WE ARE FAMILY

[1]It was about 3½ years ago I was assigned to Annunciation, the first time.  Not long after this assignment Judy and I were asked to visit with various groups so they could welcome us and get to know us.  We had our story down, where we grew up, how we met, how long we’ve been married, how many children, our professional careers, how long I’d been a deacon, my past assignments, and what ministries we’ve participated. When we finished sharing what we planned, there was time for questions from the participants. 

At one of the gatherings, we were asked about our children, their ages and where they lived.  We shared extensively about our daughter and her family and stopped.  Then came the harder question as someone noted we didn’t share about the entire family, “What about your son?”  I remember feeling my chin drop into my chest, as I contemplated for a brief moment, what should I share? For a moment I was tempted to paint a picture of a perfect family scenario, but as I raised my eyes to the group, I shared the challenging relationship we’d been experiencing for many years.  It was the first time I’d spoken publicly about our experience. Taking my seat afterward I wondered if I shared too much of our family brokenness, and was somewhat concerned for what they would think of our family. Yet, as the gathering was dispersing, several people came up to share their own family stories of brokenness, which helped Judy and I recognize we were part of a bigger family, a Holy Family.

Fr. Bob Waznak, a homiletics professor, suggests that if we take the Feast of the Holy Family in a sentimental way then we would conjure up an artificial family.  You know the photos we see on the wall & desk of smiling, cheerful families.  The result could be the “first family of Nazareth”—Joseph holding a lily in one hand and a carpenter’s tool in the other, Mary looking perfectly accessorized, and Jesus gazing lovingly at his holy parents, eagerly awaiting their next command.  Fr. Waznak concludes that we would get “the Walton’s of Nazareth.”

I hope we all know this feast is not for perfect families at all.  This feast is for those of us who know we are not perfect and did not come from a perfect family or upbringing.[2] This feast is more about how, in the midst of our own family dysfunction, we are part of the Holy Family.

Today’s Gospel states strongly that family (in Jesus’ Good News to the poor) is not constituted by marriage or blood ties (even Joseph is father by adoption and choice).  There must be others in the Holy Family, born of faithfulness, tradition, obedience, and knowing God’s favor upon them.  There must be aunts, uncles, & cousins, friends of the parents, other couples, people who are not married, and other friends who make up the family.  It takes many add-ons to make a family, especially one that is to reveal the Holy Family, the Trinity that is our God.[3]

Sirach’s basic intent, in today’s first reading, is to strengthen everyday relationships to manifest wisdom, which can be equated with the fear of God.  In other words, bettering relationships between husband and wife, parents and children, the young and the old, the rich and the poor ultimately leads to improving the reverence paid to God and God’s will. 

Pope Francis shares in his recent Apostolic Letter, Patris Corde (With a Father’s Heart) announcing the Year of St. Joseph, how in the midst of times of crisis, “our lives are woven together and sustained by ordinary people, people often overlooked.” People who do not appear in newspaper and magazine headlines; doctors, nurses, and first responders; supermarket workers, cleaning personnel, and caregivers; volunteers, priests, men and women religious, and so very many others. He writes that “Saint Joseph reminds us that those who appear hidden or in the shadows can play an incomparable role in the history of salvation.”

You see, we’re all in this together, this earthly experience, with every era having its challenges and crisis, each of us with our own brokenness and fears. We desire a sense of belonging, to be safe and secure, to be loved, and at times to be protected from the cruelness of the world around us.

Even the Son of the Almighty came into our world in a state of great vulnerability. He needed to be defended, protected, cared for and raised by Joseph. God trusted Joseph, as did Mary, who found in him someone who would not only save her life but would always provide for her and her child. In this sense, Saint Joseph could not be other than the Guardian of the Church, for the Church is the continuation of the Body of Christ in history, even as Mary’s motherhood is reflected in the motherhood of the Church.

