Hope From the Transfiguration

August 6th, 2014

Wednesday of 18th Week of Ordinary Time

Transfiguration

 Mt 17: 1-9

Dc. Larry Brockman

 

Why don’t we take a little pilgrimage together today in our minds. We are going to go up the high mountain with Jesus. We are going along with Peter, James, and John and we are going to see the Lord Jesus transfigured before our very eyes! Then we are going to see what that means to us.

 

But first, a few words of background. Just before the transfiguration, Jesus had worked a miracle of tremendous magnitude. He had fed 5,000 men, which was really about 15,000 people by the time you include women and children, from just 5 loaves and 2 fish.  It was the only miracle recorded in all 4 Gospels.  Consider how huge this miracle must have been because 15,000 people was one third the population of all of Jerusalem at the time.

 

Having done such an impressive miracle, Jesus then asks his disciples who he is. Peter, answering for the Apostles, responds rightly that Jesus is the Messiah, and the Son of God. Jesus then tells His disciples that before He comes into His Glory, he must first suffer and die on the Cross. Peter is appalled at this suggestion, and calls Jesus to the side to rebuke Jesus for saying such a thing. In Peter’s mind, such suffering was not becoming for a man of such stature- the long awaited Messiah. And so Jesus remonstrates Peter, even calling him a Satan, for not understanding God’s plan! And so, for six days now Jesus has been revealing God’s plan to the disciples, a plan that includes suffering and death on the cross for Him before experiencing the Resurrection and the glory of the Kingdom of God.  He even tells the disciples their lot will be similar to His!

 

I am quite certain that by now God has revealed his plan for you.  Everyone here has had far more than six days to understand and appreciate that plan.  In fact, we have all been exposed to that plan for years, some of us 70 years or more, rather than 6 days.  You see, God plays a zero sum game with us.  That means, whatever you did in the past, all he is interested in is getting us to come over to his will in the future.  So, after 60, 70, 80 years, our path has become his path for those who believe and try to do his will.  To be sure, we have experienced joys and good things; but we have all had our share of trials and tribulations, and pains and suffering.  We have all had to make sacrifices to live our faith.  We can all appreciate Jesus’ words that the son of man must first suffer.  We all know that Peter was indeed mistaken when he rebuked Jesus and that Jesus was right.

 

But here we are, still living that path after all the years of trials and tribulations.  And most of us are not as limber as we once were.  So, how about the glory for us?  Can we have a glimpse of what is coming for all of us who have been faithful?  And will that make a difference?

 

During that six days after the miracle of the loaves and fishes, Jesus did promise his disciples a glimpse of that Glory.  And the Transfiguration is the glimpse He gave them.  That glimpse of the coming glory represents hope; hope that by living the good news of the Gospel by accepting our crosses and making sacrifices accordingly.  Then we will be glorified with Jesus in the Kingdom to come.  And that glory will be so intense and last forever that any and all tribulations of life will pale by comparison.

So, let’s see if we can sense the glory to come by walking in the shoes of Peter, James and John as they experienced the Transfiguration some six days after they were promised a sign.

 

First, we are going to ascend a high mountain.  You people are going to have to work with me here on this part.  We aren’t going to be able to just walk peacefully up a ramp to get to the top of the mountain.  No sir!  We have to struggle to climb a high mountain.  It is a stretch; it is not easy; we will get tired and worn out.  For some of us, it has already been a 70 or 80 year climb.  That has been enough of a struggle and tiring enough hasn’t it.

 

Now notice that Jesus took just three of his disciples because that was the proper number for a legal witness to an event- three witnesses!  And there are three Gospel accounts of this event, also.  So, it’s legal! It has been officially witnessed that this happened.  You know why Jesus did that, had three witnesses?  So that we would recognize that it was true, hard as it is to believe.  Yes, it is something we just have to believe; we take it on Faith even though we were not there to see it first-hand because we believe in Jesus and he went to the trouble to assure there were three witnesses!

 

So now, let us get to experience the transfiguration.  Imagine that as we are climbing alongside of Jesus, Peter, James, and John to experience the transfiguration with them,

we see that they are just 4 ordinary human beings walking, climbing the hill of life.  But now we come to the top of the mountain with them, and suddenly Jesus is transfigured before our eyes so that his face shines brightly and he is dressed in a dazzling pure white gown that radiates light, goodness, and glory- not just any ordinary brightness, but a dazzling brightness, brighter than anything you have seen, a knock your socks off type brightness.  Notice that this is a glory that comes from within Jesus, the glory of Almighty God in all its purity and love; and it is overwhelming!  Are you overwhelmed yet?

