Use Things for What They Were Made for! (2nd Sunday of OT, Year B)

 To listen to this homily, click here.

Use different objects as examples of a thing that intended for one thing but can be used for another. However, while it might be able to do that other thing, there tend to be problems, compromises, and unintended consequences. 

Examples: Halligan Bar can be used to pull nails, Broken motor mounts on Horizon lets engine crush cans, Tomato paste can used to fix rusted exhaust pipe.

I have many other instances of finding off-label uses for everyday items but this is more from desperation than preference. When I am fixing something or working on a project, it’s always best to have the right tool, the right part, and use them in the intended way.

All of this is to set a context for the remarkable second reading we just heard. In his letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul reminds the people that their bodies were made for a particular thing. While they can be used for many other things, there is a specific purpose they were created for. Let me re-read the highlights, “The body is not for immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord is for the body; Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. Glorify God in your body.”

Throughout human history, we’ve always struggled to understand our bodies in a way that is healthy and holy. Our bodies are sacred gifts from God and as wonderful treasures, they must be treated with respect, dignity, and love. For some, this might seem like an obvious statement. But St. Paul was living in a time much like ours, with confusion and immorality surrounding human sexuality. St. Paul knew if Christians didn’t understand the meaning and purpose of their bodies, they would soon fall into lifestyles and relationships that hurt themselves and others.

St. Paul’s words apply to us today! Our society increasingly detaches any spiritual meaning from our bodies and has forgotten their purpose. But Scripture and our Church make it clear that our bodies are sacred. The fact that each of us was created male or female at the moment of conception was not accidental or inconsequential. God knew the particular way each of us would glorify him and find joy in expressing a unique aspect of his loving image. Our bodies play a critical role in that revelation and glory. 

Unfortunately, instead of helping us love God and love each other, our bodies have often been at the center of human sinfulness;  we frequently use them to harm others and ourselves. Ever since Adam and Eve rebelled against God in the Garden, humanity has used the body against God and his plan, doing so in the name of freedom and the pursuit of happiness. Adam and Eve were told not to eat from that one tree and yet they ate it; using their arms, hands, teeth and taste buds to defy God and his unconditional love.

Throughout human history, the perpetual struggle between the desires of the body and God’s plan continues. Modern man sees the tree, represented in the Scriptures and teachings of the Church, and hates it. We often interpret God’s will and wisdom as a sort of divine tyranny over me and my body. We are tempted to believe that God’s purpose for my body prevents me from reaching my fullest, freest potential and impedes my true happiness.

In the last 100 or so years, a primary goal of western society has been not just to eat as much of the forbidden fruit as possible but then to cut down any remaining forbidden trees entirely. There has been a sustained effort to get rid of all social taboos, normalize every relationship or self-identification, eliminate any moral wrestling with our conduct, and instead do as we please. All for the purpose of freeing ourselves from the shackles of religion and its authority, to truly be who we want to be, with no one telling us what to do or how to do it

For the most part, that movement appears to have succeeded; nowadays, there are virtually no forbidden trees in our midst. The prevailing attitude is “do whatever makes you happy”. But has mankind become healthier? Have we as a human race become MORE free as a result of taking so much “fruit” that there’s no such thing as a forbidden tree? Are we a better people for having pornography available on demand in our pockets? Are we a better human race, now that the terms “man, woman, and marriage” are whatever we want them to mean? Are relationships stronger, because of unfettered sexual expression, with no transcendent meaning or aim? 

Absolutely not! Revolutionary behavior has only brought us societal decadence and chaos. Divorce is commonplace, casual relationships leave people feeling exploited for the pleasure of others; fathers absent from homes; young people robbed of innocence and objectified; millions overcome with anxiety, depression, and despair; because we no longer know who we are and what we, and our bodies, are FOR. When things are used for their proper purpose/meaning—there is right order, joy, fulfillment. When the body is misused—order in life is lost—and we are left feeling hurt, broken, and used. Our bodies can be used for all sorts of things but there is only one thing they were made for!

