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.