sent by God to deliver a message. He or she may be a friend, a relative or a complete stranger – very often it is a child – but God sends these angels to remind us that we are never alone – even when we are in the desert - and that God’s love for us is unconditional.
We are also called to be angels for others - and we may not even realize it. Have you ever said or done something for another person and not realize why? All you know is that the gentle word or act of kindness that you delivered was the just what that person needed to know that God still cares for them. For that moment, God chose you to be an angel – a messenger of God’s love. Unfortunately, we are not angels all the time – and that’s how we know that God has a marvelous sense of humor.
When he came out of the desert into Galilee Jesus began his public ministry with a simple message: “The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the Gospel.” He is telling us that we need not wait until we die and go to heaven to experience the Kingdom of God. It is available to us here and now if we will only repent and believe in the gospel.
Repentance is more than just feeling sorry for our sins and the fact that it makes a mess out of our lives. True repentance is a rejection of sin itself – and requires that we take the next step and believe in the gospel – the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Believe in the good news of truth. We do not have to guess what God is like because God has walked among us.
Believe in the good news of hope. Although evil still exists in the world, Jesus gives us hope that evil can and will be defeated. No matter how bad things may seem, Jesus gives us hope that there is nothing in this world that can hurt us.
Believe in the good news of immortality. Life is not just the road to death – it is the pathway to eternal life.
Believe in the good news of salvation - the power to live life with the certain knowledge that, like Jesus, we can be victorious over sin and death.
There is a simple rule to follow when dealing with earthly things - if it sounds too good to be true it probably is. That rule is especially appropriate when someone is offering an investment with an unbelievable return.
But that rule does not apply when it comes to God. When it comes to the Good News that Jesus brings, what sounds too good to be true – is really true. All that Jesus promises is ours – if we will only repent and believe in the gospel – even when we are in the middle of the desert. It is in the desert that we most often find the Kingdom of God.
Good News & Bad News
January 25, 2009
Gospel: Mark 1:14-20
A doctor tells his patient, “I have good news and bad news.” The patient says, “Give me the good news first.” The doctor says, “The good news is that you have 24 hours to live.” The patient says, “That’s the good news! What’s the bad news?” The doctor says, “I forgot to tell you yesterday.”
Our readings today are about bad news and good news. The prophet Jonah, like many Old Testament prophets, was often a bearer of bad news. God sent him to Nineveh to tell the people that God was angry with them and was going to wipe them out.
Jonah was concerned more with his own skin than he was with the people of Nineveh. He was afraid of what the evil Ninevites might do to him as he walked through the city telling them that they were going to be destroyed in forty days. Besides - why bother warning them in the first place? Prophets had long thought that it was time for the Ninevites to get what was coming to them.
However, the people responded in an unexpected way. They repented - and went into mourning and fasting for their sinfulness. They turned from their evil ways - and God relented. The city - and all its inhabitants - were saved.
Jonah delivered bad news – but with a good result. You would think he would be elated that the people had heeded his warning and turned to God. However, if we read what comes after this passage we learn that Jonah became very angry with God. He felt that God had played him for a fool.
Here he is, telling the people that their city is going to be destroyed – and it does not happen. So he asks God to take his life - because no one is ever going to pay attention to any of his warnings again. Unfortunately, Jonah felt that his reputation as a prophet was more important than the results.
In contrast, Jesus brings good news: “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” That is what the word gospel means – good news.
The news was good enough for Andrew and Simon to abandon their nets and follow him. They had just cast their nets into the sea and hoped to pull them out loaded with fish. This was their livelihood – this was how they supported themselves – and their families. But, when Jesus walked by - and called them to become “fishers of men” - they left everything behind - and followed him.
Likewise, James and John were helping their father mend their nets. When Jesus called them, they dropped everything to follow him. They left their father standing there – I am sure with his mouth open saying “What just happened?”
What was it that caused these men to leave business and family behind and follow this itinerant rabbi? Was it the man - or was it the message?
I think it was both. The message was clear and unambiguous: “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” This is a moment unique in the history of humankind – come with me and be a part of it. But, what made the moment unique was the messenger.
Last week we heard Andrew tell his brother Simon, “We have found the Messiah!” He recognized – from the very beginning – that this was not just another prophet. This is the anointed one of God.
Do we realize how often God is revealed to us – or do we take those revelations for granted? Do we appreciate our encounter with God each time we participate in the sacrament of the Eucharist? Do we value this hour that we spend with God – in the company of other believers – as the most important hour we will spend this week? More important even than the quality time we spend with family and friends is the quality time we spend with God.
When they chose to leave their old lives behind and follow Jesus, those first disciples did not abandon their families. They united them with what would become an even greater family – the church. They may not have understood it yet – but they would come to realize that no relationship is greater than the relationship we have with God. Our connection with God strengthens all others – especially within our families.
“The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” This is very good news – if we respond to God’s call; if we embrace our calling and try to live as God’s disciples; if we follow the two great commandments to love God and one another; if we seek God’s forgiveness for the ways we have fallen short; if we praise God for his faithfulness - and thank God for the blessing of being his children.
