Good News. Good Shepherd (c. 1980's) (2024-04-21, 4th Sun. Easter)

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Homily, 4^th Sunday Easter, 2024-04-21 (year B)  ●●  Acts 4:8-12 ●● Psalm 118  ●● 1 John 3:1-2 ●● + John 10:11-18   ●●

 [__01__]    It was late summertime and the late 1980’s. Not June not July, but more like late August. From back in the 1980s. I recall this family episode involving my two brothers, me, and a transaction concerning our father's 1970s Chevrolet.

At the time, I was a teenager _____, and   ______  expressed interest in purchasing the car, the Chevrolet. This _______, a friendly individual who once gave us homemade ravioli, seemed trustworthy. Little did we know, this seemingly simple transaction would turn into a minor debacle.

As summer came to a close, the deal for the car seemed to have fallen into place. However, in the hustle and bustle of the season ending and school starting, the matter of payment slipped through the cracks. My assumption was that my father had received the money, while my father believed I had handled the transaction. It wasn't until October that my father raised the issue of payment, and to our surprise, we discovered that all we had received in exchange for the car was the homemade ravioli. And, unfortunately for my father, my brothers and I devoured it all without a second thought.

Months passed, and the whereabouts of the car and its new owner remained a mystery. According to one of my brothers, he spotted the car traveling south on the Garden State Parkway the following summer. However, neither _____ nor I crossed paths again. The unpaid debt hung in the air, but we chose not to pursue legal action or further confrontation.

Reflecting on this incident in recent times, we pondered why we didn't escalate the matter or seek legal justice.

One explanation ventured into the realm of philosophy, specifically the concept of karma. Karma, originating from Hindu and Buddhist traditions, speaks of cosmic forces and consequences for one's actions. While karma suggests letting go of grievances, it does not have the same depth about forgiveness found in Jesu Christ and the Gospel.

 Contrasting with the karmic perspective, Christianity offers a different viewpoint on forgiveness, exemplified by the story of Jean Valjean from "Les Miserables."

 There is a scene in the novel and play Les Miserables in which the apparent villain – Jean Valjean – stays overnight at a church rectory and at dawn escapes in the dark with all the silverware.

          But, then he gets caught by the police with the stolen silverware and hauled back in front of the priest.

          The priest takes pity on the arrested man and tells the police that the silverware was a gift and that he was supposed to take the silver candle holders as well. And, then gives him the silver holders and gives him money and tells him, “I hope this will make you a better man”.

          It is truly act based in true religion and in God’s grace.

          The man gets mercy which he did not deserve. And, mercy – by definition – is what a sinner does NOT deserve. Mercy is greater than karma.

Forgiveness in Christianity isn't merely a means to escape karma but a pathway to personal growth and reconciliation. It involves both mercy and correction, challenging individuals to confront their shortcomings and strive for repentance.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to emulate his role as an intercessor, advocating for others even in their wrongdoing.

In hindsight, I realize that at the time of the car incident, I failed to consider the circumstances of _________ life or offer prayers for him.

However, I now understand the importance of interceding for others, even those who have wronged us.

Jesus, portrayed as the Good Shepherd, embodies forgiveness and sacrificial love. His example calls us to lay down our lives for others, becoming vessels of God's grace and mercy. Through prayer and action, we can uplift those who have wronged us and advocate for their redemption.

Christian forgiveness extends beyond philosophical ideals, offering a tangible connection to others through acts of mercy and reconciliation. Just as ligaments bind the body together, our faith binds us to one another, emphasizing our interconnectedness and mutual responsibility.

Jesus' forgiveness isn't passive but active, inviting us to participate in the healing and transformation of ourselves and others. By embodying the principles of forgiveness and mercy, we contribute to the creation of a community rooted in love and compassion.

[__12__]    Jesus the Good Shepherd wishes to save everyone who hears his voice, even those who do not know they are lost.

          He creates a church and community that will provide both connections and corrections we need.

          Jesus the Good Shepherd calls out day and night, even to those who are not listening.

          This is in the hope that you who are listening to his voice might correct me when I am not listening.

          May we recognize Jesus as the Good Shepherd who leads us to streams of living water and green pastures in this life and in the next.

[__end__] 

Stay Awake. Resurrection. (2024-04-14, Easter, 3rd Sunday)

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Homily, 3^rd Sunday Easter, 2024-04-14 (year B)   ●●  2024 March 31  ●●Acts 3:13-15, 17-19 ● ● Psalm __ ● 1 John2:1-5a ● ●Luke 24:35-48● ● ●

[__01__]   Have you ever found it difficult to wake up in the morning?

