One of my not so secret passions is Teen Dramas on Television...embarrassing I know. One of which is the old Beverly Hills 90210 series. Today while I was watching the old re-runs, the episode they aired was the Graduation episode. The big drama of the show was the usual in Teen Drama - who showed up for graduation day and who didn't. The teens whose parents were on their third and fourth marriage, and the birth parents both came anyways. The ones who were worried til graduation day itself if they were even going to walk with their class. As the episode went on, they continued to show flashbacks to the different major events in the young people's lives.
As I watched I thought back in my own life. My High School graduation, and College graduation. The most significant for me was College, I couldn't believe I had actually made it! I had survived four years of intense life in Seminary formation, and had managed to complete all the qualifications that the College had held. Things were going according to schedule, and in four years I'd be a priest.
Of course that's not how things turned out. But I remember how much it meant to me to see certain people at these events. My mind then began to wander to my Diaconate Ordination...and event I had not yet processed. There is a part of the ceremony when the candidate for Ordination lays prostrate on the floor. During this moment the Bishop all present pray that the Holy Spirit descend from the Heavens and touch the soul of the Candidate that is to be Ordained. It was always emotional for me at others Ordinations to watch, but as my hands hit the floor it boomed in my head and in my heart "Holy Shit, this is it". My life would forever be changed. I would be clergy - forever.
In my mind passed the many faces of the people who couldn't be there. I thought of my parents, who first taught me the faith, and who since we have fallen on rocky grounds. I thought of my friends from seminary, some of whom I remain in close touch, and others I don't. I thought of the priests who handled my formation, and all the friends - and enemies - who had brought me to that day. I thought about the Parish here in Providence, and all our beloved Parishioners, the Little Brothers, who were present, and in many ways have become a new family to me. I really realized that it's true what they say about things happening in God's time, and not our own.
I think if I had stayed in Seminary, and been Ordained "on schedule" I would not be half the priest that I hope I will be. I would not have had the life experience of so many things. Like knowing what it's like to pay my rent, and knowing how it feels when it's the 6th of the month and I'm avoiding my landlord because I haven't paid it yet. Or like going to make a phone call and realizing my phone's been shut off. Most of all, I would never have known the God awful feeling of being dumped, or that hollowness that we feel inside when we have parted ways with a lover. The friendships and relationships that I have made/had in years between leaving seminary and now have made me who I am, and made me the man who laid on the floor before the Bishop on November 21st.
So who was there that day? Everybody was. Although it was out in Baltimore, and the reality was that people couldn't just shoot down for the weekend's events, everyone was there. Everyone who led me in their own way to that fateful day. Everyone for whom I am thankful to God always for dropping them in my life, each in their own unique ways.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Homily from Immaculate Conception Feast Day
Today’s readings, are in my opinion some of the most beautiful, and significant in our Catholic tradition. In the first reading, we hear God’s infamous, and history altering judgment on Adam and Eve. They have been planted in the middle of Paradise. They want for nothing, they are destined to live forever in good health and joy in the presence of the God who created them. The devil tempts them by convincing them that the reason God doesn’t want them to eat of the fruit of that famous tree is because then they will be like God. What they don’t realize is…they already are. Despite this sin however, God promises that He will fix things. He promises that there will come a woman who will live in “enmity” with the serpent.
The word “enmity” means separation. He promises a woman who will be spared from the serpent and his scorn, who will be graced from the beginning and spared Original Sin. Centuries later we come to the story we hear in the Gospel tonight. The angel Gabriel comes from God and asks Mary to be the mother of the Savior. Because she has lived a life of purity and sinlessness, she is not blinded by the clouds of doubt or fear, and she not only says “yes” she says “I am the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me as you say.“
Adam and Eve demonstrate in their behavior the most ancient quality in humanity - our frail human nature. They stand face to face with God and receive one request - don’t eat from that ONE tree - which they break on the grounds of being tempted with greater glory, while Mary receives a seemingly absurd request from an unseen God and she responds with an ardent and heartfelt yes.