 

We are seeing what has been veiled all along as we walked up the mountain because of Jesus’ humanity.  The story of His life that we read in the Gospels is so human isn’t it- born in a stable; growing up as a carpenter; hanging out with a group of fisherman; dying a horrible painful death on a cross.  We have trouble thinking of Him as divine.  But now, in this vision, it is easy to see His divinity in the radiance of His transfigured face and clothes.  He has moved beyond the pain and suffering and he is on the other side.  We know that because we have also seen Him as the Resurrected Lord.  How truly magnificent that is.

 

But let’s get back to the story.  Before we can react to this vision, we see something else.  We see Moses and Elijah standing there talking to Jesus.  No kidding- Moses and Elijah all dressed up like royalty are there.  Moses, who gave the people the Law of God; and Elijah, who was a prince among the prophets are there.  They are standing there transfigured as well; radiant and bright; talking to Jesus who stands out amongst them.  Only their radiance is a gift; it comes from the outside of them and shines on them.  It doesn’t come from within them because only God radiates that kind of joy, light, and peace.

 

They are talking to Jesus about how he will suffer and die in Jerusalem.  Moses is validating that all of this will be done in accordance with the Law he received from God the Father.  Elijah validates that his prophecies and the prophecies of all the prophets will be met.

And so Moses and Elijah in their glorified state, are bearing witness to the testimony of Jesus from the last 6 days to his disciples, that he, Jesus, would have to suffer and die before experiencing His ultimate glory.

 

The ethereal nature of the scene begins now to dawn on Peter, James, and John now.   Peter, well-meaning though he may be, says something really dumb:  “It is good for us to be here; let us build three tents, one for each of you”.  As if the glory of God that is shining forth from Jesus, and shining on Moses, and Elijah needs to be protected by tents; as if Peter, James, and John can hope to contain this glory all for themselves by taking up residence on this mountain, and just staying there forever as they wanted.

 

How about you and I!  What are we thinking as we experience this scene!  Are we, like Peter, so taken by the heavenly feeling of the moment,  that we would try to constrain it just for ourselves?  Or are we so exuberant we want to share it with everyone else  so they, too can experience the joy?

 

But then, behold, the third heavenly witness besides Moses and Elijah enters the scene.  Because a bright cloud casts a shadow over them, and God the Father’s voice is heard from inside that cloud.  A piercing, penetrating voice like thunder says:“ This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased; listen to him”.  At this, Peter, James, and John prostrate themselves

Overcome with fear and respect.

 

I am certain I would have done the same.  How about you?  And I am also certain that this would have been enough.  I have seen what glory awaits Jesus after He completes His mission; and I understand that by promise, the same glory that is resting on Moses and Elijah awaits us who follow Jesus as well.  And now I have heard God the Father with unmistakable clarity.  I have seen and heard enough to know that this glory has existed for thousands upon thousands of years; even millions and millions of years, and in fact forever.  Forever!

 

So, what is next?  Well, in a flash, it is all over.  Jesus is standing there alone- no Moses, no Elijah, no glorified body, no cloud, no God the Father.  Jesus taps Peter, James, and John, and you and I as well, and says “Let’s go”.  Yes, let’s go, there is still much to do because unlike Peter, James, and John, we are not being asked to keep it all a secret.  It is after the Resurrection for us, and we are being sent forth as witnesses to tell the whole world.

 

How do we do that?  We are all, after all, witnesses.  We have heard the call and lived the life- 60, 70, 80 years or more of it.  And we still have Life and we still have Faith.

But even more to the point, now we have seen the glory of the Lord.  We know that we are in the midst of the Kingdom right now.  We have closed our eyes and have seen it, felt it with our hearts  We have seen how we are destined to be transfigured ourselves.

No matter how much longer we have to wait, it is worth it.  Because we know that those who believe and follow will be in glory with God Forever.  Amen!

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Taking a Pilgrimage to see Jesus

August 3rd, 2014

18th Sunday Week in Ordinary Time

Is 55: 1-3; Rom 8: 35, 37-39; Mt 14: 13-21

Dc. Larry Brockman

 

Why don’t we take a little pilgrimage together today in our minds. Imagine that you are the boy with the 5 loaves and two fish in the Gospel story.  Together with your parents, you are going to see what this popular teacher, Jesus, has to say.  A huge crowd of over 15,000 people are there with you on the shores of the lake at the village.  Yes, 15,000, not just 5,000 because 5,000 was just the men.  And 15,000 would have been an immense number of people in that day and age, one third of the population of Jerusalem .  It fact, it was the largest crowd Jesus ever addressed in his three year career.   

Back to you, now- the kid with the food.  You were prepared for lunch; but most of the folks around you were not.  After all they thought they could always visit the market close by if they got hungry.  But now, the great crowd around you sees that Jesus is headed off in a boat with his disciples.  Somebody shouts out “He’s headed towards Bethsaida”.  And, in a frenzy, everyone moves out to try to beat Jesus there- about twice the distance by land than by boat.  Imagine how enthusiastic the crowd must have been to walk, even trot most of the way.  Nobody had time to stop and get food; and everybody was pretty well spent by the time they get there.  But they were in luck, because they beat the boat there.   

