Rejoice. Influence. (2024-12-15, Advent)

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 [ver_06, __ 3^rd Sun Advent]    __ Zephaniah 3:14-18a  __ Psalm 12 __ Philippians 4:4-7 __ Luke 3:10-18 __

 [__01__] On this 3^rd Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday – which means “rejoice”, we light the rose candle, the brightest one, on the Advent wreath. This candle symbolizes growing light and joy as the coming of Jesus draws nearer, heralding the celebration of Christmas. I’d like to touch on this theme of illumination and influence leads us to reflect on the concept of influence, a term familiar to us in today’s digital age.

 

In our computerized and media-driven world, becoming an “influencer” is a highly sought-after role. Influencers leverage their visibility to guide others’ decisions, particularly in consumer habits.

For instance in the world of food and cooking, the renowned British chef Gordon Ramsay, with over 50 million followers on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, demonstrates the power of influence in culinary arts.

Many look to him for inspiration in food and cooking, often unconsciously shaped by his preferences. Similarly, we are all influenced, consciously or not, by those around us, whether in our choices for our “daily bread” or daily wants and needs.

 

 

[__02__] [02] In today’s Gospel reading (Luke 3:10-18), we encounter John the Baptist, a figure who embodies godly influence. While positioned at the very beginning of the New Testament, John stands as the last prophet of the Old Testament. He bridges these two testaments, preparing the way for Christ. In modern terms, we might call John an influencer, but his approach differs greatly from the self-promotion often associated with this title today.

 

John’s mission was not about seeking luxury, avoiding hard work, or gaining fame. Instead, he used his influence to redirect attention from himself to our Savior, Jesus Christ. As he famously proclaimed, “He must increase; I must decrease.” John’s humility and selflessness stand in stark contrast to the self-centered culture of modern influence. His life reminds us that true influence lies in pointing others toward something greater than ourselves.

 

[03] John’s call to repentance targeted groups considered corrupt and scandalous in his time: tax collectors and soldiers. These individuals wielded influence but were despised for their exploitation and alignment with the oppressive Roman Empire. Unlike today, where taxes fund essential public services like education and infrastructure, taxation during John’s time served primarily to enrich Rome. Tax collectors often extorted more than was required, and soldiers supported this system through intimidation and violence.

 

John’s message to these groups was revolutionary. To the tax collectors, he said, “Stop collecting more than what is prescribed.” To the soldiers, he commanded, “Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages.” These directives reflect the Gospel’s paradoxical power: even those perceived as morally bankrupt are invited to transformation and redemption.

 

[04] This call to integrity resonates with the petition in the Lord’s Prayer: “Give us this day our daily bread.”

 

[__03__] [__06__] In the Lord’s Prayer, the Our Father, we pray this petition, “give us this day our daily bread.”

 

In other words, Lord, give us the necessary nutrients and material things for our welfare and well being.

 

Yet, Jesus also teaches us through this  prayer that there will be places and people where and who there is not enough bread to eat, water to drink, or housing to survive.

 

And, so Jesus’ teaching is not only to teach us to pray for what we need but also to eliminate and do away with what we do not need.

 

To the tax collector: “stop collecting more than what is prescribed”

 

To  the soldier: “do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone”

 

Is there some manifestation a “tax collector”or the “soldier” in me? in you?

 

[__07__]  Now, it is very unlikely that either of us is shaking down other people for money or bribes or ransom.

 

But, are there not other ways this Gospel might apply to you? to me?

 

I suggest we meditate on the petition “give us this day our daily bread”

 

 

 

[__04__] In the Book of Exodus, the Israelites were instructed to gather only a specific amount of manna each day. Those who hoarded more than necessary displeased God, for their actions reflected a lack of trust in His providence. Similarly, in our modern context, we must examine our habits. Are we accumulating wealth or possessions at the expense of others? Are we using our influence to serve others or merely to serve ourselves?

