Time is Money (2023-09-24, Sunday-25th)

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Homily file for Sept 24, 2023  25^th Sunday    ● Isaiah 55:6-9 ● Psalm 145 ● Philippians 1:20c-24, 27a ● Matthew 20:1-16 ●      Title:   Parable of the Laborers. Time is Money.

 [_01__]    Is your time valuable ? Yes, your time is valuable.  Benjamin Franklin coined the phrase, "Time is money!" reflecting that more work and effort should yield greater rewards. At first glance, one might interpret this parable as a bizarre  / peculiar calculation of the day's “paycheck”, suggesting that, for God, time does not equate to money. In other words, God's method of offering salvation is arbitrary, random.

            I suggest an alternative. For God, time is money … BECAUSE time inherent value. God's message is clear: even if we turn to Him late in life, at the proverbial 11^th  hour, it is not too late. Time is money.

[_02__]    I was raised by family/parents who taught me that "Time is money", a message you would have also received from parents, family, loved ones about achievement, and hard work. I didn't always follow the advice, but I received encouragement  along these lines. However, my parents also demonstrated their love was not contingent on our accomplishments. While we were encouraged to work diligently, there was no hierarchy of achievement among us. This upbringing echoed the biblical saying that "the first shall be last."

I once shared my decision to enter the seminary and become a priest with a friend who humorously remarked about becoming the "#1 favorite child" with such an unconventional vocation and church connection. This remark prompted me to reflect on my motivation. Was it driven by earthly recognition or a higher, heavenly purpose?   Fortunately, my family did not measure love by achievements, and no one has ever said to me, you're the favorite child because you're a priest. No one's ever going to say that. I don’t want anybody to say that.

[_03__]      In the context of a family, the adage "Time is money" and “what we work for”  takes on a different meaning. Here, it signifies that the more time we spend with each other, the more we treasure our bonds. Families often navigate difficult times,

[][]    You will have had unexpected outcomes on a family vacation or a disaster at a family party or heavy traffic arriving late to a wedding or an important event.  Something you have done has not lived up to the expectations of what you had for a family event. But that didn't make the event not worthwhile. Your family is not – mine too -- not the idealized family on the Orlando DisneyWorld TV commercials where everyone is cheerful and no one ever cries.

[][]  Time is money because, in family, the more time we invest in each other, the richer our relationships become.

However, not everyone grasps this concept, as some of the laborers in the vineyard of the parable clearly did not. When we first encounter this parable, many of us may struggle to understand its deeper message.

[_04__]    In the parable we read that the vineyard tells the workers who feel cheated: "Are you envious because I am generous?" Another biblical translation of the verse reads: "Is your eye evil because I am good?" Sometimes, our perspective or vision can become "evil," our vision distorted, or even malicious.

The vineyard owner is addressing the laborers who equate "time" with "money" but fail to appreciate the value of their time in the vineyard. In the Catholic Catechism (2428), we find the idea that through work, individuals partially fulfill their innate potential. Work is not just for the person's livelihood; it's a fundamental aspect of their identity. Anyone who has experienced the fulfillment of a career or project knows this … that it it entails more than just financial reward; hard work and work done well affects our sense of self / identity.

[_05__]     Jesus invites those who work longer hours to see their labor's duration as something to celebrate and be grateful for. 

The parable poses a challenge to us: do our eyes turn "evil" when we witness others' success, wealth, or good fortune? Envy can cloud our judgment, much like the laborers who felt shortchanged in the vineyard.

[_06__]      In the parable, the laborers are indeed "different." They work for varying lengths of time, with some toiling for 12 hours and others joining at the 11^th  hour, working only one hour. Surprisingly, they all receive the same payment. This equality in compensation prompts envy among those who worked longer hours, causing their eyes to turn "evil." The parable serves as a warning against comparing ourselves to others and assuming that God's love or family love is earned through merit.

