Reverence for the Eucharist (Jn 6, week 1)

 To listen to this homily, click here.

Growing up, my parents (and probably yours) had a way of verbally highlighting what was most important to them; they would repeat something many times so we knew it was important. You might be able to plead ignorance of what they had said once, possibly twice, but by the time they said it a third time, you’d better pay attention and do it. Starting today, the Church does the same thing regarding the Eucharist. For the next five weeks, the Church will invite us to explore chapter 6 of St. John's Gospel. This section of John’s writing is often called the “bread of life discourse”, and it gives us an opportunity to reflect repeatedly on the greatest gift Christ has given us, the gift of himself in the Eucharist. These precious verses have been prayed with and studied for 2000 years and still we have not exhausted their richness. In order that we don’t get overwhelmed by the theological feast in front of us, the clergy of Incarnate Word will focus on a single topic each week while we reflect on the Eucharist. The theme for this first Sunday of the Bread of Life Discourse is reverence.

We humans have a sense of reverence hard-wired into our brains whenever we are around something precious and beautiful. If you’ve ever visited a museum, you notice the demeanor of others change as they pass through the galleries looking at masterpieces. There is a hush, an atmosphere of quiet reflection, a slower pace, and a careful distance as a sign of respect for the painting or sculpture. Only a careless fool would run around, yell, or try and touch the piece.

Nowhere is basic human reverence on display than when you hold a baby. Even before you cradle the child in your arms, you make sure to stand or sit somewhere safe. You also make sure your hands are clean and that you’re are not sick. As the baby is placed in your arms, you make sure the baby’s head and neck are supported and the infant is held close to you so that there is no way it can wiggle out of your arms. You are also mindful of any soft spots on their delicate head and even after you become comfortable with laying down or handing over this precious cargo, you never rush or become careless. Getting to hold a baby is an honor; it is something that should be done carefully and with attention to every detail. Imagine how horrifying it would be to see someone handling a newborn baby roughly or carelessly. It would take your breath away, it would probably anger you, and I hope all of us would do something about it immediately.

In the Eucharist, we are given a similar but even greater privilege. Every time we come to Mass and receive Holy Communion, God says to us: “here is my precious Child, my only begotten Son, I am going to let you hold him, touch him, receive him so you can become my child too and have the strength to follow me and love your neighbor.” In the Eucharist, God becomes vulnerable for us. How do we respond? Do we have the same care and concern for the Body and Blood of Christ as we do for a newborn infant? Can people see in us that same tenderness, awe, and attention to detail?

From my vantage point as a priest, distributing communion to so many of you over the past four years, I see an incredible love and devotion for the Eucharist present in this parish. For so many Incarnate Word parishioners, the Eucharist is indeed what the catechism says it should be, "the source and summit of your lives." It is very encouraging as a priest to see so many present at daily Mass, signing up for an hour of adoration during the week, spending quiet time in prayer before and after Mass, and also genuflecting or bowing before you enter your pew.

But like anything else we do many times, over and over, we have to be careful not to lose our sense of reverence and let the Eucharist become a mindless habit. Unless we are constantly vigilant and growing in our appreciation of God’s gift, some bad habits can enter into our personal practice of receiving communion and participating at Mass. This is not unique to Incarnate Word; it is a human tendency. 

Fortunately for us, the Catholic Church gives us many traditions and procedures to help us maintain our reverence and love for Jesus in Eucharist. For example, that is why we are asked to fast from all food or drink, except water or medicine, one hour before we take holy Communion. The Eucharist is not just one more thing we eat; it is Bread from Heaven and that small fast makes us mindful of how special it really is! Our respect for the Eucharist is why we genuflect or bow towards the tabernacle when we come into church. The same is true when we come forward to receive the Body and Blood of Jesus; we should bow as the person before us is receiving: when it is our turn we raise our hands before us, one on top of the other as a throne for the King of Kings. We should also feel comfortable receiving the Eucharist on our tongue, as this is still the preferred way to receive Holy Communion in the Catholic Church. If we receive the Host in the hand, do we carefully make sure to consume any particles remaining on our hands or fingers?