Which brings us back to St. Paul and his timeless reminder. “The body is not for immorality, but for the Lord. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. Glorify God in your body.” Let us hold onto these words from St. Paul and take time to consider if there are ways we still need to live them more fully. Let us rejoice that God has created us in his image, in flesh and blood, joining body and soul and that he has made our bodies for such a noble and meaningful purpose. Finally, let us honor that gift by always using our bodies in the way they were created for!

The Well-Trod Path To God (Epiphany, 2024)

 To listen to this homily, click here.

As many of you know, one of my favorite ways to vacation is going somewhere beautiful, near mountains, and hiking. Whether it is the Rockies, the Smokies, or the Sierra Nevadas, it doesn’t really matter; just give me some trails to explore and I will be happy. In many cases, the popular hikes have multiple routes to the same destination and I usually pick the one best travelled so I don’t have to worry about way-finding. A well-worn path allows me to stay on track easily and just focus on the beautiful scenery all around me.

As we celebrate the feast of the Epiphany, we have the chance to observe something special about the Magi. Their hunger and thirst for truth provides a trustworthy trail to finding God, not only in the massive revelation they received but even in the humdrum of daily life. The journey of the Magi offers us a reliable path to follow which enables us to focus on the beautiful scenery of blessings and grace God puts all around us!

The Magi’s path to Bethlehem shows us 5 steps in the spiritual life which ultimately lead, not just to some interesting experience or information, but to Jesus and the grace of interior transformation and holiness. 

The first characteristic of the Magi way is observation. The Magi were stargazers but not just as a hobby or something to pass the time. They studied the heavens for a purpose, they were hoping to see something in the pattern of the sky, the movements of planets, constellations and heavenly bodies that would teach them about God. They believed that God had a message for them. So they faithfully watched and observed, night after night, becoming familiar with the nuances of the heavens. This familiarity would serve them well; once they saw the unfamiliar and unusual star, they knew something special was happening; they trusted God was speaking to them.

Some simple questions to consider: Do we believe God is trying to communicate with us? What are the things we are attentive to and observing right now? Are they things that would teach us about God? Or is it the stock market? The political situation? The latest news in the world, our country or the Church? Are we observing the correct things that allow us to see God inviting us to come closer or might we be focussed on something else that leads away from him?

The second characteristic of the Magi is that they were decisive. After seeing the star and discerning it was God’s sign, they started their journey. This was not as simple as travel today. Going into unknown territory at their time was truly dangerous. There was no google maps and many roads were ruled by thieves and robbers. Most routes were uncharted and regional; there was no highway or interstate to quickly take someone from one place to the next. Many people started a journey and never returned. The Magi were men of action and courage. They could have found a long list of reasons to stay home and play it safe. Instead they followed the star and let God unfold his plan as they went.They didn’t need all the details before they acted; they trusted God.

The third characteristic of the Magi is that they were not discouraged or stopped by opposition and setbacks. On their way to Bethlehem, they had to go through King Herod who wanted to use them to kill the Christ-Child. This 3rd characteristic is perhaps the most important for us today. As a whole, we modern day Christians live a very comfortable and easy life. But there is no way to walk closer to Christ and stay on the path to holiness without encountering opposition, suffering, and sacrifice. Some of this resistance will come from within ourselves: our own weakness and attraction to sin. Some of it will come from others who do not share the same values or who even resent our efforts to grow in faith. And some of our struggles will come from the evil one, who hates God and anyone who tries to follow him. The magi teach us that hardships, setbacks, and suffering are not signs we are on the wrong path nor are they insurmountable barriers. Instead, such things should be expected and dealt with in a calm, prayerful, and confident way, knowing God will lead us through each and every one.