[_07__]     I recall an envious episode in my life, due to my reaction to the success of someone. This person wasn't someone I knew well; we merely were from the same high school/neighborhood and about the same age. I felt envy for two reasons: his unusual success was frequently discussed among family and friends, and we shared the same first name. It took me a while to realize that it was the mere sound of his name that was getting under my skin. A rather trivial reason, you might say, but envy, the sin of envy, is far from trivial. While one of its causes – sharing the same first name – may be trivial, envy itself is a potent and destructive.

[_08__]      Envy has the power to distort reality and divert our focus from what truly matters. It's akin to an "evil eye" that skews our perspective and disrupts our contentment. However, God's love transcends our incessant comparisons. He is the owner of the vineyard, and His love remains steadfast. Envy may obscure our vision, but redemption and reconciliation with God are always possible, no matter when we turn back to Him. It may feel like the 11^th  hour for you, and there are moments when I also hear the Good News at the 11^th  hour. But remember, it's never too late.  Seize the day on which you can turn back to God. Time is money.

Similiarity. Sin. Salvation (2023-09-17, Sunday 24th)

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 Homily file for Sept 17, 2023  --  24^th Sunday   --  

● Sirach 27:30 – 28:7 ● Psalm __● Romans 14:7-9 ● Matthew 18:21-35 ●

Title:  Similarity. Sin. Salvation

 [_00__]  This is the parable of the unforgiving servant from Matthew 18:31-35.  (a/k/a Unforgiving Creditor, Ungrateful Servant, Unmerciful Servant, or Wicked Servant) is a parable of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew. It is important to forgive others as we are forgiven by God, as illustrated by the negative example of the unforgiving servant.

 Recently, I had an experience of being away in rental vacation house with some family members.  Through the experience at this house – and with a neighbor – I learned something about the forgiveness, shared responsibilities, and God's infinite mercy.

 [_01__]      Part 1. Responsibility and Accountability:   When you rent a vacation home – or an apartment -- you are responsible for taking care of it and returning it in good condition. In this way, our lives are also borrowed property – on loan - from God. We have a responsibility to use the time, gifts, and opportunities He has given us wisely and to treat others with kindness and respect.

 

[_02_]  Part 2. The Parable's Message: The parable of the unforgiving servant underscores that all of us are in debt to God due to our imperfections and sins, regardless of the magnitude of those sins. God's mercy towards us is boundless, and we are expected to extend that same mercy and forgiveness to others. The parable challenges us to reflect on our own inconsistency in withholding forgiveness from others when we have been forgiven so much.

 

 

[_03__]       Part 3. Shared Humanity / Shared Housing:

          Our rental vacation house was right next door to another vacation house. From the moment we arrived, we noticed how similar the 2 houses were.

          And, this similarity was underscored for us when the neighbor – who was in need of some help – asked us to help us move several suitcases and boxes out of her house and to her car.

          We were more than happy to help and this also satisfied the “curiosity” bone in our bodies. We wanted to see if her house – on the inside was anything like our house – on the inside.

          It turned out – when we went through the front door – the houses were exactly the same in layout, appliances, furniture, everything !

          The only thing that was different – perhaps – was that we had different wi-fi passwords. I am convinced that these 2 rentals were built and maintained by the same owner!

          It illustrated to me shared life and gifts we all possess. We are all God's children, and we share a common Owner – God Himself.

Am I always so willing to assist a neighbor and someone in need? Unfortunately..no …but being away on vacation, at rest, being curious to know and learn about my neighbor, I was more than willing to help.

But, do I have the same attitude when an unfamiliar thing or person or – a trespass comes my way?
          Do I recognize – so easily – the struggle that I share with someone else?

Do I recognize my own role to intercede for others before God.

Jesus says pray for your enemies…pray for those who persecute you…pray also for those who sin against you .

[_04__]        Part 4.  Blessed Mother Mary as example.

