Happy Easter to all of you. On this morning we find the stone of the tomb rolled away and no body to be found inside. On the third day Christ rose from the dead and for that we are filled with joy this day. The sorrow that entered our hearts with Christ's expiration upon the cross and then having His body locked away with a stone has been lifted through this event. We realize with hope that each sorrow that has been trapped inside of our own hearts can be let loose. In removing the stone from our hearts we cast them to Christ who is able to conquer over death and sorrow and bring redemption and hope into our lives. The season of Easter is filled with hope because the tomb did not remain sealed, but instead was opened to the joys of the Resurrection. This morning as we gather together for this Mass we are able to share within the joy that was felt by Mary Magdalene, the other women, and the eleven apostles as they slowly learned of the news that the stone had been rolled away and that Christ did indeed triumph over death.
This triumph over death was slowly revealed to His followers throughout His public ministry. He had stated that His body was a temple and upon the third day of it being destroyed that it would be rebuilt. They could also recall that he had compared himself to Jonah who was in the belly of the whale for three days because He would be inside of the belly of the earth for three days and then rise again from it. The Pharisees knew all that Christ had said about His death and His triumph over it and they were therefore afraid. In Matthew's Gospel they showed their fear for what would come because they wanted the stone placed upon the tomb and they wanted guards placed around it so that the body could not be stolen away. Their knowledge of the third day was so great that they desired a guard to remain at the tomb for three days. Despite all of the work that they put into sealing up the tomb their actions could not avoid that which would come to pass.
Their fear had caused them to seal the tomb with the stone. The stone was probably very heavy and required the assistance of many men in order to position it inside of its proper place. In our own lives we know the burden that comes with sin. We know the burden that comes each day of our lives through fear and suffering. The weight of this burden that we feel is great and at times even feels as if it can never be moved away from our lives. In our sin we remain lost and forget about the joyous day when we entered into the waters of baptism and had the joy of faith extended into our lives. Through sin we feel that we have been locked away without hope. When our prayers are never answered we feel as if we are all alone without hope. When the world begins to crumble around us and we can find no way to escape our entrapment we are left questioning where hope can be found. The moments of our life where we lack hope is when we allow the stone of the tomb to encompass our lives.
It was upon the third day that the women came prepared to anoint a dead body. They brought with them everything that they would need for this anointing to take place. With great surprise they realized with hope that the Resurrection had taken place through the stone being rolled away putting the empty tomb on display for the world to see. As we glance into this empty tomb may all of us also be filled with that same hope that these women felt. Today we celebrate Easter Sunday where the Resurrection has taken place displaying the triumph over the cross. In this event we are able to find hope because we too can triumph over our sins, despair, sufferings, and all that makes us feel as if we are all alone. In the empty tomb we are able to find the hope that from our various crosses that we must bear will come something greater. When these women approached this tomb they were prepared to find a dead body and their spirits were at a low, but through the triumph of Christ they were given hope.
We too are able to encounter this hope this day when we glance into the empty tomb. We notice here that our baptisms were not done in vain, but instead continually connect us to the life of Christ. From these waters our sins were washed away and we entered into the life of faith. No longer do we need to fear death, but instead are challenged to truly embrace it through the life of faith. Through the life of faith we are led away from despair and are given the hope of the life that will come. For this we have the Sacraments of the Church extended into lives. Confession which gives us a glimpse into God's infinite mercy for the repentant sinner and the Holy Eucharist which flows from God's mercy. The Body and Blood of Christ brings nourishment into our life of faith, so that we may be forever strengthened in our faith. Without finding the stone rolled away from the tomb each of these Sacraments would be without meaning, but thankfully we are given hope into the reality that the stone has been rolled away.
Today as we begin this Easter season we are given every reason to shout: "Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!" With the news of the empty tomb and that stone that has been rolled away may we always allow our faith to be strengthened through the hope of Christ's Resurrection. This is the day that the Lord has made may we rejoice and be glad in it for Christ our Lord was able to conquer over death may we therefore always have hope.
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Friday, March 29, 2013
Good Friday Homily
For some reason we have grown uncomfortable with the cross. We have a desire in our culture to look past it to the event that will come next while forgetting about its existence. If we remember back to Mel Gibson's "Passion of the Christ" we might remember that the Resurrection seemed like an afterthought to the cross. I heard many complaints because of this short scene attributed to the Resurrection, but I think this is the perfect example of our uncomfortableness with the cross. Instead of allowing ourselves to dwell with Christ crucified we want to rush to the joy of the Resurrection at the cost of the cross. Despite the uncomfortableness that may arise in our hearts we cannot allow ourselves to remove the cross from the life of our faith. In the first homily of our Holy Father he reminded us of our need to be reminded of the necessity of the cross in the life of our faith. Pope Francis stated: "When we walk without the cross, when we build without the cross and when we confess without the cross, we are not disciples of Christ."
These may seem to be harsh words to our ears, but how true has this become in our everyday life? We want the glamour that comes with the joy of the Resurrection of the body, but can often find a countless amount of excuses to why we should avoid the cross. The cross is a necessary bridge to the joys that will come, but before we get there we must embrace it. Through our embrace of the cross we must do so not partially, but totally, as Christ did on His way to Calvary. If we were to remove the various elements of the crucifixion from Calvary we would end up with empty lives that have never been redeemed. Through Christ's final breath offered upon the cross our redemption has taken place. From this breath comes our hope that we can conquer over sin and that meaning can be brought to our suffering. The pains and sorrow that we feel each day was conquered by Christ in His scourging and was nailed to the wood of the cross. From His sacrifice came our redemption over sin.
In a matter of moments we will behold the wood of the cross on which hung the salvation of the world. Once it has been revealed to us we will process forward as humble servants of the Lord to embrace the cross. In our procession forward we bring all our sinfulness and our sorrows and we will join them to the cross. Our procession forward is like the one that Christ made to the Place of the Skull because upon this procession we are weighed down by all the weight of these things that we drag with us. As we move forward to venerate the Holy Cross we do so with the hope that we can conquer over sin and sorrow for the sake of the Heavenly Kingdom. When we fall, as Christ did, under the weight of our sins may we continue to get up and move forward to the joys that will come if we can accept the cross into our lives. The cross does not leave us lost inside of our own sorrow, but gives us the great hope of the mercy of God. Through the sacrifice offered upon the cross by the Lamb of God are we given hope to journey towards our Lord as His disciples. It was upon this instrument that God made flesh would be sacrificed for our behalf may we always embrace the wood of the cross.