We call our community Emmanuel – which means God is with us. God is with us - here, now and always – and that, my friends, is very good news indeed.
Searching for a Palace
January 4, 2009
Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12
This is one of our favorite Christmas stories. We call it the story of the “Three Kings,” but we do not know how many there were. Matthew does not tell us - nor does he say they were kings. He calls them Magi, which means wise men.
Whoever they were – and whatever their number - they came to King Herod seeking the newborn king of the Jews. They told him they had “observed his star at its rising and came to pay him homage.” They thought the future king they had come to worship was Herod’s child - but Herod did not have a newborn son – and had no idea what these men were talking about. He did know that any child thought to be king of the Jews was a threat.
Some say that Herod was paranoid – but it is not paranoia when people are really out to get you – and there were plenty out to get Herod. Palace coups take place all the time – especially when the ruler is as cruel as he was.
Herod told the wise men to continue their search for the child and to let him know when they found him, “so that I too may also go and pay him homage.” Of course, he did not intend to do that. He wanted the child killed.
The wise men left Herod’s palace and followed the star “until it stopped over the place where the child was.” What kind of place was that? It was probably not a stable. Matthew says it was a house – and it may have not have been in Bethlehem. The wise men’s journey from the east would have taken more than the twelve days we attribute to it – it may have been as long as two years. By the time the magi arrived, the Holy Family may have been a nice rental unit in Bethlehem, or they had returned home to Nazareth.
The wise men finally found the child they were seeking – but it was not in the palace of Herod the King – nor in any other palace or grand house. They found him in the modest home of Joseph, the carpenter, and his young wife, Mary.
I wonder if the wise men were disappointed when the star came to rest over this simple dwelling. Did they question whether this could really be the home of a king?
Throughout our lives, we all follow stars in the hope that they will lead us to a palace – but more often than not, they come to rest over a more modest place. Many start out in their 20’s expecting to set the world on fire – only to realize by the time they are fifty that their star may never lead them to a palace. Marriages start with great expectations that are sometimes shattered when husband, wife, or both fail to realize that a successful marriage takes commitment and effort.
Even those whose star does lead to a palace often realize that material success is not all that it is cracked up to be. An economist, who must have also been something of a philosopher, once wrote: “It’s great to have two cars and a swimming pool. But, there are disappointments. After you have made some money and acquired some things, and after the initial excitement has passed, life goes on, just as bewildering as it always was, and the great problems of life and death once again come to the fore. We re-emerge from our love affair with goods and know that consumption isn’t the answer, and we ask ourselves what is.”
What can we do when our star disappoints us – when it comes to rest over a place less grand than what we feel we deserve? We can do what is common today and blame everyone but ourselves for our condition – and then expect someone to bail us out. We can blame God for abandoning us – and begin to follow false prophets who will promise the world – and lead us nowhere.
Or, we can learn from the wise men, who came seeking the Christ child. They could have said, “This can’t be the place” and continued on a fruitless search for a palace befitting a king. Instead, Matthew tells us “When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy.”
They understood that God had directed them – and they were willing to assume that God knew what he was doing. They were joyful because they trusted that God had led them – not to the place they expected – but to the place they were meant to be.
Many will face grave difficulties in this new year. Many stars we follow will stop over places we may not expect.
If your star does not lead you to a palace try to take close look at the place where it does lead you. It may not be where you set out to go - but you may still find good things there
The wise men entered the house where the star stopped – and knelt before the Christ-child. They worshipped him, offered him gifts - and were overwhelmed with joy.
We too must follow his star. We must kneel before Christ and give him our gifts of love and service to God and neighbor.
In return, He will bless us and give us – not always what we want – but always what we need. It may not be a palace but it will be a place where – even in the midst of hardship – we can find joy.
Be Attentive - Be Awake - Be Alert
November 30, 2008
Gospel: Mk 13:33-37
We think of Advent as the season of preparation for the coming of Jesus at Christmas - but Christmas has come and gone about 2,000 times. By this time, we should have a good idea how to prepare.
Unfortunately, many still do not get it. They think Christmas is about getting to the mall in the middle of the night so they can be first in the store when the doors open at 5:00 AM. When thousands of like-minded people gather, their Christmas cheer can turn to frustration - and the result can be a mob that tramples a poor store employee to death.
But today’s readings are not about preparing for Christmas- they are about preparing for Christ’s second coming – at the end of time. The first Christians believed that the second coming was imminent and they had to maintain their spiritual and moral fervor until he returned. The four gospels were written within a hundred years of Jesus’ death, and a recurring theme is the necessity of always being ready.
Most people know the difference between right and wrong and how we should live. We do our best - but one of our many weaknesses as human beings is a lack of staying power. Just think of all the New Year’s resolutions, diets, exercise plans and promises to pray more. We may stay on track for a while, but the enthusiasm eventually cools and flickers out – and all we are left with is that weird limbo-like place called “good intentions.”