Moved with pity, Jesus proceeds to preach to the crowd.  In a sense He was moved to feed them what they came for-  His stories about the good news, the kingdom of God.  And Jesus heals many of them for good measure. 

As all this happens, time flies by, and now it is evening.  You are in a deserted place, hours from any market or restaurant.  Everyone is hungry; you hear the disciples and crowd talking about it.  And you realize you’ve got some food- five little buns and two dried up fish.  You go to the teacher’s disciples and offer to give up what you have so it can be shared with everyone else.  Suddenly, you are being told to take them directly to Jesus.  Jesus looks up to heaven, blesses the food, and asks the 15,000 people to recline.  Bible scholars tell us that the words in Greek were like a request to be seated at a formal banquet.  And so the 15,000 people recline in neat little circles, as at a banquet, in the lush green grass-  no panic, no skepticism, no resistance to the Lord’s orders.  And there is plenty of food for all 15,000 people!   

Let me make a couple of observations here.  First, this was the only miracle recorded in all four Gospels except for the Resurrection itself- the one and only.  So, it must have been considered significant and important.  Second, there are few if any books in antiquity that describe miracle workers and their deeds- so Jesus is unique.  And lastly 12 large whicker baskets of remnants are both literally and symbolically huge.  In first century Palestine, there was seldom enough food to totally satisfy 15,000 people at a time.  But in fact, after they have had their fill, there were 12 large whicker hampers full of food left!  Twelve symbolizes abundance; and so from five loaves and two fish, twelve baskets implies tremendous abundance.   

What a miracle, what an experience.  But what does it really all mean?  Is the message summed up in the magnitude of the miracle?   Was the message that Jesus was proven to be God  because only God is capable of such miracles?  Or was there a deeper message for us?   

Well, consider this:  Jesus was primarily concerned with feeding souls in this story.  All day long he had told them of the Kingdom of God and had urged them to repent.  He had told them that they could make a difference if they did that.  Jesus first reaction to the disciple’s message that the people were hungry is one of surprise.  He orders the disciples to feed them.  It’s as if he is saying “I have been feeding them the bread of life all day long; you can take care of their temporal needs.”   So, had his real message fallen on deaf ears?  Because after all of that teaching, the people were now concerned about food, they were not fired up over His message.   

Now if you truly played the role of the boy with the basket of food in this story, then you should recognize that you were loving and generous.  In the face of impossible odds, you offered what little you had without hesitation for the good of all.  The disciples in John’s Gospel accounts are sarcastic about it.  “There is a boy with 5 barley loaves and two fish, but what is that among so many”?  But the child, the boy, is an innocent, and offers his food unencumbered by those odds.  And from that source of food, an abundance flows.   How ironic that the young boy with the meager lunch would show them what could happen if they really listened to Jesus and lived his message of love.   

Our Isaiah reading, today, emphasizes the abundance of blessings available from God.  And so, perhaps this miracle is a message to all of us that no matter how small our contribution,  If we offer it to God with humility, sincerity, and good intentions, as the boy with the five loaves did, then God will respond to us with abundance.   

We are lacking much in today’s world.  There are terrible things going on in the Ukraine, Iraq, Syria, Israel, and Palestine.  We are still hampered by a sluggish economy at home; and we see moral decay all around us in the media.  This can all seem overwhelming to us.  And so we come here to Church each week hoping to hear something that will help, just like the 15,000 people on a deserted slope in Palestine did 2000 years ago.  Perhaps, just perhaps, we need to be like the boy that offered his food.  Rather than what you can get, what can you give.  Whatever it is that you have in means, talent, or time, figure out how to do your part.  Then offer something up sincerely and with humility.  Not just one or two of you.  But as Father Ennis says- “All of you”.  And then watch the abundance flow from God because God can make a difference.

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Learning to Let Go of the Past

July 31st, 2014

Thursday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time

St. Ignatius of Loyola

Jer 18: 1-6; Mt 13: 47-53

Dc. Larry Brockman

 

It is pretty clear in today’s readings, that God doesn’t intend to throw us away the first time we make a mistake, or even the second or third or any other time we make a mistake.  He is relentless in His efforts to reshape us, just like the potter in the first reading.   

God is mostly interested in our Faith in Him, and our resolve to repent and to do better.  It is never too late for us to accept His guiding hand as long as we have life in us.   

Let me pause and pose this question.  Just what is God trying to fashion with your clay these days?  Perhaps you had a vision of what that was going to be some time ago; and you think you have been cooperating with God.  But somehow things have changed, and now you feel conflicted.  More likely, perhaps an old dream, an old image, just doesn’t fit the mold any more. 