These may seem to be harsh words to our ears, but how true has this become in our everyday life? We want the glamour that comes with the joy of the Resurrection of the body, but can often find a countless amount of excuses to why we should avoid the cross. The cross is a necessary bridge to the joys that will come, but before we get there we must embrace it. Through our embrace of the cross we must do so not partially, but totally, as Christ did on His way to Calvary. If we were to remove the various elements of the crucifixion from Calvary we would end up with empty lives that have never been redeemed. Through Christ's final breath offered upon the cross our redemption has taken place. From this breath comes our hope that we can conquer over sin and that meaning can be brought to our suffering. The pains and sorrow that we feel each day was conquered by Christ in His scourging and was nailed to the wood of the cross. From His sacrifice came our redemption over sin.
In a matter of moments we will behold the wood of the cross on which hung the salvation of the world. Once it has been revealed to us we will process forward as humble servants of the Lord to embrace the cross. In our procession forward we bring all our sinfulness and our sorrows and we will join them to the cross. Our procession forward is like the one that Christ made to the Place of the Skull because upon this procession we are weighed down by all the weight of these things that we drag with us. As we move forward to venerate the Holy Cross we do so with the hope that we can conquer over sin and sorrow for the sake of the Heavenly Kingdom. When we fall, as Christ did, under the weight of our sins may we continue to get up and move forward to the joys that will come if we can accept the cross into our lives. The cross does not leave us lost inside of our own sorrow, but gives us the great hope of the mercy of God. Through the sacrifice offered upon the cross by the Lamb of God are we given hope to journey towards our Lord as His disciples. It was upon this instrument that God made flesh would be sacrificed for our behalf may we always embrace the wood of the cross.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Palm Sunday Year C Homily
Our emotions change with the blink of an eye. Palm Sunday is a perfect example into this reality because through the course of our liturgy our emotions go from joy to hate to sorrow to hope. At the blessing of the palm branches and procession into the Church we were filled with joy as we welcomed Christ into Jerusalem. Of course our feelings could not remain that way and eventually we would be filled with hate and anger when through our sin we demanded that Christ would be crucified upon the cross. At the gruesome scene that would unfold through our words we realized with sorrow the loss of a loved one in the Saviour of the world. Finally when His soul was offered upon the wood of the cross we were filled with hope because from this sacrifice we would be promised eternal life. This liturgy from which we participate within encompasses our own lives that are filled with joy, hate, sorrow, and hope.
We can hold up any normal routine day as an example of this reality. In the course of a day through its many movements we can find ourselves to hold to many different emotions. We have moments when we are filled with joy. Joy that may be brought about due to prayer, receiving a good grade in school, getting a new car, or even getting to sleep in late. From our joy can quickly come hate and anger that can be brought about by a large list of things. Hate and anger caused from a lack of patience, a disagreement with a friend or family member, or receiving a call that awakes you from your dreams. Sorrow springs up in our lives at the moments where we realize that we have wronged other people through our selfish actions where we have desired to be served instead of serving. Finally hope springs forth because hope always remains that reconciliation can be found and our wrongs can begin to be healed.
In Holy Week we will get the opportunity to allow the passion of Christ to further unfold. Tuesday at the Chrism Mass will be a reminder of the day when Christ gave us the priesthood calling men forth who would bring the Sacraments of the Church into the lives of the faithful. On Holy Thursday we will walk with Christ when the Holy Eucharist was given to us. "This is my Body; this is my Blood." On Good Friday we will join with Him as He was sentenced to death in atonement for all the sins that we continually lash upon Him. At the scourging at the pillar He was filled with pain at each lashing that He received through our sins. We will join Him upon the weight of the wood as Christ takes His final breath and offers it up to God the Most High. In this final breath we were redeemed from our sins and hope was given to what will come on Easter Sunday. May we allow our emotions in the week that lies ahead to further transform ourselves away from the many worries of the world and sin towards the life giving realities of joy and repentance.
We can hold up any normal routine day as an example of this reality. In the course of a day through its many movements we can find ourselves to hold to many different emotions. We have moments when we are filled with joy. Joy that may be brought about due to prayer, receiving a good grade in school, getting a new car, or even getting to sleep in late. From our joy can quickly come hate and anger that can be brought about by a large list of things. Hate and anger caused from a lack of patience, a disagreement with a friend or family member, or receiving a call that awakes you from your dreams. Sorrow springs up in our lives at the moments where we realize that we have wronged other people through our selfish actions where we have desired to be served instead of serving. Finally hope springs forth because hope always remains that reconciliation can be found and our wrongs can begin to be healed.
In Holy Week we will get the opportunity to allow the passion of Christ to further unfold. Tuesday at the Chrism Mass will be a reminder of the day when Christ gave us the priesthood calling men forth who would bring the Sacraments of the Church into the lives of the faithful. On Holy Thursday we will walk with Christ when the Holy Eucharist was given to us. "This is my Body; this is my Blood." On Good Friday we will join with Him as He was sentenced to death in atonement for all the sins that we continually lash upon Him. At the scourging at the pillar He was filled with pain at each lashing that He received through our sins. We will join Him upon the weight of the wood as Christ takes His final breath and offers it up to God the Most High. In this final breath we were redeemed from our sins and hope was given to what will come on Easter Sunday. May we allow our emotions in the week that lies ahead to further transform ourselves away from the many worries of the world and sin towards the life giving realities of joy and repentance.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Lenten Penance Service Homily
We have every reason to celebrate this day.
Habemus Papam! We have a pope!
With a humble bow in order to receive the prayers of the people of God we first encountered Pope Francis. Today all of us bow before God with our desire to receive the infinite mercy of the Lord. Despite the sins that we bring here before God we are invited today to encounter God's mercy and for that we can celebrate this day. Through the mercy of God that we encounter today we are restored to His love and our sins are healed. May this sacrament also give us the grace to live humbly through our actions and deeds under the episcopal motto of our pope: "Lowly yet Chosen."
We all join him in this motto by coming here lowly in our sin, but despite it to be chosen to encounter the great mercy of God.
Habemus Papam! We have a pope!
With a humble bow in order to receive the prayers of the people of God we first encountered Pope Francis. Today all of us bow before God with our desire to receive the infinite mercy of the Lord. Despite the sins that we bring here before God we are invited today to encounter God's mercy and for that we can celebrate this day. Through the mercy of God that we encounter today we are restored to His love and our sins are healed. May this sacrament also give us the grace to live humbly through our actions and deeds under the episcopal motto of our pope: "Lowly yet Chosen."
We all join him in this motto by coming here lowly in our sin, but despite it to be chosen to encounter the great mercy of God.
Habemus Papam!
Habemus Papam!
Jorge Cardinal Bergoglio has been elected the new pope of the Church.
Let us all keep the newly elected Pope Francis in our prayers.
Jorge Cardinal Bergoglio has been elected the new pope of the Church.
Let us all keep the newly elected Pope Francis in our prayers.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Black Smoke
Black smoke has flowed out of the chimney placed upon the Sistine Chapel today. This is a good reminder of our need to pray for the College of Cardinals as they continue this task of electing a new pope.
