tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38954879737842246952024-03-13T16:39:49.803-04:00Deacon Jerry's WordsHomilies for the Sundays of the Years A, B and CDeacon Jerry Franzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06102823605373349116noreply@blogger.comBlogger104125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3895487973784224695.post-73521725060790517462024-03-13T16:39:00.000-04:002024-03-13T16:39:18.216-04:00HOMILY – 4th SUNDAY IN LENT – YEAR B<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">By Deacon Jerry Franzen <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cathedral <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>3/10/24<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">2 Chronicles 36: 14-16, 19-23<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ephesians 2:4-10<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John 3: 14-21</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Praised Be Jesus Christ. Good Morning!</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">When I have asked engaged couples in Marriage
Preparation,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">if they
love each other, they say that they do with an attitude of </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“Well,
isn’t that a given?”</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">When I ask them what love means to them,</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> they
have trouble verbalizing just what love is.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">The various ways we use the term “love”</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> may lead
to a confused idea of what love is.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I love raspberry chocolate chip ice cream.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I love being part of the Serra Club for vocations.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I love my therapist who helps me to be calm and
focused.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I love my wife. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you see what I mean?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">*One night a man decided to show his wife how much he
loved her.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">After dinner he recited romantic poetry, t</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">elling
her he would climb high mountains,</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">swim
wide oceans, cross deserts in the burning heat of the day, </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">and
even sit at her window</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">and sing love songs to her </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">in
the moonlight, all just to be near her.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">After listening to him try to describe his immense
love for her,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">she ended the conversation when she asked, </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“But
will you take out the trash for me?”</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">LOVE is is a
theme throughout the three readings of today.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">In the first reading, we heard about how God loved</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>his sinful
people so much that he sent prophets to them<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> e</span>arly
and often, in an attempt to change them.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Eventually God became angry and let the Israelites’enemies<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>burn
the temple and take the survivors away as slaves.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">After a long captivity, the Lord, who LOVED them so, </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">inspired the pagan King Cyrus</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">to release the Israelites and </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">to support the rebuilding of the
temple.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul praised God because
of His love<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">for him,
Paul, and for his brothers and sisters in Ephesus.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">It was this LOVE that raised them from the death of
sin</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> to life in Christ.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Paul says that grace, the result of God’s LOVE,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">is the
means by which we can be seated with Him in heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">My definition of grace is: the freely – given gift
from God that,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">with our
cooperation, can help us to become more like HIM. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">AND the selection from the third chapter of John’s
Gospel includes </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">this
famous verse 16:</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“For God so LOVEd the world that he gave his only Son, </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">so that
everyone</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">who believes in Him might not perish</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> but
might have eternal life.” </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">That verse has been described as the entire Bible in one
sentence.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Actually one can pick pretty much any reading from any
Mass </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">and
relate it to God’s love for us.</span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">II</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">So, let’s look a bit deeper into the word “LOVE” </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">and how God loves us.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">**The earliest known written version of the New
Testament<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>was
written in <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Greek,</span> not
English.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Ancient Greek had at least <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">four different words<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">for which the English translation is the word
"love."<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Each word expresses a <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">different facet of the word “love</span>.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">***1. Possibly the most basic word for love in Greek is
"<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">storge</span>" [STORE-gay].</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">C.S Lewis describes it as “affection.” </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">A hobby might be a good example.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“I just love growing house plants.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love to go fishing.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">2. The second Greek word for love is "<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">philia</span>" [FEEL-ee-yuh].<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">It describes a <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">bond</span> formed when two people share a <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">common interest
or ideal</span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">– a friendship.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">It is a bond based on a <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">conscious decision</span> to share one's interests </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">with
another person.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Someone might love the experience of a Prayer Group.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">This word is used by Jesus at the <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Last Supper</span>:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">"I shall no longer call you servants, because a
servant does not know <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">the master's
business; </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I call you friends…..”</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Now that they had learned much from Him, they shared
in His life. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">We are to be friends of Jesus, </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">to have
a personal relationship with Him.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">3. The third<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> </span>Greek word for love is <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">"eros" </span>[AIR-ohss].<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">This is an attraction that leads to the kind of <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">passionate feeling<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">that
carries us away and fills us<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>with <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">intense emotions.</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Two people become <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">romantically involved and that carries over <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">to the physical love of husband and wife</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Jesus certainly loves us passionately.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">He sweated blood in the garden of Gethsemane over His
love for us. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">4. The <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">fourth
Greek word</span> for love <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">"agape"
</span>[ah-GAH-pay],</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">is used <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">far more frequently</span> in the Bible,
than the other three.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 6.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">This is the love that <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">focuses on doing good for others,</span></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> serving them no
matter</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 6.5in;"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">how </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I feel about them</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> or what I might get in return.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">This is <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">self-giving</span> love,
the essential love of <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Jesus,</span></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">not because doing so </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">filled him with ecstasy, </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">but because He wanted to save us.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">He wanted to <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">restore hope</span> to our sinful hearts<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">and <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">lead us back</span> from our sinful exile into His Father's house.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Agape” is the
word used in <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">today's Gospel: </span>”God
so loved the……”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">It is also the word used when Jesus gives his <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">New Commandment</span> at the Last
Supper:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">"Love
one another as I have loved you.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">When St. John in his First Letter writes, "<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">God is love</span>," </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“agape” is the word used.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">God is completely <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">focused</span> on our good, happiness and fulfillment.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">That's why he <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">created</span> us: not for <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">his</span> happiness, but for <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">ours</span>.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">That's why he <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">forgives</span> us as often as we need to be forgiven.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">That's why he <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">feeds</span> us with the Body and Blood of His Son.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">That's why he <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">carries our crosses with us</span>,</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> never leaving us to suffer alone.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">And since we were created <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">in God's image</span>, </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">we will find the fulfillment</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">that we yearn for</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> as we gradually learn to love </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">in this same Christ-like way.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">This is the type of love that is essential in a
married couple.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">God’s love for us is all of these aspects of love;</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">it is
affectionate, friendly, passionate and sacrificial.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">And our love for Him and others must be the same. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">II</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">On Feb. 21, 2018, one of the great
preachers of our day, </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">possibly the gre</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">atest,</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">was invited by
God to sit next to Him.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I certainly hope that Rev. Billy Graham is
now with Jesus<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">who
loved him so much that he gave His life for him.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">When Rev. Graham’s body lay in state in
the Capitol rotunda,</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> President
Trump</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">said that in essence Rev. Gram’s sermons </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">could
all be summarized as “God loves you!”</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Bishop Foys, near the end of his homily
at Confirmation,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">often
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>said to those who were to be confirmed,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“If you remember only one thing from
what I have said, </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">remember
that God loves you.”</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">That love for each of us is affectionate;</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> we
are His adopted children</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">That love is friendly; He sent His Son
to live among us<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">That love is passionate; t</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">hroughout
all of salvation history He has persistently</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">provided His children with a path to
salvation.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Certainly God’s love has been
sacrificial; </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">He
gave us His Son who suffered, died</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">and rose from the dead</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> for our salvation.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">In the three previous weeks of our <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Lenten penance</span>, we have been,</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">first,<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>
reminded of our need to seek the solace of the desert </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">to
consider our sinfulnesss,</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;">s</span>econd, reminded of how God wanted to wipe out
sin </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> with a great flood, </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">and then, last Sunday, r</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">eminded
us of the ways of our sin in the Ten Commandments.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">That all may have seemed like a lot of bad news; in a
way, it is.<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Today we are reminded that it is precisely <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">because </span>of those sins </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">and our selfishness</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">that Christ came to earth to save us.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">And that is certainly the Good
</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">News.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">This Sunday is called "<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Laetare Sunday</span>," </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">the Lent Sunday of Rejoicing.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">(That's the reason we wear festive rose-colored vestments today.)</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Today as Jesus <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">renews his unconditional love</span> for
us</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> in this holy Mass,</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">and especially as we
receive him</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> in Holy Communion, we must be “Eucharist”</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">and</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> thank him for His love.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">May we cooperate with God’s grace not
only to <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">experience</span> his
love,</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> but to share</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">that “agape” with others, especially those</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> who are still living in darkness.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">This week, may <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">our</span> active, Christ-like love</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> be
like a sunrise in the hearts
of others,</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">giving <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">them </span>hope and drawing them towards</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> the saving fountain God's grace.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">*Story taken from “1001 More Humorous Illustrations for Public Speaking”
by Michael Hodgin #789, p 277 Zondervan Pub. House,Grand Rapids MI 1998<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">***The division used in this homily is drawn
from C.S. Lewis's "The Four Loves" and the first part of Pope
Benedict's Encyclical Letter, "Deus caritas est."</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>Deacon Jerry Franzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06102823605373349116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3895487973784224695.post-12833333145717123772024-02-12T18:46:00.000-05:002024-02-12T18:46:16.767-05:00HOMILY FOR 6TH SUNDAY Ordinary Time -YEAR B<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Deacon Jerry Franzen<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>CATHEDRAL – FEBRUARY 11, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<h2>Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>1
Corinthians 10:31-11,1<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Mark 1:40-45</h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Praised Be Jesus <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Good Morning.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In recent weeks <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in the Gospel we have heard of healings by
Jesus:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Last week it was curing the
sick including St Peter’s mother-in-law<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">and driving out demons.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The week before it was, also,
driving out demons,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">and today
its the curing of a leper.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Three Gospel selections out
of four from St. Mark’s Gospel on </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">miraculous
signs and we haven’t even left </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">the first
chapter of St. Mark’s Gospel.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The second Chapter begins
with the healing of a paralytic.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It seems that from the
outset St. Mark wanted the community<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">that he wrote for to know that <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">1. Jesus was
the Son of God</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> because
He could do amazing things,</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">2. and that He
took on human form to cure people.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In the first reading, the
thirteenth chapter of Leviticus speaks to how
one</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> type of ill person seeking a healing should behave.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A suspected leper had to
travel to the Temple to meet with a priest<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">who had the final say on whether he truly had leprosy.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">If the priest judged that the
person truly had leprosy,</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> the leper had to</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> indicate his repentance by</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> wearing
shabby torn clothes, shaving his head</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> a</span>nd covering his beard.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He had to live away from the
community, </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">maybe partly because the</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">people thought his condition</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> might
be contagious,</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">but mostly
because he was considered to be unclean.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He had to declare that he
was unclean<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">to ward off any that
approached him. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Why was a priest involved?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">In the Jewish community, in order for a person</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> to be a
member of the</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">worshipping community,</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> that
person must be clean and pure.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">The belief was that the body must be whole, not
diseased,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">in order to fully worship God.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">There were various circumstances which would make one
unclean.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">The priest made the judgment of whether the person was
<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">“clean”
and welcomed as part of the worshipping community<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">or “unclean” and have to live apart.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Leprosy, as we know it, probably did not exist in the
Mediterranean <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">region in
the time of Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">It is thought to have originated on the Indian
subcontinent<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">at
about 1200 AD.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">The word “leprosy” is of Greek origin and in that
language meant a skin</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">condition
that produces the scab, pustule or blotch</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> described in the first</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">reading.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">So the condition that this “leper” had is probably not</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> leprosy
as we know it.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">But I want to focus on the use the word “unclean.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Most think that this was the way the leper warned people
to stay <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>away</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> because this condition called
leprosy was contagious.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">That is true; leperosy as we know it is contagious,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">but that requires repeated contact over a period
of time.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">However, recall the parable of the Good Samaritan.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">A man was accosted by robbers who left him for dead.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Both a priest and a levite passed that man by,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">but the
Samaritan ministered to his needs.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">The actions of the priest and levite are explained as their
concern that,</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">if they touched the
injured man, who might have even<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>been<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>dead,</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">they would be declared “unclean” and</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> could
not worship with the community.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">According to Mosaic Law, touching a corpse</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> made the person “unclean.”</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">If an “unclean” person was cured, then he would have go
to a priest<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">to be
declared to be unclean, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>do whatever the
Law described<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>for
the</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">person’s purification <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and then be
declared</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> as
“purified” by the priest.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">So people had to avoid the lepers, not so much because</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> the condition was</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">contagious, but because the
disease was thought to
be bringing about the</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">death of the leper.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Contact with a person whose death was imminent<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">was apparently as bad a contact with a corpse.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>II</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">With His cure Jesus made it
such that the man could return</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>to his normal relationships with his community,</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> his family
and with his God.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He was no longer forced to
be an outcast.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Furthermore, it is important
to recognize that Jesus touched him.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The very act of one human
comforting another in touching<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">is supremely important in the ministry of Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It illustrates splendidly
why God took on our flesh,</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> walked the earth and</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">died our death </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">to be able to touch humankind, </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">to
restore our proper</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">relationship with God </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">and with others.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I see the “leper” in the
Gospel as a metaphor for us as sinners.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">When we sin, we weaken our
relationship with God.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Serious sin removes us far
from God.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sin also puts up a barrier
in our relationship with others.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">When we are in the state of
serious, that is mortal, sin, </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">we are separated</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">from the worshipping community, </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">because we cannot receive the</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Eucharist with the
others.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This healing, like so many
others that Jesus did, went beyond</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> the</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> physical to heal the relationships of the leper with
God</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> and with his</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> community. </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus can still touch us.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">There are a considerable number
of accounts in scripture<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>where Jesus touched
a person and the person was healed.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Last Sunday, we heard how
Jesus touched Peter’s mother-in-law –<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>took her hand, and she was cured of her fever.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">God has given us the
sacraments as the means by which</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Jesus can</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> continue to touch us. </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The sacrament of Penance, in
which the priest stands in for Jesus,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">is the means by which we can feel the cleansing touch of
Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It is a means by which we
can go back to zero</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> and be truly
“cleansed”</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">from our sin,</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> to be once again declared “clean” of all sin.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span>III</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Today’s Gospel reading is
not just a lesson</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> about what God has
done for us;</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>it can also be
a lesson on what we can do for others.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">If we do an about face</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> and move from being
in the role of the leper</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">to being a disciple of Jesus,</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> we
should be asking the question,</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Who do I consider to be “unclean” and "</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">how can I touch them to help</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> to make them “clean?”</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Who are the outcasts of today?
–<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>the homeless, the immigrants, the poor, the imprisoned, the addicts,</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">the unwed mothers,</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> the
criminals who have served their sentences.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">They are ostracized,
considered to be “unclean”</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> for one reason or
another.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We might tell our children,
our friends and ourselves</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> to stay away from some of them.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">BUT, might you hear some of
them saying to you,</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> as the leper did to
Jesus,</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“If you want
to, you can cure me.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“If you want to, you can help me.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As a follower of Jesus, what
is our response?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Is it “I will do it” as was
Jesus’ response or at least “I will help.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">or is it more like “Go away, I can’t do that?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Do we turn a deaf ear to
these cries for help?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">There is much that we can do
to help build in them<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">a relationship to God and His community.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">There are soup kitchens,
food pantries and homeless shelters to support</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">with contributions and volunteer activities.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">There are programs to help
immigrants to be acclimated<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">to our environment.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">There are agencies like the
St. Vincent de Paul Society,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Rose Garden Mission,
Mary Rose Mission,</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Care Net
and the New Hope</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Center, Welcome House,</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> a</span>nd Be Concerned.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We have Catholic Charities
in all of its various ministries.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">All of these serve the poor
and marginalized in a variety of ways.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">They can always use
contributions both material and monetary<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">AND volunteer help.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Efforts in jail ministry can
have a big effect on the imprisoned.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The same is true for programs
aimed at relieving persons</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>from the</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> scourge of addiction.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">People in these programs need
help to restore</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>their right
relationships</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">with their families, their friends,</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>their community and their God.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Lent, which is fast upon us,
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is an ideal time to<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">*“Listen to what God might
be saying to you<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">– <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(this is) the God who took our flesh and blood,</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>our mind and heart,</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">to begin making all relationships
right.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">* </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Taken from “Bring the
Homeless Poor into Your House?” in “To Be Just is to Love - Homilies for a
Church Renewing” by Walter J. Burghartd, Paulist Press New York NY 2001 p103</span><o:p style="font-size: 16pt;"></o:p></span></b></p>Deacon Jerry Franzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06102823605373349116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3895487973784224695.post-72432791335626227622024-02-11T14:56:00.000-05:002024-02-11T14:56:13.835-05:00HOMILY 2ND SUNDAY Ordinary Time -YEAR B Jerry Franzen Cathedral– JANUARY 12, 2024<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><h2><span style="font-size: large;">1 Samuel 3:3b-10,19 1 Corinthians 6:13c-15a, 17-20 John 1:35-42</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Two questions: “What are you
looking for?”</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> A</span>nd
“Rabbi, where are you staying?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
one invitation: “Come, and you will see.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>and according to St. John’s Gospel,</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> two followers of John the
Baptist,</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Andrew
and possibly John the Evangelist</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> became the first disciples of Jesus.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> I</span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Let’s look further into these
two questions and one invitation.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">1. Jesus asked the two, “What
are you looking for?”</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">John the Baptist had said,
referring to Jesus,</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> “Behold the Lamb of
God.”</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He was saying,<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“This is the one, the Savior, the Messiah.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">John the Baptist was telling
his disciples to follow along after Jesus,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">and two of his disciples were following Him. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus noticed them,</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> but he didn’t ask, “Why are you following me?”</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>or “What are you looking at?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He asked them, “WHAT are you
looking FOR?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Certainly Jesus knew what
they were about,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>but He wanted to
hear their answers.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">What were they looking for? <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I think that they were
looking for something to hold on to.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I think that they were
following Jesus,</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> because they were
looking for </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">hope </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">and the
Messiah was their hope.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The Baptist had identified
Jesus as the fulfillment of their hope.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Notice that they did not answer Jesus’
question,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">maybe they were afraid to express their hope</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> for fear of rejection.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A typical way to avoid
answering a question</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> is to reply with a question.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">They asked Him,“Rabbi, where
are you staying?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">While there is a variety of
ways</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> people have interpreted that question,</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>I prefer to think that they just wanted to know<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>where they had to go in order to be with
Jesus,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>to be His students, to learn</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> whether he
was really the fulfillment of their</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> hope.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">They didn’t ask about His
teachings;<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">they were ready to sample whatever He taught.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">There was hope that He was
the Savior, the Messiah.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">They may have thought that
where Jesus stayed and His lifestyle<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">would indicate what it might be like to be His students. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In southwestern Louisiana,
among the Cajun people,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">a person might come up to you and say, “Where ya at?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A person unfamiliar with the
Cajun culture might think,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Well I’m right here in front of you.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But when the Cajun asks,
“Where ya at?,”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">the local response is, “Fine, and hower you.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Where ya at?” is another
way of asking<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“How are things going?” which is not far from <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Where are you going?” Close to “Where are you?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">When Jesus was asked where
He was staying<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He did not give an answer but He gave an invitation.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Come and you will see.” An
invitation to follow Him.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It’s not “Come and I will
show you my house.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It was “Join me and you will
‘see’ that your hope will be fulfilled<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">and you will see
with the eyes of faith.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">So the original conversation
might be reinterpreted as:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus asking, “Are you
searching for hope?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The disciples respond, </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Teacher, we want to know if you are the Messiah</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>that will
fulfill our hope and bring us faith.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And Jesus says, “Join me in
what I do and you will have faith.” <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span>II</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">The word “disciple” means “follower.”</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“Follower,”not in the sense of “playing follow the
leader,”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">but
here “follower” means placing your faith in Jesus, <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">doing as Jesus would have us do, living
like Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">No true disciple of Jesus has ever found it to be
easy.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Peter is a prime example.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">When he stepped out of the boat on to the water,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">his faith
in Jesus was severely tested and it wavered. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">When he felt threatened just prior to Jesus’
crucifixion,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">he denied more than once that he even knew
Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">And it was only at the end of his life,</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> after
he had brought so many to </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Jesus,</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> that he fully understood what Jesus had
said:</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“If you want to follow me, take up your cross.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Peter was crucified; he really did take up his cross.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">No disciple of Jesus has ever found it to be easy.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German Lutheran pastor,</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">is a
good example of a more modern disciple.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">In 1939 he was in <st1:state w:st="on">New York</st1:state>,
but he decided to return<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">to his
native Germany and was there during World War II,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">because he felt that his place</span></b> <b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">was with his struggling fellow countrymen.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Like Peter, he felt the “cost of discipleship.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">He wrote a book with that title – “The Cost of
Discipleship.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">He was imprisoned for his anti-Hitler activities <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">and was
hanged in 1945 at the age of 39 </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">in a Nazi concentration camp</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">on
the charge of plotting to overthrow Hitler.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">No disciple of Jesus has ever found it to be easy.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span>III</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">So where are we in this picture?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">We have turned to Jesus like those
first disciples:</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>“Look
over there, the Lamb of God” </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">We have faith; we have welcomed Jesus
into our lives.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">We continue to come and see what it
is like to be a disciple.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">And why have we turned toward
Jesus?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Some would answer: “Because it is
what our families did for us.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">“Training
in the practices of the faith.”</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Some turn to Jesus, because He is a
protector from harm.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Some turn to Jesus, because He is
the great problem solver.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Some turn to Him either having
experienced a miracle</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">or
in the process of looking for one.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><o:p><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The genuine disciples keep turning
to Jesus</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">because they have been called.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">It begins with a sense of something
missing in life.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">We feel this sense of “What am I
looking for?”</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">We investigate by asking “Where should
I be staying?”</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">And ultimately we respond to the
invitation:</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;"> “Come and you will see.”</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Most of us have been raised
Christian, some have converted.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">We know that we can find security
in Jesus.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">We know that Jesus has all the
answers.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">But none of these explains why we
are ready</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">to
face the “Cost of discipleship” for Christ.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The real reason why disciples of
Jesus believe in him,</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>abide
in him, seek to bring others to him</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>AND are ready to suffer for him is
that Jesus called them.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">And Jesus has called each of us as
a disciple,</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">but
not directly by name like Samuel.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">We were called at our Baptism. </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Most of us were too young to know
that,</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">but we have since learned it.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Certainly we got that call without
deserving it.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The question is: Are we living it? </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">By God’s grace of Bapism, we first
turned to Jesus.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">That turning, that converson, is
not a one-shot affair;</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The call to conversion is
persistent, ceaseless.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the words from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Godspell:<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">“Let
me know you more clearly, love you more dearly,<o:p></o:p></span></b></i></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>follow you more nearly day by day.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></i></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">It’s not that we must always be
thinking of Jesus,</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">but
that we must always be thinking like Him.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">It’s not that we must be
reproducing what Jesus did,</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">but
reproducing the love which he showed for all.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">It’s not that we must be crucified like
Jesus with nails,</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">but