If we are aware of some serious sin that we have committed since our last confession, we should not receive the Eucharist until we have gone to confession. We should also pay attention to other details, like taking some time to prepare to receive the Lord as we are driving here to church, turning off the radio, putting away the phone and just centering our mind on God. It is also a great practice to get to Mass a few minutes early so that we can set aside any distractions or worries we brought with us. Finally, we should make sure that we never do things that appear disrespectful or careless when it comes to the Body and Blood of Jesus. We should never be chewing gum in church, playing on our phone, or taking Holy Communion without consuming it immediately. Our demeanor, our behavior, and even the way we dress for Mass can affect other people in either positive or negative ways. The way we participate at church and receive the Eucharist can help point others to God but it can also distract and call attention to ourselves. That’s why these habits of reverence are so important. They build up the entire congregation and help us all to be more attuned to the heavenly gift of the Eucharist! 

In just a few minutes, you and I will be entrusted with God’s Son in Holy Communion. Let us be mindful, let us be filled with awe, let our reverence radiate as we receive this precious gift. May the Body and Blood of Jesus transform our lives and help us to grow even more in love with him!

Balancing Action and Reflection (16th Sunday of OT, Year B)

 (I couldn't make up my mind, so I preached two different homilies this weekend!)

Today’s gospel continues the story we started last week. Last Sunday, the apostles were commissioned and sent to preach the Good News to the surrounding towns and villages. They were sent out as prophets to be the voice of God to anyone who would listen. Today we hear about their return as they completed their first missionary endeavor. How long they were gone, we don’t know, but we get to listen as they report their experience. Thanks to the gospel writers, we know this moment of reunion was full of rejoicing and energy - they had experienced the power of God working through them as they cast out demons, healed the sick, and saw people’s hearts changed before their very eyes. How Jesus must have smiled as he listened to their stories and saw their excitement and joy! What happens next, teaches us something essential about our overall wellbeing; after the apostles return from their exciting and busy adventure, Jesus takes them aside to rest, to be with him again in the safety and calm of their small community.

The lesson is clear, but so hard to put into practice: Christians who are engaged in living their faith in the world around them need to balance their activity with contemplation, with time spent in personal conversation with the Lord, not doing anything per se. Sometimes we wonder why we are so emotionally and spiritually exhausted by the busy-ness of our lives. It's because we aren't recharging our spiritual batteries. Stress, discouragement, and other strong emotions can wear us out if we aren't constantly reinforcing our faith in Jesus Christ and letting him love us. Only our friendship with the Lord can supply us with the strength and wisdom we need to be truly successful not only in our daily lives but more importantly, in our relationship with Christ.

Without prayer and time alone with God, our well will soon run dry - we will have nothing to offer others. But without action, without giving freely to others what we have freely received from God, our spiritual waters will become stagnant and lifeless. Contemplation and action, prayer and work - this was how Christ lived his life and this is also how he wants us to live as his modern-day apostles. 

Our contemporary society and church tend to stress the importance of action more than prayer, but the two are always meant to go together like St. Louis and pork steaks. One of the hidden blessings of the lockdown was that so many people rediscovered the joy and peace of slowing down and spending more time with God and family. With fewer distractions and so many things cancelled, many people realized how frantic and out-of-balance their lives had become. Jesus taught this balance not only in the way he treated his closest followers but also by the example of his own life. Towards the beginning of his public ministry, he and his apostles visited Simon Peter's house, where he healed Peter's mother-in-law and then spent the evening curing the sick and casting out demons. The next morning, the apostles got up early to start what they knew would be a very busy day. But when they looked around for Jesus, they couldn't find him. They searched all around and finally located him in the hills outside of town, praying. Worldly wisdom would suggest that Jesus pray after getting everything done or maybe even skipping it just this once since he was so holy and there was so much to do. But Jesus knew that in order to do the Father’s Will, he had to stay connected with prayer. If that's the case for the Son of God, how much more it should be the case for us, who seek to follow his example!