Jesus himself will tell his disciples: “Who is my family—my mother, brothers, sister? … Anyone who hears the word of my father and puts it into practice is mother, brother, and sister to me.” (Mk 3:33-35) He would also say: “As you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me” (Mt 25:40).  Therefore, every poor, needy, suffering or dying person, every stranger, prisoner, and infirmed person is “the child” whom Joseph continues to protect. Thus, the Church, US, cannot fail to show a special love for the Holy Family members who are least of our brothers and sisters, for Jesus showed a particular concern for them and personally identified with them. From St. Joseph, we must learn that same care and responsibility, from Mother Mary the same trust, patience, and compassion. We must learn to love “the child,” to love the sacraments and charity, to love the Church and the poor.  They are part of God’s Holy Family. Even within the Church’s prayers as we prepare to enter into the mystery of the Eucharist, the priest, standing in the person of Christ, prays to God, our Heavenly Father, for us saying, “Listen graciously to the prayers of this family, whom you have summoned before you: in your compassion, O merciful Father, gather to yourself all your children scattered throughout the world.” (Eucharistic Prayer III)

As we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family, we are invited to be the face of mercy, to be the wounded dysfunctional family members who, as St. Paul writes about putting on Christ, that leads us to find our merciful self by clothing ourselves with heart felt compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.  With these attributes, the Word of God can dwell in our lives, our families, our communities, and our world. In short, we are family, a Holy Family.

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[1] New American Bible Revised.  Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14; Colossians 3:12-21; Luke 2:22-40

[2] Sick and You Cared for Me.  “And the child grew…and the grace of God was on him.” by Fr. James J. Greenfield, OSFS

[3] A Stranger and You Welcomed Me. “They took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.” by Megan McKenna

ARMCHAIR EXERCISES

Ask someone to describe what a typical training regimen might include for the Olympic track and field athlete, and the answer will almost always involve stopwatches, weights, early-morning runs, and fierce competition. What is less likely to be mentioned are armchair exercises wherein athletes are encouraged to sit quietly and simply visualize their competitive strategies.

Mental practice might be thought of as armchair rehearsal--repeating a certain task or activity over and over in your mind until you've got it exactly right. It has the specific intent of learning--where to plant your feet, when to make the jump--only without any observable movement.

Imagery is a common type of mental practice, also popular in Ignatian Spirituality, in which you take in as much information, from all your senses, about the activity in order to create an experience in your mind. As a young pole vaulter my coach regularly had me lay in the pole vault pit, in silence, imagining every detail of myself running down the track, planting the pole, and hurtling myself up and over the bar. He’d tell me to mentally "take a picture" and use it as a model for future performance. He’d say: “See it in your mind; do it on the field.”[1]

Today’s reading paints a picture of a man extraordinarily blessed to lead Yahweh’s people. The description heralds the restoration of an Eden-like state that will serve as a model for the other nations on earth. Christians saw the prophecy fulfilled in Jesus and came to believe that blessings in his life are gifts that could be shared, to a lesser degree, in the lives of his followers: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, fear of the Lord.[2]

Jesus, in today's Gospel, rejoiced in the Holy Spirit at his Father’s decision to reveal both His will and His Son. What the disciples’ have seen and heard is far more than personal accomplishments, it is an intimate understanding that God is the ultimate victor.

So, for us, the typical training regimen in the season of Advent, needs to include armchair exercises. Find a quiet spot, contemplate the stories of the season; we know the expectations for the life of a disciple.  Take the time to sit in silence, to visualize the ideal state of our relationship with God, all the blessings He has poured upon us; our relationships with family, the place where most of us learned about sacrificial love and how to commune with others; and our relationships and responsibilities in the local, national & global community, especially in responding to the poor and most in need.  Take in as much information from all your senses, about God’s vision for us to create an experience in your mind. Mentally "take a picture" and use it as a model for future performance. “See it in your mind; do it on the mission field.”

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[1] Psychology Today. “Visions of Victory” by Steven Ungerleider published July 1, 1992.

[2] Weekday HomilyHelps.