that we must be crucified</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;"> with
the anguish of the crosses </span></b></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">that </span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">we must bear.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">No true disciple of Jesus has ever found it to be easy.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><o:p><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Without the call to discipleship,</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">we
would be lost; there would be no hope.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">By how we answer the question,
“What are you looking for?”</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">we
should learn a good deal about ourselves.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">We should get a sense of how
convinced and passionate we are</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">about
our roles as disciples.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The question, “What are you looking
for?”</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">is in contrast to the one Jesus asked Peter</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="tab-stops: .5in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">after three years of his discipleship:
“Do you love me?”</span></b></p><br /><p></p>Deacon Jerry Franzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06102823605373349116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3895487973784224695.post-74732868648162820032023-12-11T19:54:00.000-05:002023-12-11T19:54:11.352-05:00HOMILY – SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT - Year B<p> </p><h1><span style="font-size: 16pt;">By Deacon Jerry Franzen<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>12/10/23
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cathedral</span></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Isaiah 40: 1-5, 5-9<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>2
Peter 3: 8-14<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mark 11:1-8<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Praised be Jesus Christ. Good Morning.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Last weekend the word was “Watch”, “Be alert.”</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Don’t be caught “off guard” when you meet the Lord</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> at your
death</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">so that you may be glorified</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> when
He is glorified at His second coming.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Today the buzz word is “Prepare.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Advent is a season of preparation, but it is much more<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">than
preparing for the celebration of Christmas.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">You have heard this before, but it bears repeating.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">We prepare by bringing Jesus more and more into our
lives.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Advent is ultimately aimed at our preparation for our<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">joining
with Jesus in everlasting life.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s also our
yearly reminder</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> that we
must prepare </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">for the final coming </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">of Jesus</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> by bringing Jesus </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">more into our
earthly lives</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> here
and now.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Saying it is easy, but how do we do it?</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> I</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">None of us can do it alone.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">The people of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place> had the prophets,</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">like Isaiah
and later John the Baptist.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">The people of the early church had the apostles, </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">especially
Peter,</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">as their leader</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and
Paul as the chief missionary.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">And we have had all of those and saints, doctors of
the Church,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">popes,
bishops, priests and lay people </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">as
examples of how to do just that</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> ever since.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">I am reminded of those around me, </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">who
have helped me</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">to welcome Jesus</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>more
and more into my life.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">My parents were primarily responsible for that</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>in my
early life.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">My wife, my children and my friends have taken over
now<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">in my
later life.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">But I can’t forget my teachers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here are a few from the many.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">My sixth grade teacher told my mother that I was lazy;<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">that teacher
thought that I would benefit</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>from
attending</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Latin</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">School</st1:placetype></st1:place>.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">I was challenged to grow, and it seems<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">that I
have thrived on challenge ever since.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">One can’t be lazy and be prepared; we must be diligent<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">in our
preparation to be with Jesus in eternal life.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">A high school Math teacher provided some of those
challenges<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">in the
form of quick recall questions like,</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>“What’s
a third plus a half?”</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">A quick answer of five-sixths was expected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">When I gave the wrong answer and tried to correct it
with, </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">“Oh, I
mean ......”</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">The teacher would simply reply,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">“Oh! Say
what you mean, and mean what you say.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Integrity is important in our preparation</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">for
being with Jesus in eternal life.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">A college English teacher was the first person<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">to teach
me how to write a research paper.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">The first step is to gather information on the topic.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">We need a lot of truthful information in our
preparation<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">for
being with Jesus in eternal life.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">We must always be seeking knowledge and learning<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">to
bring Jesus more into our lives.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">My college teacher of Physical Chemistry decided that,</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">with
only three senior students (me included) in the class,</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">it might be best if the students </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">took charge of teaching the material</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">to one another</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>by
presenting it in a seminar format.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Sharing how Jesus is in our lives helps each of us<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">to bring Jesus more into our own lives.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">And then there is my first spiritual director,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>who
listened to what was happening in my life,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>who
critiqued my first practice homilies,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> a</span>nd
commented on projects I undertook.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">She always helped me to keep focus by asking me,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">"Now,
where is God in all of this?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">God must be at the center of all that we do in
preparation.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Even though four of these teachers were not dealing<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">in
subjects related to faith, they each have had a part<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">in
helping me to bring Jesus more into my life.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Diligence, integrity, seeking knowledge, sharing our
faith<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">and
having our lives “God-centered.” <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Those
are important in our preparation. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">II</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Today’s reading from Isaiah leaves no room for
laziness.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">We are to make a straight highway through a wasteland<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> f</span>or our
God to enter into our lives,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">In some respects, we do live in that wasteland.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">We can become very complacent and lazy about our
sinfulness.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Advent is the time to straighten that path and</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>to
remove any obstacles.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">The Sacrament of Penance will be available as usual</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">on
Friday from noon -1:00 PM and on Saturday </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">from 3:00 PM-4:00 PM</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">including the
Friday and Saturday before Christmas.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Don’t
be lazy; St. Peter said in the second reading,</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">“Be eager to be found without spot or
blemish.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">There must be a correspondence between<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>what we
say and what we mean and then what we do?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Do we act as though we truly await </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">the
“new heavens and the new earth</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">in which righteousness dwells?”</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Advent is a
time to examine the integrity of the faith<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">we
profess to see if it corresponds to the faith we live.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">At the very beginning of St. Mark’s Gospel the author quoted</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">the prophet Isaiah of the Old
Testament.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">The author had been obviously schooled in the Old
Testament.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Knowledge of the truth of our faith can go a long way
toward<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">straightening
that path to Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">We must grow in knowledge by gathering the truth </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">from
what is out</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">there in scripture, in tradition</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and
in other spiritual writings.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">The “people of the whole Judean countryside </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">and all
of the inhabitants</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Jerusalem</st1:city></st1:place>”</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>were
sharing their faith in God’s mercy </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">as
they</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> acknowledged their sins and were baptized</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>by John.”</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Part of our preparation during Advent<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">can be
in sharing our faith with others.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">There is a community-wide element to our preparation;<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">WE
prepare just as the candidates and catechumens<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">also
prepare for Jesus to come to them.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Whatever you do, keep God at the center.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Talk to those around you, parents, children, relatives </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">about how and why God
sent his Son.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Let your friends know that God is important to you<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">and
that you pray to him.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Don’t be afraid to praise God. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Be sure to thank God every day.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Know that God has given you whatever is needed </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">to deal
with the worst.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Know that God is there in the midst of all you do.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">That whole first reading from the prophet Isaiah </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">is centered on God.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>III</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">God was there for me in those five teachers:</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">My sixth
grade teacher – Sr. Catherine David</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">of the Sisters of Charity of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Nazareth</st1:place></st1:city><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">My Math
teacher – Sister Evangelista of the Order of St. Benedict<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">My
English teacher – Sister Loretta Marie</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">of the Convent of Divine Providence<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">My
Chemistry teacher – Sister Rita Marie of the Sisters of Notre Dame<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">My first Spiritual Director – Sister Barbara Ann</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">of the Sisters of the Precious Blood.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">They each did so much for me</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>in my
continuing preparation for Jesus</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">to be in my life.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Many others like them, sisters and brothers,
in religious orders</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">have
done so much to help so many</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>to
welcome Jesus into their lives.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">They have done it as teachers, as hospital workers, </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">as
missionaries,</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">as administrators in schools and hospitals, in parishes as pastoral</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">associates and DRE’s,</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>as
advocates for the poor, as diocesan workers.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">It is no accident that these teachers, dear to me,</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">have
been included in this homily.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">On next Sunday, </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">the
collection for the Retirement Fund for the Religious</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">will take place.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">This is a yearly collection to provide funds for the
retirement </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">of sisters and brothers </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">who
have served the church so faithfully.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">They have dedicated their lives to God’s work;<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">many
now find that, because of the infirmity of old age, <span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">they must retire from their active ministry.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Since most of these sisters and brothers </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">were
paid little for their work,</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">their
orders did not have the opportunity to set aside<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">sufficient funds to provide
for their retirement.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">With so many sisters and brothers in retirement now<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">and
with the lower populations of younger members<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">to
bring in salaries to the orders, t</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">hese orders are in need</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">of our financial
help.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Please be generous in your support</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>for the Retirement Fund for the</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Religious next
weekend.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">By helping these sisters and
brothers to live out their lives</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">in their religious communities,</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>we
can help them</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">to continue to prepare for
the coming of Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>Deacon Jerry Franzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06102823605373349116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3895487973784224695.post-11955949838677202972022-11-01T21:11:00.001-04:002022-11-01T21:11:42.462-04:00<p> <b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Homily for the Feast of All Saints - Year C</span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Deacon Jerry Franzen
Cathedral November 1, 2022 </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14
1 John 3:1-3 Matthew 5:1-12</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Praise Be Jesus Christ. “Good Morning” </span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">The late Johnny Hart was famous as the originator of
the “BC”</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> and the “Wizard of Id” comic strips. </span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">He was known and occasionally criticized for the inclusion</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> of
Christian topics in his strips,</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> especially around Christian Holidays.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">His Easter Sunday strip was always Christian in
nature.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">And because it was in a Sunday paper,</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> it was always
a longer strip and in color.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">His last Easter Sunday BC strip in 2007 went something
like this:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">In frame one, there were the typical BC caveman</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> and a female
character.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">The man is dressed in a black caveman suit,</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> and the
woman is in blue.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">The man is standing near a fruit tree.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">He is saying to the woman, “I spilled fruit juice on
my suit.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">She replies, “Take it off and I will rinse it out for
you.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">In the second frame he says, “And be naked?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">She replies, “Silly, go behind that big rock.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">In the next frame, you see him with his head peering
up</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> from
behind the rock and she has waded with his outfit</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> into a body of water to rinse it.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">You see a red color in the water off to one side of
her.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">In the next frame, you see her up to her waist in the
water</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> rinsing
his suit, and the red color has spread</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> to being all around her.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Next, she pulls his suit out of the water and it is all
white.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">In the next frame, both the man and the woman are seen
dressed</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> in their wet clothes,</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> his all white and hers now white from
the waist down.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">In the last frame, which gives a broader view of the
scene,</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> one can
see the source of the red color in the water,</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> as a stream of red running down a hill</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> into the body of water.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">The two characters are standing on the shore and</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> looking
up at the top of the hill, which has three empty crosses,</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> and the source of the red stream is</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> at
the foot of the middle cross.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">I</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">The first reading today is taken from the Book of
Revelation.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">We don’t often have a reading the this book,</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> the last
book in the Bible.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">This book contains a description of events during the
end times.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">A man named John is identified as the author</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> at the
beginning of the book.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">This may or may not be John the Evangelist.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">The events are presented as a vision revealed to John
by Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">The truths of this Book are expressed symbolically. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">At the end of today’s selection we heard about John’s vision</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> of a
large number of people dressed in white robes.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">One of the elders said: </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">“These are the ones who have survived the time of
great distress; t</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">hey have washed their robes and made them white</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> in the
blood of the Lamb.”</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Who are these people in the white robes?</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">They are the saints, those in heaven at the Last
Judgment.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">They had survived the time of distress,</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> their
time on earth wherein they had to deal</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> with the effects of original sin, with temptation
and</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> the
distress of falling into sin.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">They had fallen to temptation as we all do,</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> but they
had died in the state of grace.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">The saints we celebrate in the Church are composed of
two types.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">There are those who have been declared saints by the Church, </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">because
they have been investigated and events in their lives</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> have led the Church to determine that
they most surely are in heaven with God.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">These saints have generally been honored</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> with
particular feast days in the Church calendar.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">They are only part of the great multitude seen in the
vision <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Today we celebrate these saints but also a much larger
portion</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> of that
great multitude:</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> all the rest of the souls in heaven</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> who
have not officially been brought forth</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> for recognition by the Church.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">They are saints too, those who have died in the state
of grace</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> and
have been released from the state of purgatory.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Since a “great multitude” was seen in the vision, </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">that is
a good sign that we can eventually be among them.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">And we don’t have to be associated with any miracles</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> or
suffer martyrdom to qualify for sainthood.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">All we have to do is, like the saints in the vision, </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">keep our robes washed clean in the blood of
the Lamb. </span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">We have to live a life where we aim to stay in the
state of grace.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Chances are that if we live a life aiming to stay in
the state of grace, </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">we will
die in the state of grace.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">If we don’t live that type of life, the</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> chances
are greater that we will die not in state of grace.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Again, what do we have to do?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Wash our robes in the blood of the Lamb, </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">when
they become stained by sin.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">II</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">When you were baptized you either wore or were given</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> a white
garment of some type to wear.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">After the cleansing waters of baptism, putting on that
white garment</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> symbolized
your new clean life, no stain from sin.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">That is much more meaningful to an adult being
baptized</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> than for
an infant who cannot commit or know sin.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">The prayer at the time of this clothing in a white
garment is;<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">“You have become a new creation </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">and
have clothed yourself in Christ.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">May this white garment be a sign of your Christian
dignity. </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">With your family and friends to help you by word and
example,</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> bring it
unstained into eternal life.”</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Recall that in this Easgter cartoon the red coloration
of the water.</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> that was
the blood of Christ, the Pascal Lamb .</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">And recall how that red color in the water</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> came from the cross of Christ.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">The little guy’s caveman garment was black with sin.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">He was standing next to a fruit tree,</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> and he
said that he had stained his suit with fruit juice.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">I wonder what kind of fruit tree that might have been.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Because he had to remove his garment,</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> he was
concerned about being naked.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Sound familiar?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">When the woman submerged his outfit in the red-stained
water </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">and raised
it, it was white,</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> as was the part of her outfit that was
submerged.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Easter is the day on which Christ completed the Pascal
Mystery, t</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">he Mystery of His dying by shedding
His Blood, </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">and rising in reparation for our sins.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">He shed his blood in order that we might wash</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> our stained white robes and cleanse ourselves
from sin.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">III</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">So what do we have to do to attain sainthood and join
this group</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> which we
celebrate today?</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Live a life as free as we can from sin.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Try to avoid staining that white robe of our baptism.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Be faithful to our baptismal promises.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">When we do commit sins and are distressed,</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> we know
that all we have to do to relieve that distress</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> is to express our sorrow to the priest</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> who
stands in for Christ in the sacrament of Penance. </span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">It is by Christ’s shedding of His blood for us that </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">our sorrow
is accepted by God and we are redeemed. </span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Our white robe is then again washed clean of any sin,</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> and we
are once again on our way to sainthood.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">To paraphrase today’s Psalm Response:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">“Lord, we are the people who longs to see your face.” <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"></span></b><p></p>Deacon Jerry Franzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06102823605373349116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3895487973784224695.post-66175659885365219842022-05-30T22:11:00.000-04:002022-05-30T22:11:46.975-04:00<p> <b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Memorial Day
2022</span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Homily by Deacon
Jerry Franzen <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cathedral <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>5/30/2022<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">1 Corinthians
11:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>23-26<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luke 23:39-43<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Praised be Jesus
Christ. Good Morning everyone.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Memorial Day was
established on May 30, 1868, <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">and was originally known as “Decoration
Day.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">It was an
opportunity to decorate many graves </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">of the over 600,000 men who died in
the Civil War.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">That was, by
far, our nation’s costliest war in terms of human life,</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">about 2 percent of the entire population.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">That would
translate into 6.5 million people of today’s population.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Now Memorial Day
honors all who have died in military service </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">to our country since its inception.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">But why should
we, as a nation and as Catholics,</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> remember something so grim?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">First, it is an
opportunity to pray for the dead,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">certainly an activity in which we all
should be involved.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">We needn’t know
of someone who died in service to this country<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">in order to pray for the repose of the
souls of those who did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p> I</o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">I have a story
of one special Navy Seal.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">In September
2006 three U.S. Navy SEALs and two Iraqi soldiers<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>were on a flat rooftop in Ramadi .<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Someone from
below lobbed a grenade onto the roof.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">It bounced off
Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael A. Monsoor’s chest, </span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">then clattered on the deck and he yelled, “Grenade!”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">He then made a
snap decision that would mark him for all time.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">He flung himself
onto the device, smothering it with his torso, </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">just in time to absorb the blast.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">The result was
predictable; he lived only 25 minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">His companions
escaped with only scratches and minor wounds.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Because of the
configuration of the rooftop, </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">only one of the five men</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">had a pathway
of escape, </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">had he chosen to use it.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">And, yes, that
was Michael Monsoor.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">For his
stunningly self-sacrificial action, </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">he received the Medal of Honor,</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">our nation’s highest military
honor, posthumously.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">The following is
written in his official Navy Summary of Action,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Monsoor’s actions that day could not
have been</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> more selfless or clearly more
intentional.”</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">We pray that he
may now rest in peace.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">For Christians
there can be another reason for this day.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Who else embodied
a perfect sacrifice that </span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">“could not have been more selfless</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> or clearly more intentional?”</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">The answer of
course: Jesus Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What Our Lord did to save us could not have
been </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">more selfless or more clearly
intentional.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p> II</o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">One of the most
important principles of our faith is anamnesis. </span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Anamnesis is the Greek
word which means to remember, </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">more literally it means, to unforget.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Anamnesis is an
important principle for our faith </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">because it is so easy to forget things.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">When faced with
temptation,</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> it is easy to forget the teachings of
Christ,</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">to forget our Christian
dignity, </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">to forget how much
God loves us,</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">to forget
that sin does not bring us t</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">he
happiness we are truly longing for. </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">When we forget
these things, our behavior, our attitude </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">and our morality suffer</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> - we risk the loss of our
soul, our humanity. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">The Catholic
Spanish Philosopher George Santayana quipped,</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">“Those
who forget the lessons of the past</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> are condemned to repeat it.”</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">What are the
lessons of the past that we should remember today? </span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Another Catholic
Philosopher, Edmund Burke, said,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">“The only thing necessary for the
triumph of evil </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">is for good men to do
nothing.”</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">The men and
women who we remember today, did something.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">They didn’t
merely wring their hands and watch evil triumph, </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">but they laid down their lives. </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">So, what ARE the
LESSONS of the past</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> that we should remember today? </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">How many times
did Michael Monsoor, a Catholic, hear the words<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Do this in memory of me” (</span></b><a href="http://www.usccb.org/bible/1corinthians/11" target="_blank"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #618dc1; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">1 Cor 11:24</span></b></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">)</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> at the end of the consecration?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">We just heard it
in the selection read from</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> St. Paul’s first letter to the
Corinthians.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">How deeply was
this piece of Scripture integrated into Monsoor’s</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> daily life,</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">and etched into his mind
and his memory?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Jesus uttered
these words at the Last Supper,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">just before His own stunningly
self-sacrificial </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">action on the cross.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Did Monsoor make
this profound connection? Don’t know.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Certainly those
who survived the rooftop blast </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">would not forget Monsoor’s sacrifice.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Their very lives
are a testament to what he did to save them.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Likewise, the Church’s entire
devotional life is about remembering </span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">—
calling to mind some aspect of the paschal mystery,</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">meditating upon it, being present to
it, </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">making it present
to us.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Each time we
devoutly pray the Rosary</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> or walk the Stations of the Cross, for
example,</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">we are stirring into fresh
awareness</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> what Jesus did to
save us.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">At Mass, Christ’s
sacrifice is actually made present to us.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Our faith is fed
by remembering, calling to mind, </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">what Jesus specifically did.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span> </span><span> III </span><br /></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Every Mass is an
anamnesis.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Listen at all of the Mass, but especially at the end of the<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>consecration
of the bread<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">into Jesus’ sacred
Body </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">and at the end of the
consecration of the wine</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">into His precious Blood
for some form of </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">“Do this in memory of me.”</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">There is a
special part of every Mass </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">actually called the “anamnesis:</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">it always comes right after the
consecration.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">In Eucharistic
Prayer #1 the words are these:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">“Therefore, O
Lord, as WE celebrate the MEMORIAL </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">of
the blessed Passion,</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">the Resurrection from the dead,</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> and the glorious Ascension
into heaven</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">of Christ, your
Son, out Lord…”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">In Eucharistic
Prayer #3, the one most commonly used, </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">it goes like this:</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">”Therefore, O
Lord, as WE celebrate the MEMORIAL<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">of the saving Passion of your Son, His
wondrous Resurrection</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> and Ascension into heaven</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> as we </span>look
forward to His second coming…..”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">The anamnesis in
Eucharistic Prayers # 2 and #4<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">and in the 2 Eucharistic Prayers for
Reconciliation are similar.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">We celebrate not
just A Memorial at each Mass,</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> but THE MEMORIAL at each Mass.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">One might say
that each Mass is a Memorial D<u style="text-underline: double;">ay.</u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">The freedom and
salvation we know as Catholic Christians<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">are clearly traceable to a specific
choice made by a man </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">in sacrificing himself. </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Just as the SEALs </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">who escaped the otherwise-deadly blast
that day on the rooftop</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>are alive today because of a
specific choice</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> of
a man to sacrifice himself.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Memorial Day is
an opportunity, as a nation,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">to remember and appreciate those who
have died </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">so that we might live …
freely.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">The civil
blessings of stability, prosperity and freedom we enjoy<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> ar</span>e a testament to the price they
paid.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">As Catholics, we
remember those who have gone before</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> and pray for their souls.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Honoring the
fallen is important for us sinners</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> who tend to take our blessings for
granted.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">But maybe, most
important of all, Memorial Day </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">can help inspire us to the greatest
thing</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">of which we are capable, by
God’s grace: sacrificial love.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Love that sacrifices for the beloved is divine </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">and the only true love.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">In remembering
what Our Lord did, </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">what all His saints have done in
memory of Him,</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">and what others such as
Michael Monsoor have done,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">we are reoriented
to what life is really all about.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">We are more
likely, in our turn, to love someone at our expense.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">At its best,
Memorial Day is a civil and military echo<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">of a profound theological truth: that
God, “who is love”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">sacrificed Himself so that we might live</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">And Our Lord
says to each of us: “Do this in memory of Me.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Make your love
of God and neighbor be this sacrificial love<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">and that you do it as a memorial to
Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Base on a homily
by Fr. Curtiss Dwyer, a priest of the Archdiocese of Denver,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a U.S. Navy chaplain assigned to the Marines
in Quantico, Virginia. </span></b><a href="https://www.catholicsun.org/2018/05/24/do-this-in-memory-of-me-a-catholic-reflection-on-memorial-day/"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">https://www.catholicsun.org/2018/05/24/do-this-in-memory-of-me-a-catholic-reflection-on-memorial-day/</span></b></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"></span></b><p></p>Deacon Jerry Franzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06102823605373349116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3895487973784224695.post-10670806465383758622022-05-30T21:37:00.000-04:002022-05-30T21:37:21.034-04:00<p> <b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">HOMILY
FOR 6<sup>TH</sup> SUNDAY EASTER - YEAR
C</span></b></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">By
Deacon Jerry Franzen <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Cathedral <span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>5/222022<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Acts
15:1-2, 22-29<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John 14: 23-29<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Praised
be Jesus Christ! Good Morning!</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Under
our great window we find sixteen men depicted </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">in small windows, each one having</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">some special connection to
the Blessed Virgin Mary.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
fourth little window in from the right end is St. Thomas.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He
is St. Thomas Becket, who was martyred </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">as the Archbishop of Canterbury</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">by the henchmen of Henry II,
the King of England.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">St.