St Benedict used a motto that perfectly captures this lesson. His motto was Ora et labora, which is Latin for pray and work. Prayer and work are like the two sides of a coin for us Christians. We are called to become close friends of Jesus Christ and we can only do that if we develop our prayer life. But we are also called to be his fellow workers, ambassadors of his everlasting Kingdom, and that only happens when we be put our talents, time, and energy into doing things that will make this world a better place, a place worthy of our King and Lord.

As we contemplate today’s readings then, we should ask ourselves some challenging questions. Have I found the right balance between prayer and work in my life? Do I only pray when I come to Mass on Sunday or when I step into a church? Do I think of God while I am active and engaged in the everyday business of my life? Do I speak to him during the the week? On the other hand, do I flee to prayer to the point that I neglect my other responsibilities? Am I treating my relationship with God like a magical wand that will take away all my problems without any sacrifice or change on my part? Do I make excuses as to why it is good enough for me to pray but not live out my faith in my words, actions, choices, and relationships?

Some Catholics try to leave all the Kingdom-building to priests, religious, and missionaries. They don't stay on the lookout for opportunities to help others discover the one thing worth finding in this life: friendship and companionship with Jesus Christ. Other Catholics are constantly doing things, staying busy and running around like their hair is on fire but there is little introspection, reflection, and contemplative prayer. Each one of us needs to find the balance that goes with our personality, our gifts, and state in life. Each and every one of us is called to be both active in our faith and contemplative in prayer; it’s not an either/or situation. May we be open to God’s grace as he sends us out to his people. May we find that balance between work and prayer, activity and stillness, so that we may return to Jesus each day like the apostles did, with great joy, telling him of many wonders he is working in our lives!

All Called to Shepherd (16th Sunday of OT, Year B)

To listen to this homily, click here.

There are these nasty things out there called smelling salts, maybe some of you have used them before. They are made with ammonia and often used in contact sports when a player comes off the field from a big hit and is a bit woozy. They are also used when someone passes out to help them wake up. I’ve even seen people use them to focus and be fully alert. In any case, they are not pleasant. There will never be a smelling salts candle or air freshener but that’s kinda the point. They are meant to be used sparingly for serious reasons.

Our first reading tonight is a sort of spiritual smelling salt. On one hand it contains the strong and unpleasant condemnation of bad shepherds who have failed in their duty to care for God’s flock. There is a divine promise of punishment for those who abandon their role to guide and protect. God’s strong language gets our attention and snaps us out of the distracted daze that often grabs us when we hear His Word. Why is God so angry? Why do bad shepherds cause such a strong response? 

For most people, when they think of shepherds in the scriptures, they think of priests and bishops and other spiritual leaders. And for good reason! Jesus often describes himself as a shepherd. Tonight’s gospel describes his tender heart with this image as he looks about the crowds of people who have caught up with Jesus and the disciples as they were trying to rest and reflect. Even though he is tired and his apostles have not even had time to eat, Jesus is the good shepherd who puts the needs of the flock first. They want healing, preaching, and direction and he will not deny them what their souls need. Jesus is the opposite of the leaders who are condemned in the first reading and he is teaching his disciples to lead in the very same way. Over the past 15-20 years, we’ve seen the devastating effect of bad shepherds in our Church. Since the priest scandal broke in the early 2000’s, catholics have had to confront the reality that there have been far too many bad shepherds leading God’s flock. The result is that many people have left the flock, rejected the teachings of Jesus and went looking for green pastures elsewhere. Their hearts have been broken and their souls repulsed by the very people who should have led them to the Lord. That is why Jeremiah uses such strong and threatening language in our first reading. Thanks be to God there are still so many good and holy shepherds called to lead God’s Church. God continues to keep his promise to raise up righteous and wise leaders in the wake of scandal and sadness.

