Is God Into "Cancel-Culture"? (1st Sunday of Lent, Year B)

 To listen to this homily, click here.

Even though I try to avoid the news as much as possible, it’s not unusual for me to hear about someone saying, doing, or posting something that is judged to be offensive to contemporary standards of decency and sensitivity. Sometimes this transgression is dug up or discovered from long ago in someone’s past. In many cases, the so-called “sin” is indeed something that is, or was hurtful, tasteless, and morally wrong. But even more shocking than the individual’s offense is the increasingly brutal response and mandated punishment that is often accepted without question. It is a scorched earth policy where the offender is fired from their job, banned from social media platforms, condemned by political or moral leaders, terminated from business contracts and many other far-reaching punishments that may be life-long. These are the operating principles of what is commonly called the “cancel culture”, where a person or institution is essentially wiped out as a consequence of a sin, unpopular decision, or poor judgement. To be clear, many of the controversies and offenses that provoke the cancel culture response are undoubtedly wrong. But people failing, sinning, and making horrible decisions are nothing new. What is more troubling and shocking is the ferocity and self-righteousness that most often accompanies the advocates of cancel culture. This modern movement of condemnation leaves little, if any room for mercy, repentance, and reform. It often becomes mob rule, where misinformation reigns, context is ignored, and the loudest voice becomes accepted as truth. 

So what’s my point in bringing this up? It would seem from the first reading that God is the king of canceling. If we take the story of the flood at face value, what else can we call it? God is literally wiping the slate clean and starting over. But is the story really that simplistic? Does God rejoice in the death of the wicked and the destruction of the sinner. Actually, no, he does not!! God reminds us through the prophet Ezekiel that he “takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! Why should you die, house of Israel? God does not relish the destruction of anyone and gives sinful humans many chances to turn away from the destruction of evil. He wants us to receive mercy and begin again more than anything else in the world. But if we remain hard-headed and obstinate, he will respect our decision and move ahead with his plan of salvation. If we do not change our ways we will be left behind and wiped away. The choice is ours!

With that in mind let’s reconsider the full story of Noah and his well-known ark. After creating a world that was full of goodness and harmony, the wheels come off quickly after the sin of Adam and Eve. Evil multiplies and infects whole nations until the Book of Genesis tells us that God regretted creating man because every desire of his heart was evil. But Noah and his family were the exception to the rule. This small band of humans was still good and righteous. God knows he has to honor the justice he embodies; he has to cure the cancer of sin that is corrupting the human race. Like a stage 4 cancer patient, humanity is going to need a drastic intervention. The remedy will almost kill the patient but it is the only way to overcome the cancer. We see this sort of extreme treatment often in our beloved sick who heroically endure such pain and suffering for the goal of returning to health. 

God knows he has to wipe out the sin that has spread throughout humanity but he doesn’t take joy in it. He uses a mighty flood to bring about the literal and spiritual cleansing that needs to happen. But he takes his time; he drags his feet in the hopes that it will give an opportunity for more people to change their ways. To build the ark that God specifies, Noah needs 120 years!! And his neighbors see what he is doing; it’s no secret. God never tells Noah to keep others off the ark; the rest of humanity simply isn’t interested in joining him. Instead they continue on with their petty business and daily immorality until one day, it’s simply too late. God wasn’t trying to sneak around so only a few animals and his one favorite family could escape. He took his time, he remained patient for as long as he could but finally he could delay his justice no more. 

God doesn’t change. His love for the sinner never ends. When sin returned once again, God’s love moved him to send his only son as the new Noah, not to destroy the world and its sinful people, but to save them with a new ark, the Holy Church he founded. It is big enough for all peoples of every age but no one is forced to enter. We must acknowledge our sin in order to come onboard. We can choose to do other things, value other priorities, but eventually it will be too late. That is not what God wants. He does not delight in our sins or in condemning us. He will give us more chances than we deserve. However, if we reject his mercy long enough, it must give way to his justice.

