What Should We Do

And the crowds asked John, “What should we do?”

We are now a bit over half way through our Advent journey toward Christmas, toward our welcoming once again the birth, the incarnation of the Lord into our lives. But what have we done since the beginning of this Advent? How have you opened your hearts and souls and lives to this grace, this presence of God during this time? Are you able to really hear the cries of the Baptist?

In the previous verse of the gospel, John calls these people a “brood of vipers,” you bunch of snakes. And at the end he states, “The chaff will burn with unquenchable fire.” Only those who radically transform their lives will be spared this destructive power.

Now these threats may seem out of place with the theme of joy that also characterizes the readings of today, traditionally known as “Gaudete Sunday,” joyful Sunday, not only because the Lord is coming...but because as we enter this third week of Advent...the Lord is truly close at hand, so near. You see, this gospel, although it may seem harsh, shows us the only way to Joy.

Perhaps like the crowd you are asking, “What is it that we should do?” Often when we think of spiritual preparedness, we immediately think of saying our daily prayers, praying the rosary each day, going to confession, and indeed these are all good things. But John the Baptist calls us even deeper.

We may at first look at this gospel and think...well, I’m not that wealthy myself. I’m not a tax collector, or a soldier. So what does this mean? What the Baptist demands from the people who ask what they should do is something new. He does not suggest anything specifically or typically religious, does not invite them to practice some formal devotion or a penitential ritual. He demands something very concrete, and very radical.

“Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has goods should do likewise.” You may have great wealth, you may be poor, but how do you share with others the goodness God has given you? How do you share your material resources, your time, your talent with others...all others?

“Stop collecting more than what is prescribed:” a call to justice. How do you live out the gospel call to justice? How do you work to change systems and structures in the community, in your family, in your convent that deny others basic human dignity? How do you work to ensure that all children attend school, have food, access basic medical care? So often we leave the call to justice as something for others: for politicians or religious leaders or large organizations. But today, the Baptist calls you to act with justice.

“Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages.” The soldiers are the symbol of those who have power, and can abuse that power. And each of us, in some way, has some kind of power. What do you do with that? For those of you with positions of power in this community, how do you lead and guide others? Parents, how do you use your power to build up your families as true witnesses to Christian love? For those of you in clubs or school groups, how do you use your power to include others?

The gospel today is showing us three attitudes we must assume if we want to experience the joy promised to those who welcome the Christ who comes: share the goods we possess, avoid injustices, and stop oppressing people.

There are just seven days left for your Advent preparation. What will you do? How will you prepare? How will you change to truly open your lives to the promise of the Fire of the Spirit, the source of Joy that we celebrate on this Gaudete Sunday.

Prepare The Way Of The Lord

Traditionally, the second Sunday in Advent brings us face-to-face with one of the great prophets of the scriptures: John the Baptist. However, I wonder if today, we really hear his words? “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” John came with an uncomfortable message, demanding to be heard, although few at the time really bothered to actually listen.

Luke begins this gospel with a long introduction to present the political and the religious leaders holding power at this time. But why? Is it important? You see, Luke wants us to keep very clear that he is not about to tell us a nice fable, myth or legend, he is about to write about actual, concrete history: God intervening in real human history. 2000 years ago was a time of class struggle, wars, terrorism, rising crime and violence, economic insecurity, high taxes, moral decay…sound familiar?

The point is that John the Baptist came preaching in a real time. Jesus was born in this real time in this real world, in a world filled with questions and fear and uncertainty. And yet sometimes I think we go about preparing for Christmas as if it had nothing to do with the real world. We prepare as though the whole point was to create a fairy kingdom of twinkling lights, trees in houses, fancy gift paper, extravagant foods and drink, and plastic Father Christmas.

But the gospel today reminds us that God meets us right here and right now, in a world of corporate and government corruption, rising rates of HIV infection and increased stigma and discrimination for those living with the virus, rising sexual violence and rape, growing numbers of orphans and vulnerable children with no one to care for them, soup kitchens for the poor that close because of no food.

Jesus came into this world of frightened, depressed people; a dying people. Jesus came and he got involved, and calls us to do the same. And it is in this world that the way of the Lord is to be prepared. But the call for preparation is not a new idea. For generations, the prophets of ancient Israel had been warning the people to reform. Today, modern day prophets challenge us to look at our world, and to change our ways. But do we listen?