Thomas’ martyrdom is the subject of the play, </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Murder in the Cathedral” by T.S.
Elliot.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In
the play, St. Thomas delivers a homily on Christmas day.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In
the homily, Becket asked the following question, <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“
Does it seem strange to you that the angels<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">should have announced Peace, when
ceaselessly<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">the world has been stricken
with War?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Does
it seem to you that the angelic voices were mistaken,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">and that the promise was a
disappointment </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">and a cheat?”</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It
seems that the promise of peace</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> routinely clashes with reality.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We
still hear of minor skirmishes between the Israelis </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">and
the Palestinians</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> in the Middle East.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">There
are hot spots in Africa,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">a stalemate in Korea, concerns about
China and Taiwan<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">and a full-fledged war in
Ukraine.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We
even have conflicts in our own streets and establishments. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Yet today we heard Jesus make a simple promise:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Peace, I leave with you; my peace I
give to you.” <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">If
you are having trouble finding the fulfillment<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">of the promise of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus’ peace, it is understandable.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Even
scripture can be a paradox; some say a contradiction.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In
today’s Gospel selection Jesus told his disciples<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">that He will leave them, actually be
killed </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">and still He promised them H</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">is peace.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Now
that we have relaxed </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">some of the restrictions of the pandemic,</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">we offer each other a sign of
peace; </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">but
where is the peace?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Is
peace really possible, or is it just one of those<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“easy to say” words that helps us to
forget<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">that the world of blood and tears is still out
there</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">and that a war of passions and fears</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> is still
inside us as well?</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> II</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">What
is this peace of Christ? Where is this
peace?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">If
we are having trouble recognizing the peace of Christ,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">maybe that is because Christ’s peace
is different<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">What
would make the peace of Christ different?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">For
that answer we must start in the Old Testament.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
concept of “Biblical peace” is so rich in content<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">that no single English word can be
used to express it well.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Peace”
in the Old Testament meant:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Things are going well with you.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>You are happy. You feel secure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have friends.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>You have a fruitful land.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>You eat your fill and sleep without
fear.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>You multiply your progeny<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and triumph over your enemies.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">For
the Israelite people, being in a right relationship with God</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">topped the list of peaceful situations.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In
a word, peace was salvation.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">That
is the saving peace that Jesus proclaimed.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In
Luke’s Gospel, Jesus tells the sinful woman<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">after she washed his feet with her
tears </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">that she can now “go in
peace.”</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As
the disciples were sent out, they were to greet people with </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"Peace to this house.”</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And
in Acts, Peter preaches:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“You
know the word which God sent to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">preaching the Good news of peace through
Jesus Christ.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Peace
is resting in Christ, the greeting of salvation, </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">the Good news of the Gospel.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And
to the Colossians St. Paul wrote:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Through
Jesus, God was pleased to reconcile to Himself<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">all things…making peace by
the blood of the cross.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It
is the peace that is one of “the fruits of the Spirit,”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> <span> </span></span>the peace that surpasses all understanding,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>the peace that endures stress and
tribulation,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>the peace that will keep our hearts
and minds</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> in Christ Jesus.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
God of peace is the God who saves;<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">a heart at peace is a heart one with
God in Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">III</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">So
peace is:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>a cease fire or a treaty,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>a warm hug or a friendly handshake<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>a sleeping child,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>a boom box with the speakers
disconnected.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Peace
is the end of a rough day,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>the ending of the school year,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>a walk in the woods or on the beach,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Peace
is a cold beer with your feet up on a hot day,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>or it can be simply an hour without
pain?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">These
are all phrases that we might use to describe peace.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">However,
the peace that Christ has left us is so much deeper </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">than any or all of these.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It’s
a peace that the world cannot give.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It’s
the presence of God within us, </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">our communion with the Trinity.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It
is our reconciliation with God through Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
peace of Christ is the presence of Christ within us, </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">in all that we say and do.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This
peace doesn’t mean </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">that we will not encounter distress
and tribulation.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">God
did not promise us a rose garden here on earth.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Our
courage to survive, to overcome, to endure</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">rests in the fact that Jesus Christ ,
who is our peace,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">has broken the chains of sin
and death,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">not by the force of
power, </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">but by
surrender to love.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Our
part is not just a matter of clutching the peace of Christ </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">as Linus’ would his blanket</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">and enduring the difficulties
with a stiff upper lip.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">No,
the very life of Christ, the peace of the risen Lord,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">flows through us like another bloodstream.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Through
the peace of Christ, indeed like Christ,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">we conquer the world by the force of
faith,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">by living our faith, by
loving in our faith, </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">by being crucified
in our faith.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Am
I asking you </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">to bring together the Israelis and
Palestinians? No.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Am
I asking you to step in and stop the conflict in Ukraine?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Or
to stop the conflict between Pro Choice and Pro Life?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">No!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I am asking:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">What wars have you ended in your
backyard, or</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> in your family room?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">What mines of envy and hate </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">have you defused in your
office corridor?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Who hurts less because you love more?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Who hurts more because you love less?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Who was depressed but has come alive
at your touch?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Is anyone more free to act</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> because you swallowed your
pride?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Who, hungry for food or affection, is
fed by your faith? <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Who, thirsting for justice, </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">feels
satisfied by your presence?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Who experiences God’s absence </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">and finds the image of God on
your face?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We
open our hearts and, ironically, </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">then we experience the peace of Christ
there.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Want
to experience the peace of Christ?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Glow with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Share it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Give it away.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">When
I invite everyone to exchange the sign of peace <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">later at this Mass, let it be a wish</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> for freedom from war and
anxiety,</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">for health and harmony, </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">for well being in every way.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But,
over and above all these things, </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">realize what a Christian, nourished by
Scripture,</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">wishes by simply saying “the peace
of Christ:”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">That
might be something like this:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“With
all my heart, I pray that you will receive<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">the salvation God took flesh to bring, </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">the
redemption from sin</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> that Christ bought
with his blood,</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
wish you the grace of God that is the beginning of glory,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">that is the eternal life here and now.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
wish you deeper and deeper openness with God.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
pray that you will feel the peace of Christ<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>To make your spirit spin,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>To make your blood run thin,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>To make your very pulse to create a
din, <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>To make your flesh to melt inside your
skin,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>To make you realize that heaven is not
up<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>but within.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This
is the peace of Christ we will wish for each other,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The peace of Christ we will receive in
the Eucharist,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>And the peace of Christ</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> which we will carry with us as we leave. </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 8.0pt;">Based on “Peace L eave to
You by Walter J. Burghardt, S.J. in “Sir, We would Like to See Jesus – Homilies
from a Hilltop”</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 8.0pt;">Paulist Press, <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">New York</st1:place></st1:state>, 1982 pp 75-79<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></b><p></p>Deacon Jerry Franzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06102823605373349116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3895487973784224695.post-86351604785883238932021-10-19T16:15:00.000-04:002021-10-19T16:15:38.899-04:00Homily – 29th Sunday – Year B October 17, 2021<p><b><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">By Deacon Jerry Franzen, Cathedral October 17, 2021</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">Isaiah 53:10-11<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hebrews 4:14-16<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Mark 10:35
- 45<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;"><br /></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">Praised Be Jesus Christ. Good Afternoon!</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">Four weekends ago I was at this very lecturn<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">at the
7:30 am and 5;30 pm Masses introducing my homily<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">by
describing how Jesus’ disciples<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">were
arguing about who among them was the greatest,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">as
found in Chapter 9 of St. Mark’s Gospel.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">I imagined that they each wanted a top position in
Jesus’ administration,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">when He
was victorious and had freed the Israelite nation<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">from
Roman oppression.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">That is what they thought the mission of Jesus was.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">Jesus had tried to tell them of the kind of Messiah he
was:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">that he
had been sent by the Father to redeem them from their sins.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">He would have to suffer, die and rise from the dead<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">in
order to accomplish that mission.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">He told them that if they wanted to be first, they had
to be the servant,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">yes,
even the slave, to all.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">And, I described how the same is true for us.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">I described how being the slave to all means imitating
Jesus,</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">and
that means being obedient to the laws of God<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">and the teachings of Jesus and the Church.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">It also means being humble, being the person God meant
you to be.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">And it means death, dying to ourselves in favor of
others.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">It appears that I could repeat that homily,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">for today’s
selection from St. Mark’s Gospel, Chapter 10.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">The disciples, at least James and John, still had not
gotten the message</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;">a</span>bout the true
nature of Jesus as the Messiah;<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">maybe
they didn’t want to hear the true message.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">It seems that they were still thinking that<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">Jesus
would be the military hero to free them,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">and
that there would be positions of importance </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">under
His rule.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">It seems that the disciples did not know Jesus well
enough<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">to
understand many of His “hard” sayings.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">He reminded them again that if they were to be great
among themselves,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">they
would be the servant.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">If they were to be first, they would be the slave to
all. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">Maybe they only heard what they wanted to hear.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">Certainly they got to know Jesus better as they served
Him<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">after
His resurrection and ascension.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">We, too, can get to know Jesus better as we serve Him,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">and we
serve Jesus by serving his people.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">October is Respect Life month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">How do we serve the unborn, the most vulnerable of
God’s people? <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">Let’s review what we are talking about here.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">We are faced with a large number of people who think
that because of a</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">decision by the
Supreme Court almost 50 years ago,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">women have a right to an abortion at any stage<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">of
a pregnancy under the guise that women<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">have
a right to health care.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">Certainly, pregnant women have a right to health care<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">so as
to promote the health of the mother and the baby<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">within
the womb.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">All women should have the right to health care.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">But pregnancy is not a disease to be cured<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">by
removing the baby from the womb.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">I do not see abortion as health care.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">Fifty years ago there was much confusion<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">about
when the life of a baby began.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">Some thought that life began at the moment of birth
and<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">many
find it convenient to continue to believe that today.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">They want to believe that the baby in the womb is not
a human being,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">just a “clump
of cells”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">that
can be removed at the convenience of the mother. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">With the scientific advances over the past 50 years,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">most
medical and biological professionals now agree<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">that
life begins at conception.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>II</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">So how can we be the servant, a slave, to the unborn?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">I will use the three criteria I used four weeks ago:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">obedience,
humility and death.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;"><br /></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">1. We must be obedient to the commandments.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">Almost all societies regard murder, “as the unlawful
killing<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">of a
human being with malice.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">Many will argue that the right to an abortion in this
country<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">has made
the killing of a baby in the womb lawful.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">Whether that is true or not, there the higher law:
“Thou shall not kill.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">That is the law that we must obey.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">Most people who are ProChoice will NOT argue against the
truth of the </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">ProLife message that
abortion is the taking of a life<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">which
began at conception.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">They prefer to attack the ProLife messengers saying <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">that
they are trying to prevent a women’s right to health care. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">The truth about abortion is that it is terminating a
life<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">which
began at conception and it is morally evil.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2. Secondly, we
must be humble.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">Last month I defined humility as being the person God
meant you to be.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">Women have received the ability and privilege to
nurture a baby<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">in the
womb until it is ready for birth.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">That is what God intended a pregnant woman to do, and
in humility,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">that is
what a pregnant woman should do according to God’s plan.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">So in order be the slave to that child, the mother
must do everything<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">she
can, and all that her body is designed to do,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">to
nurture that baby developing within her womb.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">That is what God planned for mothers.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">3. And thirdly, the mother must die to herself.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">She must put
the needs of that child above any of her needs.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">Rather than kill that baby in her womb, the mother
must die to herself<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">and to
her desires in love for that baby.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">Abortion is the taking of an innocent life,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">it is
contrary to God’s plan for impregnated women<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">and
it is contrary to the teachings of Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">St. Mother Theresa of Calcutta, who is the shining
example of a person</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">who was the
servant to all that she met said the following:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">“Any country that accepts abortion is
not teaching its people to love, but to use violence to get what they want.
That is why the greatest destroyer of love and peace is abortion.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">One might say,</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">“What
if I do not believe in God or the teachings of Jesus?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">My response would be the following:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">Do you believe that murder is wrong?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">Is the killing of a one day old baby wrong?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">Consider mothers who had brought babies to birth and
then decided<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">that
this was a mistake, too inconvenient to raise this child,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">Suppose that they were then given the right to just
abandon those babies, <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>let </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">them die,
within the first month of the life of the child.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">Would that be wrong?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">I would hope that most would say “Yes” to all those
questions<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">without
any need to rely on Christian teaching or a belief in God.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;"><o:p> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span></o:p></span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">III</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">What can those of us who have no possibility of
becoming pregnant do?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">Just shame those who have had an abortion?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">That was the thought of one woman as to why<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">the
Church teaches that abortion is immoral,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">to
shame those women who have had an abortion,<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">those who have also been the victims of abortion.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">No! The Catholic Church is not about shaming people; <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">it is
about saving souls, about teaching the truth,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">so
as to keep people on the right path to salvation.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">So, what can we do?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">We can pray that there will be a change of heart in
this country.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">so that
abortion will be considered the evil which it is,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">the
taking of a human life.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">We can do this at ProLife Masses, participating in 40
days for Life,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">praying
at abortion clinics, praying the Rosary for Life or<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">just
praying in any way at any time..<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">Certainly we can observe and follow all of the laws<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">and truths
of the Church as good examples<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">of people who act morally.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">Thus we can be general witnesses to the truth of God’s
teachings.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">We can help people to realize that just because a
civil decision<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">deems
that we have a certain right to “something,”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">it
doesn’t mean that the “something” is morally good.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">We have the right to view pornography,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">but
that does not make pornography morally good.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">We can also support the efforts of organizations like
Care Net<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">and the
Rose Garden Mission as they encourage women <span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">with inconvenient pregnancies to not
abort the child,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">but
bring the baby to birth and for a possible adoption.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">We can promote Project Rachael,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">a
healing process for women who have had an abortion.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">See the bulletin for details.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">We can support ProLife candidates for public office.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">I am especially distressed by the politicians,
Catholic and non-Catholic,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">who say
that they believe that abortion is wrong,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">but
do not want to impose their beliefs on others.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">When politicians want to change the tax structure,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">they
justify the change by telling us that<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">they
<u>believe</u> that the change will work as they planned.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">Aren’t they attempting to impose their beliefs on the
people?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">Oh, but they mean religious beliefs.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">Now I get it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Church and state and all that.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">Life begins at conception; that is supported by
scientific facts.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">Murder is the taking an innocent human life.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">Abortion is equivalent to murder.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">Where is the religious belief in that simple
collection of statements?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">I will close with another quote from St. Mother Teresa
of Calcutta:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">"America needs no words from me to see</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;"> how
your decision in Roe v. Wade has deformed a great nation. The so-called right
to abortion has pitted mothers against their children and women against men. </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">It has sown violence and discord </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">at the
heart of the most intimate human relationships. </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">It has aggravated the derogation of the father's role </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">in an increasingly fatherless society. </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">It has portrayed the greatest of gifts -- a child --
as a competitor,</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;"> an
intrusion, and an inconvenience. I</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">t has nominally accorded mothers unfettered dominion over</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;"> the
independent lives of their physically dependent</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;"> sons
and daughters" </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">And, in granting this unconscionable power, </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">it has
exposed many women to unjust and selfish demands</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;"> from
their husbands or other sexual partners. </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">Human rights are not a privilege conferred by
government. </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">They are every human being's entitlement by virtue of
his humanity. </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">The right to life does not depend on, </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">and
must not be declared to be contingent on</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;"> the
pleasure of anyone else, not even a parent or a sovereign."</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Mother Teresa
-- "Notable and Quotable," Wall Street Journal, 2/25/94, p. A14)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>Deacon Jerry Franzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06102823605373349116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3895487973784224695.post-37694510611766712052020-12-17T21:31:00.000-05:002020-12-17T21:31:51.790-05:00HOMILY FOR 3RD SUNDAY OF ADVENT -YEAR B<p><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Deacon Jerry Franzen Cathedral – DECEMBER 13, 2020</span></b></p><div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11; 1 Thess 5:16-20; John 1:6-8, 19-28 <br /><br />“Praised Be Jesus Christ! Good Morning.<br />It’s Gaudete Sunday; “Gaudete” is Latin for “Rejoice!” <br />May you have a day filled with joy! <br /><br />A preacher was trying to aid some seminary students to <br />improve their preaching by helping them to match <br />their facial expressions to the topic of their preaching. <br />He told them to have a bright smile on their face, <br />or at least a pleasant expression, when preaching about heaven. <br />They could just have their normal facial expression, <br />if they were preaching about hell. <br />The idea was that it seems that most people <br />usually have less than joyful expressions on their faces. <br />It may be hard to tell these days with the masks. <br /><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">I once wrote a short article for the Messenger <br />about the Mustard Seed Community, <br />our diocesan charismatic prayer group. <br />I mentioned that we had monthly prayer meetings then <br />at St. Joseph Heights. <br />My directions to get to the meeting went something like this: <br /><br /> Take the entrance to Notre Dame Academy off Dixie Hwy. <br />Follow the road to the big parking lot; <br />take a parking space at the west end of the lot <br />and follow the people with a joyjul expression on their face. <br />Charismatic people are people who are filled with the Holy Spirit <br />and that makes them joyful in the Lord, <br />who came to earth as one of us for our salvation. <br />Unfortunately you are all wearing masks so it is difficult for me <br />to assess your expression. <br />Hopefully you see mine as at least hopeful. <br />because I will be preaching about heaven in a roundabout way. <br /><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>I <br /><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Christmas is getting closer. <br />Presents to get and to give. Joy Joy Joy. <br />Parties and family gatherings. Joy Joy Joy. <br />Carols to sing and favorite movies to watch. Joy Joy Joy. <br />We should all have that joyous look on our faces, <br />but our masks can hide the joyful expressions, if there are any. <br />For some of us the pandemic has dampened the joy <br />normally associated with our preparations for Christmas. <br />The joy of the anticipation of gatherings to share Christmas <br />has been curtailed; large gatherings are off limits.</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />But we just heard Isaiah say, “I rejoice heartily in the Lord. <br />In my God is the joy of my soul.” <br />Some would say, “Rejoice? What joy?” <br />When we hear St. Paul say, “Rejoice always.” <br />in his letter to the Thessalonians <br />some might say, “Always? Why, I can’t even get started.” <br />I get it; I am tired of always trying to remember to bring a mask, <br />let alone tired of wearing a mask. <br />It is a shame that we cannot get together to share Christmas <br />in various groups. <br /><br />I am tired of the disappointment of looking out at you <br />and seeing so many empty places in the pews. <br />I am embarrassed somewhat by the fact that I am here and <br />there are so many people who want to be with us <br />but can’t because of the danger of COVID-19. <br />I am tired of not being able to sing at Mass. <br />To many people this hardly seems like Gaudete Sunday. <br /><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>II <br /><br />Let’s go back and look at more of that sentence from Isaiah: <br />“I rejoice heartily in the Lord, <br />In my God is the joy of my soul; <br />For he has clothed me with the robe of salvation, <br />And wrapped me with the mantle of justice….” <br />Isaiah was preaching the joy that God will send a Savior, <br />He will be that robe of salvation for all people. <br />Maybe this reading was assigned to this Sunday to remind us <br />that the joy that we are anticipating is <br />the celebration of the anniversary of the One <br />that has opened the gates of heaven for us. <br />That joy of the coming of our Savior cannot be quenched <br />by some despicable virus. <br /><br />Likewise, St. Paul, in his letter to the Thessalonians, <br />began the first reading with: “Rejoice always.” <br />The reading ended with: <br />“May the God of peace make you perfectly holy <br />and may you entirely, spirit, soul, and body, <br />be preserved blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” <br />Jesus’ birthday anniversary is celebrated because <br />He is the One sent by the God of peace to instruct us <br />in perfect holiness and to preserve us as blameless <br />for the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. <br /><br />WOW! God did that for us – to make it possible for us <br />to be with Him in heaven, though we are all sinners. <br />Again, that is a joy that cannot be quenched <br />by some despicable virus. <br /><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> III <br /><br />True happiness that results in joy is not something we seek <br />so much as it is in a gift from God. <br />We may rest joyfully in the assurance of God’s love for us. <br />Isaiah rejoiced heartily in the Lord for he knew <br />that the Messiah was coming. <br />Christ is the spirit of God that was upon Isaiah. <br />Christ is the glad tidings, the healing, the freedom, <br />the salvation of which Isaiah spoke.. <br /><br />Christ is the gift we receive in the Word, in the priest, <br />in the assembly and in the sacrament at each Mass. <br />Jesus stood up in the temple <br />and read that very prophecy from Isaiah. <br />After he finished reading he said, <br />“Today that prophecy is fulfilled in your hearing.” <br />We should rejoice because the Savior has come. <br /><br />So, what is the character of your spirit this Advent? <br />Are you troubled because you may be restricted from finding <br />all the right gifts for friends and relatives? <br />Are you annoyed because you cannot gather for <br />all the usual holiday activities? <br />Someone once said that the letters J O Y stand for <br />Jesus, Others and You. <br />True joy lies in our interactions with Jesus and others. <br /><br />As I said earlier, “I get it.” <br />Our not being able to interact with others as well as we did in the past is the problem this Christmas. <br />Since that is a problem, may we then be able to focus more on <br />the our interaction with Jesus. <br /><br />If your only source of joy at this time is <br />through the usual holiday activities, that joy is fleeting. <br />You can’t on to hold it. It will escape you. <br />Joyfully thank God for the gift of His Son the Messiah, the Christ. <br />That joy will not be fleeting. <br /><br />Paul says, “Do not quench the spirit.” <br />Continual searching for joy among <br />the commercial aspects of Christmas quenches the spirit. <br />No despicable virus can quench the spirit of joy we receive, <br />when we realize what God, out of His love for us, has done. <br />Allow God’s gift of his Son to reign in your heart. <br /><br />The entrance antiphon for today, taken from <br />St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians is: <br />“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, <br />Rejoice! The Lord is near.” <br />The Psalm today was not a psalm; it was composed <br />of parts of the Magnificat, Mary’s joyful response <br />when her cousin Elizabeth affirmed that she, Mary, <br />would be the mother of the Savior. <br />Our response to the verses of the psalm was: <br />“My soul rejoices in my God.” So, “Gaudete, Rejoice!” <br />Rejoice because the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled today <br />in your hearing. <br />The Lord is near.</span></b></div>Deacon Jerry Franzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06102823605373349116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3895487973784224695.post-84362201951486269342020-10-18T21:38:00.000-04:002020-10-18T21:38:53.400-04:00<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">HOMILY FOR 29<sup>TH</sup>
SUNDAY ORDINARY TIME<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-YEAR A<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><b><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Deacon Jerry Franzen Cathedral – October 18, 2020 <br />Isaiah 45: 1, 4-6 Thessalonians 1:1-5b Matthew 22:15-21 <br /><br />Praised Be Jesus Christ. Good Morning.<br />"Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” <br />We just heard that at the end of today’s Gospel. <br />Jesus is saying that we have two responsibilities: <br />to follow Civil laws, for example paying our ta</span></b><b><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">xes </span></b><b><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">and to obey God’s law of love. </span></b><div><b><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br />Be sure that you vote; it is your God-given right to be free <br />to participate in the election of government officials and it is your civic duty. <br />You have a choice between two very different visions for the future of this country. <br />One of those visions seeks to remove all influence of religion from our system of government. <br />Voting might be considered as one part of “repaying to our current ‘Caesar’.” <br />Some have said that there are many issues and that we should look at all of the issues <br />and form our consciences on how we should vote depending on that conglomerate of issues. <br /><br />Take into account the enviromment, taxes, health care. etc. <br />You decide based on your weighting of those issues. <br />The inference is that a person should not be a single-issue voter. <br />You might want to read Fr. Ray Enzweiler’s article in the We Choose Life column of the most recent issue of the Messenger, a weekly publication of the Diocese of Covington, KY. <br />These days others say that you should consider only one issue, because you profess to believe in God as the author of all life and human life is sacred. <br />The taking of an innocent human life is a grave matter. <br />Let’s look at the treatment of the sanctity of life from both the religious and civic sides. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">I </span></b></div><br />On the side of giving to God what is His, we recognize that God is the author of all life. <br />He who gives life is the only one who can take it away. <br />We believe that abortion, the death penalty, euthanasia suicide and assisted suicide</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">are the taking of a life and not in self defense. <br />We believe these practices to be occasions of grave sin, and many Christians of other denominations share that belief. <br />Being the author of all life, only God can end it. <br />So, on the side of what we owe to God, we must come down on the side of being against abortion. <br />After all, God said, ”Thou shall not kill.” <br />Even atheists and members of non-Christian religions believe that the current laws against murder are just. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">II </span></b></div><br />Let’s move over to what I would call the civic side. <br />The Declaration of Independence, a civil document states: <br />“….. all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” <br />This, I believe, indicates that the founding fathers meant that all persons have been endowed by God with the unalienable right to life. <br />Abortion, the death penalty and assisted suicide are each a taking of a life, and each is abhorrent in its own right. <br />Those justices who controlled the decision on legalizing abortion seemed to not consider that abortion was the taking the life of a person. <br />They did not consider the baby in the womb to be a person nor did they consider that the baby had any constitutional rights. <br />The mother had rights , the baby did not. <br /><br />Some have described that baby as “just a glob of cells.” <br />Others have said that since it seemingly cannot survive outside of the womb, the baby in the womb is not an individual, not a PERSON. <br />I believe that it was Justice Kennedy who said that if it ever were established that the baby in the womb is legally a person, that would be the basis for overturning the Supreme Court decision making abortion legal. <br /><br />The fact that it has been shown that the baby in the womb has unique DNA distinct from the mother, supports the individuality of the baby. <br />It has been shown, through experiments, experiments that I would not condone, that an embryo in the right medium of nutrients outside of a womb can begin the process of its development. <br />The baby can begin development independent of the mother. <br /><br />The baby has its own heart beat at 6 weeks, and some say that there is evidence that the baby can feel pain at about 27 wks gestation. <br />Abby Johnson, who once worked in an abortion facility and is now a Pro-Life speaker, left the abortion industry after she observed in a sonogram the baby attempting of fight off the instruments used for the baby’s eventual abortion. <br />Furthermore a healthy pregnancy should not be terminated for the health of the mother; pregnancy is not an illness or a disease. <br /><br />And to say that this decision should be between the mother and her doctor and her clergyman is tantamount to saying that a mother could legally kill her baby after delivery because that, TOO, should be between her and her doctor and her clergyman. <br /><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">I believe that there is hope that eventually the civil authorities will come around to our way of thinking: abortion is the taking of the most innocent of human life and it is intrinsically wrong. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">III </span></b></div><br />On the more positive side: <br />We hope that information regarding abortion procedures, about pregnancy and about the Church’s teaching will better inform all mothers to choose life. <br />We hope that greater insight into the conception of life will lead to more conclusive evidence that life begins at conception. <br />We hope continuing investigations into what happens during a pregnancy will help to convert those who do not believe in the sanctity of life. <br />We hope that advances in medical techniques, such as sonograms, will convince more mothers that this truly is a person in the womb. <br />We hope that adoption procedures and greater access to them will encourage more mothers to choose birth for their babies and more families to be open to adoption. <br />We hope that more centers for free pre- and post- natal care will be established and utilized by mothers who are considering an abortion. <br />We hope that there will always be adequate resources available for these centers. <br /><br />And while I am speaking about hope, I would be remiss if I did not mention hope for those who have been part of or affected by an abortion: <br />Mothers who have had an abortion, <br />Fathers who have been affected by the abortion of a child they fathered, and even extended family members who have been affected. <br />All may feel some degree of despair as a result of this act. </span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Despair is the opposite of hope; it is hopelessness. <br />All involved must also know that there is hope for themselves – that our God is a forgiving God, a God whose mercy and compassion are infinite. <br /><br />The only unforgiveable sin is the rejection of God's mercy.<br />Project Rachel is a program available through the Pro Life Office of our diocese. <br />It is specifically designed to assist those affected by an abortion, especially the mothers who have had an abortion. <br />There is a separate program for fathers. <br /><br /> If you are in this situation, make an appointment to speak with one of the priests here at the Cathedral or at your home parish, or any priest in the diocese. <br />He will be the agent of God’s mercy for you and <br />put you in touch with our Pro Life Office if you wish. <br />You can also call the Pro Life Office directly, if you like. <br />With the mercy of our God, the love of the Lord Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit there will always be the possibility of a better tomorrow. <br />We are to repay God what belongs to Him; that will not change. <br /><br />In their greeting, Paul, Silvanus and Timothy told the Thessalonians to endure in hope. <br />We must have hope and continue to pray that what belongs to our substitute for Caesar will change. <br /></span></b><br /> </div>Deacon Jerry Franzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06102823605373349116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3895487973784224695.post-59414751052444655882020-09-14T14:37:00.000-04:002020-09-14T14:37:42.806-04:00<p> <b><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">HOMILY FOR 24<sup>TH</sup>