Return again to cancel culture. If God does not cancel us in spite of our many sins, why do we treat each other this way? Does someone need to tell the Lord, “hey you are doing this all wrong”, “we know something you don’t”! Are some sins now beyond the mercy of Jesus to forgive? Are some people undeserving of a second chance? I hope not! We have to be willing to forgive as God has forgiven us. We have to be courageous enough to give people another chance, even when they have acted foolishly and wrongly because we ourselves have been gifted second and third chances by the Lord. 

One last thing. Our gospel shows us how Jesus prepares to minister to sinful humanity. He doesn’t rush to issue a statement of outrage or condemnation. He doesn’t gather an army of followers to take down his enemies and detractors. Instead, he withdraws for a time of deep and sustaining prayer. Jesus does nothing without praying first. No teaching, no healing, no preaching, and no challenging without first connecting with His Father. If that was what he needed as perfect God and Perfect Man, we would be fools to think we can witness to a sinful world without doing the same. 

May we be people of prayer who stand up to cancel culture, reminding ourselves and others that no one is beyond hope and forgiveness. Let us build a more compassionate society that actively seeks out the sinful and foolish to offer them the promise of God’s mercy and renewal. There is still plenty of room in the ark; let’s make sure people know about it!

What Is Your Perspective? (5th Sunday, Year B)

 To listen to this homily, click here.

There is a story told of three men who were pouring a mixture of water, sand, lime into a trough. A curious passer-by asked what they were doing. The first said, "I am making mortar." The second: "I am laying bricks." But the third replied, "I am building a cathedral." They were all doing the same thing, but each looked at it differently. And what a difference each person’s perspective made!

The difference in perspective can be seen in more than just work. It also affects how we view suffering, relationships, and our spiritual lives. Another example is seen when people people talk about how they support their parish. One person says, "All they do is ask for money." The second person replies, "Well, you have to pay the bills." But the third person says, "I am building the Body of Christ." The three are doing the same thing, but their attitude determines what is focussed on!

Today's Scripture readings reflect those differences in response to the trials and tribulations of life. Poor Job says that life is nothing but drudgery: When I lie down at night, I toss and turn and wonder when morning will come. But when I get up, I am tired and I ask how long until I can get back to bed!

Most of us can identify with Job during our darkest days. But St. Paul takes a different approach. Few worked as hard as he did or went through so many sufferings for the name of Jesus. Yet he says: "I do so willingly...I have been entrusted with a stewardship.”

Our Gospel presents a fascinating example of stewardship in the person of St. Peter's mother-in-law. She was in bed, sick, when her son-in-law brought unexpected guests. One of them, Jesus, went to her bedside, took her hand - and she sat up. The fever subsided and immediately, "she waited on them.”

Some think she would have preferred to stay in bed. However, that viewpoint says more about us that it does about that wonderful woman. For people in ancient times, hospitality was their top value and most precious gift. It was the glue that held their society together and the primary way of displaying one’s honor and virtue. For Peter's mother-in-law, hospitality was a sacred duty. But there is something more. The text says, "She waited on them." The word for "wait on them" is "diaconia" - the root of our word "deacon." Jesus had healed her. To serve him in return would be pure joy, a beautiful honor, not a burden or disgrace.

When I think of the happiest moments of my life, they are not the times when I was sitting around with tons of time on my hands. The most joy-filled times are the days when I fall into bed exhausted, when my calendar is full of doing priestly things, and serving others, bringing the presence of Jesus to those who are hungry, lonely, discouraged, confused, and seeking holiness. Being God’s servant to others brings the most meaning and happiness to my heart. That same deep satisfaction and contentment cannot be found in boundless free time, self-indulgence, increasing personal comfort, or amassing riches. You and I will always be happiest when we are living lives of intentional and joyful service rather than trying to get others to serve us.  