Let me give a few examples.  People get married, and assume that God is shaping them to raise a family.  But divorce and death happen sometimes in these families; and then later on in life, the children are gone and you are an “empty nester”.  And then, some people pursue certain paths in life but then they find them interrupted by illnesses or overwhelming responsibilities forced on them, like caring for elderly parents or grandchildren.   When those things happen to you, are you still trying to shape yourself into that first image?  Or are you open to a newer one; the one that God is working on for you now?  I think it is important for us to ponder that because what was good for you a decade ago or even a year ago, is not necessarily good for you now.  God may be shaping you for something else.   

In the Gospel, we heard the parable of the fish.  Jesus explains that at the end of the age, angels will separate the bad from the good.  Indeed, we coexist with the evil in this world, and we always will.  And the environment we live in will be affected by that evil every now and then, causing us to adapt to the changing environment to survive.  Things like death, illnesses, and separation happen to all of us.  Some things are caused by the evil in the world; but others are just due to the passage of time.   

It can be a mistake not to respond to a call to adapt to these things.  And even though that shakes us out of a comfort zone, it may be that something more wonderful lies at the other end if we trust in God and let Him reshape us.   

Jesus says something very interesting at the end of the Gospel.  He says “Then every scribe who has been instructed in the Kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old”.  For weeks now, you have heard gospel parables on the Kingdom of God.  You have been instructed.  But you need to respond to both the new and the old.  Let the heavenly potter shape you accordingly. 

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Making the Path Smooth for the Lord

July 17th, 2014

Thursday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time

Is 26: 7-9, 12, 16-19; Mt 11: 28-30

Dc. Larry Brockman

 

Listen to Isaiah’s message today.  First He says:  “The way of the just is smooth”.  Yes, indeed, the way of the most just God is smooth.  But it involves “the path of the just you make level”.  And there is the rub because making the path of the just level can seem difficult and painful, especially in the short term; and so prosperous societies avoid it.  They like comfort and the path of least resistance instead.  We resist making the path of the just level because it means we have to step out of our comfort zones to maintain the level path for the just.   

Perhaps an example would help.  Over and over again the Israelis became prosperous  following the Exodus. But as they did, they turned their backs on the Mosaic Law.  They became lenient with others who worshiped false Gods; they believed they had the power to make alliances for practical reasons even though that compromised their own faith; and they became obsessed with things of the world and worldly success.   Doesn’t that sound familiar?   

And so what happened to them?  Things would turn sour for them; and they would experience very difficult times.  In some cases many generations were deposed from their homes and exiled, all because a prosperous couple of generations walked away from the Lord and his commands by being complacent; by being tolerant of evil; and by not doing God’s will.   

And so, Isaiah’s later words applied:  “O Lord, oppressed by your punishment, we cried out in anguish under your chastising”.  Indeed, Isaiah is lamenting the punishment his own people were experiencing because of their failure to maintain justice and keep the laws of God.   

It could well happen to us, you know.  We have experienced many generations of prosperity in this country.  And for many of those generations, we were a society that heralded God’s justice.  We were a society that was generous, faith-filled, adhering to Judeo Christian morality, and quick to help others in need.  We were righteous in our quest to avoid and suppress evil; a society that made the path of the just level.   

But how about now, in today’s time, have we lost our way in making the path of the just straight?  Let me make it clear- I am talking about “we” or our society.  You see, our society reflects its moral values in the media and government we have today.  Our legacy is “Life Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness”.  But today we see that sex outside of marriage is not only tolerated, but the people that flaunt it are accepted, even celebrated; that much of our society believes that women’s “reproductive rights” are more important than the right to life.  And we see Church attendance and participation is way down because golf, boating, and sleeping in are more comfortable.   

The answer to all of this is renewal by the people of God.  You and I can make the difference.  We can recognize that the way of the just needs to be made level.  We do that by our example; by the way we deal with our own families; by the way our parish as a whole reflects itself to the larger community.  And we can all take a stand and not support the secular values of today’s society by withholding our support of the media and by voting our convictions when we vote.   

All of us need to do as Jesus says in today’s Gospel.  “Come to me all you who labor and are burdened and I will give you rest”.  That may seem more difficult in the short term- making more time for God; trusting is His will for us; and taking a stand against today’s secular norms, but we have Jesus word that it is the truly easy way. 

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Are You Really Trusting God?

July 10th, 2014

Thursday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time

Hos 11: 1-4, 8e-9; Mt 10: 7-15

Dc. Larry Brockman

 

It’s all about Trusting God.  That’s what Jesus told his disciples this morning as he sent them out two by two.  They were to trust Him and depend on Him alone, not in themselves, and not in the reserves they have built up for themselves.  He tells them that “The laborer deserves his keep”, implying that they need only do the mission they were sent to do and God will do the rest.  They will get what they deserve to keep them going.

To make that point even clearer we have the first reading from Hosea.  God, it seems, is lamenting over some of his people; people whom he has nurtured, yet they didn’t realize it; people whom He has spoken to, yet they have not listened.  And even so, He vows not to destroy them in their disobedience and errant ways but to continue to speak to them and nurture them.   