SUNDAY ORDINARY TIME -YEAR A</span></b></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Praised be Jesus Christ! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good Morning.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Last Sunday’s Gospel was about fraternal correction, </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">about
how, if someone has sinned against us, </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">we should confront that person,
admonish the sinner. I</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">t’s a spiritual work of mercy to help correct a fault
in another. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">It is one of our responsibilities to help a brother or
sister</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> to avoid
sin. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">We are to correct in a humble manner,</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> the one
who has offended us and thus offended God. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">In today’s Gospel reading, Peter asks Jesus about
forgiveness. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">The next steps after someone has sinned against us is</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> to
admonish that sinner and then</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> to forgive the offender. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Jesus emphasizes that we must forgive as many times as
we are hurt. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">The number 77 means a very large, an infinite, number
of times.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Sirach, in the first reading, says that clinging to
hatred, </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">and not forgiving an offender is a sin in
itself. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">He goes on to say that if we sin in this way,</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>who will forgive our sins? </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Jesus used a parable to reinforce the truth</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>that if
we do not forgive others,</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>we
can’t expect to be forgiven our sins by the Almighty.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">It seems that in two of today’s readings God wants us
to look</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>into our hearts<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>to examine our own attitude</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>toward forgiveness of those who have
offended us.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">I</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">*We have all been hurt by another, maybe physically,</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>but
more often emotionally. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Emotional hurts can linger for a long time. T</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">he offender could be someone who is close to us, </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">such as
a family member, a purported friend,</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>even a stranger or someone who is
openly hostile to us.</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">The offense could be major or minor. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">It could be an unfaithful spouse or a spreader of
damaging gossip.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">It is really very hard to forgive such a major hurt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">The hurt could be a minor item</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>such as
a person who criticizes our choice of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>friends,</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>our choice of political candidate, our clothes
etc. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Most of the time these minor hurts are relatively easy
to forgive. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">We may even get past them without revisiting the
situation. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">This is how God forgives; he gets past our sins. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">We express our sorrow and He wipes that sin from our
soul. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">God brings us back to “square one” with a “clean slate. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">It is as though He forgets about sins that are forgiven.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">We certainly have trouble getting past the major
hurts,</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and
even some minor hurts can just keep nagging at us. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">They linger, not even coming up for consideration for
forgiveness. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Resentment and looking for revenge feed this lingering. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">This resentment and the desire for revenge </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">can
actually replace the feeling of being hurt </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">and become the heavier baggage</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>that actually weights the
person down</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and keeps nagging at the person. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Forgiveness from the heart frees us from that baggage.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">II</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">In today’s parable there is an emphasis on “debt.” </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Jesus is likening the “debts” of the servants to our
debt for sin. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">The first step in our forgiving is to acknowledge that
God, NOT US, </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">is owed
what Jesus called the “debt.” </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">People who have been deliberately offended by another</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>think that
they are owed a kind of debt from the offender,</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>some kind of “compensation” to “make it
right.” T</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">his comes from the poor interpretation of “an eye for
an eye,”</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and
from our system of civil laws with punishments</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and monetary awards. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">We must remember that all sins are sins against God
first</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and
that any debt is owed to Him.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">It has been said that true forgiveness is a miracle;**</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>it
requires God’s intervention. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Remember Jesus came into the world, suffered and died
on the cross</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>so that
we might be free from the bonds of sinful tendencies. G</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">od chose to be a forgiving God, and we must emulate
Him. W</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">e must take our sins of refusal to forgive</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>to the
miracle of the cross. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">The cross can bring healing, because when we stand
before it,</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>we must
recognize our own guilt, our own sinfulness. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">We all owe a huge debt to God that none of us can hope
to pay.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">God is the Grand Forgiver of our debts; that is the Good
News. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">But there </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">is a condition; we will be forgiven by God</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>in the
measure that we forgive others. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Remember “Forgive us our trespasses</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>as we forgive those who trespass against us.”</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">By recognizing our own sinfulness and our need for
forgiveness,</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>we can forgive those who have sinned against
us. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">It is not easy. It may be the hardest part of
following Jesus.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">III</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">In these times of politicians hurling insults at each
other, </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">I
wonder how much forgiveness exists in that realm. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">In these times of violence in the streets, where is
the forgiveness? </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">What about racial tensions and intolerance between
classes, </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">who has
indicated any amount of forgiveness there? </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">These days anyone offended seems to want to extract
the debt</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>forever
and ever.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Recently the sportscaster Thom Brennaman uttered a
word </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">very hurtful
to the LGBTQ community; </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">the word was broadcast over the air at
a Reds game. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">He quickly apologized on the air and shortly
thereafter in print. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">He asked for forgiveness. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">He was indefinitely suspended from his position with
the Reds </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">and from
his position with the Fox Sports network. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">When I first heard about it, my thought was</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>he will
never be forgiven for that by those he offended. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">In the currently very contentious climate such
offences</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>are brought up again and again. P</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">eople were demanding actions that would ruin his
career,</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>whatever
that might be in the future. </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">I</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">n a subsequent article in the Cincinnati Enquirer,***</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>a prominent
leader in the LGBTQ community, Mr. Ryan Messer,</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>indicated how the group he represents
was hurt,</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>but
said that Thom should not be fired by the Reds,</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>that he should be given a second
chance to</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>redeem
himself. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Mr. Messer explained that he wanted good to come from
this. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">He said that there was no better place for Brenneman </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">to accomplish
this “good” than with the media crew </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">in the broadcast booth. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">He wanted this to turn into a learning opportunity</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>for
Brennaman and for others. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">He said that you have to start with grace in every
situation. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">I presume that by the term “grace” he meant</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>to treat Thom in a <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>genteel behavior. H</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">e probably didn’t mean “grace” as the gift from God,</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>although
we know that “grace” from God is also required.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">He meant that Brenneman should be allowed back in his
positions</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and, THERE
go through the process of transforming himself</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and others from persons who would use
such expressions to persons who respect all people</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and not use such hurtful expressions.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Maybe in this way Thom Brenneman</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>can be a channel of God’s grace for others. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Mr. Messer has proved me partially wrong </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">by at least advocating for forgiveness. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">If Thom Brennaman’s sorrow is sincere, </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">he has been forgiven by God. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">What I find interesting is that this approach further
connects </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“admonishing
the sinner” and “forgiveness.” </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Not only has this hurtful sin been called out, </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">an
attempt to help the sinner avoid the sin in the future,</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but the suggestion of this particular approach </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">to
forgiveness includes a clear pathway</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>to learn about the sin</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and
how to avoid that sin. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">That reverts back to the aim of admonishing the
sinner.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Certainly true forgiveness requires </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">that the
offended recognize his or her own faults first. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">These readings should prompt us to take this
opportunity </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">to
examine our own faults and attitudes toward forgiveness. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Let the fact that Jesus has cancelled our debt to God</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>be our
inspiration to forgive others,</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>not trying to hold them in any debt to
us.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">If we are having trouble with forgiving someone, </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">or
dealing with anything</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>that the Holy Spirit is calling us to do, </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">we might use the following short prayer: </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">It’s a modified from of a <a href="http://stmaryvalleybloom.org/homily-newyears.html">Prayer of Fr. Mychal Judge</a>, </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>who lost
his life ministering to the dead and injured</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>at the World Trade Center. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16pt;">This short prayer is:</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Holy
Spirit,</span></b></div><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16pt;">Take me where you want me to go,</span></b></div><span style="color: black; font-size: 16pt;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16pt;">Let me meet who you want me to meet,</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16pt;">Tell me what you want me to say, and keep me out of your way.”</span></b></div></span></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">* </span></b>Parts of this homily based on the
following: http://www.stmaryvalleybloom.org/homilyfor24thsunday-a.html<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">**<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"> Lewis B.
Smedes, "Forgiveness - The Power to Change the Past," <i>Christianity
Today</i>, 7 January 1983 </span><span style="color: black;">.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;">*** The Enquirer, September 4, 2020 Cincinnati.com Page 5A</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></b><p></p>Deacon Jerry Franzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06102823605373349116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3895487973784224695.post-86601090551452242422020-07-20T14:02:00.000-04:002020-07-20T14:02:19.211-04:00HOMILY FOR 16TH SUNDAY ORDINARY TIME - YEAR A<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Deacon Jerry Franzen
CATHEDRAL – JULY 19, 2020<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Wisdom 12:13, 16-19<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Romans 8: 26-27<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Matthew 13: 24-43<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Praised Be Jesus Christ. Good Morning</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">*A mother asked her daughter</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> if she would like an ice cream sundae.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The daughter replied, “No, I
would like it today.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We are not a very patient
society.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I have recently had two
stays in the hospital, </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">so I have learned,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">once again,</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> just why the person being treated is called a
patient.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We have become so accustomed
to instant gratification,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">everything at our fingertips when we want it or need it.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">**I also have heard that
patience is the ability<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">by which we can endure something<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">as long as it happens to the other fellow.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In these days of trial with
the coronavirus<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">it certainly can be hard to be patient.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Patience is one of the
fruits of the Holy Spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The fruits of the Spirit arise
in us and are to be used by us,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">for the good of the community.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">They are listed in St. Paul’s
letter to the Galatians (5:22-23),<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">and develop in us from the 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">which we receive at Baptism and<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">which are reinforced at our Confirmation. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Patience is at the heart of
the readings today.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h1 style="text-align: center;">
I</h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In today’s first reading
from the Book of Wisdom,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">we heard of God being addressed as “caring for all”,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">as master of all things and lenient to all.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Imagine what it would take
to be lenient to everyone,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">when one has power over all things, can do all things.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">God is very patience with our
shortcomings.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The reading goes on to say,</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> “..though God is the master of might,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He judges with clemency and governs with leniency.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">So God governs with leniency;
how are we governed?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We have the whole
establishment in Washington<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">and our state and local governments that work to rule us.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Supposedly their job is to try
to keep us on the path<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">that will be for our benefit here on earth.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Often I have trouble seeing
how all of the politics</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> is for our benefit.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We might stop right here and
ask:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Is it God who really governs what we do?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I know that our governor has
said that we must wear masks,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">and I hope
that his motives are driven<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">by what he sees as
our ultimate benefit, as our safety.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But do we consider that God
also tells us<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">that we must do everything we can</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">to keep our
brothers and sisters safe?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The reading goes on to say
that<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">God teaches that
those who are just must be kind.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Certainly God in His
teaching role must be patient<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">with us who are so slow to learn.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<h1 style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></h1>
<h1 style="text-align: center;">
II</h1>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Last week we
heard the parable of the person sowing seeds<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">on different types of soil.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus
explained the parable as the seed of faith<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">sown in the hearts<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>of persons with different dispositions</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">for that faith to grow
in their hearts.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Immediately
after that in Matthew’s Gospel,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus tells the parable we heard today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It’s again
about sowing seed but a different situation;<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">all of the good seed is sown in good soil,</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> where it can grow.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This would
represent those who receive the gift of faith<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">from God the “sower”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">and are in the process of
growing in that faith.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">That would
represent us.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The enemy then
sowed weed seed among the good seed.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The weed seeds
certainly must have looked to be harmless<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">at the beginning.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Eventually the
weed seedlings could be distinguished<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">from the good ones.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The devil has
sown evil within the world, we exist with it<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">and we learn to identify it.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The servants
wanted to pull up the weeds,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">but
the householder told the servants to be patient.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">They were to
let the good plants develop among the weeds<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">and to separate them<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">when they were easily
distinguished at the harvest.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">There was the
fear that puling the weeds<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">would result in pulling up the good
plants as well.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Again we hear
of God’s patience.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He wants our
faith to mature and be strengthened<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">for we will tested by the evil, the
weeds of the world.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">God knows that
there will be times in our lives<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">when our faith in Him may be weakened.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He wants to
give us time to work all of that out,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">to be fully grounded in our faith.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">III<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">THE Good News IS
that God is very patient with us.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He has all of
the power and might to punish us when we sin.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In fact, He
has the power to keep us from evil,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He could pull
the weeds out of our lives,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">but he wants US to make the decision against evil,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">to
choose good, to have our faith strengthened <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">as we deal with the obstacles</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> that come into our lives.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And if we
fail, he is always patiently there<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">to accept our sorrow, to grant our request for forgiveness.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">God will never get fed up
with us; He will never give up on us.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">That is why He sent His Son.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">God’s patience is very Good News for us!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It then follows that for us
to be more God-like,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">we must be patient, use this fruit of the Holy Spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">***A preacher tells the
following story about himself:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Three minutes had elapsed</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .5in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">since I had taken my seat at the lunch counter,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Waitresses passed me by;<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">two cooks and a bus boy took no notice of my presence.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">My ego was soothed only
because<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">the truck driver seated next to me was ignored as well.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">‘Maybe this counter is off
limits,’ I said to him.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">‘Maybe they are short of
help,’ he responded<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">‘Maybe they don’t want our
business,’ I said.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">‘Maybe they are taking care of
those at the tables,’<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>was his reply. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The hands on the clock
continued to move.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">‘Maybe they don’t like us,’
I insisted.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">‘The air conditioning feels
so good, I don’t mind waiting,’</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> he said.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">At this point a harried
waitress stopped to tell us<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">that the water had been shut off and there was</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> no way to
wash dishes.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The nameless truck driver
just smiled at me,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>thanked the waitress and left."<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The preacher then realized that
the truck driver was practicing<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>what, he, the preacher had been preaching. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Do we deal with others with
patience?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Do we make time and space
for the other side of the story?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Are we always upset when
someone is late?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Are we discouraged when we
or someone else<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>keeps making the
same mistake over and over?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We are all called to be
patient with others.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And what about
our patience with God?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">****A
speedboat driver described<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">what had happened to him in an
accident.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He was racing
when, in a turn, his speed and a wave combined <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">to flip his boat upside down in the
air<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">and
he was thrown down deep into the water -<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">so deep that he did not know<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">which
direction was toward the surface.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><b>He had to wait
for the </b></span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;"><b>buoyancy</b></span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><b> of his life vest<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">to overcome the downward force</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> and
set him upright under the water.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Then he could
swim to the surface.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sometimes we
find ourselves surrounded by confusing options,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">so deeply immersed in our problems</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">that
we do not know which way is up.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">When this
happens, we must just remain calm, have patience,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">and wait for God’s gentle tug to
pull us</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> in the right direction.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Our “life vest”
might be other Christians, Sacred Scripture,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">or some other leading of the Holy
Spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But the key is
to be patient with God;<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">recognize our dependency on Him</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> and
trust that He will guide us. </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Taken from “ 1001
More Humorous Illustrations for Public Speaking” by Michael Hodgin<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Zondervan, Grans Rapids, MI, 1998, p 239</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
** Taken from “The Awesome Book of Heavenly Humor” by Bob
Phillips, Harvest House , Eugene, OR 2003 p 145<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
**** Taken from “A World of Stories for Preachers and
Teachers” by William Bausch, Twenty Third Publications, Mystic, CT 1998 p350</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
**** Taken from “750 Engaging Illustrations for Preachers,
Teachers and Writers” from Craig Brian Larson and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Leadership Journal</i> Baker Books, Grand Rapids, MI 2007 p 391</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Deacon Jerry Franzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06102823605373349116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3895487973784224695.post-78596818537292794862019-08-18T21:38:00.000-04:002019-08-18T21:38:06.695-04:00HOMILY FOR 20TH SUNDAY of ORDINARY TIME YEAR C<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Deacon Jerry Franzen<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cathedral 8/19/07<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Jeremiah
38: 4-6, 8-10<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hebrews 12: 1-4<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Luke
12: 49-53<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Praised Be Jesus Christ<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good Morning (Afternoon, Evening)</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Today
we heard Jesus say that he came to set a fire<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">which he wished were already blazing.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Fire
is a vehicle for change, among other things.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">That
change came in the form of his being baptized in,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">being immersed in, his suffering and
death,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">which he wished had already
been accomplished.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">His
coming to earth would not bring peace to the people,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">the freedom from their struggles<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">that they thought a Messiah would bring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And
then he predicted that his immersion in the fire of the cross<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">would cause significant division.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And,
yes, that has come to be the case; we do have division.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We
hear a lot of rhetoric about division in the political realm.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
suffering , death and resurrection of Jesus<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">did not cause that rhetoric.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus
was probably referring to the division<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">between those who believed Him to be
the promised Messiah <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">and those who did not believe that someone<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">who would suffer that horrible death
could be the Messiah. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Also,
in St. John’s Gospel we hear Jesus say to His followers:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and drink his blood, you do not have life
within you.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Many
walked away declaring, “That is a hard saying.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">(John
6: 53, 60, 66)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In
effect, they were saying how can this man be the Messiah? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In
scripture we see many instances of division<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">between the Pharisees and the
teachings of Jesus<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Today
there remains division among <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the world’s
religions,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">even those that worship the same God of the
Old Testament.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">There
is even division among the Christian religions. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Catholic faith has much in common<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">with other Christian faiths, </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">but
there is one very fundamental element</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">that
yet divides us from the others.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus
is really present in the Eucharist which we receive.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Non-Catholic
Christians believe that what they do<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">when they have a Communion Service is
a symbol of<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">what Jesus did at the Last Supper.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Our
Mass IS what Jesus did at the Last Supper and on the cross.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He
makes Himself present and sacrifices Himself to the Father.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We
believe that validly ordained Catholic priests receive the gift,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">the Church uses the word “faculty”,<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>to stand in for Christ<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">as He, Christ, brings about the
change of bread and wine</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">into His Body and Blood and then
offers<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">them in sacrifice to the Father in the Mass.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Our
bishops and priests can trace their ministerial lineage<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">back through a succession of ordinations<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">back to the apostles who ordained
bishops</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> who ordained more
bishops</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">and so on
to the present ordinations of bishops.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And,
of course, the bishops have ordained all priests.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Ministers
ordained outside of the Catholic Church<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">cannot claim this Apostolic succession
to have the faculty<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">to be the earthly instrument
by which the miracle<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">of the Eucharist
occurs.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">So yes, Christ offering himself in
sacrifice to the Father<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">and the subsequent human disagreements of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the Reformation<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">have
brought about division among Christians.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">II<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="Top_of_Page"></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">How do we support our belief in the real
presence of Jesus<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">in the
Eucharist?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">In <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>both St. Mark’s
(14:22-24) and St. Matthew’s Gospels (26:26-29)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Jesus at the Last Supper <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>gave the apostles bread<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">and said “Take it; this is MY Body.” <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">They shared the cup and Jesus said “This is MY Blood</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">of the
covenant, which will be shed for many.”</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Jesus did not say this is a symbol of my Body </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">or a symbol of my Blood.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">The account in Luke’s Gospel is virtually the same
using the terms</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">"MY Body” and “MY
Blood,”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">with
the added command, “..do this in memory of me.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">How could the apostles do this, see to it that this would
continue,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">that
they would be able to do this in remembrance of Him</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">unless He granted
them that power to do this</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">and
the power to pass it on through ordination?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">St. Paul’s description of what he received from the
Lord<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">in I
Corinthians 11:23-26 combines these other accounts<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">and
is the main source of the words of consecration<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">used
in the Mass today<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">We believe that the bread and wine become<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">the Body and Blood of Christ when the priest
says,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“This is my Body…” and then “This is the Cup
of my Blood…<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">III<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Furthermore, there are divisions within the Catholic
faith also.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">You may have heard the bishop decry the polls<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">that
show that only about 20 percent of those self- identifying</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">as Catholics actually attend
the Sunday Mass regularly.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Wow, an opportunity to receive Jesus and they do not
attend!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I would think that if they believed in the real
presence,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">they
would figuratively move heaven and hell to get to Mass.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">My guess is that most of them do not believe<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">in the real presence of Jesus in the
Eucharist.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">In a recent video, Bishop Robert Barron<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">quoted
an even more disappointing statistic from a poll.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Only about 23% of those attending Mass regularly<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">believe
in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">The remaining 77% say that the Eucharist is only a
symbol of Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I was told that the percentage of believers in the
real presence<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">may
actually be somewhat higher than 23% due to the way<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">the
questions were worded in the survey.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Still I was appalled; why is it not 100%?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I makes me
wonder: “What are people learning?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">TheCatechism of the Catholic Church in paragraph 1376<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">states
the following from the Council of Trent in the year 1551:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“Because Christ our Redeemer said that it was truly
His Body that he was offering under the species of bread, it has always been
the conviction of the Church of God, and his holy Council now declares again,
that by the consecration of the bread and wine there takes place a change of
the whole substance of the bread into the substance of the Body of Christ our
Lord and the whole substance of the wine into the substance of His Blood.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">So yes, there is division within the Church today,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">division
within the Body of Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">It is a division which disheartens me.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">We have, first of all, Catholics who come to Mass
regularly<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">and
those who do not.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Some do not attend because they don’t get anything out
of it.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">They received Jesus within their bodies when they came
<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">and
didn’t get anything out of it?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">People should be eager to “get Jesus”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">to
welcome Him within their bodies, within their hearts.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">And then there are those who receive Jesus regularly,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">and
don’t really know that they are receiving Him.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">They think that what looks like a disc of unleavened
bread<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">is just
a symbol of Christ’s’ body.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">And what still looks like and tastes like wine</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">is just
a symbol of Christ’s blood.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I don’t know just where the Church has failed to teach<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">about
the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">or where parents have failed to pass
along<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">this very important element of our
faith.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">The online
Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “symbol” as: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“something that stands for or suggests something else
by reason of relationship, association, convention, or accidental resemblance </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><i>especially</i> : a visible sign of something
invisible</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">a lion (something visible) as a symbol for courage (something invisible).”</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Could it be that some think that what appears as bread
and wine <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>are just visible signs of the
invisible Body and Blood of Jesus,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">because
they still look like bread and wine?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Maybe this is the problem!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">We, however, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>believe that by the miracle of the Eucharist,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">the
Body and Blood of Christ are right there clearly visible.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">The change in substance without a change in physical
properties <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>cannot be explained;</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">it is a
miracle; it is a mystery.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">It is something we must believe.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Remember Jesus said. “ This IS my Body.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">not
“This is a symbol of my Body” and likewise for His Blood.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Remember also Jesus said, “Unless you eat the flesh<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">of the
Son of Man and drink his blood…” </span></b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">So if you are coming to Holy Communion and thinking
that<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">what
you are receiving is just a symbol of Jesus,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">please
know that Jesus wants you to have the faith<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">to believe that He really offers himself,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">not
a symbol of Himself in Holy Communion.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Please pray for strengthening of your belief in the
real presence.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Can there be anything greater than<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">such an
intimate meeting with Lord himself?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">St John Vianney said, “If we really understood the
Mass,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">we would die of joy.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />Deacon Jerry Franzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06102823605373349116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3895487973784224695.post-15817197730537437692019-08-18T06:11:00.000-04:002019-08-18T06:11:20.571-04:00HOMILY – 15th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – YEAR C<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">By Deacon Jerry Franzen,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cathedral<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>July 10, 2016<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Deuteronomy 30: 10-14<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Colossians 1: 15-20 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luke
10:25-37<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Praised Be Jesus Christ <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good (Morning, Afternoon, Evening)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Today’s parable from St. Luke’s 10<sup>th</sup>
Chapter<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">should be
very familiar to all of us.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">This scholar asks Jesus some questions.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Jesus recognizes that the scholar can quote the law,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">but there is this part about “neighbor.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Jesus tells him the story about the Good Samaritan<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">to
enlighten him on just who is his neighbor AND<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">to
show him just what it means to</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> “love
you neighbor as yourself.”</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Whatever he is called to do for himself out of
self-love<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">he must, in the same way, do out of love for
others.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Knowing the letter of the law is one thing.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">What we actually do</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> shows how we follow the spirit of the Law.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">The love we are always talking about when speak of
Godly love<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">is that
love for another rooted in</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> what
we do in sacrifice for another.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Jesus was telling the scholar what he must do<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">to follow the spirit of the Law,</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> and
we must do the same.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I would imagine that this is the usual focus<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">of most homilies on this reading.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">But, let’s review what the scholar quoted:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You
shall love the Lord, your God,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>with
all your heart,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>with
all your being,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>with
all your strength,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and
with all your mind,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and you
neighbor as yourself.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">How do we approach the teachings of the Church?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Do we parse the words, as we suspect the scholar did,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">looking for loopholes in the letter of the law?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Do we worry MORE about,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What is the letter of the law?” than<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What does the spirit of the law demand that
we do?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">II<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">The following
may illustrate this:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">One might ask”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“Is it really a serious, i.e. mortal, sin to miss Mass
on Sunday?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Is turning my back on God and rejecting his salvation<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">really
that serious?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Many Catholics don’t bother to get to Mass every
Sunday.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">It obviously is not a serious matter for them.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">What does the
Law say?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">The Canon Law of the Church says that it is a serious
sin<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">to deliberately miss the Sunday Mass.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">So, if I were sick
in bed and couldn’t go to Mass,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">is that
still a mortal sin?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course not.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">The letter of the Law says that one must deliberately
miss</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">a reasonable opportunity to get to
Mass.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">It is easy to
play the part of the probing, testing scholar<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">to see
how the law can be interpreted to our advantage.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">But what about the spirit of the Law?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Must I be present at the very beginning;<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">how
late can I come and still have it “count?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">How early can I leave and still have it “count?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">It use to be that you were OK,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">if you got to Mass before the beginning of the
part<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">called
the Offertory and didn’t leave until<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">after
you received Holy Communion.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">We can even go further:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“Is it
sufficient that I just attend or ‘hear’ Mass<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">from
beginning to end, just be there?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“Do I have to sing the congregational hymns,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">say the responses when required, profess the
creed?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“Do I have to be attentive to the Sacred Scriptures</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> and the homily?”</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Do I have to mentally pray along with the priest<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">as he says the various prayers of the
Mass?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“Do I have to receive Holy Communion?” <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Those answers are not found in the letter of the Law,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">But
what about the spirit of the Law.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">The Mass is the most important thing we do each week.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">It is the weekly chance we have to gather with others<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">in our
faith community in order to grow closer to God.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">The Mass is the source and summit of all Christian
life;<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">it is
the most important means to our salvation.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">We might very well ask the same question as the
scholar,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“Teacher,
what must I do to inherit eternal life?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Jesus ended his answer with a question for the
scholar.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Let me pose a few more questions here for our
consideration<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">in
relation to the Mosaic Law as the scholar presented it.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">III<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I know that I am preaching to the choir, as they say,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">but I think that these questions bear asking.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“Can we profess to love the Lord, our God,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">with <i>all</i>
our heart</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">and then give it the half-hearted approach<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">of not leaving home in time to be here<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">at the beginning and not caring enough<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">to stay till the very end?” (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pause</i>)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“with all your
being”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“Can we profess to love the Lord, our God, with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">all</i> our being<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">and miss the most important thing we do as
Church,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">this weekly nurturing of our relationship with
God,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">the
joining of our being with our Savior<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">in Word and Communion?” (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pause</i>)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“with all your
strength”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“Can we profess to love the Lord, our God,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">all</i> our strength and not make the effort<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">to sing the hymns or speak the responses?” (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pause</i>)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“with all your mind”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“Can we profess to love the Lord, our God, with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">all</i> our mind</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">and not pay attention to the Word of God<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">or
to the homily, and to not pray along</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> with
the priest</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">as
he says the prayers of the Mass?” (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pause</i>)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">We are here for ourselves, for our salvation, for
eternal life.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">But, let us not forget the last part of the law quoted:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">How must I love my neighbor in all of
this?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">The Law said: As myself.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Everything I do for myself, I must do for my neighbor.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">We are here today to fulfill an obligation,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">an
obligation for ourselves AND for our neighbor. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">We must care enough about those around us<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">to be
here to make them feel welcome at the beginning,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">to extend the peace of Christ to them<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">and to not skip out on them early.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">We must affirm
and support one another</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">in our
attention to Word and prayer, </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">in
our singing, in our responses</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">and in our profession of faith.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">We must remember that we become<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">the
collective Body of Christ with our neighbors<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">as we receive the Body of Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Would it be a mortal sin to turn our back on these</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">opportunities that God has granted for
our salvation? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Yes that’s serious.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Would it then also be a mortal sin to not do the best
we can<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">to aid in the salvation of our neighbor? I think
so.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">The answer to how we must follow God’s directions<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">is not far removed from us far up in the
shy,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">not
removed from us way across the sea<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">as
Moses explained to the Israelites.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">It cannot be found in fine-tuned dissertations of the
learned.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">It is already in our mouths and in our hearts.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />Deacon Jerry Franzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06102823605373349116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3895487973784224695.post-83980161974486795182019-08-18T05:57:00.000-04:002019-08-18T05:57:24.358-04:00Homily for the Funeral of Rebecca Brockman 7/12/19<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Deacon Jerry
Franzen<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption
<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>Luke
24:13-35<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Praised Be Jesus
Christ. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good Morning everyone.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">On behalf of Fr.
Ryan Maher, Fr, Michael Norton,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Bishop Roger Foys, Sr. Barbara Woeste, </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">the
rest of the Cathedral Staff,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">the parishioners of the Cathedral and myself,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">I extend to you, family and friends of
Rebecca,</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> our deepest sympathies.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Over the years,
I became a friend of Rebecca<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">and so I, too, feel an emptiness, a
void, in my life,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">a void in that I can no longer
visit with her,</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> share scripture
with her</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">or bring
Jesus to her<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>in Holy Communion.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">She has now gone
to meet him.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">The Gospel selection
which I just read is one that<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;">I</span> find rich in its teachings.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">It is a reading
that I find reflective of Rebecca’s encounter<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">with the Lord, as I knew her.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">The encounter on
the road to Emmaus happened on Easter day.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Apparently the
two disciples were the second and third persons<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">to encounter the risen Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Mary Magdalen
had encountered him in the garden<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">near the tomb early on Easter morning.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Peter
encountered the risen Lord at some point during that day,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">and most of the rest of the apostles
encountered Him<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">in the upper room later that
evening.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">The two
disciples had quite an experience.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">There are three
points on which I would like to focus:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">How the disciples met Jesus, how He shared Sacred
Scripture<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">with them
and how they shared a meal with Him.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">I<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“… while they were conversing and debating,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Jesus himself drew near and walked with them,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">but their eyes were prevented
from recognizing him.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">No matter what
we are doing, God is with us, by our side;<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">and we don’t recognize Him.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Most of the time
God is with us just in Spirit, the Holy Spirit,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">but at many times in our lives Jesus,
because he was human,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">is made manifest to us in
another person.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">It might be a
priest or a minister;<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">it might be a parent, a daughter, a
son, a friend;<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">it
might be a complete stranger – someone who treats us,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">maybe helps us - as
Jesus would treat us.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Jesus often works
through persons to help us in times of need,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">to help us to a stronger personal
relationship with him.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">We are all
called to a personal relationship with Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">And as
Christians, we are all called, at times, to take on the role<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">of being Jesus for others.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Rebecca was one
of those persons who stood in for Jesus for me.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">By her
willingness to let me come into her home, to visit with her,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">to share the word of God with her<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">and to bring her the Lord in
Holy Communion,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">she helped me to
fulfill my calling as a deacon.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">All Christians
are called to be open to those opportunities<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">to be Jesus for someone else.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">II<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Then beginning with Moses and all the
prophets<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">he interpreted to them what referred to Him</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> in all the scriptures.”</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Jesus explained
to the disciples that He was the Messiah<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">that God had promised for the Israelite people</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> and for everyone.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">There are many
indications of this in the Old Testament.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">The books of the
Old testament are the Good News<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">of the promise of salvation for the
Israelite people.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">The New
Testament tells us of the fulfillment of that promise<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">in Jesus Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">It is this
fulfillment of the promise that made the disciples hearts <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">to be “burning within them.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">We must read the
Sacred Scriptures, study them, understand them</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">and
do our best to live by them.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">They tell us
what we must KNOW about God:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Father, Son and Spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">But more
importantly the scriptures tell us what we must DO<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">to attain everlasting life, to be with
God forever when we die.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">That is what
made their hearts burn within them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">When a preacher
preaches,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">that person is not only trying to help others<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">to understand what the Word
of God says,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">that person is also
trying to help others to<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">apply that
understanding</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> to situations of their everyday lives.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">When I would
bring communion to Rebecca,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">I would always read the Gospel of the
day<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">and offer my thoughts on how
it applies to us.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">She would always
be very attentive,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">despite her difficulties with
breathing.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">So attentive in
fact, that she would often ask questions</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">about the reading.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">She wanted to
know more, and that gave me a feeling of joy.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">I am not sure
whether her heart was “burning within her,”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">but she definitely recognized the
value of God’s Word.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">All of us must
be attentive to God’s Word in Scripture<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">and must follow God’s direction in
order to attain eternal life.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">III<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">3</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">. “…<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">while he was with them at table, he took
bread, blessed it,</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">broke it and gave it to them. </b></span><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">With that their eyes were
opened…”</b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">They recognized Jesus
in the breaking of the bread,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">in the meal that they shared.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">That is our
challenge also – to recognize Jesus in Holy Communion.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Because of
several things that Jesus said in Scripture,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">we Catholics believe that what we
receive as Holy Communion</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">at
Mass is truly the Body of Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">This is another
way that Jesus is present to us –<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">not just as a symbol, but really
present.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">In the Mass what
continues to look like a wafer of unleavened bread<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">becomes the actual Body of Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Our receiving
the Body of Jesus as food, a physical nourishment,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">helps us to realize that what we are
receiving<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">is more importantly for our spiritual
nourishment.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Rebecca truly
believed that Holy Communion was Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">We talked about
that.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">She was always
so glad to be able to receive it each week.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Although during
the time I knew her, she never had the opportunity<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">to attend Mass and receive Holy Communion,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">she watched our televised
Mass at every chance she had.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">In this Gospel Jesus
was teaching his disciples and us<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">that, for each of us to develop the
personal relationship<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">with our Savior for our
salvation,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">we must recognize Jesus in those
around us,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">we must know Jesus from what is recorded
in the Bible<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">and we must receive Jesus within our
bodies<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">and take him to our hearts.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">What I saw in
Rebecca was a sincere love for the Lord,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">a need to know Him better<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">and a desire to take Him into
her heart.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">We should all be
so devoted to the Lord. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />Deacon Jerry Franzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06102823605373349116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3895487973784224695.post-14056915308139116822019-02-17T14:52:00.000-05:002019-02-17T14:52:45.881-05:00HOMILY – 6TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – Year C<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">By Deacon Jerry Franzen <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cathedral<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2/16/2019<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Jeremiah 17:5-8<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1 Corinthians 15:12, 16-20<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luke 6:17, 20-26<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Praised Be Jesus Christ<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good morning everyone.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">As I read and reread today’s
readings I heard a common thread:</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>God is
telling us that we must trust in Him.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">*“A television program
before the opening<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">of the 1988 Winter Olympics featured blind skiers<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">being trained for slalom skiing, impossible as
that sounds.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Paired with sighted skiers,
the blind skiers were taught on the flats<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">how to make right and left turns.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">When they had mastered that,
they were taken to the slalom slope,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">where their sighted partners skied behind them shouting<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">‘Left!’ and ‘Right!’ as needed.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">As they obeyed the commands,
they were able to negotiate<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">the course and cross
the finish line.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">They were completely
dependent on the sighted skier’s words;<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">It was either complete trust or catastrophe.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">I<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Through the prophet
Jeremiah, God told the Israelite people,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">and us today, not to put our trust in human beings or<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>in strength in the flesh or to turn away from God.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Jeremiah says that THEN we
would be like mere bushes<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">in the desert poorly
rooted in barren soil.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">We do not want to be like that.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">We are to trust the Lord,
and THEN we will be like<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">well-watered trees that
can flourish even in a drought.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">St. Paul, in his first
letter to the Corinthians was telling them, <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">and us, that we should trust in the Lord,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">that we should believe in His resurrection.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">For His resurrection is the
means by which we are raised from sin</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">to eternal life with Him.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">In the selection from the
Gospel according to St. Luke,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Jesus cites four human conditions:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">poverty, hunger, sadness and rejection.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Jesus says these are
“Blessed” conditions that will be relieved,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">and that those suffering these conditions<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">will be greatly rewarded <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">I interpret this to mean that
they will be saved<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">through their trust
in God.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">In the second part of that
reading Jesus said “Woe” to those<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">who trust in their richness, their being fully satisfied
with food,</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">their
happiness and their being spoken of well.</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The implication of the “Woe”
is that their misplaced trust<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">in worldly things will not bring them to the reward of
heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">II<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">So we might ask, why did
Jesus choose the first four to be “Blessed”</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">and warned their counterparts
with the word “Woe?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">As I see it, the first four
were “Blessed”, because, persons<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">in these conditions,
had little in the world<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">in which to
place their trust.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The poor have always had little
reason to truly trust<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">that they will be
provided with what they lack.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The hungry have had little real
trust that they could depend on<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">someone to provide
their daily meals.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">that guarantee is there that
there will be someone<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">to lift the spirits
of the sorrowful<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">or come to the aid of those who were hated?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">They are “Blessed” by that
fact they often have no one on their side<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">but the Lord; no one or nothing else<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">in which to put their trust but the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">On the other hand the rich, those
who have plenty of food,</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">those who are happy
and those liked by all, <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">have little or no reason to have to trust in
others.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Jesus was warning them that no
need for others<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">could lead to no
need for God, no need to trust in God.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Let’s be sure we are clear
here:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">just because one is poor, hungry, sad or hated <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">does not guarantee a place in heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">But their less reason to
trust someone or something of the world,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">may make them more inclined to put their trust in God.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Just because one is rich,
fully satisfied, happy or well thought of<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">does not mean that person is doomed to hell.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Jesus’ warning is that a
person in these conditions<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">may find no reason to need to trust anyone of anything </span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">including
the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">That person has it all
together on his or her own.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">III<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">We all know that our
salvation, our joining God in heaven,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">is the bottom line.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Poverty or riches, hunger or
food aplenty,<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>sadness or happiness,</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">being scorned or being praised,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">none of these alone or in any combination will
assure us<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">of meeting our goal of heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">We will be welcomed to the
heavenly banquet through our holiness.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“Holiness?”, you might say. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, holiness. What is holiness?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">I once gave a talk on
holiness and used this definition:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“Holiness is doing what God wants you to do.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">By now you might be
thinking, <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“How is holiness related to our trust in God?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Stick with me.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">A couple weeks ago, I
noticed a stack of books on the cabinet<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">by the
reconciliation room in the back of our Cathedral.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The title of the books
caught my eye:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The title was “The Biggest Lie in the History of
Christianity”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">What would that lie be?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some propaganda against Christianity?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“What enemy of the Church
left these here?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">That is what I thought until
I looked at the author’s name:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Matthew Kelly<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">He writes and publishes
books on the Catholic faith<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">and his company the Dynamic Catholic Institute in Erlanger<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">occasionally donates books to local parishes. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Certainly he is not an enemy
of the Church.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">I took a copy of the book
and have been reading it.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Matthew Kelly says that this
greatest lie in Christianity is this:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Holiness is impossible.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">With all of the worldly
things, persons, fads, whatever,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">to tempt us to sin, many
regard holiness as impossible.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Matthew Kelly says that
rather than thinking of holiness<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">as a property of our lives in an overall sense,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">we should think of our lives a series of
opportunities<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">for Holy Moments.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">**He defines a Holy Moment
as <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“a moment when you open yourself to God.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">You make yourself
available to Him.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">You set aside
whatever you feel like doing in that moment,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">and you set aside self-interest, and for one
moment<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">you simply do what you prayerfully
believe<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">God is calling you to do in
that moment.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Each weekend most of us
would rather spend all the time<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">in rest and relaxation at home.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">But we hear God telling us
to get to Mass<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">and we respond by taking the time to come to Mass.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Just our coming here is a
Holy Moment<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">aside from all the other Holy Moments we can experience<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">while we
are here at Mass.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">You see, I just proved that
holiness is possible.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Many saints would admit that
they did not live holy lives,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">lives in which everything they did<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">was what God was calling them to do.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">They lived lives of many Holy
Moments and we can do the same.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">**A nurse was on sick leave
and her time of paid leave was up,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">but her illness continued.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">If she missed more work, she
would not be paid – no income.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">One coworker suggested
to another nurse<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">that they might start a “Go Fund Me” page on the web.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Another nurse had a better
suggestion:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Since the ill nurse worked three shifts each week,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">they could each take one of those shifts as an
extra shift<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">so that the ill nurse could continue to
be paid.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">What a Holy Moment for each
nurse<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">covering one shift
each week for their ill coworker!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">It was truly a beautiful
thing for each of them to be doing this.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">John Keats wrote, “A thing
of beauty is a joy forever.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">It must have been quite a joy
for these three nurses.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The ill nurse was out for three years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Holy moments are truly
moments of joy;<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">moments when we
realize that<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“Hey, we are
really doing what God wants us to do.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">In order to experience these
Holy Moments<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">we must be listening to what God is telling us.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Furthermore, we must trust
in what we are hearing.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">We must trust that it is God
speaking to us.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">We must trust that we can do
what God is telling us to do.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">*Recall the story of the
blind skiers.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">It is a wonderful metaphor
for the Christian life.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">In this world, we are in
reality blind about what course to take.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">God is right here with us
like the sighted ski partners.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">He is the only one for us
who is truly sighted.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">His Word gives us the
direction; we need to finish the course. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">*</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">From
“750 Engaging Illustrations for Preachers. Teachers and Writers, Craig Brian
Larson and the Leadership Journal, Baker Books, Grand Rapids, MI, 2002 p592 </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">**</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">From
“The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity”, Matthew Kelly, Wellspring,
North Palm Beach, FL, 2018 pp 35-36</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />Deacon Jerry Franzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06102823605373349116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3895487973784224695.post-62805715064686935402019-01-23T23:50:00.000-05:002019-01-23T23:50:50.024-05:00HOMILY 2ND Sunday Ordinary Time C January 20, 2019<br />
<h1>
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption by Deacon Jerry Franzen<o:p></o:p></span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Isaiah 62:1-5
I Corinthians 12:4-11 John:1-12<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Praised be Jesus Christ Good Morning!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Abraham Lincoln once
apologized to an acquaintance.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">He said, “I am sorry that I
wrote such a long letter to you.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">I didn’t have time to write
a short one.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">I have been working on
giving shorter homilies.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">So, if you find this homily
is too long, I apologize;<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">I didn’t have time to write a shorter one.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Usually we cite the gifts of
the Holy Spirit, which we receive at
Baptism<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">as wisdom, understanding,
knowledge, counsel, fortitude,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">piety
and fear of the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">These are found in chapter
11 of the book of the prophet Isaiah.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">They are for our own
internal spirituality, our relationship to God,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">for us to use for our own salvation.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">In the second reading from the 12<sup>th</sup>
chapter of St. Paul’s first letter<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">to the Corinthians we just heard another list of spiritual
gifts,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">gifts again distributed
by the Holy Spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">They are: the expression of wisdom, the
expression of knowledge,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">faith, healing, mighty deeds, prophecy, discernment of
spirits,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">a variety of tongues and interpretation of tongues.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">One might replace the word “tongues”
with “forms of prayer.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Elsewhere, St. Paul refers
to praying in tongues.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">These gifts certainly will
be supported by those received at Baptism;<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">but there is a distinction.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">This second list states these gifts are to be used for the benefit of all.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">These are the gifts that we