AN EMPTY THANKSGIVING SEAT

[1]Thanksgiving is a time-horned tradition of setting aside a day, as a nation, to be thankful. Of course, Thanksgiving means different things to different people. For some, Thanksgiving represents a 4-day vacation from work and the routine of daily grind. Some can't wait for Thanksgiving because it represents one of the biggest shopping opportunities of the year with sales everywhere. For others it’s all about football - non-stop football, one game after the other. I'm sure it’s no surprise that some people are pretty dedicated fans when it comes to football.

One such young enthusiastic fan was very excited when he won a ticket to the Super Bowl! His excitement dampened when he realized his seat was in the back of the stadium. As he searched the rows ahead of him, for a better seat, he found an empty one right next to the field. He approached the old man sitting next to the empty seat and asked if it was taken. The old man replied, ''No.'' Amazed, the young man asked, ''How could someone pass up a seat like this?''

The old man responded, ''That's my wife's seat. We've been to every Super Bowl together since the day we were married, but she has passed away.'' ''Oh, how sad,'' the young man said. ''I'm sorry to hear that, but couldn't you find a friend or relative to come with you?'' ''No,'' the old man said, ''They're all at the funeral.''[2]

For many Thanksgiving is the one time of the year that as a family they gather around a table of plenty to feast, reconnect, and share the blessings of the past year. Probably more so this year, than any other, we’ve experienced a tremendous lack of connection with family, friends, and our parish communities due to the pandemic. Too many have experienced the loss of a loved one, leaving an empty seat at the Thanksgiving table. 

Our scriptures today are a reminder of all the blessings and wonders God has done on earth. The world, throughout history, has experienced the ravages of natural disasters, wars, droughts, famine, and pandemics. Yet, God remains ever faithful in drawing us closer to fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord and to each other. He does this through the efforts of His faith filled followers who continue to give of themselves in Jesus’ model, to serve, in essential jobs and carrying out charitable efforts providing relief assistance such as food and other resources to God’s children most in need. 

God desires to grant us joy of heart, peace, and in all circumstances, to give thanks, this is the will of God for us in Christ Jesus, even in the midst of a pandemic.

Yes, Thanksgiving 2020 may be somewhat different than any other we’ve experienced! Thanksgiving 2020, for some, may be a 14-day quarantine from going into work and the routine of the daily grind. Thanksgiving 2020 still represents one of the biggest shopping opportunities of the year, with online sales available at your fingertips. As for football, hardcore fans will still be on the couch and in the stands, socially distanced of course, and, for many, family gatherings may be smaller this year, out of concern for the most vulnerable among us.

But one thing is for certain: Mass is the perfect place to begin Thanksgiving 2020, even if it is just the family around the TV for a live-streamed Mass at home. A family of faith gathered around and connected to this table of plenty, whether physically or virtually; spiritually this is Eucharist, which means and is “thanksgiving” for all the blessings God has done for us through His Son, Christ our Lord

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[1] New American Bible, Saint Joseph Edition © 1986.  Scriptures: Sirach 50:22-24, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Luke 17:11-19.

[2] Sermonsearch, “A Thankful Heart” by Jerry Vines

SERVING THE KINGDOM

Christianity, which came to Vietnam around 1533, was never accepted by civil authorities although poor people embraced it. Over the year’s emperors tried to ignore it, persecute it, and even wipe it out with violence. Well over 300,000 Christians are believed to have been martyred in Vietnam. Our saint today, Andrew Dung-Lac, is one of those martyrs.

Between 1820 and 1862, a particularly violent persecution of the Church broke out. When St. Andrew and 116 other Christians refused to step on a crucifix and deny that Jesus is the Son of God. They were killed. These heroic men and women accepted martyrdom rather than denounce their faith in Jesus.[1]

In today’s Gospel, Jesus warns us not to place too much importance on the material world. Basically, he says that all we see will one day be destroyed. Nothing physical lasts forever. Ideally, people would get this and embrace the importance of our relationship with God over material distractions. Instead, to many miss the point. Too often they read scripture and believe the voices claiming to have figured out precisely when the end times will occur. They miss Jesus’ meaning to remain focused on the spiritual welfare, that faith in Jesus and love for neighbor are what will last. These are spiritual things. When we serve the kingdom of heaven, in our every day, ordinary lives, by consistently offering God’s compassion, mercy, forgiveness and love to our neighbor, then we will be prepared for the end—whenever it takes place.