St. Paul illustrates this joy. With no fanfare, he says he is free… and few have greater inner freedom than Paul. Nevertheless, Paul says, I have become a slave to all. He knew that freedom is not doing whatever one feels like. Real freedom is the ability to serve; letting go and putting others first.

One of the greatest sources of scandal comes from people misusing their vocation of service to enrich or take care of themselves. How many children suffer because their parents choose to live selfish and self-indulgent lives? How deeply has our Church been wounded and dismissed because some priests and bishops put their own comfort and advancement in front of living their lives in complete service to their spiritual flock? How many people have lost confidence in political representatives because many have forsaken their role to be public servants, choosing instead to use their power and authority to benefit themselves.

The key to ensure that these and so many other professions provide inspiration, healing, happiness, and holiness is personal sacrifice. Most of us spend a lot of time and energy trying to avoid the "S" word because it is certainly not easy. However, as Christians, we cannot avoid sacrifice if we hope to be happy and live meaningful lives that will bless others. We cannot simply tolerate hardship and sacrifice; we have to embrace it. Jesus and St. Paul tell us that our time, our abilities, our financial resources, all of it, do not belong to us. They come from God – and he will require an accounting – a stewardship. For that reason, we do not give ourselves and what we have grudgingly because we are building the Body of Christ, we are building that cathedral!

To continue as effective and joyful apostles of Jesus we need both the vision which comes from prayer and the humble patience to accept routine work.

In Jesus we see the right balance. After he had spent his day helping those who were troubled, he rose before dawn and went off to a deserted place to pray. The sick, the hurting, and all those who need us will still be there tomorrow. We will never get all of our work done if we are living lives of service! But the opportunity to connect and be strengthened by God in prayer must not be put off or cancelled, even to do more good things. The source of true love and service comes from above and without it, we become like a spinning top. We might look impressive for a while, but we eventually fall down.

We recognize that each of us is called to do our part in helping others, building God’s kingdom, and growing in holiness. But it is impossible to create a world which is truly just, good and beautiful on our own. We need the love, patience, and wisdom which can only be learned through regular moments of quiet prayer. If that was something Jesus needed, why do we think we can live without it? 

Once Jesus prayed, he returned to the task of teaching, serving, healing, feeding, and loving. That is what we are called to do as well, each in the ways that are proper to our vocations. May we be joyful servants of God, always guided and strengthened by prayer!

What Fear Drives You? (4th Sunday, Year B)

To listen to this homily, click here.

The confrontation with fear is something that has haunted humanity from the earliest times. And while the tough and macho claim to be immune to it, fear never seems to be in short supply. Some medical experts estimate half of all symptoms have their origin in fear. The patient fears losing a job, being exposed to injury or illness, losing a loved one, betrayal or old age - and the dread manifests itself in medical symptoms such as shortness of breath, migraines, or chest pains. The doctor examines the patient and discovers no physical cause, yet the pain is real. The fear that causes such symptoms is called "anxiety" - an unfocused, free-floating fear that won't go away. This sort of fear and anxiety is harmful in every way. The human body and soul wasn’t made for it and if it isn’t confronted in a healthy way, it will eat us alive.

On the other hand, there are other types of fear that are good, holy, and productive. Fear is meant to protect us from serious threats that could harm us. Only a fool would jump into an enclosure with a wild animal like a bear or gorilla to prove their courage. Only for a noble reason should any person enter a situation where death is a real possibility. It is good and holy to fear offending God by sin. God instilled a healthy fear within us to keep us safe physically and spiritually. It should guide and protect but never rule us.