The prophets were concerned about the oppression of people who are weak and poor. And so today, we must ask ourselves: what is our attitude toward the poor? What is the message we give in our Church and at home? Do we see Christ in people who are poor, in their nobility, and in their suffering? Do we see Jesus in men and women living with AIDS and HIV struggling with their health, their future, their whole social lives? Or do we see them as victims, sinners deserving what they have because of the choices they made? What messages do our children get about people who are mentally challenged, slow learners, or illiterate? What messages do we give about people of a different colour, gender, tribe, nationality, or class?

You see, brothers and sisters, “to prepare the way of the Lord” means do so right here and right now: in our neighborhoods, convents, work places, schools and churches. It means loving and caring. It means being open and willing to change how we think and how we act. It means living and reflecting the ways of God…in every aspect of our lives. It means individual sacrifices for the sake of the common good.

It has been about 2000 years since John first proclaimed to the people of Jerusalem and Judea, and history has shown that the message still has to be heard—still has to take root.

But here we are today: Benedict is our pope, Nashenda our bishop Pandeni is the governor of Khomas, Shikongo the mayor of Windhoek and the Word of God is spoken to the people who worship at this church Windhoek: Prepare the way for the Lord, make his paths straight.

Will you listen, or will you ignore this?

God Is With Us

Imagine a mine cave in…disaster. In the total darkness, deep in the earth, a survivor quietly lies in the dampness. No food. No water. No company. There is no one else. For three days the miner waits in a small pocket of air in the darkness. At times he thinks he hears faint sounds that may mean rescue. But he is never sure.

Above ground family members wait while rescue workers do their best afraid of what they may find. Hope drives them on. And then it happens: a beam of light shines through into the pocket of air. A voice speaks through a tiny opening. The workers find energy renewed.

All rejoice that one has been found alive.

This image is our story this season: a people in darkness who have seen a great light; a people waiting for the rescue that has come. We tell it as a reminder that no matter how threatening, how hopeless, or how dark the situation of our lives may become, no matter what caves in on us, or how we may feel alone, our rescue is near, and our hope is in a Saviour we can trust. We do not have to seek God. Our God seeks and searches for us.

Six hundred years earlier, Jeremiah the prophet, planted the seed of that hope, in hearts of a people he described as a remnant. We know what a remnant is: something left over, a scrap, a small piece often useless in itself and by itself. “Remnant” serves as an image of what we really are and the wonder of God's love and care for us.

That "remnant" left after the destruction of Jerusalem was not much. With no power of their own, with everything in ruins, they were "nothing" to anyone—except God. Yet the seeds of Hope planted by the prophet, bore fruit for those who waited in faith and they still bear fruit even today.

When we are nothing, reduced by sin or disaster, tasting the bitterness of our weakness, insignificance and powerlessness, we are still God's people. God seems to prefer the remnants of this world, it's scraps, and left overs, those who alone cannot amount to much. God seems to prefer seeking and searching for the lost, the last, and the least.

This is our hope today as we step into this season of Advent. We share the expectation of that miner knowing that help is always on the way and that it will come before it is too late. We shall be lifted up and lifted out, we shall see the light, and know the embrace of those who wait for us. God keeps the promise. Our rescue is right before us. Emmanuel: God is with us.

Christ the King

If Christ is King, what is he the King of? What is his kingdom all about? What is the “Kingdom of God,” and when is it? This phrase, “Kingdom of God” appears over 80 times in the Gospels, yet these questions do not have simple answers. Jesus responds to Pilate, yes he is a King, but even his answer seems a bit cryptic, mysterious.

We know that the Kingdom of God is something to strive for. We know it is more difficult to enter it if you are rich. We know it is easier to get into it if you are childlike. We know his kingdom belongs to the poor, the humble, and those persecuted for the sake of righteousness. It is not “here” or “there” but rather, it is among us.

The Gospels gives us some insight into the Kingdom of God—and it raises some questions as well.

In the parables of Jesus, the Kingdom of God is like a treasure, which a person finds in a field. He finds what he was not necessarily looking for but knows immediately that he must possess it even if it means selling everything he has.

The Kingdom of God is like a great pearl. In this story the merchant knows exactly what he is searching for. When he finds a pearl of such extraordinary beauty, he sells all that he has, in order to have this very costly pearl.

So what have we learned? Sometimes, like the man in the field, you find the Kingdom of God without looking for it, but you discover with joy that it is something you must have. Sometimes, like the merchant, the very thing you look for, the Kingdom of God is exactly what you find, and when you discover it, it is what is most important in your life.

What is it that we can catch a glimpse of here and now on earth? What did these people in the parables find? What is it they saw? You see, I want to know what did the man in the field find that filled him with such joy and excitement that he went out and sold everything he had to buy that field. I want to know that joy—that excitement. I want to be filled with that kind of joy.

