Today I thought I'd share my Homily from last night's Mass...it's been tweeked for the web =)
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The new year is almost through it's first month, yet we are still adjusting to the new beginnings we started at New Years. Everybody is fighting to maintain our resolutions. At the gym, slowly attendance is returning to normal, after the new year influx. At work many of my customers who had sworn away from alcohol in 2010 are slowly returning to their old ways. Diets that began are beginning to slip away, and I myself who swore to quit smoking in 2010, am puffing on a Marlboro as I am writing this. Despite our perhaps failed or at least challenged resolutions, we remember that something new has happened, something important is beginning…God is with us. As Jesus tells us in the Gospel this weekend, this day a prophecy has been fulfilled in our hearing.
I would share the story of Grant Desme. He is a 23-year-old minor league baseball player - in fact, one of the most promising athletes in the country. He was considered a star prospect for the Oakland A's. He was a figure of incredible talent and potential - he'd hit 31 home runs, stolen 40 bases. He thought, any day, to get the call from Oakland to join the majors and begin a stellar career - one that would likely reap him millions. Well, he got a call. But it wasn't the one he expected. Friday, Grant Desme told a stunned group of sportswriters that he was giving up baseball. Instead, he was going to study for the priesthood.
"I love the game," he said. "But I aspire to higher things. I really had to get down to the bottom of things - what was good in my life, what I wanted to do with my life, and I felt that while baseball is a good thing and I love playing, I thought it was selfish of me to be doing that when I really felt that God was calling me more." He concluded: "It took me a while in my life to really trust and open up to it and aim full steam toward Him."
We also have the example of Emmanuel Buso. Emmanuel is not a priest or a seminarian. He's a student who lived near the presidential palace in Port au Prince Haiti when the earthquake struck. He was buried under the rubble, unable to move. For 10 days, he waited, and prayed. He slipped in and out of consciousness. Finally, on the 10th day, defying all the odds, an Israeli rescue team discovered him and pulled him to safety. Emmanuel was dehydrated and weak, but he's expected to make a full recovery. Friday, he talked to reporters from his hospital bed. "I am here," he whispered, "because God wants it."
God calls each and everyone of us everyday, and the presence of Jesus in our world since His birth at Christmas, and His continual presence in our world among us through the Sacraments is a great hope for all of us. Luke writes His Gospel as a letter to someone named Theophilus. The name Theophilus is not directly associated with any one person. In Greek the name means, “friend of God”. Tonight in the Gospel Jesus announces why He has come. To bring us freedom, sight, liberty, and glad tidings. Jesus announces that something very important is beginning. Luke addresses his Gospel to all of us, as we know that we are all beloveds of our God.
Emmanuel Buso and Grant Desme have begun anew in this new year in their relationship with their God. Let us all do the same. Let’s embrace the joy in this new beginning Jesus has announced. Let’s recommit ourselves to growing in our relationship with the Lord. We are almost through the first month of this new year, let’s not let that drive, and that determination we had when the ball dropped at midnight three weeks ago slip away. Let us rejoice and be glad, and turn to the Lord for the strength we need to bring ourselves to where we should be in our own lives. Like Grant Desme, this day let’s be inspired by his words to, “really trust and move full steam towards him.” We have nothing to fear, for as we have been told, “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in our hearing”
God Bless You.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
He's so big, I can't miss
The other night at Mass the reading was the story of King David, slaying the Giant Goliath as a young man. It is the classic story of the underdog. David was a young Shepherd boy, with really no ability to defeat this monster who even the great Israelite armies were unable to overcome. Jim Jordan, a Pro-Life activist who spoke at the March for Life in Washington DC today said, "Goliath challenged the Israelites everyday, but everyone said, 'He's too big we can't fight him.' But David's attitude was, 'I'll fight him, he's so big I can't miss'".
As I said at Mass the other night we all fight giants in our everyday lives. For some of us it's a person, for some it's a situation, or trying to overcome an addiction, or fighting with health issues, or the loss of a loved one. Each of us without exception are going to face a giant in life that we have to defeat. Maybe the big, maybe small. David shows a good example of how to defeat such a huge giant.
First he identifies Goliath. we have to be able to put a name to the giant. We have to know what we are fighting. The line from AA that is so often quoted, "My name is Joe, and I'm an alcoholic." Talk about identifying the giant!
He then draws on the knowledge that he has defeated previous giants. He keeps his sheep safe from attacking animals. If he could do that, he can do this!
