Grounded in Truth, Living in Reality

 

Deacon Dave · Grounded in Truth, Living in Reality

Homily for the 22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time, August 28, 2022. Gospel of Luke 14:1-14. Theme: Grounded in Truth, Living in Reality 

To better understand the back-story to Jesus' parable of the wedding feast, we need to recall a few basic facts about the Pharisees. They were religious zealots who considered themselves to be better, holier, than the average Jew. As a matter of fact their very name “Pharisee” meant “those who are separated from the others”. They demanded strict observance of tradition and put great emphasis upon the external rituals of Judaism. As far as they were concerned, if you said the right words, did the right actions and followed the rules, then you were all good to go with God. Where your heart was didn’t really enter into the picture. By both the power of his words and the example of his life, Jesus exposed the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. He described them as being like “white-washed tombs that looked good on the outside but stunk with death and decay on the inside.” He became their Enemy #1. 

So, it might seem a bit surprising to hear in today’s Gospel that Jesus was invited to a Pharisee Sabbath dinner. However, he wasn’t invited not out of respect but in order to entrap him. The host and guests were intent upon “observing him carefully” as we heard in today’s opening line, meaning they were on the lookout to find something he said or did that could be used against him as a violation of God’s law. They were always on the lookout for a way to put him down in the eyes of the people because he was a constant threat to their power, prestige and position. But Jesus did not react in the same hostile way towards them. Instead, he reached out to try and touch their hearts by speaking the parable of the wedding feast that we just heard. It’s a not a lesson in social manners, but a teaching on the importance of humility. 

Humility is something many find difficult to define, let alone possess. There are those who erroneously think that humility is weakness, a kind of whimpiness, and that the humble person is like a doormat to be walked on. Others falsely imagine that humility is an attitude of putting oneself down, of denying the gifts we have received or the achievements we have accomplished. And of course I think we’ve all encountered what is called “phony humility” at one time or another. It's really pride-in-disguise begging for more praise! A phony-humility conversation goes something like this: “Oh you did such a great job!” “No, I didn’t. It wasn’t that great.” “Yes it was! It was terrific!” “Oh please stop, no it wasn’t.” And so forth…this is phony humility having a field day! 

Genuine humility, on the other hand, is clarity and honesty about who and what we are, plain and simple. It recognizes the gifts and talents we have received, but it gives the praise and thanks to God for them, not to ourselves. Humility also admits to and claims ownership of our faults and failings, but it does so in the comforting knowledge of God’s forgiveness and mercy. In other words, humility allows us to see the whole picture of who we really are in God’s eyes. The humble person is someone who walks in the clear light of this self-knowledge. They don’t form social contacts and friendships based on what others can do or be for them. Instead, they enjoy the company of those who are down to earth and who speak the truth to them. They want to be around people who can keep them real and level headed. 

I find it interesting that the word “humility” comes from the Latin “humus” which means ground, dirt, earth. So fundamentally, humility means that we have our feet firmly planted on the ground, and that our self-assessment is firmly rooted in reality. Authentic humility goes hand-in-hand with truth because it allows us to make an honest assessment about ourselves, about the state of our souls, about how we treat others and about where we stand in our relationship with God. It’s only by seeing and accepting this reality about ourselves that we can make real changes in our lives and grow into the persons God created us to be. 

And this is one reason why the Sacrament of Confession is so very vital to our personal and spiritual growth. By its very nature this sacrament calls us to reflect upon our lives and our relationships in the light of the Gospel. It’s a heaven-sent path to humility because it requires that we honestly admit to ourselves, to Christ and to his priest the exact nature of our wrongs. Now, it’s true that we only must confess if we have committed mortal sins, that is, serious sins which have ruptured our supernatural relationship with God. But the saints of every era have repeatedly advised that we confess even our smaller sins on a regular basis, precisely because this keeps us on the sure path of humility. 

Humility can make our lives more genuine and joyful because there’s a special kind of freedom in living in the truth of who we really are. The importance and necessity of humility can be found in the fact that it is called the “queen of all virtues” because without it no other real virtue can exist. However, with it we can become, by God’s grace, both admirable human beings and spiritual giants in the Kingdom of God.

Hiking the Narrow Path to Heaven

 

Deacon Dave · Hiking the Narrow Path to Heaven

Homily for the 21st Sunday of Ordinary Time, August 21, 2022. Gospel of St. Luke 13:22-30. Theme: Hiking the Narrow Path to Heaven 

Last Sunday we heard about Jesus as a Prophet of Fire and the Sword, saying that faith in Him had the potential to sow division among families and friends. This side of Jesus surprises people who prefer a Savior who is an exclusively soft and gentle Lord. They are comfortable with a Messiah who accepts everyone exactly as they are, and who pats them on the back, so to speak, for trying to do a good job of following him. Now it’s true, of course, that Jesus does accept us as we are when we first sincerely come to him. And he does, indeed, encourage us on. But he doesn't leave us complacent in our mediocrity or stuck in the rut of our weaknesses and sins. He reaches out to us, takes us by the hand, and points out to us the way that leads to Heaven. 