You are the Eternal Shepherd. You protect and guide your Church from age to age.
Pour out the gift of the Holy Spirit upon your people and fill those entrusted with the election of a new Pope with the wisdom and understanding to know your will.
In your mercy, grant your Church a shepherd who will walk in your ways and be an example of goodness
so that your people may come to know and live more fully the gospel of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.
Amen.
You are the Eternal Shepherd. You protect and guide your Church from age to age.
Pour out the gift of the Holy Spirit upon your people and fill those entrusted with the election of a new Pope with the wisdom and understanding to know your will.
In your mercy, grant your Church a shepherd who will walk in your ways and be an example of goodness
so that your people may come to know and live more fully the gospel of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.
Amen.
Monday, March 11, 2013
Mon 4th Week of Lent Homily
We find ourselves in a very interesting time in the life of the Church. Beginning tomorrow at 11:45am the College of Cardinals will gather to elect a successor to the seat of Saint Peter. We also know that we are near the fiftieth anniversary of the Second Vatican Council and even the twenty-fifth anniversary of this diocese. With these many new chapters of life that we head into we know that there will be a constant demand for renewal. In the life of the man in our Gospel there was a need for renewal as he faced the reality of a sick son. In our world we to are in need of this renewal and with that in mind His Holiness Benedict XVI gave us the "Year of Faith." Had his papacy continued onward he would of released an encyclical letter concerning faith. Despite this not taking place he did leave some hints with us in his letter "Porta Fidei" "Door of Faith" which kicked off the "Year of Faith."
It was his hope that during this year we would find a renewal of faith. We live in a time where there is a crisis of faith because it has been separated from our daily life. It has been segmented away from our social life, our culture, and the way that we look at politics. As Christians we must have renewal in order to have faith placed at the center of all the stages and activities of our life. We must allow ourselves to draw near the well of faith like the Samaritan woman because here we will find Christ. Through faith we will arrive at the food that never perishes and all of our needs will be comforted with the hope of salvation. The "Year of Faith" is a renewed conversion to The Lord who is the Saviour of the whole world.
May this "Year of Faith" transform the way that we look at the Creed and the Liturgy. These are not just words and actions that we rush through, but they should instead be words and actions that we enter into allowing transformation to begin to take place. This transformation requires an understanding of the Gospels and the wealth of teachings found inside of the Catechism. In order to grow in this love and appreciation we must take time for prayer and mediation upon the words found within. To have knowledge of our faith is to a open a door which we can behold the fullness of the saving mystery that is revealed by God. Through faith we see the example that has been extended into our lives through the many martyrs and saints of the Church who give hope that we can walk this same path triumphantly.
With a rediscovery of our faith we will be able to join with Isaiah in the understanding of the new Heaven and earth that we have given ourselves over to. Faith is not something that we can allow to become idle and content with, but is something that we must continue to nourish each day. As we enter into this new chapter of the Church where we continue to build up and understand the Second Vatican Council upon its fiftieth anniversary and enter into this joyous occasion of the anniversary of our diocese may we do so through faith. As the College of Cardinals begin to gather tomorrow in Rome may we in faith pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit to be upon them. May we use this year that lies ahead to continue to journey towards to Christ through a renewed understanding of the faith that we share.
It was his hope that during this year we would find a renewal of faith. We live in a time where there is a crisis of faith because it has been separated from our daily life. It has been segmented away from our social life, our culture, and the way that we look at politics. As Christians we must have renewal in order to have faith placed at the center of all the stages and activities of our life. We must allow ourselves to draw near the well of faith like the Samaritan woman because here we will find Christ. Through faith we will arrive at the food that never perishes and all of our needs will be comforted with the hope of salvation. The "Year of Faith" is a renewed conversion to The Lord who is the Saviour of the whole world.
May this "Year of Faith" transform the way that we look at the Creed and the Liturgy. These are not just words and actions that we rush through, but they should instead be words and actions that we enter into allowing transformation to begin to take place. This transformation requires an understanding of the Gospels and the wealth of teachings found inside of the Catechism. In order to grow in this love and appreciation we must take time for prayer and mediation upon the words found within. To have knowledge of our faith is to a open a door which we can behold the fullness of the saving mystery that is revealed by God. Through faith we see the example that has been extended into our lives through the many martyrs and saints of the Church who give hope that we can walk this same path triumphantly.
With a rediscovery of our faith we will be able to join with Isaiah in the understanding of the new Heaven and earth that we have given ourselves over to. Faith is not something that we can allow to become idle and content with, but is something that we must continue to nourish each day. As we enter into this new chapter of the Church where we continue to build up and understand the Second Vatican Council upon its fiftieth anniversary and enter into this joyous occasion of the anniversary of our diocese may we do so through faith. As the College of Cardinals begin to gather tomorrow in Rome may we in faith pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit to be upon them. May we use this year that lies ahead to continue to journey towards to Christ through a renewed understanding of the faith that we share.
Conclave Schedule
VATICAN CITY —Here is a translation of the College of Cardinals’ daily schedule for the conclave. All times are Central European Time with Eastern Daylight Time in parentheses.
March 12:
3:45 p.m. (10:45 a.m.) —Transfer from the Domus Sanctae Marthae to the Apostolic Palace.
4:30 p.m. (11:30 a.m.) —Procession from the Pauline Chapel to the Sistine Chapel.
4:45 p.m. (11:45 a.m.) —Oaths, meditation by Cardinal Prosper Grech, first ballot.
7:15 p.m. (2:15 p.m.) —Vespers in the Sistine Chapel.
7:30 p.m. (2:30 p.m.) —Transfer to the Domus Sanctae Marthae.
8 p.m. (3 p.m.) —Dinner.
March 13-15 or until election of a pope:
6:30-7:30 a.m. (1:30-2:30 a.m.) —Breakfast.
7:45 a.m. (2:45 a.m.) —Transfer to the Pauline Chapel.
8:15 a.m.-9:15 a.m. (3:15 a.m.-4:15 a.m.) —Mass in the Pauline Chapel.
9:30 a.m. (4:30 a.m.) —Prayer and two rounds of voting.
12:30 (7:30) —Transfer to the Domus Sanctae Marthae.
1 p.m. (8 a.m.) —Lunch.
4 p.m. (11 a.m.) —Transfer to the Apostolic Palace.
4:50 p.m. (11:50 a.m.) —Two more rounds of voting.
7:15 p.m. (2:15 p.m.) —Vespers in the Sistine Chapel.
7:30 p.m. (2:30 p.m.) —Transfer to the Domus Sanctae Marthae.
March 12:
3:45 p.m. (10:45 a.m.) —Transfer from the Domus Sanctae Marthae to the Apostolic Palace.
4:30 p.m. (11:30 a.m.) —Procession from the Pauline Chapel to the Sistine Chapel.