Fourth, and my personal favorite, when they finally encounter Jesus, they break open their treasures. They give him the best of what they have. I think our tendency is often to give the Lord whatever we have left over after we have taken the best for ourselves. We can be very stingy and cheap with God! And I am not just talking about material things. I am also thinking of our time, our God-given talents, our hearts. I think most of us would have given the Magi a break if they arrived in Bethlehem and said, “hello Joseph and Mary, nice to meet you! We have spent the last month or two following a star. We’ve used all our vacation days and it has been more costly than we imagined. So, our presence here is our present to you and the Christ-Child. We are saving the rest of our treasure for the way back.”

But this is not at all what they do! Once they arrive, they deliver what is most precious to Jesus. They do not ration their gifts; they are extravagant in their offering, they do not count the cost! Many of us do the first 3 steps and then when we stand before Christ, we hold back! We do not give him the best of our mind, heart, soul, and strength. We save that for our secular pursuits and personal projects. When push comes to shove, what gifts do we break open to the Lord and which ones do we guard jealously for ourselves?

Finally, the wise men returned to their home by another way. Of course this is due to the warning of the angel about King Herod’s murderous rage. But it is also a symbol that their journey to Bethlehem, their encounter with the Christ-child had changed them fundamentally. They had experienced transformation and they could not return to who they were before. Our own relationship with Jesus should accomplish the same thing in us. Once we have walked through the first four steps, we must be changed people! We cannot go back to our same ways of thinking, acting, praying, and living. We should become a new creation.

Take some time today to reflect on the Magi and the wisdom of their path to the Christ-child. Let’s honestly ask ourselves if we follow the five steps they took towards Bethlehem: constantly looking for God’s presence, summoning the courage to act once we see God’s sign, resisting discouragement when we encounter obstacles, giving the best of ourselves when we stand before Jesus, and embracing his transforming grace, refusing to go back to old ways of living. For any ways we falter or hesitate, we ask their help and intercession. May each of discover Christ by following the path they have provided for us!

The Blessing of Family (Holy Family, 2023)

 To listen to this homily, click here.

It’s difficult not to be sentimental this time of year, even for a crusty German like me! This season of celebration and being together as family contains so many happy memories for me growing up. The frenzy of excitement as we cleaned and decorated our little house in Hazelwood so we could host my mom’s family on Christmas Eve. The impatient praying at Midnight Mass, which actually started at midnight, at St. Agatha’s parish in South St. Louis, anticipating the many gifts that would appear under the tree a few hours later. The waking up at the crack of dawn to stare at the mountain of gifts Santa had brought. The lazy days between Christmas and New Year’s Day where we could play games for hours, enjoy having dad home from work, eat the leftovers from special Christmas feasts, and put our new gifts through their paces. What wonderful times those were! What simple pleasures! But what made these memories most special was not the gifts, the food, or the time of relaxing. What made the memories an everlasting joy were the people, my family. Despite our expected arguing, bickering, and occasional grudges, my family has and continues to be, a place of joy, strength, refuge, accountability, and faith. I hope you can say something similar as you think of your own families who loved and formed you!

The human family is not simply an evolutionary construct or a gathering of convenience; it's part of God’s plan. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says the family is the “domestic Church.” Long before we went to Catholic school or PSR, or knew what was happening at Mass, we were being taught in our families how to love, how to share, how to forgive and pray. God, in his wisdom, knows that the safety, acceptance, and calm of the family is the most natural place for humans to learn how to love Him and others. That is why the family will always be sacred and why the Church will never stop fighting to protect families from sin, evil, abuse, and redefinition.

We need this encouragement and protection now more than ever. Family life today is difficult. Has any one here not seen loved ones affected by divorce, the scourge of alcohol and narcotics, the breakdown of discipline, or profound hurts that produce grudges lasting decades?

We should pay attention to St Paul's letter to the Colossians which contains timeless advice. Apparently word had reached Paul that Christian families in that city were falling apart. And so he notes the qualities that must be present in any Christian home. "Bear with one another. Forgive one another... Over all these put on love...Christ's peace must reign in your hearts...Be thankful...Wives, cherish your husbands...Husbands, love your wives...Children, obey your parents in everything.”