If the fullness of the Kingdom at the end of time is when we live in that perfect world that God had intended us to live in, where there is no class or race or ethnic discrimination, where there exists an unquestioning trust in God and God’s Love, where all people live with selfless love of others, where love conquers sin, where wholeness conquers sickness, where peace conquers suffering, where life conquers death, where hope conquers despair, where redemption conquers damnation, where community conquers loneliness, then, even now, we can glimpse at the Kingdom of God.

When you visit someone that is sick to offer comfort and help, we see a glimpse of the Kingdom of God.

When you welcome the stranger, the foreigner, we see a glimpse of the Kingdom of God.

When we open our hearts and our lives to feed the hungry, we see a glimpse of the Kingdom of God.

When our liturgical and music ministers work so hard to provide beautiful liturgies, we see a glimpse of the Kingdom of God.

When we work to educate our children, form them in the sacraments, provide care in our hospitals and clinics, we see a glimpse of the Kingdom of God.

When we choose love and forgiveness over hatred and revenge, we see a glimpse of the Kingdom of God.

2000 years ago, the majority could not handle this, and brutally executed him. They believed that loveless power would triumph over seemingly powerless love. But the King lives on. And those who believe, celebrate his unique reign and kingdom today.

Is Jesus your King? Is the Kingdom of God your treasure? Will you listen to the truth of the voice of your king?

Good News

We come now to the end of the Church year and the readings during the week and also on this Sunday invite us to look at the end times, not only the end of the world, but the last days of our own lives. And, of course, as we consider the end of the world our thoughts naturally turn to the last judgment. In the first reading, the prophet Daniel tells that it is those whose names are “written in the book” who will be saved.

So the question of course, is how to you get your name in that book? How do we ensure a favourable judgment? The easy answer is to live one’s life according to the commandments and teachings of Jesus. The problem is, given our human nature, we fail from time to time, we go our own way, and ignore the Word of God. We turn from what we know is good and right. We turn away from love.

When this happens, we just have to admit our faults and failings, and, turn again and again and again and again to God, opening our hearts and lives to the great miracle and truth of forgiveness. You see, the Last Judgment is not something we should fear. In truth, it is something that we should rejoice in for it marks the finalization of God’s plan for the world. And God’s plan is nothing less than every one of us living with Him for eternity.

But make no mistake about it, in Daniel’s words there will be some who go to “shame and everlasting disgrace.” These are people who totally reject God’s forgiveness and love—they are those who deliberately choose not to seek his mercy. The readings today are not about fear, but once again remind us that in all things, God is with us: gently calling us closer, if only we would accept the gift and the call of His love.

You see, God loves us all and wants each and everyone of us to be saved. THIS is the Good News.

From the beginning of time, there have been people who have tried to guess when the “end” will occur. The gospel is so very certain...no one knows, but the Father. The message of the gospel today is clear: When we live our response (our faith) to God’s love for us, to it’s fullest, all of the other things, either the end of time, or our personal end on earth will make little difference.

You see, sometimes when we focus on this final judgment, we realize the enormity of our own sinfulness and failings and certainly, we cannot ignore this. But we must also remember that the mission of Jesus is to save, and despite our sinfulness, Jesus is constantly calling us through our fear and into love.

As we come to the end of this church year, we are invited to pause and reflect on the end times: that time in which our journey of faith here on earth will end, and we will be invited fully into the Reign of God.

Perhaps this only question today is: Will you accept the invitation, or will you turn away?

Mark 12, 38-44

The Gospel today is from Mark’s description of the days just before Jesus is put to death. He had been teaching in the temple trying to answer the questions of the Scribes who were trying to prove that his preposterous claims were false. As modern Christians, we are perhaps a little harder on the scribes that they deserve.

They were religious leaders of their time. They dedicated their lives to a careful, disciplined study of the Word of God. They knew that Scripture was the key to understanding the mind of God. They were not “bad” people. But, they were wrong.

Instead of letting the Bible teach them, the looked for how the Bible could support their own thoughts and teachings. Instead of admitting that there were things they didn’t understand, and allow God to fill those gaps, they used the Scripture for their own thoughts, and left no room for doubt or questions. Time and time again, Jesus tries to draw them beyond their own rigid, literal interpretations of Scripture into a deeper understanding of truth. But, they would not look up from their scrolls and see the face of God standing right before them.

And so, Jesus turns from addressing his persecutors, to addressing his disciples. They are at the temple--the heart of the Jewish nation. This was the place where they could truly worship and truly be in the very presence of God. It was a holy place. There were all kinds of people who would gather here, but none were as “important” as the Scribes. They were the elite, revered for their knowledge and respected for their power. I am sure the huge crowds would part to allow these important people to pass.

