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!