There will come a time when all things must be judged. The Book of Revelations tells us, those who serve the kingdom faithfully, focusing on things from above, will live forever; and those who refuse to serve the kingdom, choosing instead to cling to the things of this world, will find “the great press of God’s fury.”[2]

Although Vietnamese authorities thought they could destroy Christianity by killing its members, they simply left us with examples of men and women whose faith was so strong that they chose death in the material world, to serve the kingdom and so live forever in heaven.

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[1] Franciscan media, Saint of the Day, St. Andrew Dung-Lac and Companions

[2] Weekday HomilyHelps.

FOR THE WELFARE OF ALL

There was a farmer who grew excellent quality wheat and every season he won the award for the best grown in his county. One year a reporter from the local newspaper interviewed the farmer and learned that each Spring the farmer shared his seed with his neighbors so that they too could plant it in their fields.

“How can you afford to share your best wheat seed with your neighbors when they are entering their crops in the competition with yours?" the reporter asked. “Why that's very simple,” the farmer explained... "The wind picks up pollen from the developing wheat and carries it from field to field. If my neighbors grow inferior wheat, cross-pollination will steadily degrade the quality of all the wheat, including mine. If I am to grow good wheat, I must help my neighbors grow good wheat."

Each of us exudes something every time we’re in the presence of others, or every time they hear about what we do. It’s called example, and there are two basic kinds: good and bad. An extremely good example is called inspiration; the opposite is called scandal.

It’s impossible not to give some kind of example. Our behavior is a living, mobile billboard advertising our faith, our Church, our nation, and every community to which we belong. Which is the point of Paul’s letter to Titus, be “eager to do what is good.” (Ti 2:14) Avoid being a contributor of to the often-heard opinion, “Those churchgoing people act all pious inside church, but you should see how they treat and talk about each other after they leave.”[1] 

Now I think it is important to note here, how we communicate our Christian values is very important.  Just because we use the right words the message can get lost if our tone is condemning or our behaviors fail to affirm our belief in the words we are using.  As Christians we use terms of compassion, invitation, mercy, and love.  Phrases like, "the Church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints."  We must live these words and phrases. 

Just like St. Pope Leo the Great, whose memorial we celebrate today. He faithfully and unequivocally held to the belief that everything he did and said as pope represented Jesus Christ, and St. Peter, whose Chair he occupied. He focused heavily on the pastoral care of his people. He inspired and helped to foster peaceful resolution to disputes and charitable work in areas of Rome affected heavily by famine, refugees, and poverty. To him, being a Christian was not only about embracing the fullness of the Gospel theologically, but living it out in a world filled with hurt, suffering and needs.[2]

The reporter, in my opening story, realized how the farmer's explanation also applied to peoples' lives in the most fundamental way... Those who want to live meaningfully and well, must help enrich the lives of others, for the value of a life is measured by the lives it touches. This is Eucharist, this is the model Jesus gives us every time we participate in the mystery of His passion, death, and resurrection at Mass. 

So, those who choose to be happy and faithful must help others find happiness, to see the beauty of living a faith filled life, because the welfare of each is bound up with the welfare of all.

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[1] Weekday HomilyHelps. Homily Suggestion by Jim Auer.

[2] Catholic Online, Saints & Angels. St. Leo the Great.

WHO WILL YOU INVITE?

About 5 years ago, while I working as the operations director of a local soup kitchen, a volunteer brought to my attention a YouTube video of a restaurant owner who wanted to something special for the needy of his community. For one night he converted a local soup kitchen into a 5-star dining experience. Not for a gala to host potential donors, but for the regular daily clients. I immediately knew what the volunteer’s request was going to be and the answer was yes. So, with the help of an owner of a local 5-star restaurant and his staff, Thanksgiving 2015 became a very special experience for our unsuspecting regular daily clients. Those who were often considered the outcasts of the community were treated as the most important and influential people of the community.  Greeted at the door & escorted to their seat, where volunteers were tripping over each other to humbly serve them. People who were typically invisible, became visible. Served on real plates and real classes, a 5-course meal worthy of any Thanksgiving family gathering.