 

 

[__05__]     I am called as a parish administrator and leader to guide others, assign tasks and delegate work to others, both parish staff and volunteers. And, I try to express my gratitude for this collaboration. In this regard, I am an influencer, though not on TikTok!

If you are in any roles of supervising, parenting, grandparenting, teaching, coaching, nursing, medicine, serving a customer, you are also an influencer.

 

In this role, I have to ask myself - do I fall into the trap of trying to get the best out of others as though I am extracting or wringing water out of a wet towel ….. am I really helping others to be the best they can be?

 

Am I praying not only for my daily bread, but for theirs?

 [__09__]   For example,

 

[do I falsely accuse?]

 

While we might not fall into the trap of actually “framing someone for a crime he did not commit, she did not do”, we might “falsely accuse” in other ways.

 

For example, do I falsely accuse by presuming bad motives or bad intentions when I really have no evidence for why someone did something that I did not like?

 

For example, do I get caught up in presuming people are going to disappoint me? These are some ways we might “falsely accuse”

[__06__]  [07] Trusting in God does not exempt us from challenges. In fact, trials and suffering can deepen our faith and reliance on Him. As Paul writes in Philippians, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I say it again, rejoice.” This joy is not contingent on favorable circumstances but rooted in the assurance of God’s presence and promises.

 

Paul’s exhortation calls us to go beyond – transcend -  worldly measures of success. We are to rejoice not only when we achieve personal goals or receive material blessings but also in the knowledge that we share in Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection. This perspective transforms our understanding of influence, shifting it from self-promotion to self-giving.

 

[08] As we approach Christmas, let us strive to be influencers in the mold of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ. This means using our lives to reflect God’s light and love, guiding others toward truth and grace. It also means examining our own hearts and actions, repenting where necessary, and trusting in God to provide for our needs.

 As we read in the letter to the Philippians today:

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again:  rejoice!  Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near.

Have no anxiety at all, but in everything,   by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,  make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding  will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

 [__end_]

Prepare. (2024-12-08, Advent)

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 [__ver-03__]   Homily – Dec. 8, 2024  /  Advent (Year C)  ● Baruch 5:1-9 ● Psalm 126    ●  1 Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11 ● + Luke 3:1-6●

[ 01 Christmas as a Cultural Phenomenon of preparation]

We are now counting down the days until Christmas. This leads to  a common question: Are you ready for Christmas? It’s a cultural reflection of our concern with preparation, a recurring theme in our daily lives.

Even in our dreams, we often face “readiness anxiety”

[ 02 Dream example ]   Do we not experience this as a psychological phenomenon, not only when we are awake, but also when we are asleep?  Thinking about “readiness” is always present.

Sometimes, I have – what I think are called - anxiety-based dreams at night. Do you sometimes have anxiety based-dreams which are somehow linked to feelings of incomplete readiness?

For example, in your dream, sleeping state, you are a student in school and have a difficult test in a difficult subject and you cannot answer the questions.

Or, you are going to a meeting or job interview or on a trip and you have forgotten to bring an important document such as your resume or your passport.

In my case, I have awoken from such a dream and felt relieved to know that I am not taking a math test nor do I have a job interview.

Maybe, I do not have to be ready for these things.

But what about my state of readiness - spiritually, prayerfully - in other areas of my REAL LIFE …as we say in texting IRL = IN REAL LIFE.

In real life, we are called to be ready each day.

 [ 03 Gospel command: “Prepare” and the Lord’s prayer] 

In the Gospel today, we read the proclamation of John the Baptist which begins with “Prepare ye the way of the Lord…”

 This command to prepare the way of the Lord connects with the words of the Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done.

          So, I would like to focus on this petition for God’s will to be done. Do I mean this when I say it, pray it?

Sometimes I do the opposite of focusing on God’s will.

For example, when I think about Advent and Christmas, I think about all the things I have to do. Do you make to-do lists, checking them twice, to see what’s naughty or nice?