are to use as our part of the Body of Christ,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> which St. Paul lays out very clearly in very next part of<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> this same chapter in this letter to the
Corinthians.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">You will hear that part of
this chapter next week. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">We may not receive all of
these gifts to the same degree;<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Paul told the Corinthians that the gifts are distributed
individually.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">It is very clear from the
later part of this chapter,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">that the distribution of these gifts by the Holy Spirit is determined</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">by</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> what is needed within the Body of Christ.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Notice in this list we have
the expression of wisdom and</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">the expression of knowledge,</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> not just wisdom and knowledge.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">These are the gifts by which we express
our wisdom</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">and express knowledge for all </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">within the Body of
Christ.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Each of these gifts is to be
used to build up the Body of Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">How would this description
of gifts distributed through out<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">the Corinthian community compare<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">to the perception
of this list by Catholics of today? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">All too many Catholics seem
to feel that</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">they have
nothing to offer the Christian community.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">They still believe that our
part in the work of redemption<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">has been farmed out to a small group of the ordained.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">They see themselves, not as
mediators of God’s grace and salvation,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">but only as passive recipients of God’s grace and salvation.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">This view can spell the
death of true Christian spirituality,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">for it is
destructive of the Christian community.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The manifestation of the
Spirit is given to each for the common good.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">I have touched on three
points:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1) God’s gifts
are given to each of us.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">2) These gifts
stem from the Holy Spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">3) They are
given for the good of all.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">I<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The first point: God gives
His gifts<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">to EACH Christian, not just to a select few like the
saints,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">the pope, the bishops, and the local clergy,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">but to each of His
adopted daughters and sons.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">They equip us to deal with
our own life experiences<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">in the community of followers of Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Father or mother, child or
parent, student or teacher,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">lawyer or
doctor, business person or government worker,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">white collar or blue, robust or infirm,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">whoever you
are, you are equipped with those very gifts</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">in a unique way to carry out a specific
vocation.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The Christian doctor can
become a conduit for the healing of Christ,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">empowered with gifts that make for a healing beyond the
physical.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The Christian lawyer rises
above the level</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">of a clever
counselor seeking justice to a person</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">whose love for the law is invigorated
by the law of love.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The Christian student no
longer just seeks knowledge and understanding, but sees in them the manifestation of God himself. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">YOU, as recipients of these
gifts from God, can expect a deeper insight</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">into the human
mysteries that mystify you.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">YOU should experience a
greater delight in the things of God,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">in the people
of God and in God himself.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Point number 1 – we have
each received spiritual gifts from God.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">II<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The second point is: This
“new you” stems from the Holy Spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">We need periodic reminders
of that,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">because there are two common extreme errors at large in the world.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The first extreme is the
incurable optimist that is convinced<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">that he can pull himself up to salvation by his bootstraps.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">No concern for original sin,
no need to be reborn.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">By his free will, he can
lead himself to salvation;<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">maybe an occasional nudge
from God might be needed.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">That's hogwash!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">We reach God, not by our own
efforts, but by God’s gracious mercy.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">And we can work out our own
specific Christian calling<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">only if the Spirit is living and active within us.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">To do freely what we ought
to do, our part in God’s plan,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">we need the
freedom of the gifts which flow from the Spirit.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Without them we are lost. </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The other type of extreme
is one of pessimism:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Oh, I’m homely with acne,
I’m too shy or insecure; I stutter.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">I can’t sing or dance; I’m not particularly smart;<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">I’m not experienced in the
ways of the world;<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">I am not a theologian; I
don’t even like myself.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Don’t tell me that God has
given me special gifts.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">That's baloney!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">These gifts are not gifts
from Ebay, Target or Macy’s;<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">they are gifts of the Holy Spirit,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">the Spirit that Jesus said that the Father would
send.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">It might help if you have a
great personality and are a “ten,”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">in some people’s eyes,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">but the Spirit works through you AS YOU ARE.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">You will find that you are
more proficient in one or more gifts.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Bishop Sam Jacobs says that
he didn’t know he had the gift of tongues until he tried to develop that gift.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The Spirit illumines your
mind to know the way you should go,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">AND fortifies your will to go that way</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">despite obstacles on the outside
and weaknesses from within.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Second point – your gifts
are designed for you by the Holy Spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">III<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">And thirdly, these gifts are
given to you for others.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Yes, gifts from God should
do something for YOU personally,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">as faith, hope and love increase our intimacy with Christ,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">but these
gifts mentioned by St. Paul are those<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">given to you for others.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">With these gifts we are to
look beyond ourselves</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">to our lives with others,</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> to the community, to our call to minister,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">to serve others.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">We cannot be closet
Christians; no Christian is an island.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Wherever you have been
called: home, campus, workplace, parish</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">wherever that
is, others are there.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The Holy Spirit makes you
what you are<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">to help your community to become what it ought to be.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">That can be no truer than in the case of abortion and other life
issues.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">How can each of us make use
of the gifts we have been given<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">to change the
character of our country to what it should be?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The March for Life is over,
but the scourge of abortion is not.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">How can we each do our part? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Through the Holy Spirit we
can share the knowledge and wisdom<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">that can help others to understand that abortion is
immoral.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Like the prophets, we can
spread God’s word about the sanctity of life. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">We can help others discern the evil spirits that fortify the false</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">but convenient
view that abortion is a right.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">We can pray in a variety of
forms for an end to abortion.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">We can volunteer to help in
the healing of those victimized by abortion.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Each of you can speak out in
your own way using your gifts.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">That could be in assisting
adoption agencies and<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">encouraging mothers of unplanned pregnancies</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> to consider
adoption.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">That could also be in volunteering
in agencies<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> that assist mothers of unplanned pregnancies<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> to care for their new-born children.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">We must do all of this in
the faith that God will fashion an end</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">to this
horrible situation that plagues our nation.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Take joy in the gifts
implanted in you by the Holy Spirit, AND<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> joy in the fact that your gifts can touch others, even the
unborn.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">You can use these gifts to
make another’s life more endurable,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> And to make your life and that of another more Christian.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">You may even surprise
yourself and others with that joy.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Parts
Based on “To Each is Given” from “Sir We Would Like to See Jesus” Walter J.
Burghardt, S.J. Paulist Press <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">New
York</st1:state></st1:place> 1982 </span></b>Deacon Jerry Franzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06102823605373349116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3895487973784224695.post-15692602177884475612018-12-17T21:27:00.000-05:002018-12-17T21:27:28.956-05:00HOMILY 3rd Sunday of Advent December 16, 2018<br />
<h1>
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Cathedral<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> Basilica of the Assumption </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>by
Deacon Jerry Franzen<o:p></o:p></span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Zephaniah 3:14-18a<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Philippians 4:4-7<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Luke
3:10-18<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">"Praised Be Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good Morning."<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Thursday evening I attended a
Christmas band and choral concert<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>at Scott High School in Taylor Mill.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The performers were a mixture
of students<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>from Woodland Middle
School and Scott High School.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Two of my grandchildren were
performing in the band portion.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The second to last selection
was entitled “Adventum”,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>an instrumental composition by Jared Barnes.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">That name, “Adventum” piqued
my interest;<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> i</span>t sounded like a Latin term connected to Advent.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Before beginning that selection, the
conductor mentioned<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">that it would eventually be a bit loud; that made me
wonder.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">It started softly with the
melody of “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">played on flutes and woodwinds;<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">the volume
grew as it transitioned<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">into the Carol of the Bells played by
the whole band</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">with
lots of percussion,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">It was loud by the end.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">I thought: ”What a metaphor
for Advent?” –<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">a somber beginning of asking for Christ to come<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">leading to
the bell-ringing joy of His arrival.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Today is Gaudete Sunday – Gaudete,
a Latin word for “Rejoice!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Rejoice, the day of
Christ Jesus is coming.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Why are we rejoicing, when
for the last two Sundays<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">we have heard that Advent is not just about the birth of
Jesus,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">but more so also
about the final Day of Judgement<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">when he will come as Christ the King?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Rejoice about the end of the
world? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come now.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The simple answer is that we
are to rejoice that<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">we are past the halfway point of this season of preparation.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">I<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">In the first reading, the
prophet Zephaniah was telling the Israelites</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">that
even though God had let them suffer in exile<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">because of their unfaithfulness,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">God had removed his judgement against them.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Zephaniah also reminded the
Israelites that God was with them<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">to renew them in his
love.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">They were to sing joyfully,
as one sings at festivals.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">For us the same is true.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">We may feel exiled from God
by our sins.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">To shout with joy is
difficult in times of struggle with our sinfulness;</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">it goes against our feelings and our perceptions.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">We cannot forget that God is
with us and comes to us every day<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">in many ways, but especially in the Eucharist.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">We are not stuck in the bog
of sinfulness.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Every time we receive the
Sacrament of Reconciliation,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">we come away with our sins forgiven,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">ready for the end of our life to join God in
heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Jesus came to earth to
accomplish that forgiveness.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Let us Rejoice and sing
joyfully. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">II<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">This is all enhanced in the
second reading.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">St. Paul tells us to rejoice in the Lord
always,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">not every now and then, but always.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">How can we rejoice always
unless we are ready always?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Regular reception of the
Sacrament of Reconciliation<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">will do the trick.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">It removes the anxiety of where
will I be at the final judgement,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">on the left or the right, with the goats or the sheep,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">wheat in the
barn or chaff to be burned, </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">in heaven or hell?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">We can aim to be free from
serious sin at our death,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;">to be </span>all set to be with God for eternity<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">by regular
reception of the Sacrament.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">That is the Peace of Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Jesus came to earth to bring
us that Peace, the Peace of Christmas.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Let us rejoice and sing
joyfully <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">III<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">We heard from Zephaniah, who
spoke to the Israelites<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">six hundred years before the birth of Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">He spoke of God’s presence
within them and<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">his forgiveness for their sinfulness.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">God was present within us in
human form as His Son, Jesus,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">and remains with us and within us in the Eucharist.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">We also heard from St. Paul
years after Jesus left this earth.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The Philippians were told to
not have anxiety,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">to make their requests to God<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">in prayer,
petition and thanksgiving.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Jesus came to bring the
peace of God,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">which surpasses all understanding.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Let us rejoice and sing
joyfully.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">And then St. Luke, also years
after Jesus left this earth,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">gave us words about what happened among the people<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">shortly
before the beginning of Christ’s ministry.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">They were expecting the
Messiah,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">whom they thought would free them from Roman oppression.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">John told them to prepare by
acts of love,</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> sharing with others,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">treating others justly and rightly with
respect.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">He said that one mightier
than he would come,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">the long-awaited Messiah.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Then he told them something
that they would not understand<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">until the day of Pentecost<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">about three
years in the future for them.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">They would be baptized with
the Holy Spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">They would rejoice in the
Lord’s presence among them<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">and they would follow the Spirit<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">in preaching
God’s love and His plan for us.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Let us rejoice and sing
joyfully<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">In this season of Advent, we
can get off focus and<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">miss the point of the season.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">We get so overwhelmed with
all of the parties,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">gifts to buy and wrap, cards to address and send,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">that we may
miss the person of Christmas.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">We might ask ourselves a few
questions:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Is there joy in our hearts,
because this is the celebration<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">of the remembrance of the birth of the Son of God,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">who has provided for us the way back to the
Father?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Are we seeking, like the
people in today’s readings,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">more ways to welcome Him into our lives every day?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Do we realize that for Jesus’
mission to be complete in us,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">we must cleanse our hearts of sin?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Do we celebrate the birth of
the person who is the King of our lives.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Do we see Christ in others?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Will love or just obligation
be the reason we do things for others.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">I find peace in the notes of
“O Come, O Come Emmanuel”,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">the comfort of the peace of Christ,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">because I
know that He HAS come to me, to us.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">I also found joy in the “Carol
of the Bells” as the musicians rang out<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">the joy that God has provided me and all of us<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">with a path
to salvation.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">May each of you find peace AND
joy<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">as we move closer to
Christmas. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Come, Lord Jesus, come!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">And let us rejoice and sing
joyfully!<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />Deacon Jerry Franzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06102823605373349116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3895487973784224695.post-3833787485120716482018-11-29T12:01:00.000-05:002018-11-29T12:01:28.564-05:00Homily – 33rd Sunday – Year B November 18, 2018<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">By Deacon Jerry Franzen at the Cathedral </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Daniel 12: 1-3<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Hebrews
10: 11-14, 18<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Mark 13:24-32</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Praised Be Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good Morning.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Let’s review three quotes from today’s readings:</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>From the Book of the Prophet Daniel in the Old Testament:</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>“Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall
awake.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Some shall live forever,</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>others shall
be an everlasting horror and disgrace.”</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>At the second coming of Jesus in all his power and glory </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>there will be
the final judgment in which some souls will join</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>their
glorified risen bodies in eternity with God</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>and other
souls will join their hideous bodies</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">in
the horror and disgrace of not being with God</span>.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">From the Gospel of St. Mark:</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">“Then he will send out the angels</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">to gather his
elect from the four winds</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">from
the end of the earth to the end of the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>sky.”</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">God’s messengers will be sent</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">to gather
those elected to spend eternity with God.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">From the Letter to the Hebrews:</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">“Where there is forgiveness of these</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">there is no
longer offering for sin.”</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Christ has won the forgiveness for everybody’s sins.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Three readings – three selections;</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>1. We have a
choice to live body and soul with God forever</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>or
face the horror of not doing so – the state of Hell.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2. Those
gathered by the angels will be those elected.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>3. And what
are the qualifications to be among the elect?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems somehow to be all about forgiveness.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">I</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Today is a kind of preparation day, a prelude, for next
Sunday,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">the solemnity of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Then we will celebrate the future day of Christ coming,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>not as Savior
but as the King of the Universe</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>when His enemies will be “made His footstool.”
</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Today we set the stage for this celebration,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>the
celebration of those chosen to be united with God,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>body
and soul for all eternity.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">We do not celebrate those not so elected,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">but we are reminded that<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>this possibility exists.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">This is what we sometimes call the final judgment,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> the</span> event at
which the each of us will be judged</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>as
to which group we belong to. </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background: white;">*Pope Benedict XVI calls the
final judgment a </span><span style="background: white;">"</span><span style="background: white; color: #333333;">place of hope</span><span style="background: white;">,"</span><span style="background: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and a "setting for learning and practicing hope."<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The final judgment is a
“place of hope.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">This judgment has simply two possible
outcomes.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Every judgment requires 2 or
more possible outcomes:<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Innocent or guilty, fair or foul, a catch or not, a goal or
not.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The prophet Daniel in the
first reading<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">makes the possible outcomes of our lives very clear:<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">live forever with Christ the King<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">or be separated from Him for all eternity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Hope is a desire for a particular
outcome.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The hitter hopes that the
ball drops fair,<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The fielder hopes that the ball drops in foul territory.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The final judgment spawns hope
in us; we hope for heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">II<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Judgments usually involve rules
by which decisions are made,<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Which side of the third base line, in the net or not,<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">behind the three-point line or on it.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">When the criteria are very
clear and explicit,<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">judgments can be easily made.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">What are the criteria for the
final judgment?<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Are they clear and explicit?<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Everyone of us has been given
all that we need<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">to be among the
elect to spend eternity with Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">God gave His Son for our
salvation,<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">for each of us to be among the elect.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">We have just gone through<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">what has been termed the “mid-term,” elections.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Ideally everyone who wanted
to<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">was given the
opportunity to run for elective office.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The judgment about who was
elected to an office<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">was based on who got the most votes.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">And ideally each voter chose
a candidate,<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">because the voter
considered that candidate<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">to have the best qualifications for the office.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">God will make the decision on
the day of judgment.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Our election to the eternal
presence of God,<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">will be based
on our qualifications and there is but one voter.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">III<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The qualifications for our
hope for salvation are simple.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Have we lived our lives to
show our love for God and our neighbor?<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Has that been a Godly love,<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">a relationship which involves true sacrifice in our lives
for God<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">and our neighbor?<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">AND, in cases when we have
not shown that love,<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">but have seriously offended God and our neighbor,<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">have we expressed our true sorrow for our transgressions<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">to God in the sacrament of
Reconciliation?<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Remember, every time we
offend our neighbor, we offend God.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The criteria are that simple;
it’s not a difficult decision for God.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The criteria are simple, not
a mystery for us.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Because of the sacrifice of
Jesus,<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">whether we attain our hope for salvation,<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">depends solely on us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God has done His part.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>“Where there is forgiveness of these</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">there is no
longer offering for sin.”</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">It is not in physical sacrifices that we atone for our sins;</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">it is through
the graces of the sacrament of Reconciliation.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Recall the rest of the quote
from Pope Benedict XVI,<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">“Judgment is a ‘setting for learning and practicing hope.’"<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">With our keeping the final
judgment in firm view,<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">and what we must do
to be among the elect<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">we can learn about and practice hope.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">**To better understand how we
learn and practice,<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">we can go to the very last word in the chapter<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">from which our Gospel reading was taken,<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Chapter 13 of Mark's Gospel.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">That last word is a one-word sentence: “Watch.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">We must watch for and learn
from<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">the continuing coming of Christ into our lives.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">He is there every time we
gather,<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">each time His word is proclaimed,<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">each time His Body rests in your hands or on your tongue,<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">each time His Precious Blood quenches our thirst.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Christ comes to us in each
man, woman and child<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">whose eyes meet
ours, all who seek our love.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">We must keep our eyes of the
goal and be always prepared<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">so that when our earthly life ends,<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">we will then be qualified to be among the elect<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">at the final judgment.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">BUT, keeping our attention on
the power and the glory<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">of the final coming must not blind us<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">to Christ’s daily comings<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>in
the rags and tatters of the poor<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>in the lonely,<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>the frightened,<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>the joyless<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>in the sick<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>and in those lost in this strange world<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>that does not seem to care
about them.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">There are everyday occasions
for each of us<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">to support the hopes of others by our love,<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">and in this way to learn more about<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">and gain more practice in our hope for
salvation. </span><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">*</span></i><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pope Benedict XVI,
Spe salvi, #41 as quoted in: </span></i><a href="https://www.epriest.com/homily_packs/build/156"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">https://www.epriest.com/homily_packs/build/156</span></i></a><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">**<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Patterned after parts of “With Great Power and Glory” in “Still
Proclaiming Your Wonders” by Walter J Burghardt, S.J., Paulist Press 1984 New
York pp 149-154.</span></i><span style="background: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Deacon Jerry Franzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06102823605373349116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3895487973784224695.post-61327797588315304982018-10-20T20:55:00.000-04:002018-10-20T20:55:55.190-04:00Homily – 28th Sunday – Year B October 14, 2018<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">By Deacon Jerry Franzen at the
Cathedral <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Wisdom 7: 7-11<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "WP IconicSymbolsA"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP IconicSymbolsA";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP IconicSymbolsA";">`</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Hebrews 4: 12-13<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "WP IconicSymbolsA"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP IconicSymbolsA";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP IconicSymbolsA";">`</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Mark 10: 17-30<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Praised Be Jesus Christ! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good Morning!</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">"It is easier for a camel to
pass through the eye of a needle,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">than for a
rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.”</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">There are interesting
explanations of just what is meant by “the
eye of a needle” but the bottom line is that<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">this statement should make us squirm.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">As the disciples said, “Then
who can be saved?” <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">It should make us think
about what is in our wallets,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">about the size of our bank accounts,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">and the size of the collection of all that we
possess.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">To be sure, w</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">e must face the issue
head-on.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">What is Jesus saying that we
must do to enter the kingdom? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">I suggest we do three things
to help ease our concerns:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1. We must put the passage
in the context of the times;<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">2. We must uncover what
Jesus had in mind<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>when he spoke this way about riches;<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">3. We must look at how this
might speak to us today.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">I<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">It’s little wonder that “the
disciples were amazed”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">at Jesus’ words and they were “exceedingly astonished.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Jesus had seemingly told
them that</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">NO ONE could
enter the kingdom of heaven.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">A powerful<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jewish tradition,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">a part of the very air the disciples breathed,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">deemed that wealth was a sign of God’s
grace.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The Lord blessed Job in his
latter days not only with grace</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">but also with
abundances of sheep, cattle and oxen.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">God enriched those he loved,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">as was the
case with Abraham, Issac and Jacob.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">In the old Testament,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">wealth was a part of life’s peace and fullness.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Moses promised the people
that, if they obeyed God,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">they would
prosper mightily in a land</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">where they would “lack nothing.”</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">But it wasn’t that God
blessed all that were financially rich.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Isaiah warned, “cursed are
those who add house to house<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">and join field to field, till they snatch up the whole area</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">and become the sole inhabitants of the land.”</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">And woe to those who forgot<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">that the source of their wealth was God.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The understanding in Jesus’
day was that,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">if you feared God and you truly loved him,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">you would be
blessed with the good things of the earth.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">It is understandable that
the disciples said,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“Then who can be saved?’<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Either you did not fear and
love God,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">received none of His
graces and were doomed, or<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">you feared
God, loved God and then were doomed</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">by
the riches you received.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">II<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">What did Jesus say to this
revered tradition?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">He reversed it rudely in his
own life style.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">He had by his own admission
“nowhere to lay his head.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">He lived off the hospitality
of some women of Galilee,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">the hospitality of Martha, Mary and Lazarus in Bethany,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">the hospitaliy of Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimethia<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">and Zacheus, even some of the Pharisees. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">He also reversed this
revered tradition in his teachings:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“Woe to you who are rich,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">for you
have your consolation.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The fool who “lays up treasure for himself<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">and is not rich towards God.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The rich man who died and
went to hell,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">as the poor Lazarus was carried by angels to heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Jesus called riches “unjust
mammon” and said<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“You cannot serve both God and mammon.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“Any of you who does not bid
farewell to all he has<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">cannot be my disciple.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">That is tough language
indeed.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">But there is another side of
Jesus to keep us<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">from reaching a conclusion too quickly.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">He did not tell Lazarus,
Martha and Mary to sell all;<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">He didn’t admonish Nicodemus
and Joseph of Arimethia<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">for their riches.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Zacheus proclaimed that he
gave only half of his goods<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">to the poor, just half, and still Jesus told him</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">that salvation had come to his house.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Will the real Jesus please
stand up?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Will it be no riches or
some?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">There seems to be the
radical Jesus of no riches<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">and the moderate Jesus of some wealth,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">the Jesus
who links wealth with evil<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">and Jesus the who advises sharing wealth.