Perhaps often in life we end up like Adam and Eve instead of Mary. We are given so many gifts, but we send so much time analyzing and searching for more, we decide that what He has given us is not enough, and we go after something we don’t really need. We never think that what we have is enough, and we are always striving to acquire more. Sometimes however, this goes beyond a basic and healthy motivation to improve ourselves, and moves into selfishness. Sometimes we over pursue our pride, sometimes we loose ourselves in meaningless things, in empty pursuits, or if we are not careful, we find ourselves dancing with the dangers of addiction
The message of today is clear. We have to trust that God always gives us exactly what we need to accomplish what He calls us to. Mary knew that - that’s why she gave such an ardent “yes”. So which side of the line do we fall on? Do we trust in what He has given us? Or are we looking for more that we may not even need. It‘s different for all of us, and we all have our weaknesses, and it is important for us to be able to identify them, lest they get the best of us. It is not until we look past these temptations and weaknesses, that we like Mary, will be able to fully respond to His call in our lives, and fulfill the role He has in mind for each and everyone of us in His kingdom.
God Bless You
The word “enmity” means separation. He promises a woman who will be spared from the serpent and his scorn, who will be graced from the beginning and spared Original Sin. Centuries later we come to the story we hear in the Gospel tonight. The angel Gabriel comes from God and asks Mary to be the mother of the Savior. Because she has lived a life of purity and sinlessness, she is not blinded by the clouds of doubt or fear, and she not only says “yes” she says “I am the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me as you say.“
Adam and Eve demonstrate in their behavior the most ancient quality in humanity - our frail human nature. They stand face to face with God and receive one request - don’t eat from that ONE tree - which they break on the grounds of being tempted with greater glory, while Mary receives a seemingly absurd request from an unseen God and she responds with an ardent and heartfelt yes.
Perhaps often in life we end up like Adam and Eve instead of Mary. We are given so many gifts, but we send so much time analyzing and searching for more, we decide that what He has given us is not enough, and we go after something we don’t really need. We never think that what we have is enough, and we are always striving to acquire more. Sometimes however, this goes beyond a basic and healthy motivation to improve ourselves, and moves into selfishness. Sometimes we over pursue our pride, sometimes we loose ourselves in meaningless things, in empty pursuits, or if we are not careful, we find ourselves dancing with the dangers of addiction
The message of today is clear. We have to trust that God always gives us exactly what we need to accomplish what He calls us to. Mary knew that - that’s why she gave such an ardent “yes”. So which side of the line do we fall on? Do we trust in what He has given us? Or are we looking for more that we may not even need. It‘s different for all of us, and we all have our weaknesses, and it is important for us to be able to identify them, lest they get the best of us. It is not until we look past these temptations and weaknesses, that we like Mary, will be able to fully respond to His call in our lives, and fulfill the role He has in mind for each and everyone of us in His kingdom.
God Bless You
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
World Aids Day
Tonight I spoke at the World Aids Day 2009 Vigil Downtown. I was honored when I was asked to say a few words this evening. The issue of HIV and AIDS is one that effects each and everyone of us. I am certain that nobody who was there can say that it is an issue that in no way touches them. The over 1 Million people in America, and 33 Million world wide who live in it’s reality each and everyday are faced with the daily challenge to maintain hope, and strive to live healthy lives.
It is easy when discussing this topic to ask “where is God?”, especially as we consider those we have lost. The answer to that question is simple, as I looked out on His face tonight. The flickering candles that were before me are a testimony to those we have lost, as well as a testimony to our ongoing responsibility to the community, and our obligation to educate and work towards HIV prevention. That ongoing dedication is the greatest testimony we can give to the impact in our lives of those we have lost.
Nights like this are an effective reminder that HIV is everyone’s concern. Our level of awareness around this subject must remain acute. And we must never become complacent regarding our responsibilities towards our brothers and sisters. We are reminded tonight very powerfully of the extent to which AIDS affects not only the person who is infected but the people around them.