I know I have a tendency to focus on what I am supposed to be doing and, in my pride - proudly - focus on what I want to be noticed for doing, recognized for achieving.

In this regard, I am not discovering Christmas but distorting Christmas to suit my needs: MY WILL BE DONE. And, everyone else, just get out of my way, prepare the way for me!

Toward the true spirit of Christmas,  John the Baptist (JTB),  says - of Jesus - “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world”. These words of Holy Communion come from JTB in the Gospel.

We are called to prepare the way of the Lord by our words and actions. So, there may be various tasks you and I are called to for Christmas - visiting family, buying a gift for the Giving Tree, writing a Christmas card, preparing a meal, for forgiving a hurt or fault experienced by someone’s actions.

In all of these things, I invite you to consider not what you are doing, but what God is doing through you.

You are not God. I  am not God. But, we can prepare a highway - or at least our own sidestreet or hallway or entryway for God.

 

[ 04 Why prepare? Because we cannot predict.] 

We are reminded to prepare our hearts, with prayer, fasting and charitable giving not because we can predict what will happen but because life is unpredictable.

Are there not countless things in this world that we cannot predict?

It is interesting to note that there are at least 3 commonly known professionals who gain lots of attention making predictions often with inaccurate results. They are:

·        Economists predicting inflation, the stock market and other indicators

·        Meteorologists predicting rain and snowfall

·        Sportscasters predicting winners and losers on the playing field

In a sense, all are making predictions to us and, while we listen to lots of predictions, we may not necessarily be any more prepared just because we got a prediction.

Here is one example and lesson I learned.

Regarding the unpredictable nature of rainfall and weather, I was recently caught by surprise. This was back in August.

It was a Monday morning and I was planning to go out of town, to travel north to visit family. Right before my departure, the night before, we had a very heavy rain storm.  We got water all over the floor of the church basement.

          I felt frustrated, as though I should have been able to predict this weather pattern or avoid it. This was my pride kicking in. My departure was delayed by a few hours which was - in the end - not a big deal.

But, what enabled me to leave was not that I predicted what would happen but that others on our rectory staff were prepared to step in and take responsibility and challenge and make the necessary phone calls and meet the clean up service personnel.

This is a reminder that we do not prepare or respond in solitude or in solitary confinement but we also prepare so that we can work and help each other.

We cannot predict. We can only prepare.

My mother would tell us - make your plans, do not plan your results. In other words, prepare.

A few days after this storm which produced flooding in New Jersey, I heard that it was much worse in Connecticut where 2 people died in the flooding. This news was a reminder to me that whatever I had gone through or was going through - there were others in more dire circumstances.

[ 05 Conclusion….]    This reminder to prepare continues with Jesus in his conversation with his disciples, up to and including his Passion.  On the night before he dies, he goes to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray and get ready spiritually.

          He tells his disciples to stay here, watch and pray.  When Jesus returns to them, he finds them asleep.  It is not really the sleeping that is the problem. They were physically tired. We all need rest.

The problem was that they did not know what to do even after they woke up. The anxiety-based dream is not such a bad dream to have if it reminds that - even if we do not have a mathematics test - we still are called to prepare…

Pope Benedict XVI observes what you and I also know that Christmas and Advent are often distorted or discombobulated with external displays and excessive lighting - even if it is LED and environmentally friendly.

Darkness and silence - if they promote love of God and love of neighbor - are also friendly to both heaven and earth!

The invisible presence of God is more important than any visible displays,

In fact, if we really want to make God present as B16 writes- change your thinking - conversion through prayer and silence - so that God may be present in you and, through you, present in the world.

The world means your street, your school bus, Washington or Mount Pleasant Elementary, Edison, West Orange High School, Seton Hall Prep, the Mount, Rutgers, your place of work, your home. The parking lot after Mass. This is your world.