Finally, he casts aside those who say he can't do it, and proves them wrong. Above all...he has faith in his God. This model is not one that died with Goliath, AA follows the same principle in it's 12 steps. The hardest part sometimes is not so much defeating the giant, sometimes it's in th every identifying of the problem that's so difficult. So often the thing we are trying to fight is a loosing battle because we aren't fighting the real giant!
One of my goals in 2010 is to quit smoking. That's a big giant. It looms over my thoughts, the drive to quit, and the fear of quitting. I've defeated alot of giants in my day, however this one remains the toughest. There are still other giants after this one, and someday pray God they will all be conquered.
As I said at Mass the other night we all fight giants in our everyday lives. For some of us it's a person, for some it's a situation, or trying to overcome an addiction, or fighting with health issues, or the loss of a loved one. Each of us without exception are going to face a giant in life that we have to defeat. Maybe the big, maybe small. David shows a good example of how to defeat such a huge giant.
First he identifies Goliath. we have to be able to put a name to the giant. We have to know what we are fighting. The line from AA that is so often quoted, "My name is Joe, and I'm an alcoholic." Talk about identifying the giant!
He then draws on the knowledge that he has defeated previous giants. He keeps his sheep safe from attacking animals. If he could do that, he can do this!
Finally, he casts aside those who say he can't do it, and proves them wrong. Above all...he has faith in his God. This model is not one that died with Goliath, AA follows the same principle in it's 12 steps. The hardest part sometimes is not so much defeating the giant, sometimes it's in th every identifying of the problem that's so difficult. So often the thing we are trying to fight is a loosing battle because we aren't fighting the real giant!
One of my goals in 2010 is to quit smoking. That's a big giant. It looms over my thoughts, the drive to quit, and the fear of quitting. I've defeated alot of giants in my day, however this one remains the toughest. There are still other giants after this one, and someday pray God they will all be conquered.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Who Was There
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.
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.
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.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Solemnity of Christ the King
By Popular Demand, my Homily from last night, for those who may have missed it..
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I am sure that everyone gathered here today has heard of the website, Craigslist. It serves as a venue for almost everything imaginable, real estate sales, job opportunities, automobile sales, and just about everything else in between, including a ‘Personals’ section. Among the many selections of whose seeking what there is a “Missed Connections” section. So if in the busyness of your everyday life you encounter someone who you are attracted to, you can post it in this section. I used to always snicker at this page thinking, “why not just approach the person?”
There are so many reasons why people don’t act in that moment when they are attracted to someone. Sometimes it’s a lack of nerve, sometimes it’s a matter of the noise of our everyday lives that makes it inappropriate or impossible to act on that impulse.
In today’s Gospel Pilate has a bit of a Missed Connection. He has Jesus standing in front of him, and his total concern, being a politician, is Jesus’ title as “King of the Jews”. Jesus explains to Pilate with great clarity that His kingdom is not of this world. He tries to present to Pilate exactly who he is, and what’s going on, but Pilate cannot see past this “worldly title”, and his own ambition. So he fails to hear the call of Christ.
You see, Jesus calls to us each and everyday, at every moment. He is constantly calling , and inviting us to come closer, and have an individual experience of Him. This call goes beyond a matter of roles, and vocations. I’m not talking about a vocation to religious life, or the priesthood, or marriage. I am talking about how He calls you and I by name, He speaks to our very souls with an ardent and full desire to reach an intimate level relationship with Him, and for us to live that relationship in our daily lives. So why can’t we always hear it?
We can‘t hear it for the same reason as Pilate. Our everyday lives burden us down. We get so caught up in the day to day routine, our relationship with God often becomes the hour we give on Sundays. Being a bartender in many ways I am lucky, because the two things people love to talk about when they are drinking is religion and politics. Its amazing to watch people who sit at my bar, and talk about their lives, love, work, financial struggles, etc etc, who claim they aren’t religious…are often times the people who DO hear the call of the Lord, but they don’t realize that it is Him. They don’t realize that the reason they live the lives the way that they do, is because they have heard - and answered the call of Christ in their everyday lives.