How does all of that apply to us?  Surely all of us here are listening to God’s voice, and have a feel, as the disciples did for their call in the world.  Surely all of us trust in God to provide for us.   

And yet, realistically, do we really trust in God?  I think many of us constantly worry about things rather than trust in God.  We spend much of our time, perhaps the majority of our time, building our security rather than doing the work that God has in mind for us.  We need the money belts, second tunics, and the walking sticks.  We call them big bank accounts, lots of clothes and possessions, and second cars and toys.  And aren’t  we trusting our Financial Advisors more than we trust God?  

Now don’t get me wrong.  We have all got to be responsible.  We need to embrace our calling and do it with enthusiasm and commitment.  We all need to earn our keep.  After all, Jesus says “The laborer deserves his keep”.  But there is a difference between doing that, and being consumed by self-preservation.   

That, I think is the point.  All of us need to recognize where God is pointing us to go and make that a priority, trusting that God will bless our labors and keep us going, rather than the other way around; putting most of our efforts into our own plans and then fitting God’s work in when it is convenient.   

I don’t know about you, but I have heard many stories about people who work hard for the Lord, but are pressed with worldly problems.  They suffer losses and setbacks, but have an inherent trust that God will come through for them.  They never lose their Faith; they pray with conviction.  And they somehow prevail- almost miraculously- in the face of their trials. That certainly was Mother Theresa’s story.  But the same is true close to home.  I know of one group in particular that has been down to their last dollar, yet miraculously, their organization recovered and they are thriving today because they trusted in God.   

I hope that all of you will give it a try.  Like the disciples in today’s story, listen for God’s voice and mission.  And then give it some priority, even if it means making a sacrifice in your own plans; even if you don’t have all the money and things you feel you need in this life.  Do it anyway.  Trust in God instead.

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Don’t Worry, Be Happy

July 6th, 2014

14th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Zech 9: 9-10; Romans 8: 9, 11-13; Mt 11: 25-30

Dc. Larry Brockman

 

“Don’t Worry, Be Happy”!  How many of you remember that late 80’s song by Bobby McFerrin.  Don’t Worry, Be Happy, I am not going to sing it for you! It has had 26 million views on You Tube, for those of you who are interested. 

The first time I heard that song, I reacted to it with cynicism.  How can we just let unsettling things happen all around us, and still go away not worrying and being happy?  The lyrics of the song, for example, speak of a man whose bed was stolen and whose landlord was evicting him.  And yet he sings: “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” over and over.   

But you know what, that is exactly what Jesus is asking us to do in today’s Gospel.  The Gospel can be summed up: Don’t worry, be happy as long as you trust in me, and live life accordingly.”   

Perhaps a little bit of background on the context of today’s Gospel, would help.  Jesus had just been rejected by the learned Pharisees of Jewish Society.  He had been talking about knowing God; experiencing God through His forgiveness and Love; and having a relationship with God.  The Pharisees had been talking about knowing about God and His rules, the law of Moses.  The Pharisees rejected Jesus teaching because he didn’t preach about the law; but rather about knowing God.  But the Pharisees didn’t really know God because they had not experienced Him.  They were trying to get to God by keeping all the rules.  They were seeking God with their heads not their hearts.  And so, they were missing experiences and relationships and communion with God.   

Jesus message was only heard by those who were seeking God with their hearts.  These were people who were not so hung up with the details of the law; rather they took the time to experience life and listen for God’s voice.  They were people who didn’t think so much about God as they felt for Him and His presence in their lives.  Children are like that; and that’s why Jesus said that we need the heart of a child to recognize Him.     

Now Zechariah predicts the coming of the Messiah in the first reading.  Notice that the savior is described as meek; and riding on an ass.  Royalty commonly travelled on an ass or a colt or the foal of an ass.  Zechariah describes his royal savior as meek.  In other words, the savior is humble.  And indeed, Jesus fulfilled this prophecy, riding into Jerusalem on the foal of an ass.  But Jesus was also meek and humble of heart, as he describes himself this morning.  Knowing that he was the Son of God, he nevertheless humbled himself by seeking and then doing God’s will for him.  Jesus had taken the time, had gone out into the desert, and had listened to God.  And so, when he returned, he took up his yoke, meaning the mission His Father had for him, and bore it with love.  Nothing else mattered in the clutter of his world.  It wasn’t an easy mission because it involved sacrifice and pain.  But it was easy in the sense that He always knew He was in harmony with the Father and His will.   

Jesus is advising us to do the same this morning.  Jesus says that all who are weary of heavy burdens should come to him, for he will give you rest; and that they should take on his yoke, because “For my yoke is easy, and my burden light”.  Jesus was referring to the onerous burden that the 565 + rules of the Mosaic Law, particularly as amplified and taught by the Pharisees, placed on the Jewish people.   