What a home it would be to find all the qualities Paul mentions! It really would be a holy family! Oftentimes when we hear these things we let our cynicism win and think, “my family could never do all that.” But our Church is an everlasting optimist! She hopes for the best! With God all things are possible! That was the message last week and it is still true a week later, even with our families! How can our families grow holier if we don’t try? We may never be the holiest family but with God’s grace we can certainly be a holy family! 

Some of you may be thinking, “Get your head out of the clouds, Padre! How can we relate to the Holy Family? Joseph was a celibate. Mary a virgin. Jesus the Son of God. They had it easy!” But we do Mary, Joseph, and Jesus a disservice if we fantasize their lives. Take the Christmas stable for example. We picture it as something rustic and charming. However, stables are constructed for livestock, not families. That Christmas stable was crawling with dangerous vermin and foul odors. There were no pampers, heat, or fresh water. Imagine the cold drafts. Mary and Joseph had to be sick with worry for the Infant's health. Where would the next meal for the Baby come from? Soon there would be a murderous king hunting them and the need to flee to another country. Consider, too, the teen years of Jesus. Most teens believe they know everything. Can you imagine raising one who did?! Each family has their own unique challenges to face. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph faced theirs together with faith; how do we approach ours?

We celebrate not the feast of the Perfect Family but the feast of the Holy Family. God knows, each of us comes from imperfect families and we all contribute our fair share to the dysfunction and neurotic tendencies found in every home. The good news is that God loves working with imperfect people! He can make you and your loved ones holy in the course of daily life. But we have to give him opportunities to make it happen. In our time the main dangers to family life are a lack of silence, stillness, and being present to each other. Modern life and technology constantly isolate us and keep us running around so there is no time to truly listen to those we live with. And let’s not forget, we are not simply waging battle against human weakness or a hostile culture. The devil hates the things God loves; families are at the top of his list to divide, distract, and destroy. But we should never be afraid or lose hope because God will always protect us if we entrust our family to him. And God most often gives us grace in ordinary moments of life. Ask yourself these questions to get the conversation started with God on how to be a holy family:

1. when was the last time I gave my family my undivided attention and was completely present to them without the tv, phone, internet, or any other distraction pulling at me? Is there regular moments they know I am focused on them above all else?
2. Do I make time each day to communicate meaningfully with the people in my home? Do I know what is on their heart or do I mostly engage in small talk? Do I listen as much as I speak? Am I willing to share my heart, including my thoughts, feelings, and desires or do I simply convey information?
3. How often do I pray with my family, before meals, at the end of the day, even over the phone before ending a conversation with a family member who might be living out of town?
4. Am I doing my part to make my family a domestic church? Do I act in a way that fosters a community of respect, love, warmth, compassion, forgiveness, strength, holiness, peace, service, and gratitude? Or is it all about me?

These are some of the basic things we can do in our families to create a holy environment in our homes. Holiness then fosters happiness and healthiness which we all need. May God bless our families today and heal any hurts that keep us from loving as we should. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, help us!

You Can Have My Room! (Christmas, 2023)

 To listen to this homily, click here.

First of all, I want to wish all of you a very merry Christmas! This is my 7th Christmas at Incarnate Word and I cherish this holiday as a time to see and pray with so many of you! I pray that this is your best Christmas yet and you each experience profound peace and joy within yourself and with your loved ones!