Prepare ye the way of the Lord. Make straight his paths.  [__end__]    

Advent / Thanksgiving (2024-12-01, Advent)

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 [__ver-03__]   Homily – Dec. 1, 2024  /  Advent (Year C)  ● Jeremiah 33:14-16   ● Psalm 25    ●  1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2 ● + Luke 21:25-28, 34-36  

[__00__]      In today’s Gospel (Luke 21:25-28, 34-36), Jesus speaks about the end of the world, And the 1^st week of Advent is always about the end of time,

that Jesus will come at the end of time.

But the end of the world, is not only about what happens next, physically or materially, but also spiritually.

When we experience a change or when we receive a person or thing into our lives, we are called to consider not only the material aspects, but the spiritual, the material rewards or risks, but also the deeper spiritual meaning.

The 1^st commandment reminds us to put God first, to have no other gods before him.

Being grateful, living with an attitude of gratitude also helps us to put God first and to consider that Thanksgiving is not just something we do at the table with a traditional menu, but all year long, living with a spirit of Thanksgiving helps us to trust in God's mercy and His plan for our lives. As you know, at this time of year, we just celebrated Thanksgiving, a holiday centered on gratitude. And when we think of gratitude, we often think of the good things, the rewards we received, or the increases in pay we received, or the increases in value we received, the successes we achieved or experienced. But as Christians, we're called to a deeper understanding of Thanksgiving. And the word Eucharist means Thanksgiving, not just for the blessings we wanted, but for all the things we have, even trials and challenges.

         

[__02__]      __ Jesus' Example of Thanksgiving__

When Jesus gave thanks, He wasn’t merely thanking God for good gifts. He gave thanks at the Last Supper, knowing He was about to face betrayal, suffering, and death. He wasn’t giving thanks for worldly success, the obedience of His disciples, or popularity with the authorities. He gave thanks for His life and for the opportunity to offer Himself as a sacrifice for others.

 

For us, this challenges us to rethink our own attitude of gratitude and attitude TO gratitude. Are we only grateful when life is easy? I am definitely more grateful when life is easy. But can we also NOT GIVE THANKS during the difficult times. Trust, trusting that God is working through these difficult times.

 

 

[__03__]      __ Giving Thanks in Difficult Times__

The Apostle Paul, writing from a Roman prison, urged the early Christians to __ "give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus"__  (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Paul himself endured suffering, yet he remained grateful. In his letter to the Colossians, he prays that they may be __ “joyfully giving thanks to the Father,”__  even as they endure trials with patience (Colossians 1:11-12).

This teaches us that genuine gratitude is not about denying the pain and challenges of life. It is about acknowledging them and trusting that God is present and working through them. The Psalms are filled with prayers of lament—honest cries of pain and sorrow. Yet, even in the midst of lament, there is often a turn to trust and praise.

 

[__04__]     The Connection Between Gratitude and Trust__

Gratitude and trust are deeply connected. When we give thanks, we acknowledge that we have received something we did not earn or could not achieve on our own. It is an act of humility and trust. We recognize that God is the giver of all good gifts, and we trust that He is with us, even in our struggles.

Recently, I had the opportunity to reconnect with a priest from my home parish. I remembered a time – 20+ years ago - when I was facing doubts and uncertainty about my future. I went to him with my questions, and he gave me simple but profound advice: __ “Go before the Blessed Sacrament and pray before the tabernacle. You will get an answer.”__  

At the time, I didn’t realize how much that advice would shape my life. He was absolutely right. And,while, I did not get an answer to every one of my questions, I knew what I would do … at least for the next month or so, to live through this period of doubt and uncertainty.

Praying before the Blessed Sacrament brought clarity and peace in the midst of my confusion. Recently, I was able to thank – “gratitude” to this priest for that advice, and it reminded me of the power of gratitude in difficult times.

He had forgotten all about his advice to me and was glad to be reminded (20+ years later) noting that that the good we perform– that I perform– or you is sometimes not visible to us or not known to us in this life.