Now I ask you, is it any different today?  What a heavy burden society place on us today.  We work, we are taxed, we have mortgages, cars, boats, activities, social obligations, family obligations, sports, and on and on;  And most of it has to do with “doing the right thing by our families”.  On top of that, we try to observe all the rules and regulations of our Faith.  Our burdens are heavy.  But just like the Pharisees and those who accepted their burden, we don’t really get to know God in all of that.   

And So, Jesus words apply to us today as well.  First, we need to be meek and humble of heart.  That will eliminate a lot of the burdens.  We don’t have to compete with the Joneses.  We don’t have to match society’s expectations of the perfect family.  But, with true humility and meekness, we do need to hear God’s voice amongst all the thunder.  God’s voice begins with his Word and the scriptures; but it doesn’t end there.  Rather, God’s voice is where the scriptures lead us, and God’s voice tells us who we really are and what is really important. 

First and foremost, a relationship with Jesus is important and then, relationships with our loved ones.  Love itself is important.   

When Jesus says the yoke is easy, he means it is easy mentally more than anything else because if we are at peace with God and ourselves, then it will be easy to accept and we will be happy.  And when he says the burden will be light, he doesn’t necessarily mean literally.  Rather, He means light in the sense of whether it is bearable.  Even the heaviest of burdens are bearable if we are happy that they are the right thing for us to do.   

And so we come to understand that as Christians, we really can sing:  “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”. 

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We Are All In This Together

July 3rd, 2014

St. Thomas

Eph 2: 19-22; John 20: 24-29

Dc. Larry Brockman

 

So, we are all in this together.  Paul tells us that we are:  “Fellow citizens with the holy ones and the members of the household of God”.  And also,   “You are also being built together into a dwelling place of God in the spirit.”  Yes, we are all in this together.  Pretty heavy stuff!  But are we living up to that expectation by St. Paul?   

The key, of course, is the common bond of Faith that we have; Faith that can transcend all that the world throws at us.  Because, if we have Faith, real faith, then we can work together under God’s direction to defeat any worldly influence or enemy and to solve humanity’s problems.   

Maybe that’s the point of today’s Gospel.  Thomas’ Faith was shown to be weak.  He did not see, and so, he would not believe.  And yet, Thomas profession of Faith after he saw was truly awe inspiring and moving!  He says “My Lord and my God”.  And you know what?  We hear that so often the words don’t have the proper impact on us.  Close your eyes and imagine for a moment what it must have been like for Thomas.  There, right in front of you, you see the risen Jesus, wounds and all.  And you admit that he is God.  God!  The same God that created everything; that knows everything.  It’s a mind boggling thought.  It is an expression of tremendous Faith.   

We are all like Thomas in the sense that we are challenged to believe even though we have not seen.  But if we can have the Faith that Thomas professed, then no matter what our diverse backgrounds are,  no matter how different our talents and interests, no matter what comes our way; whether it be Communism; Fanatic Islam; Secularism; Pluralism- you name it, we can and will prevail.  Because with that kind of Faith, and with that kind of Faith, meaning trust, in God, all of us will be moved by God to win this earthly battle, each in his own way, but all of us together as a united front, the body of Christ.   

Let me give you one example.  Experts have studied the number of Catholics who are eligible to vote in this country.  If every one of the Catholics would vote according to the teachings of the church, then there is no way we can lose our religious liberty.  We are too powerful.  We could come together to defeat abortion; to enable school prayer; to provide meaningful health care; to solve the immigration issue- you name it, we could do it because there are that many of us Catholics.  The problem is simply that we are not united enough in our Faith.  And so, we are not acting as one unified body of Christ.

The good news here is that we don’t have to worry about anyone else.  All we have to do is to have Faith ourselves.  Because God will do the rest, work through us to accomplish his objectives in His way.  Truly, all we have to do as individuals, is to “Go out into the world and tell the good news”! 

 

 

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We are All Saints Responding to the Call

June 29th, 2014

Sts. Peter and Paul

Acts 12: 1-11; 2 Tim 4: 6-8, 17-18; Mt. 16: 13-19

Deacon Larry Brockman

Two saints,  today we hear about two saints who are the founding Fathers of the Church,  zealous and fearless in their efforts to evangelize all men, and spread the faith.  They were two very different people.  But both heard the call and responded.   

Take Peter; he was just an ordinary kind of guy.  He was not learned in his faith at all.  He was a fisherman by trade, who responded to the call despite his weaknesses and several setbacks.  He was awed by Jesus, and seemed to just have a sense of His divinity.  And yet, he still denied Him three times.  He was afraid to go out and spread the Gospel, because he sensed that the authorities would do the same to him that they did to Jesus.  Yet as the story today shows, he was miraculously rescued from that fate, and he went on to become a zealous evangelizer.