Is it not true that our Blessed Mother could pray for the sins of all humanity without herself being a sinner. She is an intercessory role.  (Ronald Knox, Pastoral Sermons and Occasional Sermons, “The Forgiveness of God”, San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2002,  pp. 41-46 )

We are also called pray for ourselves but also intercede for the sins of others, recognizing that we are all part of a larger “parish of Lourdes” … “town of West Orange” … “state of New Jersey” … “country of the United States” in need of God's mercy.

[ADDITION: forgiving someone else is not only an act of charity but also an opportunity to examine my own conscience. Does the sin of another apply to me? Did not the merciful “clean up” of the neighbor’s house – which was identical –help us to prepare to care for our own house? ]

Unconditional Mercy: God's mercy is unconditional; He forgives us without transaction. Our part is to mirror this unconditional love and forgiveness by forgiving others as we have been forgiven. This reflects God's expectation that we extend His grace to our brothers and sisters.

The parable and our personal experience can conveys the message of shared responsibility.

          But, do I have eyes to see and ears to hear?

          Do you?

God’s boundless mercy reminds us of our obligation to forgive others as we have been forgiven and also to pray for them  It serves as a reminder that in a divided world, we are all part of the same human family, and we should extend love, kindness, and forgiveness to one another just as God does for us.

Quote by Ronald Knox from sermon “The Forgiveness of God”:

[ADDITION: “I do not know whether any theologian has ever set himself to answer the question: Did our Lady say the Pater noster? But I suppose we are all inclined to imagine that she did … Herself immaculate, she was a member and in some sense she was the representative of God’s rebellious people; those Scribes and Pharisees, so unforgiving, so much in need of forgiveness, were her fellow countrymen. In that representative capacity, she will have prayed while yet on earth, for the sins of mankind. Don’t let us forget then, that we who need to pray for forgiveness on our own behalf need not be, ought not to be, thinking only of our ourselves. The country we live in, the age we live in, have, God knows, great need to do penance. It is to our Father, not to my Father, that I pray; it is not only my trespasses, but our trespasses that I will remember in my prayer. ]   (Ronald Knox, Pastoral Sermons and Occasional Sermons, “The Forgiveness of God”, San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2002,  p. 46 )

[_END__]

Neighborhood. 9/11 (2023-09-11)

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Title:   Neighborhood. 9/11   Homily file for Sept 11, 2023

Monday of 23^rd Week    ●  ● Psalm 95 ● ● Luke 6:6-11 ●

 On this anniversary of 9/11, we are reminded not only of the tragic events that unfolded that day but also of the concept of "neighborhood."

The term "neighborhood" carries with it a sense of belonging, of shared experiences, and of coming together in times of need. It reminds us not only of the neighborhood of Ground Zero in lower Manhattan but also of the neighborhoods we call home, where we experience both the joys and challenges of life.

In our own neighborhood, situated just 15 miles from Ground Zero, many of us remember that fateful day vividly. We watched in disbelief as the towers burned, and we felt the collective grief that washed over our community. It was a day that forever changed us, our memories, and our sense of belonging.

Today, in the Gospel of Luke 6:6-11, we see Jesus entering a particular neighborhood, a specific place, not unlike our own neighborhoods. He came to offer his message of love, compassion, and healing. However, in doing so, he found himself in trouble with the religious authorities of the time, the Pharisees. Why? Because he dared to heal someone on the Sabbath, in the synagogue, a place where certain expectations and traditions were to be upheld.

The Pharisees accused Jesus of disobeying the Mosaic Law, the Law of Moses. They wanted to remove him from their neighborhood, from their place of worship. In the end, Jesus was not merely removed from the neighborhood; he was put to death for his actions and teachings.

But in the midst of this story, Jesus imparts a profound lesson to his disciples and to us. He teaches us that worship is not confined to a particular place, be it a synagogue, a temple, or a church. Worship is about more than physical locations; it is about the condition of our hearts and our connection to the divine.

This lesson is not new. In the Gospel of John, when Jesus encounters the Samaritan woman at the well, they engage in a discussion about where true worship should take place. The Samaritan woman suggests it should happen on a mountain, while the Jewish people say it must happen in Jerusalem. They debate over the right place for worship.