4:45 p.m. (11:45 a.m.) —Oaths, meditation by Cardinal Prosper Grech, first ballot.
7:15 p.m. (2:15 p.m.) —Vespers in the Sistine Chapel.
7:30 p.m. (2:30 p.m.) —Transfer to the Domus Sanctae Marthae.
8 p.m. (3 p.m.) —Dinner.
March 13-15 or until election of a pope:
6:30-7:30 a.m. (1:30-2:30 a.m.) —Breakfast.
7:45 a.m. (2:45 a.m.) —Transfer to the Pauline Chapel.
8:15 a.m.-9:15 a.m. (3:15 a.m.-4:15 a.m.) —Mass in the Pauline Chapel.
9:30 a.m. (4:30 a.m.) —Prayer and two rounds of voting.
12:30 (7:30) —Transfer to the Domus Sanctae Marthae.
1 p.m. (8 a.m.) —Lunch.
4 p.m. (11 a.m.) —Transfer to the Apostolic Palace.
4:50 p.m. (11:50 a.m.) —Two more rounds of voting.
7:15 p.m. (2:15 p.m.) —Vespers in the Sistine Chapel.
7:30 p.m. (2:30 p.m.) —Transfer to the Domus Sanctae Marthae.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
2nd Scrutiny Homily
Today we celebrate "Laetare" Sunday which is Latin for "rejoice" taken from the opening antiphon for the fourth Sunday of Lent which says "Rejoice, O Jerusalem." During the season of Lent we should ask ourselves what we have to "rejoice" about when this season is filled with a penitential character and we are being encouraged to fast from the things of the world. As Easter draws near we have every reason to "rejoice." With the Resurrection of Christ from the dead we will be able to "rejoice" at the fact that death has been conquered. On Holy Thursday we will "rejoice" at the institution of the Holy Eucharist because Christ desires to bring nourishment within our lives. On Good Friday we will mourn the death of Christ upon the cross, but from it we will be given reason to "rejoice" because our sins have been forgiven. We "rejoice" at the reality that Lent helps us to do spiritual cleansing within our souls, so that when these days approach we will be prepared. As we prepare for these holy days that lie ahead we must be open to the mercy of God that is always present if we are willing to open our eyes to it.
Saint John's Gospel presents us with the reality of blindness and our need to turn to Christ in order to be healed. Christ slowly moves this man from his blindness and progresses him towards sight that allows the light of Christ to enter into his life. Christ's actions return our minds to the creation of the world in Genesis when humanity was formed from clay. In the clay that was placed upon his eyes an invitation was given to turn away from his old self and to become a new creation. From here he bathed himself in water and walked out from the waters with the ability to see. He took a journey from darkness into light that we all join him upon. From the waters of baptism we were washed clean of original sin and became a new creation. With sin washed away our eyes were opened to the light of Christ. Thankfully during the moments that we return to the darkness of sin the mercy of The Lord endures forever and for that we "rejoice."
These readings that we encounter today were required to be read for the second scrutiny that is celebrated today. The scrutinies are the final path of preparation that those to be baptized receive prior to the Easter Vigil when they will enter into the waters of baptism. Elaine Carson and Kimberly Mostad, who join us today, are the catechumens from this parish who have the desire to enter into the life of the Church through baptism. In their journey of faith they join the blind man's example in his desire to see the profound light of Christ. They have shown their desire to see this profound light through their education in the RCIA program. In a few weeks they will enter into baptism overturning the effects of original sin within their lives. Their blindness will then be removed as they enter into beholding the light of Christ through the Sacraments of the Church. We join with them in our prayers as they prepare today for repentance and the conversion of life that awaits them in the waters of baptism.
May their journey of faith help to inspire us towards repentance. We are all in need of the mercy of God and that mercy awaits us if we so desire it to enter into our lives. Through the mercy of God our eyes that have grown blind to sin can be opened to the great light of Christ. Saint Paul extended this invitation to us in his desire that we would turn away from the death of sin and enter into the life of Christ. In the areas of our life where sin has entered we have entered into death. Thankfully the hope of mercy remains if we are willing to accept it into our lives instead of trusting inside of own pride. Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation our pride can be conquered and we can behold the light of Christ that is found when we are free from sin. We have reason to "rejoice" through this sacrament because our souls can be restored to the state of our baptisms. For those who have been away from the Sacrament for a long time I encourage you to return to it because it can be this simple:
Bless me Father for I have sinned it has been twenty years since my last confession and these are my sins. I have missed Mass on both Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation on multiple occasions. I was aware of the Church's teaching concerning abstinence from meat on Fridays, but followed my own desires instead. I have lied on many occasions especially to my wife. I have looked at immodest images and have done impure actions with myself. I have overindulged in the use of alcohol. I have put the many concerns of the world before my relationship with God and therefore have failed to pray. While driving I have been filled with uncontrollable rage at other drivers and have had a lack of patience at red lights. I have used fowl language and have been a horrible example of a Christian to my friends. Pride has consumed my life because I notice times where I do things only to be seen and thus exalted. I have cut down my friends and fellow workers through my own words. I have had a countless amount of opportunities to give to charity, but my greed has kept me from giving as I ought. And worst of all I have received Holy Communion in the state of mortal sin. These and all the sins that I have forgotten please grant me forgiveness.
The mercy of God is this simple to receive if we are willing to allow God to restore sight to our eyes.
Saint John's Gospel presents us with the reality of blindness and our need to turn to Christ in order to be healed. Christ slowly moves this man from his blindness and progresses him towards sight that allows the light of Christ to enter into his life. Christ's actions return our minds to the creation of the world in Genesis when humanity was formed from clay. In the clay that was placed upon his eyes an invitation was given to turn away from his old self and to become a new creation. From here he bathed himself in water and walked out from the waters with the ability to see. He took a journey from darkness into light that we all join him upon. From the waters of baptism we were washed clean of original sin and became a new creation. With sin washed away our eyes were opened to the light of Christ. Thankfully during the moments that we return to the darkness of sin the mercy of The Lord endures forever and for that we "rejoice."
These readings that we encounter today were required to be read for the second scrutiny that is celebrated today. The scrutinies are the final path of preparation that those to be baptized receive prior to the Easter Vigil when they will enter into the waters of baptism. Elaine Carson and Kimberly Mostad, who join us today, are the catechumens from this parish who have the desire to enter into the life of the Church through baptism. In their journey of faith they join the blind man's example in his desire to see the profound light of Christ. They have shown their desire to see this profound light through their education in the RCIA program. In a few weeks they will enter into baptism overturning the effects of original sin within their lives. Their blindness will then be removed as they enter into beholding the light of Christ through the Sacraments of the Church. We join with them in our prayers as they prepare today for repentance and the conversion of life that awaits them in the waters of baptism.