But, there’s one problem with all this self-importance. The kingdom that Jesus came to proclaim is not about power, it is about service. The Kingdom of God is not about who YOU are, but who you FOLLOW. It is not about what you have, but what you give.

And so in the middle of all this noise and self-promotion, there was a quiet, small figure. A woman, alone, which meant that no one except Jesus would have noticed her. Her clothes, gray and dingy, she could not afford better. The crowds probably bumped and pushed her, as more “important donors” made their way to the offering box. Certainly, her two tiny coins barely made a sound amidst the loud crashes of sacks of money. But Jesus heard those two little coins.

And he sets this weak and pitiful widow before us, and makes her the standard for our giving. He places her above those who were the great scripture scholars and religious leaders, and all the successful wealthy and powerful that filled the temple courtyard. What can we learn from her gift?

First of all, it was everything she had. What she gave, was her life. Now as tempting as it may be to tell you to all go home, empty your back accounts and give it to the church, that’s not what I’m saying, not that I’d stop you!

The parable is NOT just about money. You see, it is not how much we HAVE, or our position in life that defines us. It is what we give, and God calls us to give our very lives. All of us. To gain life, you have to lose it. What defines who I am? Is it what I have done and what I have gained, or, is it what I give? And, is what I give just a token, or am I giving my very life? Sounds like a lot to ask, and probably more than any of us can live up to, but we must ask ourselves these hard questions and remember that no matter how much we give, we can always give more.

Giving, in the service of the Lord, is not about what we give, but about faithfulness and lavish love. It is about following a God who suffered and died, not for the benefits and prestige, but for you. You see brothers and sisters, we do not give to receive. We give, because God gives.

I cannot tell you what you have to give, what you should give, or how much to give. But, the gospel is reminding us that our true wealth does not come from what we keep, but from what we share.

Matthew 5,1-12

There is really no point in observing and celebrating All Saints Day if our observance is only about the past and some holy people of long ago. In my own spirituality, I have stopped thinking of this day as if it was only about “them” – saints of our past, heroes long gone. The feast of All Saints, is so much more, and indeed about each one of us here today!

I like to think of this day as an annual checkup, a time to look within our lives, rather than only look around or look back. If you take your physical health seriously, you get an annual checkup. It is suggested that we see our dentist for a check on teeth, and even our cars, get tune-ups and an occasional check of the fluids. How should it be different for the spiritual side of our lives?

The Gospel today reveals the qualifications or standards for holiness. It sets the standards or the marks against which we need to check our lives. There are standards for blood pressure and blood sugar that get checked. Here in this Gospel are the minimum standards for spiritual health. Poor in spirit, meek, just, pure, and peaceful are the standards against which we measure our holiness.

Now, being poor in spirit has to do with how we relate to material things. Gospel poverty does not mean that we own nothing, but rather, that things do not own us. Things are not what’s important, relationships are what’s important.

Those who mourn are blessed not because they are actually mourning, but because they can mourn. If you are mourning and grieving, that means you have loved someone deep enough, to now feel the sorrow of separation. That is indeed a blessing!

Being meek does not mean being passive. It means being honest. It means knowing who you are and who you are not. It is a virtue that puts an end to reckless ambition and self-centered false pride.

Cultivating righteousness in the gospel sense, means having a passion for justice, not for one’s self (self-righteous), but for a passion for justice for those who never experience justice.

When mercy is found in one’s life, it is always about mercy given, not received.

Purity is not necessarily about innocence, as much as it is about being purified: it’s more like being “refined” that is to say, cleansed by sacrifice and service.

The truly holy, make peace everywhere they go because then never forget that we are all children of God, brothers and sisters in the human family that God has made in His own image and likeness. The peacemaking holy ones see the face of God in every one of God’s children.

So, this is the day, this is the time near the end of the year, to check up on things in our souls and our spiritual lives. Matthew gives us the checklist, because tomorrow’s feast of All Souls, is the reminder that if we have not checked ourselves on these things, a judgment time is coming for us all when someone else will judge, and we know very well what God will be looking for in those called to the eternal banquet of all saints.

May we all be there one day.

Take Courage

From our first reading, even in our most difficult and challenging times, God is constantly with us, always calling us to be closer to him. And it is not so much that we have to approach God, but rather, thankfully, as in the Gospel, God comes to us. And when Jesus draws close to you…what will you do? How will you respond?