I heard a sweet story about an unscripted moment that happened at a grade-school Christmas play. We’ve all been in the audience for these festive performances which never fail to make us smile because of their unpredictable and precious nature. In this case, there was a second-grader named Wally who inadvertently stole the show. Wally was one of those big second-graders, having been held back a year before kindergarten and also having a late-summer birthday. This delayed entry into school was all for the better because Wally was never going to be an academic superstar; his gifts lie elsewhere. Wally was blessed with a big heart, endless optimism, helpful, with a ready smile, a natural defender of the underdog, and well-liked by his classmates. His parents encouraged him to audition for the annual Christmas play. Wally wanted to be a shepherd but he was given the role of the innkeeper. The director reasoned that Wally’s size would lend extra force to the innkeeper’s refusal of lodging to Joseph. During rehearsals, Wally was instructed to be firm with St. Joseph. When the play opened, no one was more caught up in the action than Wally. When Joseph knocked on the door of the inn, Wally was ready. He flung the door open and asked with a big scowl, “What do you want?” “We seek lodging,” Joseph replied. “Seek it somewhere else,” said Wally in a firm voice: “There’s no room in the inn.” “Please, good innkeeper,” Joseph pleaded, “this is my wife, Mary. She is about to have a baby and is very tired. She needs a place to rest.” There was a long pause as Wally looked down at Mary. A teacher whispered Wally’s next line: “No! Be gone!” Wally remained silent. Mary and Joseph turned and slowly began to move away. Seeing this, Wally’s true self got the better of him. Tears welled up in his eyes and he called out, “Don’t go! You can have my room.” 

This little story is light-hearted and sweet but it hints at something deeper within ourselves. Most of us in church know what it is like to be comfortable at home and to hear a knock on the front door or have the phone ring at the worse possible moment. When this happens, many of us contend with that dilemma: do I avoid answering or do I go the extra mile and engage with the person on the other end? Many times, for a whole host of reasons; we tell others there is no more room at the inn and we ask that person to go somewhere else.

But our homes and phones are not the only things we guard carefully. So too our hearts and our time. When we look across the horizon of salvation history, recorded in Sacred Scripture and secular history, we notice how often people, indeed entire cultures, closed the doors of their hearts to the message of love and peace God desired to share.  Again and again, God knocked on the doors of the human heart, first at the dawn of creation with Adam and Eve then through his prophets, angels, judges, and kings. And as many times as our God offered his incredible offer of divine forgiveness and peace, we responded by either ignoring his invitation or going back on our promise to be faithful. We replied, in no uncertain terms, there is no room at the inn, go somewhere else! But in his never-ending goodness, God never gave up on us! And that is what we celebrate today. That in the fulness of time, God would send his only-begotten Son, born of a virgin in a manger, amidst farm animals, visited by kings and shepherds. Here, in this little baby, was the Son of God, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, Wonder-Counselor, the Prince of Peace. He is the Word-Made-Flesh, who has come to earth to invite us to let him in so he might share his peace, mercy, and love.

Today Christ is seeking a place to stay, wondering if we will make room for him. Someone beautifully wrote, “Christ could be born a thousand times in Bethlehem – but all in vain until He is born in me.” Each of us knows, in some way, we have refused to open that door due to sin, fear, or selfishness. As we gather here to celebrate again the birth of Jesus, we should ask ourselves what it is that causes us to close the doors of our heart to the Christ-child. Is it a lack of faith that God will provide all that I need, even if it is not all I want? Is it because I have deep-rooted addiction to some sin I don’t want to give up? Do I resist the invitation to pray each day, filling that time instead with activity or mindless screen time? Am I so attached to an unhealthy relationship that I fear life without it? Am I unwilling to set aside my greed, lust, anger, bitterness, fear, or shame which barricades the door of my heart from welcoming the many gifts Jesus desires to share with me?  

Today Christ knocks on the door of every human heart not as a threatening judge, not as a fierce warrior, not as an impersonal god. He comes to us as a gentle and innocent baby, reflecting the infinite love and mercy of the God who never stops seeking to win our hearts. Make room to embrace the Incarnate Word and experience his freedom which liberates us from the slavery of sin. May Jesus always find a home in our hearts, minds, and homes! Today our savior is born, come let us adore him.

Testify to the Light (3rd Sunday of Advent, Year B)

 To listen to this homily, click here.