However, Jesus responds by saying that a time will come when worship will not be limited to a specific mountain or city. True worship will transcend physical locations; it will be offered in spirit and in truth. In essence, he foretells the universality of worship, where the Church extends to the whole world, embracing all people and places.

Our parish, situated within 15 miles of New York City and Ground Zero, did not exist in those biblical times. It was established much later, but it serves as a testament to the message Jesus shared. We gather here to worship, not only for ourselves but also for those who cannot join us and those who have yet to find their way to our church.

Recently, I had the opportunity to connect with friends from my old neighborhood. We shared stories of our childhood, our experiences growing up together, and the sense of belonging that our neighborhood instilled in us.

One friend, Glenn, was particularly enthusiastic about revisiting our old neighborhood and conducting a walking tour. He cherished the memories of his childhood there, having moved in at the age of five. In contrast, I moved in at the age of 14, and while I valued our neighborhood, it wasn't the same deeply ingrained part of my life.

 

During our conversation, Glenn also shared a remarkable story. On the fateful day of 9/11, he was scheduled to have a meeting in the World Trade Center on the 92^nd  floor. However, the meeting got canceled, and amidst the chaos that followed, he forgot all about it. It wasn't until someone reminded him that he realized the miraculous turn of events. He was grateful for the meeting's cancellation, a blessing to him personally amidst the tragedy. But what struck me most was that 9/11 had altered his memory of that day. He had forgotten where he was originally supposed to be.

 

This story reminds us that in times of disaster, our priorities shift. It's not just about the physical places we find ourselves in but the people we are with. We come together to offer support, to give thanks for our family and friends, and even to remember those who have passed away, knowing that their presence is still felt in our lives.

In our church, we gather not only as a community of the living but also as a communion of saints. In the Mass, we pray alongside those who have gone before us, celebrating Our Lady of Lourdes, Mass in Heaven. Our prayers extend beyond our neighborhood, reaching out to the wider world, just as Jesus envisioned.

As we reflect on our neighborhood, our church, our city, and our skyline, we cannot forget to acknowledge the countless individuals who have worked tirelessly to keep us safe. They form an essential part of our neighborhood, our extended family, protecting us and ensuring our well-being.

          Our own journey of faith and worship takes us beyond the physical confines of a specific place or neighborhood. It encompasses the spirit of unity, compassion, and remembrance. Just as Jesus taught that worship transcends location, our worship extends beyond our neighborhood, touching the lives of others near and far and includes the communion of saints in heaven who also join us in our neighborhood at this place and time.

Never Forget (2023-09-10, 23rd Sunday)

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● Homily file for Sept 10, 2023  ● 23^rd Sunday    ● Ezekiel 33:7-9 ● Psalm 95 ● Romans 13:8-10 ● Matthew 18:15-20 ●     Title:  Never Forget  ●

[_01__]       As the anniversary of September 11, 2001, approaches, one way to be really prayerful and thoughtful – and not just “trendy” – is to make the sign of the cross and remember where we were when we heard the news of the devastating terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. I was in an on-campus seminary classroom at Seton Hall U and like many others, I remember the chaos, disruption, and heartbreak that followed.

            The aftermath of 9/11 reminded us of our responsibility to one another. The Good News of Jesus Christ emphasizes God's love for us, offering us salvation. However, this salvation comes with a call to responsibility.

[_02__]   The parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates this beautifully - we're called to accept both the liability (the potential difficulty) and the locality (the place or person in need) in our efforts to love our neighbor.

[_03__]    A New York City 9/11 story of a family friend of mine also illustrated this both in his understanding of “liability” and “locality”.  On 9/11, he worked

Con Edison (like PSEG, the electric  / power / natural gas company). He rushed to the World Trade Center to turn off the power, a critical move to prevent further damage.  While his actions in at Ground Zero saved lives, he himself did not survive.  

His actions exemplify how, in times of crisis, we are called to be physically present in the locality of the problem.  Some things cannot be handled by remote control or by an iPhone app. Situations may presence and personal intervention. This is the essence of   " 9 .11 Never Forget."