 

There's a psychologist named Carol Dweck. Now, Carol Dweck is not religious in any way. She's a totally academic psychologist, but she wrote about write a book called “The Growth Mindset” in her opinion, in this influential book, she writes about the importance that we grow not just by achieving success, and we are not just called to praise children or praise other people just because they're successful. We're called to praise others just for the effort that they put in, and God appreciate the effort we put in, and this helps us to grow whether we are successful or not successful.

 

[__05__]    Patience and Depth of Faith__

Often, we think of patience as simply waiting without frustration. But true patience is deeper. It’s the ability to endure with trust and hope, even when life doesn’t make sense. We might feel impatient on the surface, but something deeper can be happening within us—a growth in trust, a quiet confidence that God is at work.

Gratitude, patience, and trust are intertwined. When we give thanks, especially during hard times, we are practicing trust. We are saying, “God, I don’t understand this, but I trust You. I believe You are with me, and I thank You for Your presence.”

… to say, God, I don't understand this, but I trust you, or to pray the Divine Mercy, prayer on your on your right in the front of the church, Jesus, I trust in You.

 

[__06__]    A Call to Thanksgiving__

As we celebrate Thanksgiving, let’s remember that Christian gratitude is not about ignoring life’s challenges or pretending everything is perfect. It’s about recognizing that even in the midst of trials, God is with us. It’s about trusting that He is guiding us, shaping us, and drawing us closer to Him.  Let us give thanks not only for the blessings we easily recognize but also for the trials that lead us to greater faith, deeper trust, and a more intimate relationship with God. And may we find, as Paul prayed for the Colossians, the strength to __ “endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father.”__  [_end_]    

Thanksgiving (2024-11-28)

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 [__ver-06__]   Homily –  Nov 28, 2024  /  USA Thanksgiving 

●    ● Psalm ●  ● + Luke 17:11-19 ●

Title: Wrongdoing, Mercy, and Restoration 

0. Introduction

Many years ago, and for several years in a row, I would go to my friend's house for a reunion the night before Thanksgiving, and noticed that his parents did something that my parents did not do.  That is, by Wednesday (the day before Thanksgiving), at five in the afternoon, the table was completely set. Everything was set. 

Everything was on the table that it was ready to go.  We have to get ready, in advance to signify unity at table. Maybe it's by picking up guests, maybe it's by setting the table. Maybe it's other actions that signify our unity as one family. 

Thanksgiving begins even before we sit down to eat. Thanksgiving is also the word, the translation for the word Eucharist. Eucharistia means thanks to God, giving thanks to God. 

There is an outline of this homily, un esquema de esta homilia en espanol, in por dentro de la Iglesia en la mesa del medio de la Iglesia.  I’d like to conclude this homily also with a prayer of thanksgiving, a prayer after mass that St Thomas Aquinas is known for, and also to talk about how preparing for Thanksgiving is also about restoration, about forgiveness, about being welcomed back.

1.  A Family Gathering and an Unexpected Incident   

In September, shortly after Labor Day, I traveled to Chicago to attend the funeral Mass of a beloved family member—the sister of my sister-in-law. It was a rare gathering with family members I seldom see, and while it was a serious and sorrowful occasion, it also provided an opportunity to reconnect.  

One evening during my visit, an unexpected situation unfolded, offering a lesson in wrongdoing, punishment, recovery, and mercy—an experience that echoed themes found in the Gospel of Luke 17:11-19, where Jesus heals ten lepers.  

__ 2.  Rules Broken   

Several families, including my brother, sister-in-law, and their children, stayed in a house rented through Airbnb. I had arranged to stay in a hotel across town, unaware of the rules governing the Airbnb house.   I was also surprised to realize that these rules would become relevant to me!

On the first evening, as we gathered at the house enjoying pizza, we received a startling call from the owner. He informed us that we had violated the terms of the rental AIRBNB agreement. Security cameras revealed we had exceeded the guest limit and someone had brought a dog into the house.  

The owner was clear: we had 1 hour to vacate the property. It was 9 pm at night, and we were facing “eviction”.  