I will freely admit that I felt fear during my week in the Grand Canyon. Some of it centered around the physical challenge of descending and ascending such difficult terrain. Did I train enough and properly? Was I dressed warmly enough? Was I listening for falling rocks? These were good fears that kept me safe but didn’t keep me from enjoying the canyon. There were other fears I had to learn to let go of; things like what would I smell like after a week with no shower and wearing the same clothes. How would I handle not having phone service or being in touch with the parish? Should I worry about random rabid squirrels or the remote possibility of a rattlesnake out for a winter’s stroll? These were fearful thoughts that were better acknowledged and then left behind. The proper fears kept me safe during my hike while letting go of the others freed my mind and heart to embrace the wild beauty of God’s majesty. 

One last last observation about my recent wrestling match with fear. I felt most of it in the first two days when the canyon was unknown and perplexing to me. As we spent more time in it and our guide explained the hidden life everywhere around us, my fear gave way to wonder, awe, and love for the canyon. What was first seen as a monolithic, unforgiving maze of rock and desert revealed itself as a vibrant wonderland with so much to offer those who treat it with a healthy dose of respect and humility.

The same principles are at work in our readings in terms of how we relate with God and the world around us. Each of the scriptures deals with different expressions of fear. In the passage from Deuteronomy, Moses reminds the people of the Lord’s promise to raise up a prophet to serve as a mediator between the people and God. The people of Israel had asked for this arrangement after experiencing God’s majesty on Mount Horeb. God’s greatness was so terrifying that the people told Moses, “we are too afraid. Talk to God for us and we will do whatever he says.” God doesn’t want his children to live in fear so he agrees. God also knows that as his people come to know him better through the Law and the prophets, their fear will give way to love.

In the second reading, St. Paul says he would like us to be "free of anxiety." He is giving advice for single people considering marriage, but his wish applies to all Christians. Stop looking ahead and getting anxious about tomorrow, about what may or may not happen. Simply be present to God and each other as you are today. 

In the Gospel, Jesus encounters a man with an unclean spirit which cries out in fear when Jesus speaks. Even demons recognize the authority of Jesus. But they see his power as something to be feared rather than a gift that brings salvation. They are afraid because they realize Jesus has power over them and they will be defeated. Like cowards and sore losers, they make a great commotion until Jesus tells them to be quiet and leave the man, which happens immediately since Jesus’ authority and power is real. 

Recall the question the evil spirits ask Jesus. “Have you come to destroy us?” Evidently the unclean spirit had taken over most of the man's personality. These demons were so arrogant as to think if they were cast out, the man would be destroyed. But when the unclean spirits left him he was whole again. What first looked like destruction turned out to be liberation. The healing of God and the repentance he calls us to embrace might seem painful at first but it will always lead to healing, peace, and wholeness.

All of this begs the question for us as followers of Christ: what role does fear have in our lives? Are we aware of the ways unhealthy fear and anxiety dominates our thinking and influences our decision-making? Have we brought our fear to the Lord to be redeemed and healed or do we fight it on our own? Just as important, do we have a healthy fear of offending God through sin? Do we allow holy fear to bring us to greater love of God and other people? Or do we nurture a spirit of pride, walking into situations that could damage our body and soul? 

On the other hand, maybe we’ve become too cautious in our relationship with God. Perhaps we have become so afraid of him that he is unknown to us, he is nothing more than a divine entity: distant, mysterious, fearful, full of wrath. If we do not know God and learn about his love for us and for the world, he can appear as the Grand Canyon first did to me; impressive, maybe even beautiful, but ultimately harsh, deadly, and dry. The more we come to know God, the more we come to love him. There should always be a healthy fear of the fact that he is God and we are not. But that fear should grow into reverence and love, not dread and defiance. 

One of the most comforting things about our faith is the knowledge that evil and death have already been defeated by the passion and death of Christ. In the midst of fearful and terrifying situations, we find supernatural power and authority by praying in the name of Jesus, first for ourselves and then for others. By praying in His Son’s name, God can use any of us to bring liberation to those paralyzed by fear. At Mass today, we ask Jesus to protect us from anxiety - especially the fear that so easily turns into despair. And we give him permission to use our lives and words to help set others free so the world can be a holier and more peaceful place.