In my case, I sometimes prefer to turn OFF my alarm or press MUTE or SNOOZE rather than stand up. I bring this up because the Easter resurrection appearances of our Savior are frequently experienced as wake up calls to the disciples and to you and me.

Waking up is a PRACTICAL reality.

          Here is a practical example.

I was taking a trip out of town and needing to connect with an airplane flight at 7 am from Newark Airport. Counting chronologically backwards, be at airport by 5 am, wake up by 4 … and I did none of the above successfully.

My brother offered to pick me up here and called my phone when he arrived. Even this I did not hear. He went home. I took a later flight. My bad. He forgave me.

How could I have avoided this – I could have avoided this PRACTICALLY by going to sleep more punctually (earlier) and less anxiously. More on the solution later… part of the key of waking up and being alert is being rested!

          It’s hard to wake up when you feel tired.

[__02__]  During Jesus’s Passion and Death …the disciples showed signs of HIGH exhaustion and LOW alertness

          Recall what took place the night before Good Friday when Jesus goes to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane. He tells his disciples. “My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me.”  I.e., don’t close your eyes. Don’t press SNOOZE.

          Then he goes and prays for his “holy hour”, the famous words, “Father if it is your will, take this cup from me…”

          After his prayer, Jesus returned  seeing them asleep, “So you could not keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak” (selected verses: Matthew 26:36-41)

The disciples were exhausted, not rested.

Waking up is also a COMMUNAL nad RELATIONSHIP reality.

The Resurrection appearances are wake up calls not only so that they can wake up as individuals – but also wake up “together” as a community.

[__03__]  What are the moments or seasons when we are moved to – caused to – wake up together?

          Our Christmas tradition in my house as a family – growing up – was that we opened all of our presents on Christmas morning. So we woke up together. Given that I had younger siblings, as I grew older, I did not want to wake up as early…but was invited to – required – to do so.

          I was called to be in synch with everyone else and have fond memories even if I was “forced” to wake up earlier than I intended.

[__04__]    This past Monday April 8 – was a coincidence of scientific and spiritual/Gospel awakening.

          There was a wake up call scientifically and a wake up call spiritually.

This past Monday, April 8, there was a convergence of scientific and spiritual significance occurred. Scientifically, it marked the total eclipse of the sun, a phenomenon that captivated many people worldwide. This event served as a wake-up call, naturally and scientifically, prompting us to marvel at the world and galaxy and our place within the universe.

Simultaneously, spiritually, April 8th commemorated the feast day of the Annunciation on the Catholic calendar.

          The Annunciation of Jesus being Conceived is a wake-up to our salvation and God’s mercy.

[__06__]  The Annunication has been celebrated on 25 March, in the belief that the human beings were created in the “springtime” of Creation (Book of Genesis).  March 25 is on or about the 1^st day of Spring.

          There is also the parallel tradtion that human beings – Adam and Eve – fell into sin and needed redemption on this same day.  Thus, the coming of Jesus and his death must coincided with the creation and fall of Adam.

          I say all this as a reminder of our own search for God’s light and wisdom and God’s wake up call.

          Each of us, in our own ways, find ourselves not in God’s orbit and but in our own self-absorbed orbit!

          Jesus appears individually to his disciples and also invites us into a personal relationship with him, because he as woken up and arisen first and wishes us to come with him in a new relationship.

[__07__]  What is the solution to waking up on time?

          The solution to waking up on time is to go to bed on time. I am often guilty of not going to bed on time.

          The 2 go together.

          But, I suggest the desire to “stay up too late” manifests itself in other sinful ways in our lives –

          Do we have a desire or inclination or to compare ourselves to others?

          To measure our happiness only by material things or monetary value?

          Do I stay up too late because I am nostalgic for or fantasizing about things that are not actually true?

          Am I living in the darkness of the the past rather than the light of the present?

          If we are going through a tough time such as navigating an illness or caring for someone who is sick, it is a good to give thanks for the past mercies and celebrations. At the same time, we are also called to live in the light of the present to care someone with dignity and honor.

          Sometimes we live in the past because we fear the darkness of a sin or fault from the past.

          Jesus offers us his mercy, in order to wake us up to reality and also that we can be forgiven today, in confession.