May their journey of faith help to inspire us towards repentance. We are all in need of the mercy of God and that mercy awaits us if we so desire it to enter into our lives. Through the mercy of God our eyes that have grown blind to sin can be opened to the great light of Christ. Saint Paul extended this invitation to us in his desire that we would turn away from the death of sin and enter into the life of Christ. In the areas of our life where sin has entered we have entered into death. Thankfully the hope of mercy remains if we are willing to accept it into our lives instead of trusting inside of own pride. Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation our pride can be conquered and we can behold the light of Christ that is found when we are free from sin. We have reason to "rejoice" through this sacrament because our souls can be restored to the state of our baptisms. For those who have been away from the Sacrament for a long time I encourage you to return to it because it can be this simple:
Bless me Father for I have sinned it has been twenty years since my last confession and these are my sins. I have missed Mass on both Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation on multiple occasions. I was aware of the Church's teaching concerning abstinence from meat on Fridays, but followed my own desires instead. I have lied on many occasions especially to my wife. I have looked at immodest images and have done impure actions with myself. I have overindulged in the use of alcohol. I have put the many concerns of the world before my relationship with God and therefore have failed to pray. While driving I have been filled with uncontrollable rage at other drivers and have had a lack of patience at red lights. I have used fowl language and have been a horrible example of a Christian to my friends. Pride has consumed my life because I notice times where I do things only to be seen and thus exalted. I have cut down my friends and fellow workers through my own words. I have had a countless amount of opportunities to give to charity, but my greed has kept me from giving as I ought. And worst of all I have received Holy Communion in the state of mortal sin. These and all the sins that I have forgotten please grant me forgiveness.
The mercy of God is this simple to receive if we are willing to allow God to restore sight to our eyes.
4th Sun of Lent Year C Homily
Today we celebrate "Laetare" Sunday which is Latin for "rejoice" taken from the opening antiphon of this Mass which says "Rejoice, O Jerusalem." During the season of Lent we should ask ourselves what we have to "rejoice" about when this season is filled with a penitential character and we are being encouraged to fast from the things of the world. As Easter draws near we have every reason to "rejoice." With the Resurrection of Christ from the dead we will be able to "rejoice" at the fact that death has been conquered. On Holy Thursday we will "rejoice" at the institution of the Holy Eucharist because Christ desires to bring nourishment within our lives. On Good Friday we will mourn the death of Christ upon the cross, but from it we will be given reason to "rejoice" because our sins have been forgiven. We "rejoice" at the reality that Lent helps us to do spiritual cleansing within our souls, so that when these days approach we will be prepared. As we prepare for these holy days that lie ahead we must be open to the mercy of God that is always present if we are willing to accept it.
In the parable of the prodigal son we see the separation that has been made with the father. Despite this separation we notice that the father was awaiting the return of his son. The father did not beat or scold his son for turning away from him, but welcomed him back ready to celebrate his conversion. This scene of reconciliation of the father with the son is the same scene that we encounter inside the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In our own sin we turn away from God and enter into the world separated from Him. Despite the separation that is caused through sin the Father remains with the desire that we will return to His mercy. In returning to His mercy we will not be cast off, but will be embraced. Through the conversion of a sinner there is every reason to celebrate because sin has been cast off in favor of the mercy of God. All the angels and saints of Heaven "rejoice" at the reality of the conversion of a sinner.
Saint Paul implores us in his Second Letter to the Corinthians to "be reconciled with God." This is an invitation that has been extended to all of us no matter how sinful that we may find ourselves to be. Through the confession of our sins we are able to turn towards the mercy of God and bring about that reconciliation that Saint Paul desires that we will find in our lives. We may be embarrassed by our sins, find ourselves trying to conquer them through our own power instead of that of God, worry due to the fact that we confess the same sins over and over, or even be so prideful that we have begun to believe that we are without sin making ourselves equal to Christ Himself. No matter our fears we must realize that our sins are not really that important; yes they must confessed in kind and number, but the important thing is returning to the mercy of God. Through the mercy of God we find reconciliation and the grace to combat sin and for that we "rejoice" at the hope of having the shackles that bind our lives removed.
With the shackles of sin removed from our ankles we can move towards the Father from whose love we have left abandoned in our sinful actions. With this true expression of liberation we can realize how simple it can be to receive God's mercy if we truly begin to trust that it is at work within our lives everyday especially within the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Looking to the cross we see the mercy that was offered through his open wounds and dripping blood. From these wounds we receive the loving embrace from the Father that is always at wait for each of His children to return to His infinite mercy. May we not fear the Sacrament of Reconciliation, but flock towards it and the mercy that is at wait for each of us. We have reason to "rejoice" through this sacrament because our souls can be restored to the purity of the state of our baptisms. For those who have been away from the Sacrament for a long time I encourage you to return to it because it can be this simple:
Bless me Father for I have sinned it has been twenty years since my last confession and these are my sins. I have missed Mass on both Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation on multiple occasions. I was aware of the Church's teaching concerning abstinence from meat on Fridays, but followed my own desires instead. I have lied on many occasions especially to my wife. I have looked at immodest images and have done impure actions with myself. I have overindulged in the use of alcohol. I have put the many concerns of the world before my relationship with God and therefore have failed to pray. While driving I have been filled with uncontrollable rage at other drivers and have had a lack of patience at red lights. I have used fowl language and have been a horrible example of a Christian to my friends. Pride has consumed my life because I notice times where I do things only to be seen and thus exalted. I have cut down my friends and fellow workers through my own words. I have had a countless amount of opportunities to give to charity, but my greed has kept me from giving as I ought. And worst of all I have received Holy Communion in the state of mortal sin. These and all the sins that I have forgotten please grant me forgiveness.
The mercy of God is this simple to receive if we are willing to return to the Father who is in wait for us.
In the parable of the prodigal son we see the separation that has been made with the father. Despite this separation we notice that the father was awaiting the return of his son. The father did not beat or scold his son for turning away from him, but welcomed him back ready to celebrate his conversion. This scene of reconciliation of the father with the son is the same scene that we encounter inside the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In our own sin we turn away from God and enter into the world separated from Him. Despite the separation that is caused through sin the Father remains with the desire that we will return to His mercy. In returning to His mercy we will not be cast off, but will be embraced. Through the conversion of a sinner there is every reason to celebrate because sin has been cast off in favor of the mercy of God. All the angels and saints of Heaven "rejoice" at the reality of the conversion of a sinner.
Saint Paul implores us in his Second Letter to the Corinthians to "be reconciled with God." This is an invitation that has been extended to all of us no matter how sinful that we may find ourselves to be. Through the confession of our sins we are able to turn towards the mercy of God and bring about that reconciliation that Saint Paul desires that we will find in our lives. We may be embarrassed by our sins, find ourselves trying to conquer them through our own power instead of that of God, worry due to the fact that we confess the same sins over and over, or even be so prideful that we have begun to believe that we are without sin making ourselves equal to Christ Himself. No matter our fears we must realize that our sins are not really that important; yes they must confessed in kind and number, but the important thing is returning to the mercy of God. Through the mercy of God we find reconciliation and the grace to combat sin and for that we "rejoice" at the hope of having the shackles that bind our lives removed.