But priests, bishops, and religious leaders are not the only shepherds called out by the challenge of the first reading. In the bible, the king and other political figures were also regarded as shepherds. Worldly leaders also have a responsibility to care for the people they are appointed to lead, not necessarily focussing on the spiritual care of their constituents but making sure their basic human needs are meant and their human dignity protected. Political leadership in our country and in our time is in need of serious moral reform. In almost every poll, politicians are regarded some of the least admired and most mistrusted groups. The spiritual smelling salts of the first reading should serve as a wakeup call to all who serve in public leadership; God expects that power to be used for the betterment of his flock!

It can be easy to jump on the bandwagon and condemn the examples of bad leadership we see in both Church and politics. God knows, there are plenty of examples to point to! But bad priests, bad politicians, and other bad shepherds don’t drop out of the sky. They grow up in families, they go to schools, they hang out with friends, and even go to church. Before any person becomes a good or bad shepherd, they are guided and formed by many others in the course of daily life in the process of growing up. The role of shepherding involves far more people than just our clergy and political leaders; it includes just about every single person who is old enough to know right from wrong! 

Parents, you are some of the most important shepherds out there. Your flock is your family and you set the tone not just for your home but for our entire society. The catechism describes the family as the domestic church. If parents lead their children towards God, if they teach them to love what is good and run from what is sinful, our society and our parishes are better because of it. So many of the qualities of good and holy leaders are instilled by a healthy and wholesome family life. 

It is so hard these days for parents to be good shepherds. There is no shortage of voices that call young people away from what will make them truly and forever happy with God in heaven. It is not easy to round up the family and come to Mass each and every Sunday. The world is forever encouraging parents to make other priorities and choose other values that seem more convenient or pleasant. Don’t underestimate the importance of your choices and the power of your example. Your grace-filled leadership in your homes is needed now, more than ever, for the good of our church and our world!

Shepherding doesn’t stop with priests, politicians, or parents. Each of us have people who depend on us and are affected by our choices and behavior. Our wonderful teens and grade school students, you are shepherds too! You provide an example to your friends, your siblings, your classmates and so many others you may never even met in person. Your kindness and support can get others through a low point in life. Your sticking up for someone can stop a bully in their tracks. Your speaking the truth can transform a heart and offer freedom to some who is living a lie. The way you engage others online has the potential to magnify your voice; always use that power to do good! There is no minimum age for becoming an inspiration and example of virtue. Please do not forget that you are also called to be shepherds here and now in your own way. 

The list could go on for all of you who are grandparents, godparents, teachers, coaches, managers, executives, and leaders but I think you get the point. We all have people who rely on us, look up to us, and follow our lead. Our first reading reminds us that this is both an honor and a responsibility. It is an honor that God has given our actions and decisions such power. We have a responsibility to make sure our leadership directs people back to God rather than being used for self-serving purposes.

The best news of all is that we have a living example in Christ. He shows us how to lead others and be good shepherds. It always starts with service and putting others first. The life of a shepherd is not always easy but if lived well, it is always rewarding and life-giving. May we allow Jesus to lead us every day so we may, in turn, lead those who rely on us!

 

A Problem of False Prophets (15th Sunday, Year B)

 To listen to this homily, click here.

Long before chocolate chip cookies, there was a famous Amos found in the bible. This Amos wasn’t very popular, though, so maybe it’s best to think of him as “Infamous Amos”! But why? This biblical Amos was a normal, everyday working man. We hear about him in the first reading. He was an arborist; which means he ran a tree service, specializing in Sycamores and also did some shepherding on the side. He lived in the Southern Kingdom of Judah, next to the border of the Northern Kingdom. Like so many working men and women, Amos didn’t play games; he called it like he saw it. He was not a politician or kisser of backsides. So, when he was called by God to be a prophet, he stuck out like a sore thumb. There were many professional prophets in his time, people who would prophesy for a fee. Many of them were in the service of the corrupt king and instead of challenging him and calling their ruler to follow God’s laws, they constantly said whatever they thought would make the king happy and keep the peace. In large part because they were on the king’s payroll. Amos wasn't part of that crowd. His prophecies were tough, challenging and clear on the need for repentance and reform. Amaziah, the leader of the false prophets, told Amos to shut up and get out, because he was bumming everybody out and making people feel bad. But Amos said he had no choice.  "The lion has roared, who will not fear?  God has spoken, who can but prophesy?"  So this ordinary man became the vehicle of God's truth because he was willing to share God’s message even if it was unpopular. Amos was the perfect prophet for his time because he was not captive to the king or corrupted by politics or seeking earthly favors. He knew the truth when he saw it and was courageous enough to speak it.