I can’t exactly tell you why, but I have always had a fascination with flashlights. Probably because every one in our house never worked! I also loved the variety. You can find lights powered by different batteries and bulbs, with or without the option to focus the beam. They could be heavy or lightweight, rechargeable or disposable, halogen or LED, massive or compact. Growing up, I would constantly ask for one for birthdays or Christmas, and always for extra batteries because I knew at least one sibling would try to steal my light and hid in a dark room flashing it on and off like a weirdo. One of my all-time favorites was the venerable Maglite which used to be a status symbol in the flashlight community. Made of aircraft-quality aluminum that was rugged and durable, you could find them ranging in size from the handy mini-mag which used two AA batteries to the Maglite white star, which used 6 D batteries and stretched nearly two feet long. I never did get that mega-maglite but it wasn’t for a lack of trying!

These days my enthusiasm for flashlights and other task lighting has not diminished, my affection is just more mature. I realize there is no single flashlight or work-light that can do everything so I must have all of them! I even brought a few of my go-to’s so you can see that I am serious. Headlamp (handsfree, attic, hiking), Solar lantern (recharged by the sun and ready for an emergency), two m18 work lights (one has a hook and an adjustable head while the other is magnetic and sticks to a vehicle or metal that you are welding!). The last and most used is a streamlight Strion which is small but mighty, rechargeable and 3 different brightness settings. I have one in the house and one in the truck and use it all the time!) It is so bright, that if you shine it in someone’s eyes in the dark, they will be blinded and disoriented for a few moments. Ask me how I know!

Perhaps you don’t share my passion for flashlights; that is regrettable but forgivable! However, all of us are drawn to light. We need it for so many aspects of daily life and we appreciate the safety and security it brings. Light is a good thing! I have yet to see advertising for a flashlight that says “our product produces the least amount of light and probably won’t have any power when you need it.” We all want light that is both bright and long-lasting. But no matter what man-made light we swear by, no matter how big the bulb or brightness rating, all of them pale in comparison to the sun. All of them are limited in the light they can provide.

The theme of light can be found everywhere in the Advent season. Isaiah tells us that the people that walked in darkness have seen a great light. Today, in the gospel, the theme of light comes to the forefront as we hear that “a man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light.

John was the greatest prophet that ever lived. He was the brightest light that would point to the messiah. He was the crown of the Old Testament and the beginning of the New. He inspired and captivated huge crowds and some of them even wondered if he might be the messiah or Elijah, back from the dead. But John’s brilliance, as good as he was, was dazzling in contrast to the darkness. His light, preparing the way of the Lord, was only bright in the absence of the One who was light from light, true God from true God. Compared to Christ, John paled, like any flashlight, which is so bright in the darkness but no match for the sunlight. 

The beautiful thing is that John knew this and embraced it. When asked by the crowds who he was, he made it clear that he was not the Christ, nor Elijah but simply “the voice of one crying out in the desert, 'make straight the way of the Lord.'" As a sign of his great humility, John said: “there is one coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie." John’s role as a prophet was simply to be a light leading others to Christ; his purpose was not to try and outshine Christ or to confuse people on where the true light can be found. How easy it could have been for him to take credit for what he was saying and doing, to promote himself and try to take the glory. 

This lesson of humility is really important for us as modern day people. It is far too easy to get caught up in being number one and competing with our rivals in business, school, social circles, and even church. So much energy can be spent on trying to outshine others that we forget that there is only one true light that gives meaning to our lives and peace to our souls.  

As followers of Christ, you and I are called to be lights in the midst of darkness. Like John the baptist, the Lord wants us to live lives of joy and courage, witnessing to him and preparing his way as he enters our world.  

On this third Sunday of Advent, the Church tells us to rejoice because the saving light of Christ’s birth is drawing near. If we have the attitude of John, it will be easy to rejoice because we know the victory has already been won, that sin and death have no more power over us, and that all the good we do is not because of us but through Jesus. There is a great freedom in living, loving, and thinking this way. It is no longer up to us to make everything work or chase away every darkness; the glory and the worry are God’s. So let us quietly and humbly prepare the way of the Lord, pointing others to the one true light, Jesus Christ.    

Clear a Highway (2nd Sunday, Year B)

 To listen to this homily, click here.