With the shackles of sin removed from our ankles we can move towards the Father from whose love we have left abandoned in our sinful actions. With this true expression of liberation we can realize how simple it can be to receive God's mercy if we truly begin to trust that it is at work within our lives everyday especially within the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Looking to the cross we see the mercy that was offered through his open wounds and dripping blood. From these wounds we receive the loving embrace from the Father that is always at wait for each of His children to return to His infinite mercy. May we not fear the Sacrament of Reconciliation, but flock towards it and the mercy that is at wait for each of us. We have reason to "rejoice" through this sacrament because our souls can be restored to the purity of the state of our baptisms. For those who have been away from the Sacrament for a long time I encourage you to return to it because it can be this simple:
Bless me Father for I have sinned it has been twenty years since my last confession and these are my sins. I have missed Mass on both Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation on multiple occasions. I was aware of the Church's teaching concerning abstinence from meat on Fridays, but followed my own desires instead. I have lied on many occasions especially to my wife. I have looked at immodest images and have done impure actions with myself. I have overindulged in the use of alcohol. I have put the many concerns of the world before my relationship with God and therefore have failed to pray. While driving I have been filled with uncontrollable rage at other drivers and have had a lack of patience at red lights. I have used fowl language and have been a horrible example of a Christian to my friends. Pride has consumed my life because I notice times where I do things only to be seen and thus exalted. I have cut down my friends and fellow workers through my own words. I have had a countless amount of opportunities to give to charity, but my greed has kept me from giving as I ought. And worst of all I have received Holy Communion in the state of mortal sin. These and all the sins that I have forgotten please grant me forgiveness.
The mercy of God is this simple to receive if we are willing to return to the Father who is in wait for us.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Mon 3rd Week of Lent Homily
Today we celebrate this memorial of Saint Casimir who embodies the concept of charity based upon truth. Despite being of royal descent he was moved to not follow after riches, but simplicity. He had a true concern to bring service into the lives of the poor and truly embodied the concept of charity. His charity was not moved through giving service to himself, but was moved by the charitable love that is found inside the Trinity that we are all called towards.
This Monday evening our focus turns to the final encyclical letter of Pope Benedict XVI. This final encyclical letter is entitled: "Caritas in Veritate" "Charity in Truth" and is the only encyclical of Pope Benedict to be concerned with social justice issues. As Christians we are called to serve the common good and therefore we must be moved by love in doing so. We must guard ourselves from allowing this love to become a mere empty shell and therefore must remain grounded in truth. When charity is linked to truth we are not serving our own personal interests or the pursuit for power, but are instead giving service to the common good.
He continues the discussion from Pope Paul VI's encyclical letter concerning poverty. Poverty displays the lack of will that people have concerning the brotherhood among individuals and people. For all those who have a concern to assist the needs of others must be grounded in their own vocation. This calling is rooted in scripture and from the life of Christ. It is the fraternity that is found inside of the Holy Trinity that sends us forth to work in charity. In our current age we see the many effects of globalism which have both positive and negative effects. With the rise of globalism many poverty stricken nations have been able to emerge from their poverty. Globalism on the other hand has created many new problems because of a lack of people who are grounded in charity and truth. The pursuit of profit is a means to do good instead of being caught up in our own power and wealth as an end. In order to discover the answer to the many issues that we face we must be balanced in an understanding of love and the desire for knowledge.
The rights that we have should be connected to our duty. If our only focus is upon our own rights we will remain stuck in the concept that we owe nothing to anyone, but ourselves. Governments must not only maximize profits, but must look after the common good. We as individuals are also called to work in communion with each other. We should avoid falling into isolation and through charity should be drawn towards solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Christ. When we are truly aware of the love that exists in God we are moved with courage to continue to seek and work towards the benefit of all no matter what difficulties that we may face.
May all of us allow ourselves to be modeled after this concept of charity, so that we can truly be liberated from our isolation from others and instead be drawn towards giving of ourselves based upon the love that is found inside of the Trinity. In our Gospel Christ came to these people, but they would reject him due to their own wants and desires. Through charity we are called to accept Christ into our lives and thus bestow charity onto those who are in need.
This Monday evening our focus turns to the final encyclical letter of Pope Benedict XVI. This final encyclical letter is entitled: "Caritas in Veritate" "Charity in Truth" and is the only encyclical of Pope Benedict to be concerned with social justice issues. As Christians we are called to serve the common good and therefore we must be moved by love in doing so. We must guard ourselves from allowing this love to become a mere empty shell and therefore must remain grounded in truth. When charity is linked to truth we are not serving our own personal interests or the pursuit for power, but are instead giving service to the common good.
He continues the discussion from Pope Paul VI's encyclical letter concerning poverty. Poverty displays the lack of will that people have concerning the brotherhood among individuals and people. For all those who have a concern to assist the needs of others must be grounded in their own vocation. This calling is rooted in scripture and from the life of Christ. It is the fraternity that is found inside of the Holy Trinity that sends us forth to work in charity. In our current age we see the many effects of globalism which have both positive and negative effects. With the rise of globalism many poverty stricken nations have been able to emerge from their poverty. Globalism on the other hand has created many new problems because of a lack of people who are grounded in charity and truth. The pursuit of profit is a means to do good instead of being caught up in our own power and wealth as an end. In order to discover the answer to the many issues that we face we must be balanced in an understanding of love and the desire for knowledge.
The rights that we have should be connected to our duty. If our only focus is upon our own rights we will remain stuck in the concept that we owe nothing to anyone, but ourselves. Governments must not only maximize profits, but must look after the common good. We as individuals are also called to work in communion with each other. We should avoid falling into isolation and through charity should be drawn towards solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Christ. When we are truly aware of the love that exists in God we are moved with courage to continue to seek and work towards the benefit of all no matter what difficulties that we may face.
May all of us allow ourselves to be modeled after this concept of charity, so that we can truly be liberated from our isolation from others and instead be drawn towards giving of ourselves based upon the love that is found inside of the Trinity. In our Gospel Christ came to these people, but they would reject him due to their own wants and desires. Through charity we are called to accept Christ into our lives and thus bestow charity onto those who are in need.