          Isn’t it true that when we forigive each other, we so not to re-live or re-hash – re-hashtag – the past  but to be alert to the present.

          In this regard, we are also called open our eyes and ears to his word, to rest and have pave in his love and thus be recharged in His presence.

          Jesus calls us to stay awake!   [__end__]  

Every 3 Years (2024-04-07, Easter 2nd Sunday)

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 Homily, 2^nd Sunday Easter (year B) ●●  2024 April 7  ●● Acts 4:32-35 ● ● 1 John 5:1-6 ● ●John 20:19-31 ● ●

Title: Every 3 Years.

[__01__]    How long is long enough to wait for “success”?

          I bring this up because all of us – in some way shape or form – are success oriented and goal oriented.

          And, we see others who are also driven by success.

          In the world of sports, there was a study done to show that sports teams will only wait 3 years for success, for a winning result.

          3 years or 36 months. This is the average tenure or duration of a professional sports coach in - say -basketball or baseball.

          There is a statistical study that shows that a professional sports team change its coach – meaning they let the current coach go and hire a new one – every 3 years. This 3-year cycle of “firing and hiring” is driven by the insatiable desire for success and championships.

          In other words, if the university or school does not get its desired results – within 3 years – the coach may be shown the door.

          I think this also brings up a question: if the coach’s job is on the line after 3 years, does this mean that the full responsibility rests on the coach and that the players do not really matter, that they are just there to “follow the rules” or “do as they are told”?

[__02__]   On some level, does this mirror how we might read the Gospel?

In the Gospel, we see Jesus as the unparalleled leader, with his disciples sometimes seen as mere followers, perhaps even foolish ones. Jesus has also had a 3 year “plan” a 3 year “term”, at the end of which there is the Passion of our Savior and his Resurrection. We see disciples who faltered, even betraying and deserting Jesus in his hour of need. Judas, Peter, and the others—all seemed to fail when tested, leaving Jesus seemingly defeated after 3 years of leadership. Time for a change? It's as if the disciples were poised to seek a new teacher, a fresh direction, or even find another team to play for, success elsewhere.

 

[__04__]  It is important to note that our Savior – as teacher and leader – could have been justifiably disappointed in his “players” does not begin by berating them or chewing them out for having denied and taking the escape parachute out of Jerusalem.

          Rather, in the Gospel today, we read that when Jesus came and stood in their midst, he does not blow a whistle or shout orders but simply says, “Peace be with you.”

[__05__]  And, in this regard, our Savior is giving a model of benevolent leadership not just to make his followers “feel good” but also to transfer to them, to delegate to them the ministry of the forgiveness of sins in sacramental confession.

          It is quite a statement of hope and promise that Jesus should entrust the forgiveness of sins to his disciples by whom he had been disbelieved and abandoned.

          This is not just a 3 year plan but a plan for their and our eternal salvation.

          But, the predicament of the disciples is similar to any number of others – and ourselves.  We might think that Jesus should not trust us.

Does not Jesus show that he is willing to trust you and me? Yes, He is and says so:   “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” (Matthew 9:12-13)

          Jesus is ready to trust us because he came not to you and me in our righteousness but in our sinfulness.

[__06__]  So, Jesus comes to call sinners – that includes you and me – to spread the word about God’s mercy.

[__07__]  What should we expect when things go wrong, when we sin due to our own human weakness or outright willful action, when things do not go according to the plan?

          Here is an example of the “weakness” case and what I might have expected.

          Several years ago, my mother was preparing for back surgery to correct a painful condition and vertebrae and improve her walking. There were preparatory steps leading to the surgery. Collectively, my brother and father and I had to make sure certain things were done medically to prepare her. There was one particular detail that I would have preferred the hospital to administer, but it was left to us. And, I did the opposite of what I was supposed to do.    Afterwards, my mother was fine, but I realized that in my hastiness and weakness, but I had not done what was necessary and joked – in my mother would be suing us for malpractice. That would be justice, right!

          Of course, my mother did not hire a lawyer go against– our family - for malpractice, but I think she had a case!  But my mother recognized me as one of her own.

[__08__]  Doesn’t Jesus have a case against his disciples?

          They did not follow his plan but the Jesus returned to his disciples saying “Peace be with you.” ? Why?

Because he recognizes the disciples as his own.

          In this regard, Jesus is investing himself even more fully in his followers and in you and me, by giving himself to them totally in his Body and Blood. From the Resurrection and Ascension onward, Jesus is making himself equally available to all of us in the Body and Blood of the Eucharist.