The scene of Jesus walking amidst the disciples and other followers was not uncommon. It was an opportunity for Jesus to teach as they made their way to the next destination. Now, in a large city like Jericho, the atmosphere around the group must have been busy, noisy, and loud. But around Jesus, it was likely quiet so that the crowd could hear his words.

We do not know if Bartimaeus was expecting to have Jesus pass by him this day. However, he clearly knew who Jesus was—even though he was “blind”, he knew of his power to heal and doesn’t hesitate in the least, to cry out. But, because Jesus was likely teaching, the crowd yells at Bartimaeus to be quiet.

What a great moment this must have been to see, and to hear the simple but authoritive command of Jesus: “Call him here.” Call stories are always significant in scripture and although this may not have the detail of other call stories, the expected response is classic. Perhaps there is fear, hesitation, unworthiness, maybe that’s why the crowd said “take courage.”

Blind Baritmaeus took a risk. He heard that this Messiah, this Jesus was coming, so he took the risk of calling out to him. Others tried to quiet him, but what he lacked in eyesight he made up for in power of voice! He just called louder. At first Bartimaeus seemed to hesitate…Jesus said “call him here”…not go get him! Now, how would a blind man find Jesus in this crowd? A stillness comes to this crowd of people. Bartimaeus hesitated a moment, but he threw off his cloak and although blind, went to Jesus.

Think about this: Bartimaeus’ cloak was his mat, his bed, his warmth, his security, his one possession. To let go of it was to let go of everything he depended on and to trust in the Lord. Bartimaeus let go, and let God into his life. And God responded to his trust, his faith, not only with sight…but more importantly with insight.

Jesus told him, “Go your way; your faith has saved you,” but Bartimaeus didn’t go. Instead he followed Jesus on His way. Bartimaeus regains his sight because he recognized who Jesus really was…the Son of David, the Messiah. Bartimeaus is the only one who addresses Jesus with any kind of Messianic title. Mark uses the irony of the fact that it is a blind man who recognizes Jesus’ true identity to bring the story of Jesus ministry to a conclusion, before heading to Jerusalem.

Each day in the crowds and busyness of our own lives…Jesus calls out to us, begging us to come closer to him. But will you hear this call? Will you risk? Will you risk falling and stumbling on your way to Him? Are you willing to throw aside your cloak and everything and anything that is important to you and come closer to Jesus?

You see today, each one of us is named “Bartimaeus” and each one of us is called…how will you respond?

Confirmation

Dear Nick,

As you prepare to receive the sacrament of Confirmation please know that we have you in our prayers.

I was in the 8th grade when I made my Confirmation and I remember being afraid that the Bishop would ask me a question I couldn't answer. But on the big day I was relieved as the Bishop allowed us to raise our hands if we wanted to answer so there was no scary pressure. I also realized during the ceremony how much this meant to me...to be considered a true adult of the church. I had to study a lot but I was feeling pretty good about going into the next part of my life with God.

Usually the Holy Spirit is shown as a dove or as a tongue of fire. I guess because it is hard to draw what the Holy Spirit is in our lives. It is the special gift Jesus gave to us all after he left this earth. For me it is a strength when I am sad or feeling lost...it is that spark that helps me keep my faith no matter what...it is that idea I get in my head that the Spirit has granted me to see things more clear. I hope that you too will feel that energy in your life as you get older and have more adventures and challenges.

Your grandpa Don was 60 years old when received his Baptism, First Holy Communion and Confirmation all on the same night. Your grandpa decided to become a Catholic and studied for three years so even grandpas have to study to receive the sacraments. It was a very special night for the both of us. He chose to add the Saint name of St Bede when he was confirmed. A really thoughtful and perfect choice for your grandpa because St Bede was from England and was a great writer and historian. And your grandpa loves England, history and books.

We hope that your retreat gives you a chance to have some time to just be with Jesus. We all have busy lives. You have your school work, sports, friends and family that fill your days. But as you are becoming a young man and not a child anymore ...you will need to find some time to spend just with you and God. And even if there will be times when you are too tired or forget or just are not in the mood..keep in mind...God is always there for you...24/7.

We hope you feel a sense of pride as you enter into your faith even deeper and that you have a joyous Confirmation day. Know that you are loved by all of us but most of all by the God who watches over you always.
Love, Nana Judy and Grandpa Don

Monsignor Stephen Downes

We joyfully welcome our new Pastor,
Monsignor Stephen Downes
("Father Steve"),
who started on July 1st
and who celebrated his official installation on Oct 11th!Welcome to Mt. Carmel!!