And then there is Paul, a Roman Citizen from a well to do family, and  a Pharisee well versed in his faith as a Jew.  He persecuted the Christians with zeal, and was responsible for putting many to death.  But then, something happened to him.  He was struck down by an angel and had visions of Jesus himself.  He received a personal revelation of the Gospel, as we heard today and went on to become the Apostle to the Gentiles.   

Both of these men were sinners, but they repented.  Both of these men heard the call and went on to do God’s will for them.  They looked forward, not backward at their failings and mistakes.  Both of these men are examples for all of us about what it means to live the life that God intends for us.   

Now I know what some of you are thinking.  “Sure, but it was easy for them.  After all, Jesus was there personally for them, or he sent an angel to give them awake up call, or to work miracles for them.  But it is not that way for me-  no angels, no personal relationship with Jesus, no miracles, no clear message on what He wants me to do.”  But that is wrong on all counts when you think about it.   

Over twenty years ago, in my previous life as an engineer, two of us were sent to San Francisco on business.  We were given a rental care that had an experimental navigation system in it.  Now these things are common today, but it was really novel then.  We marveled at the polite, pleasant sounding female voice that gave us our directions.  And then it struck us.  What would the voice say if we went astray- took a wrong turn?  What about multiple wrong turns?  And so, we tried it- we deliberately took some wrong turns.  And the lady politely and cheerfully told us what to do each time to get us back on course.  We were disappointed in a sense- expecting a more realistic:  “Why can’t you listen to directions, you idiot”.  But there was never any hint of that.  The machine was relentless in its program to always guide you on the right course.  The system never looked back, always forward.   

Well, it is the same way with God.  God is talking to each one of us daily, hourly, even by the moment; continuously prompting us to take the right course.  His voice may seem weaker than other voices in our world.  But he is always there.  And sometimes, His voice is very loud- almost like the things that happened to Peter and Paul.  Life changing events like a death, an illness, graduation, marriage, divorce, someone asking for help, a chance encounter with another- all of these things can give pause. All of these things can heighten our awareness of God’s little voice in our life, either because we ask for His help, or the event has such an impact on our lives that time almost stands still and we hear God’s voice and prompt.  Always, God is there to prompt us for the future, how to get back on course. 

And then there is the matter of miracles.  Notice that the Church was praying for Peter, the account in Acts tells us that.  So prayer can work wonders, even miracles.  But when you really think about the lives of people who respond to the call, life is full of miracles for them.  I am thinking of people like Mother Theresa; but I am also thinking of people closer to home.  Some of my brother deacons are good examples. God has touched their lives and has worked wonders for them they didn’t think was possible.  I think about all the things our Respect Life Ministry and our Men’s Club and Knights of Columbus have done over the years.  Each of the people who contribute to these efforts is responding to God’s will, and great things happen because of that.  Not least among the miracles is the Perpetual Adoration Chapel- and how it has helped define and sustain this parish.   

In a few moments, all of us will be able to receive Holy Communion.  Last week we pondered the meaning of the Eucharist on the feast of Corpus Christi.  It should be clear that each of us can have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  Because each of us has direct access to Jesus each and every time we receive Communion.  Know that he will be there waiting for you, and ready to prompt you in the right direction if you listen. 

So, we have no excuse.   We can have a personal relationship with Jesus; He is talking to us all the time; and if we listen to him, he will work miracles through us.   

Today, as with Peter and the disciples in the Gospel.  Jesus is asking each one of us if we know who he is.  Jesus is calling each one of us as he did Peter.  What is your answer? 

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How Does the Spirit Come?

June 8th, 2014

Pentecost

Acts 2: 1-11; 1 Cor 12: 3b-7, 12-13; John 20: 19-23

Dc. Larry Brockman

 

What do you say when I say:  “The Lord be with you”?  “And with your Spirit!”  Yes, “And with your Spirit”.   

And today we hear of the coming of the Holy Spirit.  It is when our spirits are filled with the Holy Spirit that we are in harmony with God.  So just how does that happen?   

When we were born, God endowed each of us with our Spirit as well as our bodies.    Our spirits are what makes you “you” and me “me”.  Our spirits radiate our individuality, our gifts, and our personality.   God blessed each of us with a unique spirit.    But, that spirit is not in harmony with God, because we are born with free will.    Our spirits are independent and self-centered to start.  As we develop, we come to seek after meaning in life, and the search for that leads us to God and his Spirit.   

We learn today that there are two stages to becoming filled with the Holy Spirit.  The first stage is the subject of the Gospel.  First, the Apostles were visited by the risen Christ, who offered them peace, and said “As the Father has sent me so also I send you.”  Then Jesus : “Breathed on them and said: ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’”  Jesus had just ordained them in the sacrament of Holy Orders.  These 11 men had been given special sacramental graces.  They had been commissioned to do God’s work; to go out to evangelize and Baptize all nations.  But, they were not yet active in their ministry.  That would come later.   