Our world is undoubtedly broken, and while we may not always face widespread disasters, we are perpetually surrounded by brokenness. We are called to be Good Samaritans, embracing both the liability and locality of loving our neighbors. We are called to remember the persistent brokenness that exists around us.

[_04__]     Jesus’ disciples also knew the world was divided by sinfulness. In next Sunday’s Gospel, Peter wants to quantify andplan accordingly.

Peter, the apostle, asks, "Lord, if my brother sins against me, how many times must I forgive, as many as seven times?"  In other words, what is the “liability”for me?

Peter's question reminds us not to forget the reality of sin and brokenness in ourselves and others.

It also reminds us that God will help us with the “liability”.    The act of going to confession allows us to place our faults/sins explicitly before God, unburdening ourselves from carrying them around. God is the ultimate source of forgiveness. God is in charge. Never forget.

[_05__]   In this Sunday's Gospel, Jesus provides us with guidance on how to respond to sin and sinfulness. It's important to note that forgiveness doesn't always entail rebuilding a relationship or friendship. Sometimes, due to circumstances, reconciliation may not be possible.

Also, the goal of the Good News isn't forgetfulness of sin but forgiveness of sin.

[_06__]   I once experienced a valuable lesson in forgiveness in one of my first jobs after college. I was working for a computer software company with known software issues, i.e. “bugs”.   I knew this, our customers knew this. And, I was becoming impatient and pessimistic about the software product were selling

In one instance, I became indifferent to a customer’s complaints.

Eventually, my “indifference” got noticed and not in a good way. I was “called on this” by my manager, a one-on-one conversation and correction. But I also realized that my manager displayed respect for me, was not trying to embarrass me.. I learned that being singled out is often a sign of respect and an opportunity to grow. This lesson I hope to remember and pay forward. Never forget

[_07__]   The essence of our salvation lies in forgiveness, not forgetfulness. Our faults are not erased but forgiven, offering us an opportunity to learn and grow. Escaping from sinful situations invites us to love ourselves and others.  St. Thomas Aquinas:

“Love is a binding force, by which another is joined to me and cherished as myself” (Summa 1 20.1 ad 3)

Christ loves us because He sees us as part of Himself. Forgiveness, in essence, is an act of self-love, not allowing hatred and resentment to fester within us.

[_08__]   Choosing to forgive doesn't mean we're being walked all over; it means we're walking with Jesus, seeing goodness even in the sinner. Forgiveness is a path to conversion whether you’re the victim or perpetrator.

Remembering past wrongs need not lead to our downfall. Instead, choosing to forgive while remembering the hurt --- is ---how we imitate God who is love. "Never Forget" reminds of our capacity for love and resilience.

 

[_09__]   In a world filled with brokenness, our responsibility is clear: to be Good Samaritans, to forgive, and to love ourselves and others. In this act, we honor the memory of 9/11 and the countless acts of love and heroism that emerged from that tragic day. As we reflect on September 11, let us remember not just the pain but also the potential for love and forgiveness that lies within us. "Never Forget" should serve as a call to action, a commitment to love in the face of adversity, and a reminder that only is the world our common home, but salvation in Christ unites not only to God but to each other.  Never forget.

[_end__]   

Suffering. Value (2023-09-03, 22nd Sunday)

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 Homily, Sept 3, 2023  22^nd Sunday   ● Jeremiah 20:7-9 ● Psalm 63 ● Romans 12:1-2 ● +Matthew 16:21-27 ●    Title:   Suffering. Value.

 [_01__]      Recently, I made a trip, and traveled cross-country, to see my brother and his family in the city of Los Angeles, flying to southern California.

          It was a worthwhile trip to catch up with my brother and his family. As you know, a cross-country journey also means a change in time zone, from eastern time to Pacific time, a 3-hour change and – at times – the jet lag and tiredness that goes with a time zone change.