Informing and educating people is one of the most effective means we have of reducing the spread of the virus. We have come a long way since AIDS first came on the scene. People are far more relaxed and inclined to talk about the disease now than they were then. We know that it is not a death sentence, but a challenge to focus on healthy living, and how precious life truly is. But of course in so many parts of the world there is still a silence surrounding the virus that is driven by fear and suspicion, and that silence can be deadly.
To Quote President Obama;
“Though we have been witness to incredible progress, our struggle against HIV/AIDS is far from over. With an infection occurring every nine-and-a-half minutes in America, there are more than one million individuals estimated to be living with the disease in our country. Of those currently infected, one in five does not know they have the condition, and the majority of new infections are spread by people who are unaware of their own status. HIV/AIDS does not discriminate as it infiltrates neighborhoods and communities. Americans of any gender, age, ethnicity, income, or sexual orientation can and are contracting the disease.”
How true Mr. President, how true indeed. We know however that this about much more then numbers. Each life we have lost was far more then a number. They were husbands, wives, friends, and family. The question before us is what statistic are you and I. Do you know your status, are we tested regularly, are we living responsibly?
Saint Paul teaches us that “we are one body” and “When one part of the body suffers, the entire body suffers.” Our body then, is injured, and we have a universal, and clear obligation to work together towards that body’s health and well being. In the Gospels Jesus healed the ten lepers, and when one returned in Thanksgiving, He was told his faith had healed him. Let's pray that the Lord will smile on the determination of the countless people across the world who are moved to fight for this cause, and pray He will see our faith, and heal this injured body.
It is easy when discussing this topic to ask “where is God?”, especially as we consider those we have lost. The answer to that question is simple, as I looked out on His face tonight. The flickering candles that were before me are a testimony to those we have lost, as well as a testimony to our ongoing responsibility to the community, and our obligation to educate and work towards HIV prevention. That ongoing dedication is the greatest testimony we can give to the impact in our lives of those we have lost.
Nights like this are an effective reminder that HIV is everyone’s concern. Our level of awareness around this subject must remain acute. And we must never become complacent regarding our responsibilities towards our brothers and sisters. We are reminded tonight very powerfully of the extent to which AIDS affects not only the person who is infected but the people around them.
Informing and educating people is one of the most effective means we have of reducing the spread of the virus. We have come a long way since AIDS first came on the scene. People are far more relaxed and inclined to talk about the disease now than they were then. We know that it is not a death sentence, but a challenge to focus on healthy living, and how precious life truly is. But of course in so many parts of the world there is still a silence surrounding the virus that is driven by fear and suspicion, and that silence can be deadly.
To Quote President Obama;
“Though we have been witness to incredible progress, our struggle against HIV/AIDS is far from over. With an infection occurring every nine-and-a-half minutes in America, there are more than one million individuals estimated to be living with the disease in our country. Of those currently infected, one in five does not know they have the condition, and the majority of new infections are spread by people who are unaware of their own status. HIV/AIDS does not discriminate as it infiltrates neighborhoods and communities. Americans of any gender, age, ethnicity, income, or sexual orientation can and are contracting the disease.”
How true Mr. President, how true indeed. We know however that this about much more then numbers. Each life we have lost was far more then a number. They were husbands, wives, friends, and family. The question before us is what statistic are you and I. Do you know your status, are we tested regularly, are we living responsibly?
Saint Paul teaches us that “we are one body” and “When one part of the body suffers, the entire body suffers.” Our body then, is injured, and we have a universal, and clear obligation to work together towards that body’s health and well being. In the Gospels Jesus healed the ten lepers, and when one returned in Thanksgiving, He was told his faith had healed him. Let's pray that the Lord will smile on the determination of the countless people across the world who are moved to fight for this cause, and pray He will see our faith, and heal this injured body.
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