In the first reading, we hear about the birth of the Church.  The Apostles are all gathered together after the Ascension.  And the graces they received at their ordination are unlocked as the Holy Spirit descends on each one of them individually.    This is the second stage of the process.  After Pentecost, they throw open the doors of the upper room where they had shut themselves in out of fear; and go forth filled with zeal and with individual special gifts unafraid of the authorities.  They speak different languages; they move out in different directions; they have different talents- some as teachers, others preachers, still others as healers.  St. Paul talks about the different talents and gifts of the Spirit in Corinthians this morning.  But the point is that God moved through his Spirit to unlock the graces of ordination on his selected Apostles,   And the Church was born as all of the Apostles worked harmoniously to accomplish God’s plan to evangelize all people.   

Each of us goes through the same two stage process when to receive the Holy Spirit.  For example, take the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist.  When we receive the Eucharist, Jesus is present in each one of us, bringing us the Holy Spirit and His graces.  But as an assembly, we are joined together as the mystical body of Christ.   Collectively we have an opportunity to pray together and work wonders if we really believe in that power.   

Recognizing the second stage of the descent of the Holy Spirit along with His enabling power can be a problem.  Usually, it comes with prayer and in a group.  Many of you have seen it when our youth returns from their Confirmation retreat; or when Emmaus retreatants return from the Emmaus weekend; or at an ordination of priests or deacons.   But it can come in other ways as well.   

All confirmed Catholics are called to spread their faith.  It is when a person hears that call to participate in some way,  and then becomes active in the group they are called to that the Spirit will come to us, and activate the graces of the sacraments we have received  As he did to the Apostles this morning.   We have to take that extra step, a step towards our calling.     

This happens in Bible Study groups, the men’s club, the ladies association, the ministry to the sick, St. Vincent de Paul, the Knights of Columbus, in our families, and in many other ways when a person hears the call, gets involved, and works together to accomplish God’s plan for us.   

So this morning, as you hear about the descent of the Holy Spirit, think about the ways you are being called to get involved, to speak up in defense of your faith, to help a family member.  Follow that little voice inside that whispers to you to do something.  Pray about it and trust the Lord to help you as you make that step.  And then feel the Holy Spirit work within you to make it happen.   

And so I say it again:  “The Lord be with you.”

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The Reason for Your Hope

May 25th, 2014

Sixth Sunday of Easter

Acts 8: 5-8, 14-17; 1 Peter 3: 15-18; John 14: 15-21

Dc. Larry Brockman

 

Are you ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope?  Because, Peter advises us all to be ready.   

First, of course, we have to agree that there is hope!  Now all of you gathered here today have lived a good, long life.  I am sure that they are lives filled with the richest of experiences and blessings.   

But hope points to the future, not to the past.  And realistically, as we get older, our ability to hope for the great things of this world diminishes.  I doubt if any of us will be able to make the Olympics; none of us is going to be a dashing movie star; and mountain climbing, sky diving, and all those thrills don’t seem in the cards for us.  None of us will become renowned world scholars either; and making lots of money or coming up with a fantastic invention are out of the question as well.  So, just what is our hope?   

Let me give you a hint:  We are in the Easter season and Easter reminds us of the hope we have for resurrection of the body in the Kingdom of Heaven.  Jesus promised that all of us who believe in him and keep his commandments would be welcomed into his Kingdom.    And you know what?  The older and more experienced you become, the better able are you to project that kind of hope.  Because you know- you know that everything this world has to offer like good looks, money, athletic ability, fame, rich food and even sex is going to pass us by, and we will need something else to hope for.   

That’s the way God planned it.  He planned for all of us who reach maturity to have the ability to reflect on the real meaning of life so that we could find hope for the future that life brings.  As a Christian, we learn from the lessons of living in the world that God’s Kingdom is the ultimate goal and reality; and that it is our hope.   

Now Jesus promises some things in today’s Gospel:  He promises us that if we love him and keep his commandments then he will give us the spirit of truth, who will guide us through thick and thin.  And that if we keep the Faith, then he will be with us always, and he will find a place for us in the Kingdom of God.  That, then, is our Christian hope.  And it is our hope precisely because our experiences all tell us “It was great, but it doesn’t last, and it isn’t what life is all about”.  We are all so much more capable of understanding that than those riding high in the prime of life.   

And so, we need to live our senior years with dignity and grace by being cheerful and hopeful for the future; by showing everyone love because we realize it is the thing that lasts and lasts forever; and by patiently enduring the trials and tribulations of this world because we hope for, and we know with certainty, that the Kingdom of God is ours.   

When we live like that we are living the reason for our hope.  And all those immersed in the prime of life can’t help but see just exactly what Christian hope is all about.  And they will begin to understand that there is something better for them as well.

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