Paul’s focus, in the letter to the Philippians clearly states: “Have among yourselves the same attitude as was in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 2:5) Who did “nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory, rather” (Phil 2:3) Jesus did the Father’s will in humble obedience. Emptying himself, included a human death, death on a cross. Self-interest is not a Christian value.

The parable of the great banquet complements the first reading. Discipleship models life and service for others, NOT preoccupation with one’s own needs and agendas. To decline an invitation at the last minute or be a no-show was a social gaffe. The level of preparation unmasks their lame excuses. No one would purchase sight unseen a field or a yoke of oxen, and marriages, like banquets, are planned well in advance.

The contrast between those invited to the banquet and those who attend speaks to the point. Amid the angry host and invitees who renege, those summoned to the banquet should not be overlooked as props or minor characters. Parables dovetail with thoughtful reflection between the lines. Imagine the guest’s feelings: at first being overwhelmed by the elegant setting and rich foods; the servant’s attentiveness to their needs. I’m sure there were tears of gratefulness. Imagine everyone joining in music and song as the experience unfolds. These are the moments when barriers fall and arms are opened.

As Jesus’ followers we must take up the cross of loving service. This is the important lesson emerging in today’s readings. Jesus emptied himself to save a sinful people who could never save themselves, and those who follow Jesus, must reach out to and be in service to those who can never repay them. “Not my will, my agenda, my security, but yours be done” (Lk 22:42) O Lord. This is walking in the path that Jesus modeled. God wants the kingdom filled, who will you invite to the table of plenty?

INTENDED PURPOSE

When people first started developing tools to make life easier, every single little detail of a tool had a specific purpose. Nothing they did was by accident or simply for flare. Even what was meant to be artwork had a specific purpose that had to do with either religious beliefs or common everyday activities. Everything was very intentional.

From soda cans and can openers, to seams and tape measuring machines, there are tiny details in the design, that may at first seem purely aesthetic but, but actually serve a very useful purpose. Sometimes their purpose may even seem blatantly obvious, but in reality, the product’s intended purpose is something you may never have thought of!  For example, the tiny extra pocket on the side of men’s pants, known as the fifth pocket. While millions of people have found thousands of different uses for it, it was designed with a very specific item in mind, to protect the most important item on the gold miners carried in the mid-1800s. Their pocket watches.[1]

When Jesus said “What is the Kingdom of God like”? (Lk 13:18) What do you think people expected? Would everything change? Would there be a new normal? Jesus gives us two images to ponder, the mustard seed that points out how our little efforts of living the Gospel are more powerful than we can imagine. The other image is yeast, mixed with wheat flour and warm water, it produces a great transformation to yield a treasured loaf that reminds us, God is always with us, working in ways we cannot see for His intended purpose.[2]

Yet, we are still asking those same questions today concerning the Kingdom of God, what do we expect? Will everything change? Will there be a new normal? When some people hear this passage from Ephesians, they often jump to the more controversial parts about how the wife should be “subordinate to their husbands” (Eph 5:22) missing the first line, “Be subordinate to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Eph 5:21) This scripture passage speaks of a “household code” where, in marriage, we offer ourselves other freely to our spouse, to love, “even as Christ loved the Church and handed himself over for her.” (Eph 5:25) Husbands, do you want to know how to love your wives?

Enter into this Eucharist with all your being and then live it at home as your “household code”. This is the seed, planted in our heart that is meant to change everything.  Living this self-giving love at home is the yeast, with the purpose of transforming children, transform work places into recognizing the gifts of every laborer, transforming society into welcoming communities that value life and the human dignity of every person, loving this way, transforms the world. Thus, fostering God’s “intended purpose” to reveal His Kingdom, present in our midst today.

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[1] Shareably.net.  “40+ Everyday Things With Hidden Features You Didn’t Know The Purpose Of”, by Jessica Adler, Dec 17, 2018.

[2] Weekday HomilyHelps. Homily Suggestion by Jeanne Hunt.