 

            Fast forward to the gospel and the seemingly terrible choices Jesus made in terms of personnel to go spread his gospel of freedom and repentance. Four were fishermen. One was a hated tax collector. One a political zealot. There was nothing extraordinary about any of the twelve that Jesus sent out to preach, to heal and to expel demons. They were ordinary, mostly uneducated people, given instructions to conduct themselves like prophets.  But because of their love for Jesus and his truth, the Word of God worked through them.

 

            God works through everyday people, including us. There is a saying that God does not call the qualified but qualifies the ones He calls. The Word of God wants to work through you and will qualify each and every one of you to bring the saving message to those you encounter. You do not need a theological degree or priestly ordination to be a prophet. You simply need a love for the truth of the gospel and a heart open to the grace of the Holy Spirit. Similar to Amos and the apostles, some of the best representatives of God have been the people the world sees as unqualified and inadequate. 

Our times are not so different from those of Amos. Even though our country is still recovering from the hardships of the pandemic, it is undoubtedly a prosperous nation. In our time many people have gotten caught up in acquiring things and have forgotten the laws of God. So many in our world want to hear what make them feel good about themselves rather than the truth that challenges their lifestyles. Far too many Christians have bought into this mindset and have become false prophets, preaching a gospel of prosperity and comfort. Far too many Catholics have become consumed with greed and the opinions of society. We see the results of this moral failure in the fact that our Christian nation continues to slaughter a million innocent children through abortion each year. We see it reflected in the growing indifference towards immoral acts of euthanasia and embryonic stem cell research. This wandering from the truth manifests itself in the increasing attacks against the meaning and sanctity of human sexuality and traditional marriage. Not only have many Catholics tolerated these things, a large number of Catholics have elected officials who advocate these unholy practices!!

The example of Amos serves as a reminder and an inspiration to all of us as followers of Christ. Most of us are not prophets by trade or training. Certainly there are certain truths of our faith that we wish were easier to accept. And if it were up to us, we would just go through life minding our own business and making ends meet. But as Christians, we have been given the challenge and privilege of proclaiming the truth, in our time and in our culture, no matter how foreign or unpopular that truth might be. Imagine the good that would follow in our world if all of us, as a group of Catholics, stood up for the truth, completely and unapologetically. This is how Christ commissioned the Apostles in today's gospel and by our baptism, we have received that same mission. Allow this Eucharistic sacrifice to give you strength, especially in those moments and circumstances where you might be tempted to waver and soften the truth. And if there have been times where you have forsaken that truth, ask the Lord for his pardon and peace. 

  Sadly, there will always be people who reject the message. Maybe some of us were in that group at one time  We may have to move on and proclaim the truth of Jesus Christ to others, just as the disciples were told to move on when they were rejected. But don't stop praying for them. And be patient.  Joy, happiness and the Presence of the Lord are contagious.  Sometimes, though, it takes time for people to allow God’s grace to soften their heart. Most importantly, don’t be silent! Many people will hear the message clearer when it comes from you rather than from me or any other priest. Because of your work, friendships, and human connections, you will have opportunities to witness to God’s truth to people and places I will never have a chance to encounter or enter. 

May we be a people, like Amos, who proclaims the whole truth of the Lord, in and out of season, whether it is popular or not, so that in this life, and more importantly, in the life to come, we may be truly and eternally blessed.