Coming home is the central theme of the Scripture readings for the Second Sunday of Advent. All three readings focus on the absolute necessity of getting ready for Christ’s return into our hearts and lives by true repentance, reparation, prayer and the renewal of our lives. I am especially struck by the first reading, from the prophet Isaiah, which describes the Babylonian exiles coming home to their native country, Judah, and their holy city, Jerusalem. Isaiah assures his people that the Lord will lead them in a grand procession to their homeland and take care of them as a shepherd cares for his sheep.

I love the command to prepare the way of the Lord. The prophet describes the task at hand; make a highway that is straight, fill in the valleys, knock down the mountains, don’t let anything stand in the way. 

It reminds me of a wonderful experience I had growing up when highway 370 was being built. Part of this new road happened to run through the woods immediately behind our house. As a result, we were able to watch the whole process from beginning to end. I am fairly certain we creeped out the workers because after school each day, we would go to the edge of the woods, climb high into the trees and watch them work several hundred feet away. But we sure did learn a lot about how a road is built!

First was the clearing of the trees and other vegetation. Once that was finished, surveyors came and staked out the general outline of the expressway. After that, the heavy machinery followed. Magnificent equipment that moved incredible amounts of earth so the new roadway could be flat, wide, and straight. Those road scrapers could haul 130,000 lbs of earth in every load and the large bulldozers that work alongside them pushed a blade that was 26’ wide by 9’  tall. For someone who loves power equipment, this stage was a dream come true! After this heavy earth moving was done, precise grading equipment followed, along with compactors, tons of gravel, rebar and concrete forms, and then long lines of mixer trucks, and workers who finished the concrete with the proper texture and slight angle so the water would drain. 

From start to finish, the project took a couple years and it made a lasting impression on me, watching everything that went into a road that most people would soon use at high speed with hardly a thought to all that went into it. I will always have admiration for the incredible range of equipment and technique that goes into construction, the combination of brute force and masterful skill. And the fact that it takes years of work and planning to produce a road that, once completed, could be covered in a matter of minutes, from start to finish.

But isn’t that is the whole point of preparing the way?! To transform something, someplace that currently is difficult or impossible to travel into a new creation that propels us to our destination. I like to think if Isaiah or John the Baptist saw how roads are built today, they would exclaim, “now that is what I am talking about!”

The dynamics at work in building infrastructure also apply to our spiritual lives. For most of us, there are mountains and valleys that stand between us and God’s grace. A path is possible but it must be cleared. The first step is to bulldoze the major obstacles so a new way can be plotted. The heavy lifting is not our worry; God’s grace provides the power to move whatever stands in the way. We simply have to cooperate with his gifts; accept the grace he offers through the sacraments, personal prayer, and the guidance of the Church. God’s love is capable of clearing a highway through years of sin, addiction, judgement, and self-hatred and he can do so in record time. Nothing can defeat him!

Once the large sins have been eradicated and cleared away, the finer work continues as we learn to live the virtues, look for ways to love and serve others, and choose to live our faith because we want to make God happy rather than worrying about being punished. Our faith and relationship with God becomes something we are proud of, a priority that receives the best of who we are and what we have, something we willing to share with others. It becomes part of who we are and we practice it with skill, dedication, and joy. 

This process take place over years but when we look back, if we embrace it, we see that God’s grace and love can now move faster and freer than when we first started. God has a highway straight to our mind, heart, and soul. 

But like any road, our relationship with God requires regular maintenance and care. Potholes must be patched, sections may need to be replaced, new lanes added for additional traffic! 

Advent is a time for careful examination and spiritual evaluation. How easily can God reach my heart right now? What is the state of my soul today? Is it a multi-lane expressway, clear as far as the eye can see? Or is it littered with debris, in need of repair? Most of us probably have some work to do; I know I sure do! In these short advent weeks and every day after, let us prepare the way of the Lord within our hearts, making clear a highway for him and his gifts to come rushing into our lives whenever he so wishes!

Whatever You Did to the Least, You Did to Me! (34th Sunday, Year A)

 To listen to this homily, click here.

