Greatness (2012-09-23)

[ Wisdom 2:12, 17-20  | Psalm 54 | James 3:16-4:3 | + Mark 9:30-37]

This is my homily for 23 September 2012 (Sunday). I am a Catholic chaplain in Teaneck at Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) campus and for the FDU Newman Catholic Association and at New Jersey City University (NJCU) in Jersey City.  We celebrate Catholic Mass - during Fall and Spring semester - every Sunday Evening (7:00 p.m.) at the FDU University Interfaith Chapel, 842 River Road, Teaneck, NJ.

[__01]  We might say Jesus could speak this way – and place a child in the midst of the disciples – to emphasize the humility of a child, the precious life of a child.

John Henry Newman, Cardinal Newman writes that the life of a child reminds us of love of charity toward others. Consider, for example, t that there  is someone  in your life who is difficult to love or care for – what to do about it ?

Newman writes – “what better can we do than appeal to the memory of times past, and above all to [the] childhood [of this other person].  Then – [during childhood] did [this person] come from the hand of God.” [1]

Doing this, we remember that we are all children of God.

But, in addition to this consideration, Jesus is also offering the child as one who believes, who trusts, who confides in God… and does so, sometimes more readily than the grown ups.

Jesus says –

“Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me.” (Mark 9:37)

[__02]      Jesus is challenging his disciples – and you and me – to consider not what is already highly rated and popular to be equivalent to greatness.

Rather, Jesus is suggesting we consider the child, the children in our lives.

What is their evaluation system, criteria, top 25?

Or, what I’d like to suggest are the 2 – the FINALISTS – in the essence of greatness for children. What do children want? What do they consider to be great?

[__03]   I will dare to speak on behalf of CHILDREN everywhere – “these kids today” what they want…

To summarize:  (1) ATTENTION;  (2) TRUTH.

Children want ATTENTION, children want to know the TRUTH.

Also, a children naturally pays attention to the person who is speaking the truth. Sometimes, grown ups do not always do so. We may not want to hear the truth.

 [__04-ATTENTION]   First, attention.  Children want attention

A child can be motivated quite easily and rapidly because someone pays attention, pays heed, gives recognition.

Of course, this COULD turn out unpleasant when the child chooses to do something unpleasant or absolutely wrong because he or she is now “on stage” or being noticed.

But, is not Good News that a child is motivated to recognition? Recognition/affirmation is a reward that helps a child (of any age) discover a a talent – or complete – his or her --

• Homework
• Rehearsal
• Practice. 

As grown ups, we are not always on the receiving end of everyone’s admiration.

Is this not true for Peter the Apostle who is now reminded  of this in the Garden of Gethsemane where he is asked to stay awake and pray with Jesus the night before Good Friday/Passion?

It’s hard for Peter to pay attention during the Passion. He, too, is being rejected.

Peter and the disciples keep falling asleep in the Garden of Gethsemane when asked to pray. It’s hard to stay awake.

Simultaneously, in the Garden of Gethsemane, at this moment of agony, we also recall Jesus’ great alertness and intimacy with God the Father. Paying attention is a 2-way street.

And, the disciples learn this as they grow and receive the Holy Spirit later.

 [__05-TRUTH] Secondly,   truth. Children want the truth.

• What time is it?
• What time will we get there? Are we there?
• What will really happen if I don’t do this homework assignment?
• Are we getting a babysitter?

 This is a very sample “questionnaire” of requests – demands – for the truth.

And, is not a beautiful and necessary aspect of our lives to demand the truth from each other and from ourselves?

The truth about Jesus has implications, consequences which Peter would rather not consider.

We may also commit our lives – in faith – to God to each other – through the sacraments. And, then we are called to consider each day – the full implication of being –

• A Catholic priest
• A husband, father, mother, wife
• A son or daughter
• A grown up son or daughter with responsibilities towards parents or other loved ones.
• A freshman, sophomore, junior, senior… faculty or staff.

All of our relationships bring us to the truth about the precious gift of human life.

We might remember that children are ones eager to know what is going on. Such is their integrity, faith, enthusiasm, confidence in God.

[__06]  Honesty/integrity helps a child to flourish/prosper. This is also true for the child who is learning to speak honestly, to speak up. And, it is true for the child who is hearing the truth.

As adults, we may more easily try to present, to spin, to dodge, or avoid the truth.

For example, as we know – we have all been in situations, feeling uncomfortable about the words or actions of others.

As grown ups, we learn ways to correct such situations. And, we also learn ways to avoid such difficult conversations. Sometimes, unfortunately, we miss an opportunity.

Children, however, tend to not to miss these opportunities. They just tell you right away what they are feeling. Or, a child – quite responsibly and faithfully walks away from trouble. A child wants to live in the truth.

[__07]  Consider the “children” in our midst. Consider the “children” in our midst. Maybe, they are the new freshmen at FDU. Perhaps, you have seen them this Fall 2012 term, or in a previous semester. 

Some of them do not yet know what’s going on, what the priorities are.. at least in an academic sense. They are making – at least – an intellectual adjustment, probably also a social and interpersonal adjustment to a new school-environment.

Such children are adapting to a new rule book, a new match.

We are adapting each day as children.    As we pray today, and prepare to receive Holy Communion, we also recall our need for God’s love which reminds us that in the gift of Communion, He has paid attention to us, told us the the truth about love and self sacrifice, and has given a special calling – a responsibility to each of us.

This is his logic, and our true greatness as children of God.  [__fin__] 

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[1] Newman, John Henry, Parochial and Plain Sermons, “The Minds of Little Children”, Book 2, Sermon 6.