          He is showing the disciples that they are forgiven so that they can forgive others.       

[__09__]  What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus?

          On one level, the obvious implication of following Jesus is both to “get in line” and give up one’s previous occupation. Peter, James, John were fishermen. Matthew was a tax collector. They change professions, work, job description.

          Being a follower of Jesus may mean such an outward change, but more importantly for all of us means an interior change of heart and conversion.

[__10__]   This is also the message to Thomas the Apostle in the Gospel today.

          Thomas is asked: “Have you come to believe because you have seen me?” (John ___)

          It would be unfair to single out or condemn Thomas for disbelief and doubt       due to his accidental absence in the first resurrection appearance. Also, nearly all the other disciples were also in disbelief. Would you have believed if you had been there? Would I have believed I had been there?

          I am weak. I would have wanted something in writing!

          Perhaps, we can praise Thomas for his relentless determination to learn the truth about the Resurrection.

          This Resurrection reunion is a reminder of why we come to church and confess our sins regularly and how this is meant to inform our lives. In other words, mercy is not s/t we get, but give…. The Church asks us to confess so at least once a year and to do so during these 50 days of Easter.

          We seek God’s mercy also so that we can grow in love, in charity towards those who trespass against us.  And, to forgive those against whom we feel justified in anger and revenge.

          The path of wishing harm on others is harmful and toxic to ourselves. There is another “escape route” and we need not wait 3 years – or every 3 years to take it.

          We are called to seek God’s mercy every day. Love for your enemies, pray for those who persecute you. This is the Gospel Good News.

          Blessed are you when you hear this. When you see this. Blessed are you who have not seen and believed. Our Savior is willing to wait for you. [__end__] 

Listen (2024-03-30, Easter Vigil)

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Homily, Easter VIGIL Sunday (year B) ●●  2024 March 31  ●● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

[__01__]    Blessed Easter Sunday to you, your family, your loved ones.

In the traditions of the Church, Easter is the time to celebrate baptism, especially during the Easter Vigil,  after sunset, symbolizing the transition from darkness to light.

 [__02__]     The Bible tells us of a prophet and teacher of God’s Word who was awakened and called by God at night time, while he was sleeping. This is the prophet “Samuel”.

          And, Samuel – actually “Miguel Samuel” is the name of our young friend who is here for the Sacraments of Initation. He is known by his family and by you and me affectionately as “Sammy”.

          Sammy will receive

Sacraments of Initiation at this Vigil: Baptism, Confirmation, and 1^st Holy Communion, after years of faithful attendance and instruction in the Catholic faith.

 

[__03__]      Who was Samuel in the Bible? His family and friends are also important. Hannah, his mother, prayed fervently for a child to be born

and “she called [him] Samuel, since she had asked [prayed to] the Lord for him.” (1 Samuel 2:20)

 The name Samuel means “God has heard”. And, the life of Samuel also about listening, prayer and being blessed.

Due to travel constraints, Eileen Reilly has graciously accepted the call to be Sammy's sponsor and godmother, embodying our spirit of support and prayer. We recognize you, Sammy as a blessing to your family and our parish family of Our Lady of Lourdes,

 [__04__]      In the Bible, Samuel learns to listen especially when he becomes becomes an assistant as a young person to the Temple priest, whose name is Eli.

          One night both Samuel and Eli are asleep. Samuel is asleep in front of the Tabernacle. Samuel is awakened by the sound of a voice and goes to Eli, saying, “Here I am. You called me”. Children sometimes wake up their parents and elders at night!

          Eli replies the 1^st (2^nd) time, “I did not call you, my son. Go back to sleep.”

          A 2^nd time à [italics]

          A 3^rd time à Samuel is awakened by a voice and goes to Eli, saying, “Here I am. You called me”.

          Eli now recognizes that God is involved and says: “Go to sleep and if you are called, reply ‘Speak, Lord for your servant is listening.’ ” (cf. 1 Samuel 3:1-10)

 

[__05__]   Samuel gives the example not only to listen each other but also to listen to God. Samuel gives a lesson to parents not only to teach their child to obey parental instructions but also to obey God’s wisdom.

 

[__06__]      Just as Jesus' resurrection sparked a period of awakening and intimacy with his disciples, so too does your baptism, my baptism which happened years ago remind us to listen to pray daily for strength.

Jesus rises and reunites with his disciples, for only for 50 days in person on earth, but these days are a prelude to a lifelong personal relationship with God, one we are all working on.