In today’s Gospel Jesus surprises us once again by telling us that this way to Heaven isn’t going to be an easy hike. He calls it narrow and demanding. He cautions that only the strong, that is the spiritually disciplined and committed, will successfully make it there. In other parts of the Gospels he says that few people choose this narrow route because it requires a lot of sacrifice and self-discipline. Along this pathway we will have to make some changes and adjustments in our lives, and this won’t always be easy, but we know that it will all be worth it in the end. Those who do choose to travel this way understand that life on planet Earth, even when it's at its absolute best, is still only temporary and actually very short. But Heaven and Hell are forever. And so they go for the gold! 

And you know, I think the motif of a hike is a good way to get a handle on what Jesus is telling us. When we plan such an outing we prepare ourselves as best we can to have a safe and rewarding experience. We review a map of where we’re going. We ask others who have hiked the trail what we need to know or do to avoid problems and arrive safely at our destination. We make sure that we have good support on our feet and perhaps even a walking stick in our hands. And of course we bring along some water and nutrition to see us through the day. Well you know, our Faith provides us with similar kinds of advice and support for our trek through the narrow gate and along the narrow pathway. 

The Sacred Scriptures and Church teachings are our basic map to Heaven. They clearly point out to us the directions we need to follow, the dangers we need to avoid along the way, and the best routes to take in order to arrive at our destination. In addition, we have a whole company of saints who have blazed the trail before us and their example can show us how to reach a successful completion of the journey. The living waters of grace refresh and strengthen us when we get tired and the supernatural food of the Eucharist provides spiritual energy to persevere on the hike. In other words, we will have absolutely everything we need to be strong and remain on the narrow path. So, the main question for each one of us is this: will we refuse to give in or give up when the going gets tough? 

Yes, the gate and trail through which we pass to get from this world to the next is narrow and challenging. But Jesus knows that the hike can be quite difficult for us and often sends us encouragement along the way. Things like a special friend who always seems to be able to lift us up and make things brighter; a spiritual experience in prayer or at Mass that affirms what we believe and stokes the fire of the Holy Spirit within us; an encounter with someone who even in the midst of their own suffering and struggles radiates hope and joy; a particular saint who has special meaning to us and whose example encourages us to keep pressing forward towards the goal. Any and all of these things can strengthen our drooping hands and support our weak knees so that we can persevere to the end and eventually arrive at the awesome and eternal beauty of Heaven.

Interpretation of Jesus' Word about the two gates.  The Narrow Gate requires self-discipline and surrender to God in this life. It leads to Heaven. The Wide Gate is open to those who live to please and pamper themselves. It leads to Hell.  The artist uses traditional imagery to convey this point.

FIRE!!!!

 

Deacon Dave · FIRE!!!!

Homily for the 20th Sunday of Ordinary Time, August 14, 2022. The Gospel of St. Luke 2:49-53. Theme: FIRE!!!! 

This Sunday’s Gospel probably shakes some of us up a bit because it presents us with an unexpected image of Jesus. Christ is typically imagined to be a kind of an all-inclusive, uber-tolerant spiritual teacher and preacher of universal love. And of course, there’s some truth to that image. But as with all religious distortions it’s wrong because it’s incomplete. The Gospels also present us with a strong and demanding Jesus, one who insists that loving him and following him must be cherished at all costs and come first among our many relationships. That’s the picture of Jesus that St. Luke shows us in today’s Gospel. 

I’m sure it sounds quite shocking that faith in Christ might alienate us from our loved ones and even give rise to destruction of relationships. And yet that’s exactly what happened to so many converts in the first few centuries of Christianity. Before the Church became a legal religion of the Roman Empire in the 4th century, conversion demanded an heroic decision that often tore families apart. And Jesus’ prophecy of parents rising up against their children was often proven to be true. The young brave virgin-martyrs, Saints Barabra and Dymphna, for example, were beheaded by their own fathers! 

Because professing faith in Christ often meant being cut off from the social safety nets of family, income and protection, the early Church made converts pass through an RCIA type program that was several years long! A person had to be convinced of who and what Jesus was and not simply giving in to a passing fascination. But you know, this experience of the early Christians facing shunning or even death, is not something that was just for long long ago in ancient times. Discrimination, division and even violence happens today in the 21st century to Christian converts in Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Mormon, and Jehovah Witness communities. 