How do we know that it’s Him calling? Jesus says in today’s Gospel, “I came to testify to the Truth, anyone who belongs to the Truth, hears my voice.” How do we live in the truth? It‘s not easy, because its not just the noise of our everyday lives that block the call of the Lord, it’s the rest of the world too. There are those of us who have been told by individuals along the way that our sexuality prevents us from answering that call, or that past choices and situations would make us unworthy. But we live in the TRUTH, and that truth is that we are members of this glorious Kingdom, and our King calls to us by name each and every moment of every day. How do we respond? By upholding the values we believe in when it is difficult. By being honest with our partners when it would be easier to dance around the facts. By challenging co workers on work matters when it would be easier to be complacent. But it all starts with acknowledging first and foremost…that Christ is our king, and our everyday lives are our testimony to that Kingdom.
Our liturgy is the example of perfect living in this kingdom. The sacrifice of the Mass, the Eucharist we share makes us a part of “the Christ Event”. It makes us present at the foot of the cross, when He laid down his life for us, for each and every one of us…personally. We then go out into the world, and carry His presence within us. He tells us at the last supper that His blood would be shed “for you and for all”. He says those words directly to you and I. He sheds his blood for us, and calls us by name - AS WE ARE.
As we receive from this altar today, and go back to the daily grind tomorrow, lets try to remember our membership in this Kingdom. Whatever our daily cycle is, let’s try to always live in the truth, weather it be at work, at a bar with a friend, or in our private lives with our partners, loved ones, and friends. We live in a very tangible world right now, but it’s HOW we live in this world that’s going to gain us entry into Christ our King’s tangible Kingdom in heaven. Let’s live in that truth - and not allow our daily lives, or the opinion of others to allow a “missed connection” between us and Christ our King. God Bless You.
____________________________________________________________________
I am sure that everyone gathered here today has heard of the website, Craigslist. It serves as a venue for almost everything imaginable, real estate sales, job opportunities, automobile sales, and just about everything else in between, including a ‘Personals’ section. Among the many selections of whose seeking what there is a “Missed Connections” section. So if in the busyness of your everyday life you encounter someone who you are attracted to, you can post it in this section. I used to always snicker at this page thinking, “why not just approach the person?”
There are so many reasons why people don’t act in that moment when they are attracted to someone. Sometimes it’s a lack of nerve, sometimes it’s a matter of the noise of our everyday lives that makes it inappropriate or impossible to act on that impulse.
In today’s Gospel Pilate has a bit of a Missed Connection. He has Jesus standing in front of him, and his total concern, being a politician, is Jesus’ title as “King of the Jews”. Jesus explains to Pilate with great clarity that His kingdom is not of this world. He tries to present to Pilate exactly who he is, and what’s going on, but Pilate cannot see past this “worldly title”, and his own ambition. So he fails to hear the call of Christ.
You see, Jesus calls to us each and everyday, at every moment. He is constantly calling , and inviting us to come closer, and have an individual experience of Him. This call goes beyond a matter of roles, and vocations. I’m not talking about a vocation to religious life, or the priesthood, or marriage. I am talking about how He calls you and I by name, He speaks to our very souls with an ardent and full desire to reach an intimate level relationship with Him, and for us to live that relationship in our daily lives. So why can’t we always hear it?
We can‘t hear it for the same reason as Pilate. Our everyday lives burden us down. We get so caught up in the day to day routine, our relationship with God often becomes the hour we give on Sundays. Being a bartender in many ways I am lucky, because the two things people love to talk about when they are drinking is religion and politics. Its amazing to watch people who sit at my bar, and talk about their lives, love, work, financial struggles, etc etc, who claim they aren’t religious…are often times the people who DO hear the call of the Lord, but they don’t realize that it is Him. They don’t realize that the reason they live the lives the way that they do, is because they have heard - and answered the call of Christ in their everyday lives.
How do we know that it’s Him calling? Jesus says in today’s Gospel, “I came to testify to the Truth, anyone who belongs to the Truth, hears my voice.” How do we live in the truth? It‘s not easy, because its not just the noise of our everyday lives that block the call of the Lord, it’s the rest of the world too. There are those of us who have been told by individuals along the way that our sexuality prevents us from answering that call, or that past choices and situations would make us unworthy. But we live in the TRUTH, and that truth is that we are members of this glorious Kingdom, and our King calls to us by name each and every moment of every day. How do we respond? By upholding the values we believe in when it is difficult. By being honest with our partners when it would be easier to dance around the facts. By challenging co workers on work matters when it would be easier to be complacent. But it all starts with acknowledging first and foremost…that Christ is our king, and our everyday lives are our testimony to that Kingdom.