Sunday, March 3, 2013
1st Scrutiny Homily
Today we gather as a community of faith with Elaine Carson and Kimberly Mostad, who will soon enter into the life giving waters of baptism. On this day we celebrate the first scrutiny where the readings were taken from Year A of the lectionary to prepare them for the undertaking that they will make as they enter into the life of the Church. With this week they begin their journey that will reach its culmination at the Easter Vigil when they will finally receive the Sacraments that they have spent the past year preparing for. May all of us who are gathered here this day keep them in our prayers as they continue to make this journey of faith. This journey of faith that we encounter today should make us look back upon our own baptisms and to reflect upon the faith that we often take for granted because it is something that we have inherited. Despite the inheritance of our faith we encounter Christ who meets us at the well and challenges us to continue to give ourselves over to Him out of love.
We will notice with the prayers prayed over these catechumens, in matter of moments, that we will ask for exorcism upon them. Through these prayers we will ask that they be preserved from the corruption of the devil. In baptism they make these statements for themselves because from the life giving waters of baptism they will have new life bestowed upon them. Due to these waters they will be allowed to enter fully into the life of the Church which will aid them in their journey towards God. To worthily partake of the Sacraments of the Church will aid them in their daily denial of Satan and his message of sin and restore them to the glory of Christ who desires that their offering of themselves may be given out of love to our Father who is in Heaven. Baptism will erase the effects of original sin, confession will restore the relationship with God that is lost and broken through sin, and the Holy Eucharist will give nourishment for the journey of faith that must be undertaken each day.
For all of us inside of this Church who join these catechumens in prayer we should realize the need for daily conversion within our own lives. From our own examination of conscience we can probably all find ways that we have turned away from the life giving waters of Christ. We often end up like the Israelites who grumbled against Moses when they found themselves wandering around the desert without nourishment. In their lack of faith they failed to see that God was always present and willing to fill all of their needs. May we not allow this lack of faith to exist in our own lives, but continue to challenge ourselves to turn away from sin and the lies that the devil brings into our lives. Sin might seem to have a stronghold upon our lives, but we can easily become like the woman who was liberated from her sin in Saint John's Gospel. Despite her past she realized that in Christ all of her longings could be fulfilled in an ordered way. If Christ truly dwells within our hearts we can be led away from our contentment of sin and towards the joy that is found with conversion.
As we now find ourselves in the middle of this Lenten season we must reflect upon our own conversion of heart that has taken place. Have we grown lax in our Lenten fasts or do we continue to challenge ourselves towards conversion of heart through them? Are we content with our relationship to sin or are we willing to trust in the life giving waters that Christ brings into our lives through conversion? The baptism that we share and these two candidates will soon enter into bears the message of conversion to us. We are not to enter into relationship with the life giving waters of God and remain content with our own sin. All us find ourselves to be pilgrims on this journey until we are united with Christ at its culmination. His Holiness Benedict XVI said this most beautifully in his final address of his pontificate by saying: "I am no longer the pope but am still in the Church. I'm just a pilgrim who is starting the last part of his pilgrimage on earth."
Here and now all of us join upon this pilgrimage of life. We find ourselves at different stages, but we are united by one goal. Some received this goal as an infant while others found the faith later in life. Some are just now starting to discover the true reality of faith that exists and desire to enter into it more and more. No matter where we find ourselves may we not allow our hearts to be hardened, but instead to be opened wide for the sake of conversion. Christ has extended this invitation to us now with the hope that we will turn away from sin and towards the love of His Father. May we be willing to accept this invitation into our lives here and now.
We will notice with the prayers prayed over these catechumens, in matter of moments, that we will ask for exorcism upon them. Through these prayers we will ask that they be preserved from the corruption of the devil. In baptism they make these statements for themselves because from the life giving waters of baptism they will have new life bestowed upon them. Due to these waters they will be allowed to enter fully into the life of the Church which will aid them in their journey towards God. To worthily partake of the Sacraments of the Church will aid them in their daily denial of Satan and his message of sin and restore them to the glory of Christ who desires that their offering of themselves may be given out of love to our Father who is in Heaven. Baptism will erase the effects of original sin, confession will restore the relationship with God that is lost and broken through sin, and the Holy Eucharist will give nourishment for the journey of faith that must be undertaken each day.
For all of us inside of this Church who join these catechumens in prayer we should realize the need for daily conversion within our own lives. From our own examination of conscience we can probably all find ways that we have turned away from the life giving waters of Christ. We often end up like the Israelites who grumbled against Moses when they found themselves wandering around the desert without nourishment. In their lack of faith they failed to see that God was always present and willing to fill all of their needs. May we not allow this lack of faith to exist in our own lives, but continue to challenge ourselves to turn away from sin and the lies that the devil brings into our lives. Sin might seem to have a stronghold upon our lives, but we can easily become like the woman who was liberated from her sin in Saint John's Gospel. Despite her past she realized that in Christ all of her longings could be fulfilled in an ordered way. If Christ truly dwells within our hearts we can be led away from our contentment of sin and towards the joy that is found with conversion.
As we now find ourselves in the middle of this Lenten season we must reflect upon our own conversion of heart that has taken place. Have we grown lax in our Lenten fasts or do we continue to challenge ourselves towards conversion of heart through them? Are we content with our relationship to sin or are we willing to trust in the life giving waters that Christ brings into our lives through conversion? The baptism that we share and these two candidates will soon enter into bears the message of conversion to us. We are not to enter into relationship with the life giving waters of God and remain content with our own sin. All us find ourselves to be pilgrims on this journey until we are united with Christ at its culmination. His Holiness Benedict XVI said this most beautifully in his final address of his pontificate by saying: "I am no longer the pope but am still in the Church. I'm just a pilgrim who is starting the last part of his pilgrimage on earth."
Here and now all of us join upon this pilgrimage of life. We find ourselves at different stages, but we are united by one goal. Some received this goal as an infant while others found the faith later in life. Some are just now starting to discover the true reality of faith that exists and desire to enter into it more and more. No matter where we find ourselves may we not allow our hearts to be hardened, but instead to be opened wide for the sake of conversion. Christ has extended this invitation to us now with the hope that we will turn away from sin and towards the love of His Father. May we be willing to accept this invitation into our lives here and now.
3rd Sun of Lent Year C Homily
Why should any of us be concerned when we always have tomorrow? When someone is healthy it is hard to fathom that in time they will lose strength and become unhealthy. This is especially true in the lives of those who are young because they should be allotted a lot of time before they have to worry about such a thing. It seems that as long as we are healthy that there is no urgency that can be found within our lives. Once that urgent moment arises, which comes as a warning, we are left with the decision to reform our lives or to remain stuck in the error of our ways that brought us to our lack of health. Continuing to follow after this familiar path will in time catch up with us and possibly even lead to our premature death. For those who are able to avoid medical complications we know that advanced age will catch up to them. None of us here are immortal in an earthly sense and thus if we want to or not we will in time be forced to face this reality.