On October 11th, 2009 a special Installation Mass of Monsignor Stephen Downes as new pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church took place at twelve noon. Bishop Thomas Curry co-celebrated the Mass with Monsignor Downes and delivered a very warm welcoming speech. The various Parish Ministries were represented and gave Monsignor Downes symbolic items as an affirmation of his now being their pastor.

Don and I arrived about 10 minutes to 12:00 and were fortunate enough to find 2 seats in the last pew. The church was packed. A group of St Mary's parishioners made the long drive up from Palmdale. There were some old friends from St Raphael's scattered through the church. I don't know their names but the faces were familiar.

As the beautiful bells tolled 12 the procession began from the back of the church. At the start of the Mass a group of Knights of Columbus followed the altar boys and behind them were Father Steve and Bishop Curry. The processional hymn was a favorite for young and old, "Holy God We Praise Thy Name". The choir was amazing and the acoustics great. They were accompanied by an organ and a baroque trumpet.

Father Steve looks the same...maybe a little more silver in his hair. He will be 69 in December and he said he is in the "evening" of his life. But he said a lot of people in the Parish are in their 80s and 90s and they think he's a kid! He said he was called to a woman who was dying that asked to be baptized. He did baptize her...and she was 103! So he conceded perhaps he is not yet in the "evening of his life."

He was touched to see the familiar faces from St Mary's and St Raphael's among the new faces of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. His brother and sister in law flew in from Dublin to attend.

He said when the people from his former Parish, St Mary's in Palmdale, saw the beautiful Mount Carmel Church they asked him..."Why didn't you build us a church that looks like this!?" He told them.."If I had $10 million more I would have!". He mentioned that his last Parish had 10,000 families registered.

Father Steve remarked that most of his fellow classmates are retired but he looks forward to his new assignment. He said he enjoys "new beginnings." Bishop Curry had encouraged him to return to the Santa Barbara region and he was hapapy to do that.

He said he was pleased to be associated with Our Lady of Mount Carmel as he was fond of so many Carmelite saints,especially St John of the Cross. Father Steve said that he had been a priest for 43 years and that at his ordination they had been given a holy card of St John of the Cross. On the card was the quote:"In the evening of your life you will be judged by your love"

He is the same sweet humble man from Dublin. I hope they treat him well. They are very lucky to have him as their pastor.

“Lord, whom can I serve?”

Mark 10, 35-45

In the gospel today Jesus is walking along the Sea of Galilee in front
of his disciples, and they follow him, perhaps a bit reluctantly,
because he has already explained twice to them the purpose of the
journey to Jerusalem. Jesus had said that he is going to Jerusalem to
be insulted, condemned to death, tortured and killed—who would want to follow this guy??!? Jesus had explained this so clearly to those who would follow him, but in reality, his disciples still don’t understand this. I wonder if I really understand his words?

And then slowly James and John walk a little faster and catch up to
him. And their request to Jesus, unfortunately, sounds a little bit
like my own prayer life, “Lord, I want you to do what ever I ask!”
Now I hope that I am not quite as arrogant in my own prayers and
needs, but sometimes it seems that I am constantly telling the Lord
what to do in my life. My prayer is reduced to a list of things I
think God should fix. And maybe you too are doing the same.
Thankfully, Jesus looks at them kindly, doesn’t rebuke them, and asks
them, “do you really know what you are asking?”

We pray to be good Christians...do we know what we are really asking?
We pray that we want to follow Jesus...do we really understand this?
Each time we gather in this chapel, we glance ahead to see what
happened in Jerusalem. Do you understand that to be a Christian, to
be a disciple and follow Jesus, you can expect only the same? The cup
that Jesus drinks is death, death to self, death to self-centeredness,
death to sin and false pride, and ultimately physical death. The
baptism he shares is service.

For many Christians, and I think especially for us in religious life,
we so often speak and pray that our desire is “to serve the Lord.”
Yet this gospel seems to turn this around. I think often that my
life, my vocation, my desire to follow Jesus is always focused on
serving the Lord. But the gospel today explains how this is done.
You see, serving the Lord, means becoming a servant of others and in
fact, in the words of St. Mark...to be a slave.

Now most often, I think I do a pretty good job at this service
thing...but then I examine the gospel again and realize there is one
more condition. I’m really pretty good at serving others, I think,
especially when I can choose those whom I want to serve! But the
Gospel today is clear, “whoever wishes to be first among you will be
the slave of all. No exceptions. No exclusions.