[_02__]    Are you ever out of synch – or out of step – with the timing or the tasks or the people around you? Does this make you tired?

In what way is Peter the apostle and Jesus our Lord out of synch, out of step, out of alignment?

 [_03__]     In last Sunday’s Gospel, recall that Peter synchronized himself to Jesus, as Peter answered the 2 questions posed by Jesus:

-        Who do people say that I am?

-        Who do you say that I am?

Peter has the correct answer: “you are the Christ, the son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16)

But, now, this Sunday, a few sentences later in the same chapter, Peter gets more information about Jesus’ identity and Peter does not like what he hears.

Peter wants to be in his own time zone. Peter looks tired.

[_04__]   This is a moment in the Gospel when Peter is revealed to afraid of – or at least out of step with -- what is coming next, especially when it involves suffering.

          Have you ever been afraid of what is coming next or what the consequences of your actions might be?

[_05__]  Some time ago, I was telling a friend about an incident in which I saw the negative consequences of my action, on the 1 hand, but OTOH, the blessing of God’s mercy in my life and that of others.  And, praise God, things worked out better than I expected.

          It was, for a short time, an experience of suffering but also an experience of surrender, recognizing that I was not in control of the outcome. God was in charge.  

And, while I readily admitted that I did not say or do the right things, and was willing to take responsibility, I myself could not press the “Undo” key.

          I attributed the incident and consequences to my own lack of alertness, my impatience, my feeling of being a bit tired …

          Part of me wanted to go back to a different time zone before the incident happened.

          Being proud, I did not want to admit that I was wrong or “repent”, but this admission of guilt/responsibility was really the only way.

There was no [Esc] key.

[_06__]  My friend tried to build me up, encourage me and – being a sports fan – he shared with me a quote from the American football coach, Vince Lombardi who stated, “fatigue – or feeling tired – makes cowards of us all.”

          And, that applied to me.

          But, I could not blame the fatigue or circumstances for my actions. I was the source of my own fatigue or tiredness.

[_07__]   It said that God draws straight with crooked lines.

          In other words, God can draw straight from the crookedness and brokenness of my fear and fatigue, if I will permit Him to do.

          Sometimes, I am similar to Peter, getting in the way by my denials of what the truth really is – about myself or some situation.   Peter is starting in on one of his “denials” right now, by denying that Jesus has to suffer.

          Later, when Jesus was really suffering after being arrested and he became a prisoner of the  authorities, Peter was asked if he has any connection to this “prisoner” Jesus of Nazareth.

          Peter denies knowing Jesus, 3x. Of course, the good news is that Peter ultimately reconciles with our Lord and is welcomed back.

  [_08__]    Right now, Peter and Jesus are not on the same page. They appear to be in different time zones.

          It will take time for Peter to learn – and for us to learn – that our suffering and sacrifice has value both for ourselves and others.

          I found these words of Thomas Merton, Catholic writer and Trappist monk of the 20^th century, to be helpful:

          “If we consider suffering to be greatest evil and pleasure the greatest good, then we will live submerged in sinfulness. Sometimes it is absolutely necessary to face suffering, which is a lesser evil, in order to avoid the greatest evil, sin.” (Thomas Merton, “The Word of the Cross”, Love and Living, p. 83)

[_09__]   Who is the person with whom you have the greatest struggle right now, or what is the task you least enjoy doing?

          Perhaps, this person or this task – this suffering – exists as a source of spiritual “resistance training” (like weight lifting) for your soul and salvation.

          Jesus said, “do not just love those who love you, but love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”. (cf. Matthew 5:43-48)

          This person who seems to be a hindrance or the task which seems to be a hindrance can be a path to HOLINESS.

          It is not just the time zone that can change. We can change, though it may not happen in only 3 hours.

           This is not always easy. It was not easy for Peter to repent after his denials. Yet, it is by living out a spirit of real contrition and truthfulness that we realize that we can love completely with God’s help and grace. This will reduce our fatigue, give us energy and help us to grow fortitude and courage.   [_END__]