And you know, it can even happen right here in the USA, in Marin County. When the teachings of Christ conflict with the opposing cultural moral standards adopted by one’s children or friends, today’s Gospel of fire and sword can become a reality. A believer’s serious commitment to Christ can make others uneasy and even rouse up downright hostility. When Christians cannot support or celebrate certain lifestyles and choices made by loved ones, a veritable storm of hurtful accusations and emotional drama can easily arise. 

But even when things get difficult and it would seem so much easier to just sweep conflicts under the rug, so to speak, we need to warm ourselves at the fire of faith that Jesus came to start on planet Earth. It’s a spiritual fire, a holy fire, that energizes us to combat the power of evil in the world. It’s the fire of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us so that we can give witness to truth and goodness in the midst of a very confused world. This is how we Christians are called to renew the face of the earth. But we must begin by renewing our own lives first by our communion with Christ through daily prayer and especially by the mindful reception of his Flesh and Blood in the Eucharist. Only when this fire is blazing within us can its sparks jump onto those we love. The witness of our unswerving fidelity to Jesus, even above our most precious relationships, is powerful and can cause others to pause and ponder. Many have been eventually brought to Christ by such an example. 

So, today’s Gospel definitely does not show us Jesus as the Prince of Peace and Gentle Shepherd. Rather, we encounter the Christ of Fire and Sword! He is calling us to fan the flames of conviction and commitment to God in our hearts and in the lives of others. His preaching of the Gospel and miracles of the Kingdom ignited that fire. His Passion and Resurrection fanned it into roaring flames. And ever since Pentecost, the gift of the Holy Spirit takes this fire and kindles it in the hearts of all who truly believe so that the fire of love for Jesus can spread over all the earth.

Have No Fear Little Flock

 

Deacon Dave · Have No fear Little Flock

Homily for the 19th Sunday of Ordinary Time, August 7, 2022. The Gospel of St. Luke 12:32-48. Theme: Have No Fear Little Flock… 

Jesus says a lot of things in this Sunday’s Gospel, but the words that really jumped off the page and caught my attention are found in the opening line: “Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.” This short little sentence from Jesus touches my heart and awakens hope within me. I think that it teaches us three lessons that can totally transform the quality of our lives. 

The first is that he assures us that we never need to live in fear. You know, I think it’s very interesting that Bible scholars have said that one version or another of the phrase “do not fear” is found in the Bible 365 times. It’s as if God doesn’t want us to go a single day throughout the entire year without hearing his words of comfort! Jesus speaks this message repeatedly to us because he knows how easy it is for fear to take hold of our lives. There are so many things these days that can invade and disturb peace of heart and mind. Worry, panic, anxiety and the like can become so paralyzing and rob us of the inner serenity and interior joy that God wishes us to experience. 

Trusting that God is in control of our lives can enable us to reject fear and live in serenity. Our faith in him assures us that he is a wise and loving Father who has promised to make all things work out for the benefit of those who love him. When it comes to the various experiences and events in our lives, God either wills for something to happen or at least permits something to happen. But whatever it is and however it comes to pass, God guides it to all work out in the end for our ultimate good because he alone sees the entire picture of our existence, from conception into eternity. Our task in all this is to simply trust because we know that ultimately the Lord has our backs. 

The second lesson that Jesus gives us in today’s Gospel is found in his calling us his “little flock”. These words of possession and endearment reveal the intimacy of his gentle and compassionate heart. Nothing was more precious to a shepherd than his flock. He watched over each lamb and sheep within it even to the point of defending them with his own life. Calling us “his” reveals not only that we belong to Jesus, but that he will remain with us throughout the ups and downs of life. He will walk with us as our good shepherd, seeing to the proper care and protection of each one of us. Once we truly grasp this reality of the depth of his love for us, we can more confidently reject temptations to fear, to be afraid. As the Scriptures tell us, perfect love casts out all fear. 

Third and lastly, Jesus’ words remind us that we need not fear because we are called and chosen to live within the shelter of the Kingdom of God. Jesus once said that “the kingdom of God is within you” and this becomes a living reality for us especially when we receive him in Holy Communion. This makes total sense to me because a kingdom is where the King lives, and so through our reception of the Eucharist, Jesus the King lives within us. This awesome truth should help drive out all fear from our hearts and increase our trust in God. We do not need to be afraid any longer because we carry within us the King of kings and Lord of all the universe! 

So, when we find ourselves in times of worry and we feel the old grip of fear beginning to tighten itself around us, let’s repeat to ourselves these words of our compassionate Lord Jesus: “Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.”