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Jesus told the young man in
today’s Gospel reading,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“Sell what you have and give to the poor.” <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Contrary to what we often
unconsciously hear, in this reading<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Jesus did not tell the young man to sell <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">everything.</i><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">There is the Jesus who tells
some to give it all away AND<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">the Jesus who advises others to share what they have.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The Jesus who stresses<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">how selfish and
godless the rich can become</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">AND the Jesus who experiences how generous</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">and God-fearing his well-to-do friends can be.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">III<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">What might this say to us
today?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">How do both the radical
Jesus – give it all away - <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">and the moderate Jesus – share it - speak to us?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1. The radical Jesus reminds
us that nothing,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>absolutely
nothing, can take precedence over Christ<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in our lives,
over his right to rule over our hearts.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> He reminds us that there is
a peril in any possession,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>be it a preferred stock or a video game,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>be it the position of vice president of marketing<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>or the position of RCIA coordinator,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>be it the knowledge of the practice of courtroom law</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> or the power of being a parent,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>be it health, wealth, family or home.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">And what is the peril?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">It’s simply that the
possession is mine,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">and it can be
the center of my existence,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">to constrain my life,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">to manipulate me, to strangle me.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">When that happens, Christ
takes second place and we don’t listen.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">We don’t hear Jesus’
continual invitation<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">into an ever-deepening and more personal<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">relationship with him.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">We don’t hear his call to
give it up, to let go.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The radical Jesus poses the
question:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">What is the camel in your
life<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">that will keep you
from passing<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">through the eye of the needle<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">into the kingdom of heaven?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">What rules your life, the
camel or the kingdom?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">2. The moderate Jesus
reminds us<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">of something more splendidly positive.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Whatever is mine, whatever I
own, is a gift from God - <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">even if it stems from my talent.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">That talent owes its origin
to God.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">A gift from God is not a
gift to be clutched;<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">it’s a gift to be
given.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The science I have learned
over fifty-plus years</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">is not just to
be stored away in my gray matter</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">for my own intellectual delight.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">It’s meant to be shared,
sometimes even questioned.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Each of you is a gifted man
or woman, more gifted, perhaps,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">than our modesty may allow us to admit.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">It matters not whether it is
millions or a widow’s mite,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">intelligence or power, beauty or wisdom,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">gentleness or compassion or faith, hope or love.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The moderate Jesus tells us
to share our gifts.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">To some, such as Mother
Therese,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">He says give all that you have to the poor,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">and follow Him without any possessions.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">To others He says share what
you possess:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">give to your brothers and sisters,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">use your gift of knowledge to open new horizons,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>exert your power for peace,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>offer your wisdom for reconcilation,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>your compassion for healing,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>your hope to destroy despair,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>your very weakness to give strength.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Remember, your most precious
possession is yourself.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Give it away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least share it.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">To be able to share the
gifts God has given each of us,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">our vision cannot be fixed on the “eye of the needle,”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">the obstacles ahead.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">It must be fixed on the beyond.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">For looking too long at the
needle’s eye and</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">worrying about
how you will get your personal camel</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> through it, can lead to despair.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">We may ask:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“How can I reconcile my
riches with God’s kingdom,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">all my possessions with the command to let go?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">We can’t do it alone;<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>but all things are possible with God.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">My brothers and sisters, we
must listen to God.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Some are told to give their
all totally, all for God.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The rest must share their
time, talent and treasures with others. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">It is only through our
acceptance of His invitation,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">through His commands, through His plan</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">that each of us in our own way<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">will be able to pare down what we have<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">in order to focus on the kingdom here on
earth </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">and in heaven.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">*</span></b>Based on “Easier
for a Camel” in “Still Proclaiming Your Wonders” by Walter J. Burghardt S.J.
Paulist Press New York 1984 pp 134-138</div>
<br />Deacon Jerry Franzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06102823605373349116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3895487973784224695.post-26040611858123925932018-09-18T00:24:00.000-04:002018-09-18T00:24:24.675-04:00Homily for the Wedding of Dawn Franzen and Daniel Fletcher<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">Deacon Jerry Franzen 9/15/18<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;">Sirach 26:1-4, 13-16<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ephesians 5: 2a, 21-33<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John 2:1-11<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Praised
be Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good afternoon.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Welcome
to the wedding of Dawn Franzen and Daniel Fletcher.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A
woman accompanied her husband to the doctor for his physical.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">After
the doctor finished the various procedures,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">he asked the wife for a private conference with her</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">before
they left the office.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Your
husband,” the doctor said, “is under a great deal of stress </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">and you must devote your life to sheltering</span></b><b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> and
comforting him.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Don’t
argue or disagree with him.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Get
up early each morning and fix his favorite breakfast.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Spend
the morning cleaning house,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">but have a nice lunch ready at noon,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">if he happens to come home.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">You
can spend the afternoon on chores outside the house,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">but make sure that a special dinner is waiting for
him</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">when
he returns.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
evening hours may be spent watching sports with him on TV.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This must be your schedule to
help him through this.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
wife left the office, picked up her husband and drove him home.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Well,” asked the husband,”what did the doctor say?”</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“He said,” replied the wife, “that you’re going to
die.”</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">That
story requires that we reflect on the proper relationship</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">between a husband and wife.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">That
relationship is not the one expressed in the doctor’s directions <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">nor the one exhibited by the attitude of
the wife.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Dawn
and Daniel, your relationship is the heart of the matter<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">this afternoon.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
story presents the self-centered extremes of a husband and wife,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">the very antithesis of love.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It
prompts the question, “What makes a good spouse?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">*A Protestant minister once described a religious
person<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">as a strange mixture of three persons:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">a poet, a lunatic and a lover.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I think we can apply this analogy to a couple who is
about to<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">embark
on the great adventure of married life.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">By poet I do not mean that you must compose cute
little verses<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">for
each other.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“How do I love thee?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Let me count the ways<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I love thee to the depth and the height that my soul
can reach.” Etc.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Maybe you would do that, but not just that.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Poets are people of profound faith.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">They see beneath appearances with new eyes and<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">then put
the essence of what they sense into words.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>
<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">The Blessed Virgin Mary noticed that the wine supply
was low<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">and her
Son was present.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">She knew that Jesus COULD take care of the problem.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Her words were simply, “They have no wine.” – <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">no
motherly direction to her Son on what to do. Faith.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">She had faith that He WOULD take care of it,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">despite
his questioning, “What does this have to do with me?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">There was no need for motherly advice; her words were
simply<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">to the
waiters, ”Do whatever he tells you.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Dawn and Daniel, without faith in each other and God,
you risk</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">seeing only as far as the eye can see,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">and losing the wonder, the miracle, in
the other person.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">That other was made by God, in His image, for you.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Without faith, you see only what grows old, gray and
feeble.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Pray for the poet within you to see in the other what
God sees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">II<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">You must have some degree of lunacy, and<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">by that
I do not mean “off your rocker” lunacy<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I mean a “wild ideas” lunacy,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">A
lunacy that fully understands what others might see<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">as
foolishness, like the foolishness of the cross,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">believing in the seeming foolishness of
the Messiah<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">suffering
and dying as a criminal.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">It means the wild idea of persons<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">who are ready to give all of themselves for
God.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">and for each other in this era of the
“me” generation.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Many in these times would class this self giving as foolishness<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">when we
are constantly being told to grab for all that we can. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">In the second reading some focus on the line
containing<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“wives should be subordinate to their
husbands”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">and
somehow lose sight of the rest of the reading<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">St. Paul does not mean a wife is not equal to her husband.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">In fact, he is expressing just the opposite.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">In that reading from the letter to the Ephesians<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">St. Paul clearly states:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“Be
subordinate to one another out of reverence for Christ”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">BEFORE
he gets specific about wives or husbands.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Wives and husbands are to be subordinate to each
other.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">that certainly sounds like lunacy, doesn’t it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How can that be?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Each subordinate to the other?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">It sounds like a general out-ranking a major<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">while
the major outranks the general.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lunacy.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Well, it is all tied up in the meaning of the word
“subordinate.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">St. Paul is saying that the relationship between
husband and wife</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>should be the same as
the relationship<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">between Christ and the Church.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">The reading in two places described that relationship:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">The Church must be subordinate to Christ <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">by
giving itself to Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">And Christ made himself subordinate to the Church<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">by
giving His life for the Church.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Dawn and Daniel, you are embarking on a life together<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">with
this premise of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>being subordinate to
each other,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">and
that may sound like lunacy to many.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Near the end of that second reading,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">St.
Paul did admit that it is a great mystery. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">III<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">That giving of self, the being “subordinate”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">is the definition of true love, of God-like
love. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">St. Paul says that it is great mystery,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">but we
have ample evidence in the married present here<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">that St. Paul’s great mystery can be lived
out.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Dawn and Daniel, you may be wondering<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">just how YOU will be able to live that
mystery.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Mysteries can be lived, but only with the grace of
God,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">the
wisdom expressed in the words of His Son<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">and
the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">In Greek there are four words<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">used to show different nuances of “love.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">One of them, “agape,” represents the love<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">that is rooted in the sacrifice one makes for
another.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">That is the God-like love of which I speak.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">It is the complete antithesis of the relationship<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">the doctor expressed in the introductory story<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">and
the attitude of the wife in that story.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">It is the essence of the covenant God has made with
each of us;<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">This is what Paul was getting at in the second
reading.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">It is also what Sirach was saying in the first reading.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">That reading was heavily skewed<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">toward
the effort and the sacrifices of the wife.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">One could just as easily write a counterpart to it for
the husband.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">That
would be a good homework assignment for someone.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Dawn and Daniel, your relationship must be structured<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">as
described by St. Paul as giving your lives for each other,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">as
in that great mystery.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Remember that such a great mystery can only be lived
out<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">with
the help of God.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">May a request for that help be your constant prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">**Now I would like to direct
some remarks particularly to you,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">dear friends.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">You have come together in
this glorious Cathedral</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">not just to
ooh and aah at the beauty of this ceremony.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">You are here because each of
you has played a role in this love story.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">You are here to celebrate
with Dawn and Daniel</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">that their
love has culminated in this sacrament.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But when they walk down the
aisle at the recessional,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">and you follow, your task is not done.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">For Daniel and Dawn will
live their love not on some fantasy island,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">but in a world where love mingles with hate,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">belief struggles against cynicism,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">hope all too often ends in despair,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">and death never takes a
holiday.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">They must live their love</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">when the
wonder of each other gives way to the routine,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">when the joy
of their journey is confronted with</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">what we now call “reality.”</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Wedded love cannot subsist
without support.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It needs the solid
foundation of God’s love.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">If Daniel and Dawn are truly
to recognize the Lord as their helper</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">they need to
know how to welcome God into their marriage.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">They need men and women,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">who, </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">have lived the
love that has endured good times and bad,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">poverty and plenty, sickness and health.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">They need men and women who
can tell them without words,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">but by their
sheer presence,</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> that, Yes, it can be done;</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">that, with God, all things are possible.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I know many of you married
couples</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">and I know that you have the experience of which I speak.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">My dear friends, you are not
mere spectators;</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">you are an
integral part of this event.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">You are here to indicate
your willingness to be those examples.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">For this reason,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">when Dawn and Daniel join their hands and
hearts</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">a few moments from now,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I invite the
wedded among you to join your hands,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">and to murmur softly or just express silently in your soul</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 1.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">those awesome words that gave you to each
other,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">for
as long as life pulses within you.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I can think of no greater
gift –</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">not Wedgewood
china or Tiffany crystal –</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">that you can offer this afternoon to Dawn and Daniel.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">For in this gift, in your
daily example of sacrificial love,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">you are giving
this dear couple the best possible gift.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">You are giving them yourselves.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">*</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Frederick Buechner, <i>The Magnificient Defeat </i>(New York: Seabury, 1966) p 23</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">** Based on<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rev
Walter Burghardt, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Speak the Word with Boldness</i>
(New York: Paulist Press, 1994) p 135</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />Deacon Jerry Franzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06102823605373349116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3895487973784224695.post-61605064281433262302018-03-11T14:24:00.000-04:002018-03-11T14:24:54.836-04:00HOMILY – 4th SUNDAY IN LENT – YEAR B<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">By Deacon Jerry Franzen <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cathedral <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>3/11/18<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">2 Chronicles 36: 14-16, 19-23<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ephesians 2:4-10<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John 3: 14-21<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Praised Be Jesus Christ<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good Morning.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Love is sometimes hard to define.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">When I have asked engaged couples if they love one another,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">they
say that they do with an attitude of <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“Well,
isn’t that a given?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">When I ask them what love means to them,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">they
have trouble giving a definite answer.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">This problem may arise from the different ways<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">we use of the term “love.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">*These facets can lead us to a confused idea of what
love is.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">One night a man decided to show his wife how much he
loved her.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">After dinner he recited romantic poetry,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">telling
her he would climb high mountains,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">swim wide
oceans, cross deserts in the burning heat of the day, <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">and
even sit at her window and sing love songs to her <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">in
the moonlight just to be near her.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">After listening to him go on for some time about this
immense love<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">he had
for her, </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">she
ended the conversation when she asked,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“But
will you wash the dishes for me?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">In the first reading, we heard about a time when the
Israelites,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">even
the princes and the priests, were terrible sinners.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Yet, God loved his people so much that he sent
prophets to them<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">early
and often in an attempt to change them.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Eventually God became very angry;<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">he allowed the enemies of the Israelites to
burn the temple<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">and take the survivors away as slaves.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">After a long captivity, because of His LOVE for them,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">the Lord
inspired the pagan King Cyrus<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">to release the Israelites and</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> to support the rebuilding of the
temple.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul praised God because
of His love<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">for him,
Paul, and his brothers and sisters in Ephesus.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">It was this LOVE that raised them from the death of
sin<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">to life in Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Paul says that grace, the result of God’s LOVE,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">is the
means by which we can be seated with Him in heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">AND the selection of the third chapter of John’s
Gospel includes<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">this famous
verse, verse 16:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“For God so LOVEd the world that he gave his only Son,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">So that
everyone who believes in Him might not perish<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">but
might have eternal life.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">That verse has been described as the entire Bible in a nutshell.<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Actually one can pick pretty much any reading from any
Mass<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> a</span>nd
relate it to God’s love for us.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">That is why John 3:16 is referred to as the Bible in a
nutshell.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">II<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">So, let’s look a bit deeper into the word “LOVE”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">and how God loves us.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">**The earliest known written version of the New
Testament<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">was
written in <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Greek,</span> not
English.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Ancient Greek had at least <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">four different words<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">for the single English word "love?"<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Each Greek word implies some kind attraction and
appreciation <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>between <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">someone</span> who loves and someone who <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">is loved.</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Each word expresses a <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">different facet of the word “love</span>.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">1. The most basic word for love in ancient Greek is
"<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">storge</span>"</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">[STORE-gay].<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">It signifies a bond that we feel because of some natural connection.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">An example would be love
between family members.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Jesus, having a human
nature, loved his mother in this way.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">He also loves us in this
way</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">2. The <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">second </span>Ancient
Greek word for love is <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">"eros" </span>[AIR-ohss].<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">This is an attraction that leads to the kind of <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">passionate feeling<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">that
carries us away and fills us<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>with <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">intense emotions.</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Two people become <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">romantically involved and that carries over <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">to the physical love of husband and wife</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Jesus loves us passionately, but not with the same emotion
that leads</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;">to </span>married love.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">3. The <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">third</span> ancient
Greek word for love is "<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">philia</span>"
[FEEL-ee-yuh].<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">It describes a <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">bond</span> formed when two people share a <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">common interest
or ideal – a friendship,</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">It is a bond based on a <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">conscious decision</span> to share one's interests </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">with another person.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">This word is used by Jesus at the <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Last Supper</span>:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">"I shall no longer call you servants, because a
servant does not know</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">the master's
business; I call you <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">friends…..</span>”
<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Now that they had learned much from Him, they shared
in His life. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">We are to be friends of Jesus – the personal
relationship with <span style="display: none; mso-hide: all;">imHim</span>Him.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">4. The <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">fourth
word</span> for love in ancient Greek <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">"agape"</span> <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">[ah-GAH-pay],
is used <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">far more frequently</span> in
the Bible,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">than the
other three words <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">combined</span>.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 6.5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">This is the love that <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">focuses on doing good for others,<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">serving them no matter
</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I
feel about them<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">or what I might get in return.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">This <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">self-giving</span> love,
the essential love of <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Jesus,<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">not because doing so filled him with <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">ecstasy</span>,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">but because WE needed him to do it.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">He wanted to <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">restore hope</span> to our sinful hearts<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">and <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">lead us back</span> from our sinful exile into the Father's house.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Agape” is the
word used in <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">today's Gospel:</span>”God
so loved the……”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">It also the word used when Jesus gives his <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">New Commandment</span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">at the Last
Supper:</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> "Love one another as I have loved
you.”</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">When St. John in his First Letter writes, "<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">God is love</span>,"<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“agape” is the word used.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">God is completely <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">focused</span> on our good, happiness and fulfillment.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">That's why he <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">created</span> us: not for <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">his</span> happiness, but for <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">ours</span>.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">That's why he <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">forgives</span> us as often as we need to be forgiven.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">That's why he <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">feeds</span> us with the Body and Blood of His Son.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">That's why he <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">carries our crosses with us</span>,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>never leaving us to suffer alone.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">And since we were created <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">in God's image</span>, <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>we will find the fulfillment that <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">we yearn for<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">as we
gradually learn to love</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> in this same Christ-like way.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">This is the type of love that is essential between
husband and wife.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">III<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">On Feb. 21, one of the great preachers
of our day,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">possibly the greatest, was invited by
God to sit next to Him.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I certainly hope that Rev. Billy Graham is
now with Jesus<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">who
loved him so much that he gave His life for him.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">When Rev. Graham’s body lay in state in
the Capitol rotunda,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">President
Trump said that in essence Rev. Gram’s sermons<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">could
all be summarized as “God loves you!”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Bishop Foys, near the end of his homily
at Confirmation, says<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">to
those who are to be confirmed,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“If you remember only one thing from
what I have said,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">remember
that God loves you.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">**That love for each of us is <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">personal</span>, <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">active</span>, <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">unconditional,<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and unlimited.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">T</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">he <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">crucifix</span> proves it and<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">our
experience of that selflessness here today confirms it.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">In the three previous weeks of <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Lenten penance</span>, we have been first<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">reminded of our need to seek the solace of the
desert<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">to
consider our sinfulness, second <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">reminded
of how God wanted to impress upon the Israelites<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">the
seriousness of sin by attempting to wipe it out<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">with a great flood, and then, last Sunday,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">reminded
of the ways of our sin as in the Ten Commandments.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">That all may have seemed like a lot of bad news; in a way,
it is.<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Today we are reminded that it is precisely <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">because </span>of those sins<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and our selfishness that <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Christ came to earth to save us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">And that is certainly the Good
</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">News.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">This Sunday is called "<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Laetare Sunday</span>," the Sunday of <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Rejoicing</span>."<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">That's the reason we wear <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">rose-colored vestments</span> today.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Today as Jesus <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">renews his unconditional love</span> for
us<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">in this Holy Mass, and especially as we
receive him</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">in Holy Communion, let's thank him for His love.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">May we cooperate with God’s grace not
only to <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">experience</span> his
love,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">but to <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">share that “agape”</span> with others, especially those</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">who are <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">still
living in darkness</span>.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">This week, may <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">our</span> active, Christ-like love<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">be
like a sunrise in <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">the</span> hearts
of others,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">giving <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">them </span>hope and drawing them towards<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">the <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">saving fountain</span> God's grace.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">*Story taken from “1001 More Humorous Illustrations for Public Speaking”
by Michael Hodgin #789, p 277 Zondervan Pub. House,<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Grand Rapids MI 1998<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">**Information for this homily taken from:</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">https://www.epriest.com/homily_packs/build/125<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">***The division used in this homily is drawn
from C.S. Lewis's "The Four Loves" and the first part of Pope
Benedict's Encyclical Letter, "Deus caritas est."</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />Deacon Jerry Franzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06102823605373349116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3895487973784224695.post-16420605803633122192018-02-14T16:05:00.000-05:002018-02-14T16:05:24.960-05:00HOMILY FOR 6TH SUNDAY Ordinary Time -YEAR B<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Deacon Jerry Franzen CATHEDRAL – FEBRUARY 11, 2018<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<h2>
Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46 1
Corinthians 10:31-11,1 Mark 1:40-45</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Praised Be Jesus Christ! Good Morning!</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">When I was in formation and we were studying Sacred
Scripture,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">the
instructor pointed out that, in several places<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">in Mark’s Gospel, Jesus warned people<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">not
to spread the word about the signs and wonders,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">the
miracles, that He worked.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">It started right here in the 1<sup>st</sup> Chapter.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">The instructor said that, in these instances, Jesus
was<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">being
portrayed as though he were the “Hidden Messiah.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Of course, Jesus’ warnings were not attempts to hide
the fact that<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">He was the Messiah.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">He was attempting to make sure that the people did not
think<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">that
his power to work miracles was an indication<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">that
he came to use that power to overthrow the Romans.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Jesus explained several times that His miraculous
power<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">was an
indication of God’s love for us,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">the
power to overcome the grip that sin has on us.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">In the first reading,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">we
heard about the power of the disease of leprosy.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">It severely disfigured the person as his or her body
rotted away.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">It led to a slow agonizing death; apparently there was no cure.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">It was communicable by a mere touching of the affected
person.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">It rendered the person an outcast from society. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">And I imagine that,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">given the understanding of diseases in those
days,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">a
person with this terrible disease<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">was considered to have been a terrible sinner .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">People then thought that disease was God’s punishment
for sin.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Yet in today’s Gospel, the leper,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> who was supposed to be apart from the rest of
the community,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> came
and knelt before Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Rather than hanging back and warning Jesus<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">by
shouting “Unclean, unclean.” the leper approached Jesus. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Oh, the power of the faith of this leper.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">He broke the rule of isolation,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">and
risked having Jesus run from him.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Somehow he knew that Jesus would not flee:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">he knew
that Jesus would have compassion for him.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Compassion – from the Latin for “to suffer with.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Jesus could understand the suffering of a leper,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">as He
knew He too would be shunned by society <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">and
suffer his own horrible death.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">In response to the faith of the leper,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Jesus
showed the power of His love for the leper,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">by
reaching out and touching him.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">II<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">As I often ask, “Where are we in this selection of
readings?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“How
does this apply to us?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">We must imitate Jesus – this example of His
compassion.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Compassion was not just a feeling or an emotion<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">that Jesus
experienced and that was it.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">His compassion prompted him to act;<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">For the
reading said:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched
him<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">and
said to him, ‘I do will it. Be made
clean.” <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">As Christians, followers of Jesus, we must respond in
action<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">when we
encounter someone in need.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">We can’t just say or think “What a pity. I’m so sorry.’”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">We must be moved to do what we can to heal the hurt.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">That could be an assurance of prayer support<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">when
someone is facing a difficult situation.