LAWS & ALMS

Today is the 245^th birthday of the U. S. Navy.  Often, the Navy is portrayed on its mission to enforce maritime law and its use of sea power to augment missions in times of armed conflicts.  However, we seldom hear about her global humanitarian efforts.

On June 25, 1969, a Seabee Team landed at Moen Island marking the beginning of the Navy’s civic action program. Similar 13-man teams, capable of performing all types of construction, landed on other Pacific Islands and under an agreement between the Secretaries of the Interior and Defense, and at the specific request of the Micronesian people, these Seabee Teams provided assistance by constructing facilities, roads, and utilities required to enhance the economic development and conditions of health with the emphasis and greatest potential benefit being the construction skills training being made available to the Micronesian people that would enable them to accomplish essential construction themselves.[1] The Navy’s Civic Action Program has become a long-standing tradition of balancing Laws & Alms.

Paul appeals to the Galatians, who, being set free from spiritual slavery by Christ, not to become slaves again by submitting to the demands of those who insist they must be circumcised. Circumcision and other requirements of Torah compliance (the Law) have no power for those who accept Christ; the power in Christ is “faith working through love.” Jesus too is critical of the watchdogs of religious life, those who readily judge others (especially the poor) to be unclean for their failure to fulfill the rules and rituals of Judaism. For Jesus, the remedy for moral uncleanness and interior purification is almsgiving. Jesus confronts the dichotomy between the exterior appearance (the façade) and the interior reality (the naked truth) telling the Pharisees that though they act in all the right ways, they don’t “give alms” out of themselves. They give money to the poor, but they don’t give love, respect, and kindness.[2]

For decades many Catholics heard teachers and preachers talk about the things we must do “in order to save our souls.” Fasting, abstinence, frequent confession, and many other practices were touted as ways to assure our getting into heaven. While there’s certainly value in these religious practices.  The truth is this: Our salvation is dependent upon God. Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection has set us free, relieving us of the yoke of the law, and the assurance of the Father’s forgiveness and love.[3]

Our awareness of and appreciation for the salvation freely offered, leads us to make sacrifices, to receive the sacraments, to do good works, allowing our charity to come from a heartfelt desire to love and respect as a means to worship and obey God and see the relationship between the Laws & Alms

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[1] www.history.navy.mil/museums/Seabee/Brochures

[2] Weekday HomilyHelps Exegesis by Norman Langenbrunner

[3] Ibid. Homily Suggestion by Norman Langenbrunner

BOTH/AND

An old lady handed her bank card to a bank teller and said, “I would like to withdraw $10." The teller told her, “For withdrawals less than $100 please use the ATM.” The old lady wanted to know why...The teller returned her bank card and irritably told her, “These are the rules. Please leave if there is no other matter. There’s a line of customers behind you.”

The old lady remained silent for a few seconds, then handed the card back to the teller and said, “Please help me withdraw all the money I have.” The teller was astonished when she checked the account balance. She leaned down and respectfully told her, you have $300,000 in your account and the bank doesn't have that much cash currently. Could you make an appointment and come back tomorrow?" The old lady leaned in and asked, “How much can I withdraw immediately.” The teller told her any amount up to $3,000. The old lady straightened up and said, “I would like to withdraw $3,000."  The teller handed the money over very friendly and respectfully. The old lady put $10 in her purse and said to the teller, “I would like to make a deposit of $2,990.”  Never underestimate the wisdom of age to be able to pull of an unexpected reversal and turn it into a both/and situation.

Paul recalls his life before receiving the Gospel. He emphasizes how it’s the opposite of his present life. His becoming a proclaimer of the Gospel was not an organic development from his former life but rather God’s reversal of that life. In Paul’ former zeal for Judaism, he tried to destroy the Church of God, presumably as a threat to Judaism.[1] The both/and of his life meant he had to acknowledge who he was and what he had done (Acts 9:4, 5) before God could work through him to convert Gentiles. Paul had to hold in tension the grace he had received and the past that had blinded him.