          The Good News of Jesus spreads not due to showy demonstration of the resurrection, but goes “viral” because Jesus meets tenderly and intimately with his friends building a personal relationship with them, reminding them of God’s mercy.

Our friend, here in this church Sammy.  Sammy's initiation marks a new beginning—a time for listening, prayer, and personal encounter with God. We are called to help Sammy by our prayers.

[__07__]      Like the prophet Samuel, we are called to pray before the Tabernacle, recognizing it as the sacred space for communion with God.

We also need your prayers, Sammy, whether offered at home or in church.

[__08__]       In the Bible, Samuel also had a key role as the one who anointed both King Saul and King David, the first 2 kings of Israel.

          But, Samuel the prophet learns from God that best kings and leaders are not just those who are tallest and strongest and eldest.

Samuel hears the Lord say, “man looks at the appearance but God looks into the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)  And, so David – who was the younger and apparently weaker– was selected and anointed by Samuel. As a predecessor to Jesus, David was greatest of the original kings of Israel

          Jesus is a descendant – in the family tree of David.  Similarly, Jesus will appear, many times, to be the weaker one, the compromised one described by Isaiah the prophet in our 1^st reading of Good Friday:

          “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.” (Isaiah 53:1)

          Yet, Jesus gives us a model of courage and blessing to follow and to unite ourselves to God in terms of community, communion and communication.

          I pray this Easter will remind all of us of our Baptismal call which we share with you, Sammy, as the People God and that we are called spiritual alertness to make the Prophet Samuel’s words our own when we are awakened: “Speak Lord for your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 3:9)   [__end__]   

The Trials. Good Friday (2024-03-29)

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 [  Good Friday 2024 ]   There are multiple consecutive “trials” that Jesus must endure in the Gospel.

The 1^st trial has been going on for more than 3 years in his ministry. In this trial or test, Jesus is often testifying to those who do not fully understand what He is really teaching or doing. During this 3 year trial, Jesus raises the  dead, heals the sick, forgives sins and preaches God’s word.  In some cases, even those on his side do not quite get what is going on.

During this 1^st trial - recall that Jesus made – in the Gospel of Mark – 3 explicit predictions or prophecies of “Good Friday” his Passion and Death, 3 statements that were a call to humility for himself and his disciples. After 1 of these predictions, James + John came around with their famous request asking for “choice or 1^st class” seats at Jesus’ right and left. So much for humility.

So, the 1^st trial has been going on for a while.   There is evidence that Jesus is the Son of God but his witnesses are not reliable.  Even when Jesus does something as “popular” as multiplication of the loaves, Jesus’ approval is mixed. Some are ready to leave him when they realize the connection between the bread they just ate and his body and blood. So much for loyalty.

The 2^nd trial starts in the Gospel today. That is, Jesus has been “charged” accused of religious blasphemy and claiming to be the expected Messiah.

Wesley Smith, a Christian author, summarized it this way: “. A conviction of blasphemy under Jewish law required the testimony of at least 2 witnesses” but those who testified against Jesus couldn’t even get their stories straight.”   (https://www.firstthings.com/web-exclusives/2013/08/a-contemporary-review-of-the-trial-of-jesus)

The case against Jesus in this 2^nd trial is, so to say, “falling apart”.  No reasonable prosecutor will take this to trial and this is where the Gospel picks up and opens in the Gospel of John chapter 19 with Pontius Pilate – the governor - stating what the prosecutors did not want to hear:

“Look, I am bringing [Jesus of Nazareth] out to you, so that you may know that I find no guilt in him.” (John 19:__)

On a physical level, Jesus has proven to be “breakable” in that he has already been scourged, forced to wear the crown of thorns.  But nevertheless, Jesus is still around and he’s not yet been convicted of anything.

His enemies need a new way to put a stop to him.

So, like a basketball or soccer player trying to change directions to make a score, they pivot. This Passion Narrative today is the 3^rd trial in which Jesus hauled not only before Pilate but before King Herod and his accusers now redefine the charges as not being about “religion” but rather about “rebellion”.

In other words, Jesus should be regarded as a dangerous revolutionary who has claimed to be a King and thus he is a threat to anyone under the rule of the Roman Empire.

Pilate – who does not see Jesus as a threat says to the crowd – perhaps with sarcasm or tongue in cheek: “Behold, your king!” (John 19:___) 

The emphasis is from Pontius Pilate is to the crowd and to you – is that Jesus is YOUR KING, your authority.