And so once again, the gospel turns our human way of doing things
upside down. Husbands how will you serve your wife? Parents, how
will you serve your children? Superiors, how will you serve the
novices? What about the friend who has hurt you, the family member
who has a grudge against you, the widow, the orphan, the person living
with AIDS. How will you serve?

There is nothing wrong with prayers of petition, but today we learn,
the answer to our deepest needs, will always be a call urging us to
serve. Today, instead of praying, “Lord do for me whatever I ask,”
today our prayer must be, “Lord, whom can I serve?”

What Jesus reminds us today is that if you are serious about being a
disciple, if you really want to follow and serve the Lord, you are on
the way to Jerusalem, and the only response can be loving service to
others, all others, no exceptions.

Weekend of Compassion

Mark 10,2-16

When I looked at the readings for this Sunday, I quickly understand why so many of my priest-friends go on retreat, attend conferences and meetings, go on pilgrimages, and get out of town this weekend—the dreaded divorce reading! And here we all are in China!! I think our task is to preach on this teaching of Jesus and at the same time, uphold His compassion and the understanding that he always displayed.

I’ve read dozens of commentaries on this gospel which offer some really interesting information on first century Palestine marriage and divorce. These commentaries discuss marriage and its historical, cultural, religious and sociological perspectives. All very interesting stuff, but I’m not sure that any of it makes for a good homily.

What kept creeping into my thoughts is the following:

1. God declared what He had in mind for marriage in the book of Genesis—before The Fall.

2. 1,350 years before Jesus, but after The Fall, Moses had to struggle with the fact that what God envisioned, and what he, at times was observing around him, were two different things

3. 2,000 years ago, the Pharisees noted that what God had in mind for marriage, and what they sometimes observed, were two different things—and they were using this to try to catch Jesus in a trap

4. Today, I look around, and I see that what God had in mind for marriage, and what occurs so very frequently in marriage and families, is two different things.

Now, is it me, or am I seeing a pattern here?

The ideals of marriage declared by God our Creator and promoted by His Son Jesus, are surely inspiring and a source of great joy and great life. The indissolubility of marriage is an ideal the Church must hold and we all know couples who have lived this ideal with joyous rewards.

Yet sin, bad choices and bad behaviours have been causing havoc and problems with the ideals of marriage ever since Adam and Eve went picking the wrong fruit. Sinning, missing the mark, falling short, making a mess out of things, dying and rising, whatever you want to call it, has been around since the beginning.

Nevertheless, as much as these readings can bring a glow to the faces of long-time married couples, it also causes even more pain and disappointment to the divorced. Sometimes a divorced person is the victim of bad choices and behaviour, other times a divorced person is the agent of bad choices and behaviour. Regardless, the pain is still real. Jesus never shied away from addressing or facing pain. Neither should we.You do not have to be divorced to identify with the pain of falling short of an ideal. None of us are perfect in being Catholic Christians.

Do any of these quotes make you nervous?

Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you when someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well.

Who ever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me, is not worthy of me.

Whoever wishes to follow me, must sell everything, give the money to the poor, then, come follow me.

Who here then is ready to judge?

To pick up the first stone? We remember the woman caught in adultery in St. John, we are not sure if the woman caught in the act of adultery was married or single. Nevertheless, Jesus literally saved her life, and told her to sin no more. He exercised compassion, without loosing the ideal.

This weekend, we need to do the same. The church reaches out to those who have hurt WITH, or have been hurt BY bad choices and bad behaviours in marriage. We may not know the depth of that pain, but everyone here knows the pain, of falling short of an ideal. It is a weekend of compassion.

Who Do You Say I Am?

The disciples have been following Jesus and they have realized that their Master is someone extraordinary. They hear the praises of the people, some saying that he has the spirit of John the Baptist, others proclaiming that he must be the great prophet Elijah who has returned to the world. But his true identity remains a mystery even to those closest to him.

This is all part of the gradual unfolding of the Gospel of Mark. In the very beginning, people are saying, “But who is this man? He has power over unclean spirits, he works wonders, the wind and sea obey him, who can he be?”

The passage we read today brings us to the very centre of Mark’s gospel, and is the gospel’s peak moment. We can imagine that we are about halfway through a “catechism course” taught by St. Mark. What have you understood about Jesus? Have you seen things that others have failed to see and understand?

But today comes the shock surprise. After mentioning what others say about the identity of Jesus, Peter shows that he understands, and on behalf of the other disciples, proclaims, “You are the Christ, You are the Messiah.” The perfect, correct answer. So why does Jesus forbid him to tell others?