St. Paul also thought the second coming was near. In his letter to the community in Corinth, he expressed his gratitude for their faith and spiritual gifts – but still had to pray that God would keep them “firm to the end, irreproachable on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Many years have passed since then, and Jesus has still not made that second appearance. Fervor and commitment cool, and people slide into moral and spiritual laxity. “There is plenty of time.” “Maybe he isn’t coming.” “Maybe he already came and we didn’t know it.” “Maybe the whole idea is nonsense.” But the warning in today’s gospel is clear: “Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come.”
So, how do we remain alert and awake twenty centuries after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus – and is it important that we do so? As much as we may like to deny it, our time on earth is short and fragile. All of our grand plans and magnificent achievements can vanish in one, catastrophic moment. If we are not around for the second coming, it only means that our personal “second coming” came first.
The warning of today’s gospel should not drive us to depression - but rather to a passion for the gift of each new day – and gratitude for the gift of life and for the people who enrich our lives. Gratitude for our family, friends and loved ones - even for those we may never have met yet who somehow touch our lives.
Being alert also means sitting in silence and listening for the still, inner voice of God. God has probably been trying to get through to many of us for quite some time, but we have been too busy babbling to notice. Sometimes we have to shut up and let God get in a word or two.
We have to appreciate that the hour that we spend as a community with Him is the most important hour we will spend this week. Nothing – not even quality time with your family – is more important than quality time with God. When your relationship with God is on track – every other relationship is enhanced. When we appreciate that God is the most important factor of our lives – we wait and watch for Jesus’ return with cheerful anticipation.
I am reminded of the story of the Pope working at his desk, when one of his aides bursts into the room. “Holy Father, there is man coming up the stairs and he looks just like Jesus. What should we do?” The Pope calmly answered, “Look busy!”
We should be busy doing what God wants us to do – loving God and our neighbor – but part of that busyness includes being attentive – to God and to one another. We must not fix our eyes on some distant horizon waiting for Jesus to re-appear. We must stay focused on the world around us - the world we live in – and help make it the world that God wants it to be.
Today is the only day that is guaranteed to us. Yesterday is gone – and tomorrow is not assured. The only thing we can be sure of is this moment.
Jesus is present in this moment – and in every moment of our lives. He has called you to this moment. He may have called you because he has something special he wants to say to you – or just because he just wants to be with you. Be sure that you take a moment to open your heart to receive whatever word God may have for you.
Be attentive – be awake – be alert – especially to those times when you allow God into your life – for that is the only time we are truly alive.
Divided Loyalties
October 19, 2008
Gospel: Matthew 22:15-21
In today’s gospel, some people question Jesus about divided loyalties. They are disciples of the Pharisees and Herodians – who are cronies of King Herod. It is interesting that the Pharisees did not confront Jesus themselves. They sent some young followers – perhaps students. The old men did not want to risk their reputations - so they sent young men with no reputations to risk.
They approach Jesus and attempt to butter him up. “Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. And you are not concerned with anyone’s opinion, for you do not regard a person’s status.” There is a phrase to describe this type of false flattery – but I cannot use it. Then, they ask a loaded question, “Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?”
What a set-up! It is like asking, “When did you stop beating your wife?” Any answer will get Jesus in trouble. If he says it is lawful to pay the tax, people may think he is conspiring with the Romans. If he says do not pay the tax the Romans could arrest him for sedition.
The question – and the answer - is about more than taxes - and more than the separation of church and state. Jesus addresses the challenge of divided loyalties – not only in regard to choices between government and God – but in the many ways in which divided loyalties pull us in one direction, and then another.
Jesus knows who his questioners are and what they are up to. He knows they are out to trap him and he calls them hypocrites – one of his favorite derogatory terms. He then takes a coin bearing the image of Caesar and says, “Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.”
In effect he is saying, “Give the coin to Caesar – it has his name and portrait on it and is issued by his authority. He is entitled to have what is his.” More importantly, the true king – God - is also entitled to his property – to what bears his image.
What is that bears the image and likeness of God? You and I do. We bear the divine image just as much as the Roman coin bore the profile and name of the emperor. The coins in our pockets may ultimately belong to Caesar - but you and I belong only to God.
Jesus is not pulling any punches here - he is very clear. We are expected to give ourselves to God – not once – not once a week – but always. Giving ourselves to God should be the distinguishing characteristic of our lives - it should define and shape who we are.
Only when we give ourselves to God can we ably address the other claims made upon us. First, we must reject those claims that are not legitimate – that take us away from God rather than bring us closer. Then we must recognize the genuine claims and find the proper place for each in the ever-shifting network of relationships that is our life.
It is not enough to give to the emperor what belongs to the emperor. Our families and friends - in fact all of God’s people – have valid claims on us. First, we must transform our divided loyalties into a unified life governed by one supreme and absolute loyalty – to God. Once we learn to put God first, the other appropriate demands made of us fall into their proper places. Divided loyalties become united in a life that is governed by the creative hand of God.
Loving God first does not diminish our love for others. On the contrary, it allows us to love others in ways that are right for them and right for us – ways that are compassionate and life giving, rather than distorted and destructive.
When we love God first, our loyalties are no longer divided. They are in harmony – for each is an invitation from God.
So, “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” Just remember, that in the end it all belongs to God.