Do you – do I – recognize this that Jesus is our King, our ruler?

In the end, Pilate in his weakness, washing his hands of the matter and does hand Jesus over to be crucified. And, Jesus is put to death as a revolutionary. So much for royal privileges!

 

In this trial, we see that Jesus is not simply a wrongly accused man with whom we can identify as an innocent victim. Rather, he is the Son of God and he gives new meaning to our own sufferings and trials.

 

There is a key moment in Jesus’ trial and sufferings when he is on the “witness stand” of the cross and he cries out “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

Pope Benedict XVI wrote that we might associate these words not only with our own trials but that of many in our world who are abandoned, suffering and marginalized by enemies or who live in poverty.

            “My God my God why have you forsaken me” is not problematic because so many are saying it, but because for many, the cry seems to be go unheard.

            B16 wrote that this cry echoes in our ears because we might say, “Where are you God that you could create such a world, that you can look on while your most innocent creatures often suffer the most terribly, as sheep are led to the slaughter and cannot open their mouths.” (Benedict XVI, “Good Friday Section I”, Dogma and Preaching, p. 288)

Children suffer who cannot open their mouths, unborn children, mothers and fathers also suffer who cannot open their mouths for help to their children.

Jesus is our model under trial.

Jesus is the lamb led to the slaughter who opens not his mouth, seeming powerless, seemingly chained and “behind bars”

But, it is precisely when Jesus is “behind bars” and chained that he shows even when gives up his life, he is not being pushed around:  “I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again. This command I have received from my Father.”

When you and I give up ourselves generously, do we sometimes feel “pushed around” or “put down”? We are also being tested.

A powerful example of this is the 20^th century World War II era martyr in Auschwitz, Maximilian Kolbe to whom the opportunity came to give up his life for another. In the Auschwitz camp, a man was to be put to death and was a husband and father. Maximilian Kolbe, a priest, volunteered to take his place. The Nazi guards, caring only about their quota, their number, took Father Maximilian Kolbe who laid down is life freely.

 

You and I might not be asked for public martyrdom and certain death but we can demonstrate and strive for freedom not just by getting “time off” or “holiday”, but accepting suffering willingly.

2 of the spiritual works of mercy are: “To bear patiently those who wrong us. AND To forgive offenses.”

We can say today – Thank God it’s Good Friday because we have a model in Jesus of how to do this.

In our sufferings, large and small,

we can choose to lay down ouir lives and unite ourselves to Jesus who died on the cross and put our sins to death.

            And, in the confessional, going to confession, to a priest, he gives us the opportunity for forgiveness 70 times 7 over and over again.

            We are also on trial

Our trials are a parallel to ROUTINE EVERYDAY TRIAL OF JESUS, the RELIGIOUS TRIAL OF JESUS and the REVOLUTIONARY TRIAL OF JESUS.

ROUTINE. EVERYDAY.

For you and I might find ourselves on trial – on a daily basis – trying to remain faithful in many ordinary things, for years, on a routine basis. Jesus is our model in this regard as we also try to unite ourselves – as He did – to our Father in heaven.  In ordinary things, from making lunch or dinner for our families, to driving our children to where they need to be, in forgiving one another’s faults we are on trial each day. It is a trial based on humility and loyalty.

RELIGIOUS.  You and I might find ourselves on trial “religiously”. Jesus was put on trial for blasphemy, for religion. 

The Good Friday Gospel reminds us not to be afraid of being authentically religious and faithful. It is a MULTIPLE CHOICE test… with multiple choices being to be virtuous in terms of our speech, in terms what we say, in forgiving other’s faults in coming to church regularly. These are multiple choices and opportunities to witness to those who do few or none of the above

REVOLUTIONARY    You and I might at times be on trial for being too “revolutionary”. These days, the Gospel virtues of marriage, family, the sanctity of life,  or even just the choice to have a regular traditional Funeral Mass for a loved one with time for prayer and visitation and Mass. These regular ritual is often accelerated and it may seem revolutionary or reactionary to do things more slowly.

Jesus’ suffering as the  Son of God gives new meaning to our suffering.

As St. Paul writes in Romans: “all things work together for those who love God ”. Suffering in this regard can be something good.  Thomas Merton writes: To believe in suffering is pride: but to suffer, believing in God, is humility.

As we are on trial, we are also witnesses called to believe and speak the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.  So help me God.

          God, come to our assistance in pursuit of this goal.  END