Peter has spoken the correct, exact answer all right, but what he has in mind is very incorrect, and even wrong. You see, Peter is convinced that Jesus is about to establish the great Kingdom of God on earth through power, force, conquest and political rule, and Peter and disciples would all be part of it! He couldn’t have been more mistaken

And so Jesus must state clearly the purpose of his coming, his goal. He must make the disciples understand His Father’s plan for salvation and redemption. In the second part of the Gospel today, Jesus begins to teach them “that the Son of Man was destined to suffer, to be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and to be put to death.” Why would you ever want to be a disciple of Jesus? Why would you leave your homes, and families and boats for this?? Peter assures Jesus, he must be wrong!

And so Jesus teaches us clearly what it means to be a Christian, to be a disciple and he sets three standards by which every Christian is to be judged:

Renounce yourself

Take up your cross

Follow me

"Renounce yourself” means to stop always thinking about yourself, stop making yourself the centre of all your interests, forgetting about others. If you want to follow Jesus, you have got to first reject selfish self-centredness.

Secondly, “take up your cross” does not mean pain and sorrow always please God. The Christian does not seek pain, the Christian seeks love. The cross is the ultimate sign of love and of giving of self. To carry your cross means to join Jesus as he gives the greatest sign of love.

And third, “follow me” means to share the choice of Jesus, take part in His plan, to live your life for love of others.

Discussions about Jesus still continue. No one denies his greatness, and many even say that he is the greatest man ever to live on earth. But is that enough, to be a Christian? Each one of us must answer the question from the very depths of your soul: Who is Jesus?

Are you willing to truly renounce yourself? Take up your cross? Follow him all the way to Jerusalem? Are you an admirer of Christ, or a disciple? Brothers and sisters, your life depends on your answer.

Be Not Afraid

Isaiah 35, 4-7
Mark 7, 31-37

Fear is a big thing these days. It sells stuff like security systems, guards, gates, locks, walls and fences. There’s also fear of the economy, fear I may lose my job, fear I won’t be accepted, fear I won’t make it to final vows.

The very first words of the Liturgy of the Word today, shaped my thoughts and prayer: Say to all faint hearts, Courage! Do not be afraid. The presence of God, who has called us to this holy place today, is not seen in the removal of stress, problems, fear or suffering, but in the fact that in spite of all this, there is still the possibility of great goodness, great growth, accomplishments, and peace.

In the gospel this week, we hear about a deaf man with a speech impediment. He was brought to Jesus by his friends, and we see how Jesus treated him with great gentleness and dignity. Mark tells us Jesus “took the man aside, away from the crowd.” This poor man had likely suffered from people taunting him, and making fun of him for far too long. He was likely constantly filled with fear. So, very quietly, and with loving concern, Jesus takes the impediment from the man, and he is able to hear and to speak plainly. Imagine how this man’s life changed that day! Imagine the amazement of the crowd!

Certainly, a miracle took place this day, 2000 years ago. Of that, there is no question. A man, who was unable to hear or speak, was healed. Yet, if that is all this is, a miracle story, it IS wonderful, and we can say to one another, “see how great and wonderful the Lord was!” But, if ALL we see is a miracle...a physical healing, perhaps we may miss something more that God is trying to tell each of us today.

The person in this story can neither hear nor speak, and is therefore a powerful symbol of those who cannot or will not communicate. Fear always puts up walls, locks closed doors and pulls down the shades. Fear makes us blind and deaf and silent. “BE OPENED” says Jesus. He put his fingers in the man’s ears. I think he was silencing the frightening noise of the outside, so that the man could hear the call of God and the whisper of Divine Love that calms fear.

Before this miracle, perhaps this man is like ourselves, and our inability and fear to begin conversations with God, with each other, with nature, the world around us, with ourselves. The gospel this week challenges each of us to ask, in what ways am I deaf and silent?

Fear silences us. Fear sends us into isolation, and yet in those moments, the Lord takes our hand, and promises, “I am with you.” Does my fear, prevent me from coming to the Lord in prayer? Does fear prevent me from reaching out to others in service?

Can you hear the words and cries of others who need you? Are you deaf to the needs of the poor? The sick? Children, orphans? The elderly? Those living with HIV and AIDS? Can you hear the cries of those who need your service and help? Parents, do you hear the words of your children? Really listen to their life stories? Children, can you hear the words of your parents, those who are caring for you? Professed sisters, do you hear the questions and enthusiasm of the young postulants and novices? Novices, can you hear the wisdom of the professed?

And what about speaking? It what ways are you silent, unable to say important words like, “I am sorry,” “I made a mistake,” “Forgive me,” or “I love you.”

Today, Jesus says to each of us here, “Ephphatha, be opened!”