Lent is a season that has been given to us by the Church to begin to prepare ourselves for this reality. Throughout the season we are reminded of the reality of the life giving waters of baptism and how, through sin, we have strayed from this reality of purity. In some way we have all fallen short at producing the amount of fruit that is expected from us. Lent will hopefully cause us to examine our lives and to point out these areas that are leading us towards death. With our examination taken place we are left the choice of conversion or contentment. Contentment leads us lost in our own sin without feeling a glimmer hope. In contentment we are lost in our constant lying to ourselves that we will find conversion when we are ready or maybe that are sins are not really to bad because they are normal human actions. Conversion, on the other hand, is to open ourselves up to true life. Through it we are able to look past ourselves and to see the love and mercy of God that is constantly being extended into our lives.
The parable that was given today in Luke's Gospel is a reminder of the mercy that God constantly extends into our lives. It is a reminder of the need to produce much fruit through our own conversion of heart instead of continuing to be unproductive through our own contentment. We notice inside of this Gospel that the owner of the fig tree came on three occasions and on each them he was unable to find any fruit. In the three stages of our own lives God is constantly present and desiring that we will return to Him. As children, adults, and in old age God comes and looks upon us with the hope that we will be able to turn away from hate and the desire to fuel our own passions and instead open ourselves up to the overflowing love of God. Despite our contentment of heart Christ takes the place of the gardener of this parable because he was willing to suffer and die upon the wood of the cross in order to give us another year to produce fruit. Even with this extension of mercy that has been bestowed upon us we must react as servants before we run out of time.
No matter what our status in life is we must ponder our commitment to producing fruit. Parents, grandparents, children, deacons, priests, bishops, bosses, employees, married or single, and yes even the pope must account for the fruit that has been produced within this life. Our former Holy Father, Benedict XVI, addressed this in his final words of his papacy. He stated: "I am no longer the pope but I am still in the Church. I'm just a pilgrim who is starting the last part of his pilgrimage on this earth." These words point towards the reality that our time is limited and therefore we have something that we must be preparing for. In these humbling words we see that despite being elected the successor of Saint Peter he is in need of Christ's mercy and is in need of God during these final moments of his life. Despite the role that he has played in the life of the Church he joins us upon the path of conversion that we find ourselves upon.
Upon this path towards conversion we are not left alone because God and Christ are continually desiring to enter into our lives to assist us with the grace that is necessary to accomplish this task. It was in the burning bush that Moses saw a "remarkable sight" that had drawn him in. In this experience he glanced upon the great glory of God in all of its brightness. He was called to come forth, leaving the work of his everyday life behind, in favor of giving service to God. This experience challenged him to conversion of heart where he would be led not by his own desires, but by the strength of God. We to have so much fear that is found in our lives where complete trust in the glory of God seems to be impossible. When we are stuck inside of the contentment of sin we should remember that God is present with all the grace that we will ever need to move ourselves towards conversion. May we not reject this grace due to our own pride, but instead be moved towards it through humility.
This Lenten season is filled with the attitude of humility. If we find ourselves rushing through this season without making time for sacrifice we are doing ourselves a great injustice. If we are growing tired under the strain of our sacrifice may remember the cross and the great rewards that are extended into our lives from it. These days that lie ahead can help us to accomplish our mission of not remaining content, but moving forward in life towards conversion. With conversion we will find new meaning to our life of faith especially as we encounter the gift of the Holy Eucharist. From the conversion of our heart we will begin to produce much fruit as we continue our pilgrimage upon this earth.
Lent is a season that has been given to us by the Church to begin to prepare ourselves for this reality. Throughout the season we are reminded of the reality of the life giving waters of baptism and how, through sin, we have strayed from this reality of purity. In some way we have all fallen short at producing the amount of fruit that is expected from us. Lent will hopefully cause us to examine our lives and to point out these areas that are leading us towards death. With our examination taken place we are left the choice of conversion or contentment. Contentment leads us lost in our own sin without feeling a glimmer hope. In contentment we are lost in our constant lying to ourselves that we will find conversion when we are ready or maybe that are sins are not really to bad because they are normal human actions. Conversion, on the other hand, is to open ourselves up to true life. Through it we are able to look past ourselves and to see the love and mercy of God that is constantly being extended into our lives.
The parable that was given today in Luke's Gospel is a reminder of the mercy that God constantly extends into our lives. It is a reminder of the need to produce much fruit through our own conversion of heart instead of continuing to be unproductive through our own contentment. We notice inside of this Gospel that the owner of the fig tree came on three occasions and on each them he was unable to find any fruit. In the three stages of our own lives God is constantly present and desiring that we will return to Him. As children, adults, and in old age God comes and looks upon us with the hope that we will be able to turn away from hate and the desire to fuel our own passions and instead open ourselves up to the overflowing love of God. Despite our contentment of heart Christ takes the place of the gardener of this parable because he was willing to suffer and die upon the wood of the cross in order to give us another year to produce fruit. Even with this extension of mercy that has been bestowed upon us we must react as servants before we run out of time.
No matter what our status in life is we must ponder our commitment to producing fruit. Parents, grandparents, children, deacons, priests, bishops, bosses, employees, married or single, and yes even the pope must account for the fruit that has been produced within this life. Our former Holy Father, Benedict XVI, addressed this in his final words of his papacy. He stated: "I am no longer the pope but I am still in the Church. I'm just a pilgrim who is starting the last part of his pilgrimage on this earth." These words point towards the reality that our time is limited and therefore we have something that we must be preparing for. In these humbling words we see that despite being elected the successor of Saint Peter he is in need of Christ's mercy and is in need of God during these final moments of his life. Despite the role that he has played in the life of the Church he joins us upon the path of conversion that we find ourselves upon.
Upon this path towards conversion we are not left alone because God and Christ are continually desiring to enter into our lives to assist us with the grace that is necessary to accomplish this task. It was in the burning bush that Moses saw a "remarkable sight" that had drawn him in. In this experience he glanced upon the great glory of God in all of its brightness. He was called to come forth, leaving the work of his everyday life behind, in favor of giving service to God. This experience challenged him to conversion of heart where he would be led not by his own desires, but by the strength of God. We to have so much fear that is found in our lives where complete trust in the glory of God seems to be impossible. When we are stuck inside of the contentment of sin we should remember that God is present with all the grace that we will ever need to move ourselves towards conversion. May we not reject this grace due to our own pride, but instead be moved towards it through humility.
This Lenten season is filled with the attitude of humility. If we find ourselves rushing through this season without making time for sacrifice we are doing ourselves a great injustice. If we are growing tired under the strain of our sacrifice may remember the cross and the great rewards that are extended into our lives from it. These days that lie ahead can help us to accomplish our mission of not remaining content, but moving forward in life towards conversion. With conversion we will find new meaning to our life of faith especially as we encounter the gift of the Holy Eucharist. From the conversion of our heart we will begin to produce much fruit as we continue our pilgrimage upon this earth.
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