We see a different both/and in the Gospel story of Martha and Mary. Laying aside all the usual comments, let’s consider something else. The Rule of Benedict is based on Ora et Labora (both prayer and work)! Prayer first, then work. We can assume ordinarily Martha and Mary shared the household duties. But this day, with Christ present, Martha learns sitting at the feet of Jesus is necessary for true discipleship, a both/and lesson we all need to learn,[2] especially as we prepare to cast our votes over the coming month.

Yesterday’s Gospel was about reversing our vision to see as God sees—not as we are conditioned by culture, politics, or personal inclination to see. In their statement on Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, the USCCB lifts up various issues of different moral weight and urgency including: “protecting the unborn and the death penalty, refugees and immigrant families; fighting racism and religious intolerance; aiding those impacted by poverty and conflict; preserving the family; and caring for our common home.”[3] The both/and of Christian discipleship can be uncomfortable, but if we are honest and prayerful, all shall be well!

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[1] Weekday HomilyHelps, Exegesis of the First Reading by Dr. Terrance Callan.

[2] Ibid, Homily Suggestion by Leota Roesch.

[3] USCCB, DIOCESAN RESOURCES, Faithful Citizenship Bulletin Announcements

REVEALED HEARTS

Most of us want to be known, understood, and loved for who we are. Yet if the “thoughts of our hearts” were truly revealed, would we want to hide quickly for what would now be available for everyone to see?

Would I want you to see what I really think of you when I was being polite and seemingly thoughtful in an earlier conversation? Do I really want anyone to see the fear I harbor in my heart, the distrust I feel toward certain people or groups? The grudging acts that seem to be good deeds?[1]

Simeon tells Mary that her son is destined for greatness; he will be more than merely a prophet or leader. Jesus will reveal what is truly in our hearts—and by extension, our minds.

This memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows is dedicated to the spiritual martyrdom of Mary and her compassion with the sufferings of her Son.  As Mary stood at the foot of the Cross, on which Jesus hung, the sword of sorrow Simeon had foretold pierced her soul.

In Mary’s suffering as co-redeemer, she reminds us of the tremendous evil of sin and shows us the way of true repentance[2] as she pondered in her heart each milestone of Jesus’ life which included seven sorrows as only seen through a Mother’s eyes & heart:

1. The prophecy of Simeon (Lk 2:25-35) Great will he be, but a contradiction and revealing of hearts…
2. The flight into Egypt (Mt 2:13-15) Fleeing from those who desire to destroy him…
3. Loss of the Child Jesus for three days (Lk 2:41-50) Those of us who are parents know the sorrow of loosing sight of our child even for a moment…
4. Mary meets Jesus on his way to Calvary (Lk 23:27-31; Jn 19:17) Beaten, bloodied and carrying the instrument of his death and the weight of the world’s sin…
5. Crucifixion and Death of Jesus (Jn 19:25-30) Jesus pays the price for our sins…
6. The body of Jesus being taken from the Cross (Ps 130; Lk 23:50-54; Jn 19:31-37) and placed in his grieving mothers’ arms…
7. The burial of Jesus (Is 53:8; Lk 23:50-56; Jn 19:38-42; Mk 15:40-47) Sealed in the tomb a seeming end to His live and any hope of salvation…

Yet most important to remember is that with each new suffering Mary received them with the courage, love, and trust that echoed her fiat, “May it be done unto me according to your word,” (Lk 1:38) first uttered at the Annunciation.[3]

Paul makes a key statement about the inclusive nature of the Spirit-gifted Christian community: “For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons, [Democrat, Republican, or No Party Affiliation] and we were all given to drink of one Spirit.” (1 Cor 12:13)[4] God knows what is in our hearts, and we can turn to and embrace Mary’s radical model of discipleship in service to her Son. This is agape, the unconditional love that reveals the true thoughts of hearts.

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[1] Weekday HomilyHelps, Homily Suggestion by Mary Carol Kendzia.

[2] CatholicCulture.org

[3] CERC, Catholic Education Resource Center. Catholiceducation.org

[4] Weekday HomilyHelps. Exegesis of the Gospel by Robert J. Karris, OFM.