Our liturgy is the example of perfect living in this kingdom. The sacrifice of the Mass, the Eucharist we share makes us a part of “the Christ Event”. It makes us present at the foot of the cross, when He laid down his life for us, for each and every one of us…personally. We then go out into the world, and carry His presence within us. He tells us at the last supper that His blood would be shed “for you and for all”. He says those words directly to you and I. He sheds his blood for us, and calls us by name - AS WE ARE.
As we receive from this altar today, and go back to the daily grind tomorrow, lets try to remember our membership in this Kingdom. Whatever our daily cycle is, let’s try to always live in the truth, weather it be at work, at a bar with a friend, or in our private lives with our partners, loved ones, and friends. We live in a very tangible world right now, but it’s HOW we live in this world that’s going to gain us entry into Christ our King’s tangible Kingdom in heaven. Let’s live in that truth - and not allow our daily lives, or the opinion of others to allow a “missed connection” between us and Christ our King. God Bless You.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Isn't It Funny
As I sit here and write today's blog, I am looking at my suitcase packed and laying on my bed, ready to depart to Baltimore, where I will be Ordained a Deacon in the North American Old Catholic Church...the final step on my long and twisted road to the Priesthood. I cant help but let my mind wander and consider how I ended up here.
I can't help but think of the many people who have wandered in and out of my life, that effected my journey to this point. I think naturally of Father Bert, who first inspired me to pursue a Vocation to the Priesthood, and answer the call I felt in my heart. I think of the many priests in charge of my formation in Seminary...my Spiritual Director who has stood by my side, and heard countless confessions from me in the last 10 years. Naturally I can't help but think of those tough times in Seminary too. The days when I considered ditching the whole thing, because I couldn't see the light at the end of the tunnel anymore.
Upon leaving I entered the world of the Bartender, a total and complete contrast to the life I had formally lived. I have served countless drinks to countless people. Some of whom brought out the priest in me, some became dear friends, come became lovers, and some were just nameless faces who I will never see again. In the years since I left, life started to become confusing, and seemingly empty, until when the time was right, things finally came together.
Thanksgiving is coming up and everybody starts to take stock. We all begin to evaluate our lives, and naturally begin to think about the many blessings we have in our lives. We acknowledge the wonderful gifts we sometimes take for granted. I think above all I have to be honest that the things I am most thankful for is my friends. It is my friends who have always forced me to be honest with myself, true to my values, and supportive of all the crazy ideas and pursuits I have come up with through the years.
In a few hours I will leave for Baltimore and on Sunday I will return a clergyman. All I can think of right now, is "isn't it funny", because when I got OFF the plane at TF Green five years ago, I never would have dreamed that I would someday see my dream become a reality. The events of the next few days are going to be the most significant in my life to date, only to be topped by when I am made a Priest, which will happen here in Providence, in full view of family and friends. I guess today all I can do is thank God, and my friends for the roles they have played...together...in bringing me to this day. Isn't it funny indeed....
I can't help but think of the many people who have wandered in and out of my life, that effected my journey to this point. I think naturally of Father Bert, who first inspired me to pursue a Vocation to the Priesthood, and answer the call I felt in my heart. I think of the many priests in charge of my formation in Seminary...my Spiritual Director who has stood by my side, and heard countless confessions from me in the last 10 years. Naturally I can't help but think of those tough times in Seminary too. The days when I considered ditching the whole thing, because I couldn't see the light at the end of the tunnel anymore.
Upon leaving I entered the world of the Bartender, a total and complete contrast to the life I had formally lived. I have served countless drinks to countless people. Some of whom brought out the priest in me, some became dear friends, come became lovers, and some were just nameless faces who I will never see again. In the years since I left, life started to become confusing, and seemingly empty, until when the time was right, things finally came together.
Thanksgiving is coming up and everybody starts to take stock. We all begin to evaluate our lives, and naturally begin to think about the many blessings we have in our lives. We acknowledge the wonderful gifts we sometimes take for granted. I think above all I have to be honest that the things I am most thankful for is my friends. It is my friends who have always forced me to be honest with myself, true to my values, and supportive of all the crazy ideas and pursuits I have come up with through the years.
In a few hours I will leave for Baltimore and on Sunday I will return a clergyman. All I can think of right now, is "isn't it funny", because when I got OFF the plane at TF Green five years ago, I never would have dreamed that I would someday see my dream become a reality. The events of the next few days are going to be the most significant in my life to date, only to be topped by when I am made a Priest, which will happen here in Providence, in full view of family and friends. I guess today all I can do is thank God, and my friends for the roles they have played...together...in bringing me to this day. Isn't it funny indeed....
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