One of my character flaws, one of many(!), that drives people crazy, is what they describe as “Schroeder Time”. In my version of chronology, a task that normally takes 15 minutes can be done in 5; a drive that always takes 20 minutes will be completed in 10. I often build my day and my commitments around this unrealistic schedule and usually end up running late and keeping people waiting. In my mind, my rationing of time makes perfect sense. The problem is, I don’t account for missing a light, getting behind someone driving below the speed limit, or any interruptions, disruptions, or diversions whatsoever. In other words, I assume everyone and everything will just move out of my way. This, of course, never happens! Daily life is full of surprises, detours, and interruptions and some of the most grace-filled moments are the ones we never planned on! 

While I make no defense of myself or my scheduling habits, I don’t think I am alone. This attitude seems to be pretty common among humans and it permeates many dimensions of our lives. How often we approach our day and our problems as if we were king or queen of the universe. As if all that matters was coming up with the perfect plan and carrying it out. 

Today’s feast reminds us of the actual truth: there is one king and only one king of the universe and that is Jesus. He rules over time and space, over all that ever was, is, and will be. There is no thing or person outside of his dominion and authority. But the kingdom of God is a little different than any other kingdom we’ve seen. It is hidden and subtle. It does not crush or dominate. It is full of surprise and irony. 

Our king likes to visit in disguise. He arrives in the appearance of the poor, the sick, the lowly, the annoying, and the sad. More often than not, he is shrouded in humility and subtlety; if you aren’t paying attention, he can walk right by without being noticed. That is the word of caution in today’s gospel. Both the righteous and the wicked seem surprised by their verdict; “When did we see you, Lord?” they exclaim and we can almost see them scratching their heads, trying to remember a moment when they encountered the Lord. “Whatever you did to one of these least ones, you did for me”, he replies. 

The famous Russian author, Leo Tolstoy, wrote a story called, “Martin the Cobbler.” It tells of a lonely shoemaker who is promised a visit by Jesus that very day. Throughout his work, he waited for his arrival. But the only ones that walked through the door were a man in need of shoes, a young mother in need of food and shelter, a child in need of kindness, all of whom he helps. Martin the cobbler ended the day thinking, “Perhaps tomorrow He will visit,” only to hear a voice reply, “I did come to you today, Martin; not once, but three times. – and you helped Me!” — Christ is a King who appears all around us as the poor, the sick, the crippled, the tortured, the marginalized. Many of these encounters are not life-changing moments but rather simple, thoughtful interactions of kindness, compassion, and respect.

This is a sobering reminder to you and me, a people that are often running around like chickens with our heads cut off. A people who often navigate our day and our lives through a screen without being present to the real humans around us. I know that I usually try to cram 28 hours of activity into most of my days and so I am not always accepting of the interruptions and surprises, the unscheduled visits and drop-ins where Jesus is hiding. Many times, when I pray, I carve out a little time that works for me and then I wait impatiently for God to do his thing, on my command and timeline. But this is not how the Kingdom of Heaven works! And this is not how the King of Kings usually visits! 

As we prepare to enter the season of Advent next week, the Church is giving us a reminder to slow down, to pick our head up, and be mindful of the little moments where God can be found. We are being encouraged to see the kingdom of God and its king for what they are and not how we want them to be. There is a bumper sticker many of us have seen which says, “God is my Co-pilot” . That is a good start but now the Church says, “If Christ the King is your Co-Pilot, it’s time to change seats. Let him lead the way!”

With that in mind, let’s make sure we value the seemingly insignificant interactions that will happen this week. Let’s allow ourselves to be interrupted and delayed without becoming too anxious or troubled. Be present to the people in front of you in the coming days, at the store, in your home, at work, and on the road. If Jesus is present in any of the people you are soon to encounter, will he be treated well or might he end up being ignored, dismissed, or worse? The key to entering into Christ’s kingdom depends most on these little moments and how we respond. Jesus will visit each of us many times in the week ahead. May we treat him well, starting always with the least among us!