<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">It could be a
gentle hug or a kind word of support.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">It could be
financial help in a time of need.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">I could be just
one’s silent presence – “just being there.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">We must strive
to be like Jesus, to welcome those in need of healing,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">and not run away from the situation<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">as many would have in Jesus’
time <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">when a leper
approached.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Through the
power of the Holy Spirit,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">we can share in the healing ministry
of Jesus<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">III<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">But there is
another lesson for us here.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Like the leper,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">we must be willing to bring our
difficulties to the Lord,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">to approach the Lord, and
say,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">“If you wish, you
can make me clean.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">We can’t be
avoiding the Lord,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">by figuratively yelling “Unclean,
unclean” and staying away<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">when we are steeped in our sinful
nature.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Some seem to
distance themselves from the Lord<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">when they need him most.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Mired in sin,
some decide to avoid the Lord,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">to stay away from the sacrament of
Penance.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Maybe some are
ashamed of how long it has been<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">and how many sins they have accumulated.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Maybe they think
that they are unworthy of God’s full forgiveness.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Maybe things are
so bad that they have just resigned themselves<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">to the doom of never being with God.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Maybe they just
don’t like what they hear<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">when their sins are recounted by their
conscience. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">A man was having
some difficulties with his hearing.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">He went to the
doctor for a hearing test;<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">after the test the doctor asked him
whether he drank alcohol.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">He said, “Yes.”
And the doctor asked, “How much.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">The man replied,
“About a pint a day.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">The doctor said
“Cut out the alcohol,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">and let’s see if your hearing
improves. Come back in a month.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">The man came
back in a month<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">and a retest showed that his hearing had
improved.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">After another
month, the man came back,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">and the test showed that his hearing was
poorer.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">The doctor asked
the man whether he had gone back to the alcohol.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">The man replied,
“Yes. I like the way I feel when I drink
alcohol,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">and I found that I didn’t like much of
what I was hearing.” <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Maybe we don’t
like what we are hearing about ourselves<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">from that inner voice<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">which is always nagging us to do the right
thing.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">My dear friends,
this Wednesday we embark on the season of Lent,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">my favorite season of the liturgical
year.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">My favorite,
because it is the season in which we prepare for Easter,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">the greatest feast in the Church year.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">But it is also
the time when I give special attention<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">to the healing power of God’s infinite mercy.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">It is also the season that heightens my sorrow
for my sins.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">The difference
between us and the leper is:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">the leper left it up to Jesus – <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">“If you wish, you can make me
clean.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">In our case, it
is up to us,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">for we know that Jesus wishes to make all of
us clean.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">The power of God’s love is so great<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">that He
is always reaching out to us too, to touch us, to heal us. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">May we all take
advantage of the Sacrament of Penance</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">during this season of Lent.</span></b></div>
Deacon Jerry Franzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06102823605373349116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3895487973784224695.post-8955685074735801212017-12-23T11:19:00.000-05:002017-12-23T11:19:46.230-05:00HOMILY FOR 4th SUNDAY OF ADVENT -YEAR B<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Deacon Jerry Franzen Cathedral – December 24, 2017</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 15pt;"><b>II Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Romans 16:25-27;
Luke 1:26-38</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Praised Be Jesus Christ.
“Good Morning!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As I have mentioned
previously the first reading and the Gospel<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">for each Sunday are chosen so as to be connected in some
way.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">First we will look at a
connection between them for today,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">then illustrate the connecting idea with a story<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">and apply this to our lives as we end Advent.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In the first reading, we
heard that David was concerned<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">about the residence of the Lord God.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A tent was fine for all of
that travel time in the desert.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But now that the Israelites
were not wandering around,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">David thought that the Lord should have a more</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">permanent place of residence.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">After all, David himself had
a house made of cedar;<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">the Lord should have better.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Nathan, the prophet, told
David that whatever he did was fine,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">because the Lord was with HIM.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In fact the Lord told Nathan
to spell it out for David,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">to remind David that the Lord, had always been with David.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The Lord had elevated David from
shepherd boy to king;<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">the Lord had also defeated David’s enemies.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Then the Lord also told
Nathan to explain that<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">the He, the Lord, would continue to be with David<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">and would make him famous.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Furthermore, the Lord would reside
in His chosen people <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">so that they
would be at peace.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Furthermore, from the
ancestors of David,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">the house of David, an heir would come<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">who would be a king, with the Lord as his father.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And this kingdom will last
forever,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">for the Lord would reside in His people.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Notice neither Nathan or the
Lord asked David if all of this was OK.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">David was told, “This is the
way it is going to be.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The tone of the Gospel
reading is very similar, a story we know well.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The angel came to Mary and
said, <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Hail, full of Grace, the Lord is with you.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Not, “The Lord will be with
you if you want him to be.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Not, “The Lord will be with you; but rather, the Lord IS with you.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Mary did question HOW this
had happened, but never WHY.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The angel said, “This is the
way it is.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And Mary said “I’m on
board.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“I am the handmaid, the
servant, of the Lord. I’ll go along with
it.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Two persons, David and Mary,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">who were told that the Lord was with them,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">and both said “Yes” to whatever
that would mean for their lives.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<h1 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">II</span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Now The story*:</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Roger Simms, newly
discharged from the military<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">was hitchhiking his
way home on a road to Chicago.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">large black expensive
sedan went him, and, to his surprise,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">it stopped past him and the passenger door was opened.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Roger ran to the car, put his duffle bag in the back seat<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">and slid into the leather front seat next to<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">an elderly gentleman who greeted him with a smile.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Roger explained that he was
going home.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The driver told him that he
was in luck, if he lived in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:city>.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Roger explained that he
wasn’t going quite as far as Chicago<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">and asked, “Do you live there, Mister?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“I’m Mr. Hanover”, said the
driver, “and I own a business there.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">They were off, and their
conversation covered several topics.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Roger, a Christian, felt a
strong compulsion </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">to witness to Mr. <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">Hanover</st1:state></st1:place></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">about how Christ was so important in his life.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But he kept putting it off</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> for fear that he might offend Mr. <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Hanover</st1:place></st1:state>,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">who was
obviously a very successful businessman.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As they neared Roger’s
hometown, he realized it was now or never.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Mr. <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Hanover</st1:place></st1:state>,” Roger began,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">”I would like to
talk to you about something important.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Then he proceeded to explain
the way to salvation<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">and asked Mr. Hanover if he had accepted Jesus Christ<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">as his Lord and Savior.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Mr. <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Hanover</st1:place></st1:state> pulled the car on to the shoulder
and stopped.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Roger thought that he was about to be put out of the car.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But Mr. <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">Hanover</st1:state></st1:place> bowed his head to the steering wheel</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">and began to sob.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He affirmed the fact that he
did want to accept Christ into his heart.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Their conversation about
salvation continued as they drove on.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">When they reached Roger’s
hometown,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Mr. <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Hanover</st1:place></st1:state>
thanked Roger for their discussions about Christ<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">and he said,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“This is the greatest thing that has ever happened
to me.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He dropped Roger off at his
house and traveled on toward <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:city>.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Five years later, Roger took
a trip to Chicago<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">and decided to look up Mr. <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">Hanover</st1:state></st1:place>.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The receptionist at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">Hanover</st1:state></st1:place> Industries told
him<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">that he couldn’t see Mr. <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">Hanover</st1:state></st1:place>,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">but that he could see Mrs. <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">Hanover</st1:state></st1:place>.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He was disappointed, but
Mrs. Hanover, a woman in her fifties,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">rose from her desk and extended her hand and said,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“So you knew my husband.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Roger told her how Mr.
Hanover had given him a ride.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He debated with himself
about whether<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">he should tell her about their conversation about Jesus<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">and about Mr. <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Hanover</st1:place></st1:state>’s conversion.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Mrs. Hanover asked, “Can you
tell me what date that was?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Sure,” said Roger, “It was
May 7<sup>th</sup>, five years ago,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">the day I was discharged from the military.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Mrs <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">Hanover</st1:state></st1:place> then asked,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Did anything special happen on your ride.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Roger now had to tell about
Mr. <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">Hanover</st1:state></st1:place>’s
conversion experience and their
subsequent conversation<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">and how they had even prayed together.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">At that Mrs. Hanover began
to cry uncontrollably, <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And Roger thought for sure that he had gone too far,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">possibly Mr. <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">Hanover</st1:state></st1:place>’s conversion<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">had caused a problem in their marriage.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But Mrs. <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">Hanover</st1:state></st1:place> explained that she had grown up<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">in a Christian family but her husband had not.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">She had prayed for her husband’s
conversion for many years.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">She went on to explain that shortly
after her husband<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">had dropped Roger off at his home five years before,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">her husband had died in a head-on collision.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">She then had lost her faith
in God – stopped living for the Lord,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">when she had thought that God had not answered her prayers.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<h1 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">III</span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Dominus vobis cum. “The Lord is with you” or as we say,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“The Lord be with you.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The Lord was with David, no
matter whether he wanted the Lord,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">or whether he believed that the Lord was present in him.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The Lord was with Mary, his
presence was not her choice,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">yet she cooperated with the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The Lord was with Roger; he
was filled with the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The Lord was with Mr. <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Hanover</st1:place></st1:state>, and he didn’t
even know it.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The Lord was with Mrs.
Hanover, even though<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">she had become convinced that the Lord had left her.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The Lord IS with everyone of
YOU.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">There are times when we,
like Roger, are filled with the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">At least there should be
times<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">when we are bursting at the seams with the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We may be a little hesitant
like Roger,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">but all we have to do is remember that the Lord is with us.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">When we meet that person </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">who doesn’t know about the Catholic faith,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">we can have
the courage</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> to
witness about our relationship with God,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">because God became incarnate with the Virgin Mary</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">and we know that the Lord is with us.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We can stand up for the
sanctity of life<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">from conception to natural death,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">because we know that God is on our side</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> – the Lord is with us.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">At other times we are like
Mr. <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">Hanover</st1:state></st1:place>,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">not even knowing that God is with us.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We stand up for the needs of the homeless.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And we say, “Where did that
come from?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">What gave me the courage to do that?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Who is right there next to me
supporting me?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Because God became incarnate
with the Virgin Mary</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">we
know that the Lord is with us.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And, oh, there are times
when nothing is going right,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">our world is falling in around us<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">and we are convinced that the Lord has abandoned
us.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">One parent is out of work,
the other parent must work more,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">the younger children are sick,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">older children are in trouble in school. Life is a mess.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Suddenly, light appears at
the end of the tunnel,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">a friend knows of a job opportunity.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The other parent can now
work less.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Solutions to problems are in
sight,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">health care for the children becomes available with the new
job<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">and the
other parent<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">can
now give more attention to school problems.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Things seem to come together
– to be not so bad after all,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">and we recognize that the Lord was there all of the time.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The Lord is with you – Emmanuel
– God with us.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">God is with us, because he became one of us.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This is the celebration to
which we are pointing. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">May this Christmas and the
coming Christmas season begin<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">with each of us having our faith in God’s presence with us<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">restored and strengthened,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">so that we can say, even
proclaim to others,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Lord, I believe that you are with me; I am your servant. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Be it done unto me according to your word.” <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
*Story “Right on Time” by Ron Mehl taken from “Stories for
the Heart.” Compiled by Alice Gray, Questar Publishers, Sisters, OR 1996 pp 265-268</div>
Deacon Jerry Franzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06102823605373349116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3895487973784224695.post-75647564497356703562017-11-13T21:47:00.000-05:002017-11-13T21:47:26.507-05:00HOMILY FOR 32ND SUNDAY ORDINARY TIME -YEAR A<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">CATHEDRAL – Deacon Jerry
Franzen NOVEMBER 12, 2017<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<h2>
Wisdom 6:12-16; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matthew 25:1-13</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Praised Be Jesus Christ - Good Morning<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">*Joni learned her first
lesson in responsibility</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">the day she
came home from school</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">and found that her guinea pigs were missing.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> She rushed to her mother to ask about them.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“I gave them away because
you didn’t take care of them,”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">explained Joni’s
mother.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“But, Mom, I did take care
of them.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Mom replied, “Joni, I gave
them away ten days ago.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sound familiar?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Listen to these; see if any
of them resonate with you.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> “The doctor told me to get more exercise;<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I think that I can work it into my schedule next month.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> “I’ll visit my homebound aunt<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">the next time I happen to be in her neighborhood.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> “I need to apologize to my sister;<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I’m waiting for the opportunity to present itself.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> “After Christmas is over I’ll make a New Year’s resolution<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">that I will be more careful about how I spend my money.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> “I know that I have a problem with anger,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> one
of these days I’ll talk it over with God.”</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We are the virgins in today’s
parable,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> and it’s a “good news/bad news” story.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The “bad news” is that none
of us is like the five prudent virgins<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> assured of possessing a full supply of all that it takes<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> to enter into the kingdom of heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">None of us has it all in
order.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The “good news” is that none
of us is like the five foolish virgins</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">doomed to banishment
from the kingdom of heaven. </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Actually this parable is not so much about
where we are<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">s it is about getting to where we should be.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We must be aiming for the image
of the five wise virgins,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">being fully
prepared for our meeting with our “bridegroom,”</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">with
God, at our death.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">At that time, all of the
worldly things in the natural order<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">are set aside; it’ll be just God and each of us.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">How will our lamps be
burning?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Brightly with our faith
in God?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Brightly
with our hope in God?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Brightly with our love for God?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Or will our lamps be
flickering,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">because we
have not known God well enough that</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">our faith in God has constantly </span></b><b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">shown forth in our actions?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Will our flames be very low,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">because we
have not known God well enough that</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">we have lost hope in His saving power?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Will our flames be out,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">because we have not known God well enough to love Him?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">II</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We must be prepared, for we
know that this meeting with God<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">can come at any time.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">We are made
painfully aware of that<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">in examples of “untimely” deaths.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">The parable in
today’s Gospel<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">is reminding us that we cannot put off
our preparation.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">We can’t let it
go;<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">we can’t ignore it for days like Joni ignored
her guinea pigs.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">We must be
working on it,….. but how?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The five foolish virgins
looked to the five wise ones for help.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Their request was rejected.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This seems to be counter to
Christ’s teachings on love of neighbor,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">but, parables are not perfect analogies.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">While oil and other physical
goods can be shared,</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">one person
cannot just share his or her grace</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">for the spiritual preparation for another’s</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">final meeting with God.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We must each work with God’s
grace for ourselves.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As children we relied on
others to prepare us;<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">as adults we must be responsible for our own
preparation. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">What can move us to do this?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">What can transform our lethargy into action?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We have all been endowed
with gifts<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">through the action of the Holy Spirit at Baptism.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">** One of those baptismal gifts is
wisdom, a gift that is<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“resplendent and
unfading” in the words of the first reading.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This is NOT wisdom in the
natural order,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> where we use our knowledge of the natural order<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> to make correct decisions.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The baptismal gift of wisdom<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> is the gift of
wisdom in the divine order,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> wisdom where
we see things as God sees things<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> and make our decisions accordingly.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">***There are six other gifts
of the Holy Spirit given at baptism:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> and fear of
the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Remember these are not natural
gifts, but spiritual gifts,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> gifts to be seen through God’s eyes and God’s precepts. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Understanding as God
understands.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Counsel as God would counsel.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Fortitude as God wants us to
be courageous in support of Him.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Knowledge as God knows.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Piety as piety toward our
God.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And fear not as being afraid
but as being in awe of our God.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">By our baptism,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">we have been GIVEN
each of these gifts to some degree.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">These gifts are for
our use for our salvation.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Having been given these gifts, we have been
empowered</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">to USE them </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">for our salvation by the further infusion</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">of the Holy
Spirit </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">at Confirmation.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">On top of that, we are all expected
to use the gifts</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">we have been given</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> in service to others, to assist in their salvation.</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">III<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">The bridegroom
that will meet us on that fatal day</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">is
the same bridegroom we already meet on a daily basis.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">We prepare for
our final meeting with God<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">by how we meet Him as Jesus on a daily
basis.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Using the gifts
of the Holy Spirit,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">we must bring the fruits of those
gifts<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">to members of our families and to our friends</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">when
we take good care of ourselves</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">in a sensible lifestyle and a God-like manner.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">We must bring
the fruits of those gifts to the sick or to the lonely<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">whose spirits can be lifted by our
visits.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">We must bring
the fruits of those gifts to those <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">who can be warmed by our contrition
and our forgiveness.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">We must bring
the fruits of those gifts to those who can benefit<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">from our sensible use of our
resources.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">We must bring
the fruits of those gifts to the persons we seek<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">to help us to overcome our faults.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">We must
celebrate all those everyday instances<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">when we meet Jesus in those around us
by bringing to them <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">the
bright light of Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">We prepare for
that final meeting with Jesus</span></b></div>
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<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">by
practicing consistently and constantly</span></b></div>
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<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">how we meet Jesus in the situations of everyday life.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">AND we must recognize that some
of us are better<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">at using some of these gifts than others,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">but we are
all to use the gifts we have been given<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">to the best of our ability.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I am sure that I am not
alone in being especially fond of the flame</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">as a symbol of
the effect of the Holy Spirit,</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">as was the case for the apostles at Pentecost.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In today’s Gospel, I see the
flame of an oil lamp<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">as a symbol of the action of the Holy Spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Against the force of
gravity,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">the oil in a lamp flows up the wick to the flame,</span></b></div>
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<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">where the liquid oil is transformed into vapors.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It’s the vapors that mix
with the oxygen in the air</span></b></div>
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<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">and are
ignited with the flame to burn</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">and sustain
the light of the lamp.</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The power of the Holy Spirit
must be burning brightly in us.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We must cooperate with the
graces of the Holy Spirit<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">to use the gifts we have received through the love of God <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">to move us
uphill, counter to the culture of inactivity,</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">dependency and procrastination,</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">all
of which can drag us down.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">May we be transformed into a
new creation of activity <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">that can burst into flame,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">the light
that we must be for ourselves and others<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">both now and at the hour of death.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">* </span>Source unknown</b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">**</span>Human Wisdom vs
Divine Wisdom in Homily 32<sup>nd</sup> Sunday OT Year A by Bishop Sam Jacobs <a href="http://www.spiritaflame.org/2017/11/homily-thirty-second-sunday-year-a.html">http://www.spiritaflame.org/2017/11/homily-thirty-second-sunday-year-a.html</a></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b>***CCC #1831<o:p></o:p></b></div>
Deacon Jerry Franzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06102823605373349116noreply@blogger.com0