__ 3.  A Selfish Dilemma   

As I processed the situation, I realized I was the only one with alternative lodging—a hotel room. My immediate thought was self-centered: I didn’t want to share my space.  

Yet, I couldn’t ignore the possibility that my brother’s family might need a place to stay. I began calculating: Would my room have enough space? Was there a pull-out couch? These thoughts revealed the common human tendency to prioritize personal comfort over the needs of others.  

Family life, however, calls us to something greater. St. Paul reminds us in Romans 12:15-16:  

> *“Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the holy ones. Exercise hospitality.”*  

Hospitality isn’t always about grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s simply about recognizing the need right in front of us and responding, even when it’s inconvenient.  

__ 4.  Mercy Granted   

The situation seemed hopeless—wrongdoing had occurred, and the consequence was clear: leave the house. But two family members --- who were the bringers of the actual dog– called the house owner, apologize, and pleaded for another chance.  

Remarkably, the owner extended mercy. He allowed us to stay, provided we adhered strictly to the rules moving forward. 

My brother’s young niece read the conditions aloud from her phone/tablet to everyone at table, much like Moses delivering the commandments to the Israelites.  

The crisis was averted. No one had to leave, and I did not have to squeeze five people into a room designed for one.  

__ 5.  Healing and Restoration   

I’d like to connect this experience of being restored to that of the lepers in the Gospel and the experience of sinfulness more generally.

Leprosy in biblical times was more than a physical disease—it symbolized sin and separation from the community. When Jesus healed the lepers, He did more than restore their health; He restored their place in society and their relationships.  

Similarly, Jesus offers healing for our deeper wounds—sin and brokenness. These cannot be healed by our efforts alone; we need a Savior.  

When we acknowledge our need for healing and turn to Christ, He responds with mercy and restoration.  

__ 6.  Turning Back to God   

In the example of the conflict with the house owner and AIRBNB, it was not just 1 offense that led to the owner’s distress and possible “punishment.”

          He had seen how we – his tenants – had ignored 4 voice mails earlier in the day. Then he saw the number of people in the house, then the dog.

          Then he sounded the alarm and called us.

          This got our attention.

          The Christian author, C.S. Lewis wrote that God is also trying to get our attention and that while God whispers to us in our pleasures (in the things we like) He shouts to us in our pain (the things we do not like).

__ 7. Conclusion   

You or I might be in pain due to our sins or the sins of others. Jesus did not abandon the men with leprosy, though regular people had.

          He welcomes every sinner – everyone of us who comes to him in the confessional for mercy – even  if it has been a while.

          And even if 9 out of 10 are not turning back and have vacated the premises, you can still be the one who turns back to Jesus to receive his mercy. Your faith in Him will save you.  

St. Thomas Aquinas expresses in a ""Prayer After Mass" our own hope for Eternal Life and true communion with our Savior --- as our Lord called it when speaking to His disciples at the Last Supper -- the joy that “no one shall take from you” (John 16:22),  

PRAYER:     I thank You, Lord, Almighty Father, Everlasting God, for having been pleased, through no merit of mine, but of Your great mercy alone, to feed me, a sinner, and Your unworthy servant, with the precious Body and Blood of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. I pray that this Holy Communion may not be for my judgment and condemnation, but for my pardon and salvation. Let this Holy Communion be to me an armor of faith and a shield of good will, a cleansing of all vices, and a rooting out of all evil desires. May it increase love and patience, humility and obedience, and all virtues. May it be a firm defense against the evil designs of all my visible and invisible enemies, a perfect quieting of all the desires of soul and body. May this Holy Communion bring about a perfect union with You, the one true God, and at last enable me to reach eternal bliss when You will call me. I pray that You bring me, a sinner, to the indescribable Feast where You, with Your Son and the Holy Spirit, are to Your saints true light, full blessedness, everlasting joy, and perfect happiness. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

[__fin__]