Unless a Grain of Wheat.... (John 12:24) (2024-03-17 - 5th Sunday Lent)

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●●   Homily, 5^th Sunday Lent (year B)  ●●  2024 March 17  ●● Jeremiah 31:31-34 ● ● Psalm 51 ● ●Hebrews 5:7-9 ● ●  + John 12:20-33 ● ●

Bibliography:

·        Thomas Merton, No Man Is An Island, “The Word of the Cross”, pp. 77-78.

·       The Necessity of Confession and Its Seal, Homiletic and Pastoral Review, November 30, 2018, John M. McDermott, S.J. (https://www.hprweb.com/2018/11/the-necessity-of-confession-and-its-seal/)

·        https://www.commonwealmagazine.org/how-irish-changed-penance

[__01__]   A few years ago, as my car was on its quote unquote “last legs”, I remained determined to keep fixing it, repairing it, rather than trading it in or buying a different car.

          I was spending money year after year for the health and wellness of my vehicle.

          Should I move on …?

          My mechanic seemed to indicate this one day when I showed for another repair that I wanted to make but also did not to spend too much on. He stood over the car as though he was the priest at a burial at the cemetery and made the sign of the cross over the car.

          While he was not doing a religious ritual, he was reflecting something about what sign of the the cross, the carrying of the cross, the stations of the cross mean, whether in Lent, on Good Friday or beyond.

 [__02__]  What does the cross or the sign of the cross mean to you and me?

          Jesuit Father John McDermott wrote that the CROSS and the way of the cross is call for you and me to be converted, to be raised up.

          In other words, the In reflecting on the sign of the cross, embodies more than just closure or the END… but even the sign of the cross at the end of Mass is not about finishing up what we have prayed here…but starting over with a new beginning.

          In other words, while Jesus death on the cross calls us to dying and rising to new life.

          This does not simply mean a “trade in” of old ways for new ways to God as the dealer who does all the work for us. There is work for you and me in taking up the cross each day. In other words, the Cross is not just about Jesus evening up the good vs. evil competition because Jesus accepts a penalty on himself “takes one for the team”  so you / I don’t have to get punished

 

[__04__]  Father John McDermott was questioning a viewpoint that you or I might have that “The cross is cannot be explained simply as God’s way to show His love to basically good people. The Cross would be a most repulsive way of expressing love”

          The Cross is “repulsive” – even offensive – because it involves the willful surrender of Jesus – as the innocent victim -- to those who are not innocent, in fact to those who do not even know entirely what their actions mean: Jesus from Calvary: “Forgive them, Father, they know not what they do.”  (Bibl Referenc___)

          In taking up his cross, Jesus is showing his concern and compassion.

          I.e., that Jesus Christ as the “true lover must first sacrifice himself for his beloved.”

          Or, as John the Evanglist writes in the Gospel today:

          “Unless the grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a single grain, but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” (John 12:24)

          We can bear fruit and flourish by our sacrifices in love of God and neighbor.

 

[__05__]  In this season of mid-March, we recall the lives and feast days of 2 saints whom the Church remembers for their self-sacrifice.

          On March 19, the final evening of our St. Joseph Novena which is really our parish’s Lenten retreat – which you can also watch on our Parish YouTube channel – we recall St. Joseph as patron saint of the church.

          From Joseph, Nazareth and beyond, we learn the virtue of self sacrifice, and truly resting in God’s presence.

          From St. Joseph, we learn the virtue of self-sacrifice and resting in the presence of God. Joseph, through his dreams and actions, exemplifies both surrender and productivity under divine influence. Similarly, our understanding of productivity and rest is reshaped by the Christian concept of Sunday as the first day of the week—a day of rest followed by work, mirroring Joseph's pattern of listening and resting.

          Joseph gives us a model of self sacrifice:

          “Unless the grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a single grain, but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” (John 12:24)

          Joseph is also a model of true productivity and possibility in light of God’s influence.  For my part, I also enjoy being productive and proving myself accordingly, and perhaps realizing I have earned – merited – a rest at the end of my labors.

 [__06__]  In fulfillment of the Jewish covenant, there is a new twist on it means to work and rest. In the original covenant, the Sabbath is the 7^th day, after the 6 days of work and creation. That’s logical and may reflect our own view of “Sabbath” = “weekend”. But the Sabbath day Sunday is not the end of our week, but the beginning. This is the “end” or purpose of the Sabbath and the sacraments: to begin again.

          But the Christian fulfillment – and Resurrection – makes the Sabbath not the last day of the week, but the first.

          I.e., we rest first, then we work. Joseph did the same in his 4 dreams and resting and listening

 

[__07__]  This 5^th Sunday of Lent also coincides with St. Patrick’s Day on March 17. Notably, the famous NYC Manhattan St. Patrick’s Parade is moved to Saturday when the 17^th is Sunday. The Sabbath takes priority, comes first.

 

[__08__] It’s an important part of Irish Christianity and Catholicism that  teaches us something about examining our lives and beginning again, in gong to confession for our sins.

          The Irish Catholic tradition is important here in Church history.

This is the meaning was given to an ancient practice in the Church, through the monks, brothers and priests of Ireland starting around the year 600.

As the Catechism of the Catholic Church summarizes it: “During the seventh century Irish missionaries, inspired by the Eastern monastic tradition, took to continental Europe the ‘private’ practice of penance, which does not require public and prolonged completion of penitential works before reconciliation with the Church. From that time on, the sacrament has been performed in secret between penitent and priest.”

“gradually the practice came to include confessing faults to a highly trusted brother monk, who became known as the anamchara (animae carus), or “soul friend.” (“soul” is not “sole” or “solo” but S-O-U-L, God’s spirit in us). The abbot or fraternal anamchara would pray with the penitent and prescribe actions to help him overcome his failing. Certain monks renowned for their spiritual advice became popular confessors. Eventually, people outside the monasteries began coming to those monks to confess their sins.”

(https://www.commonwealmagazine.org/how-irish-changed-penance)

 

 

[__10__]  There is no greater “soul friend” than JC Himself whose words and life live on in the Catholic priesthood and sacrament of penance and reconciliation.

          As the Church, we have the responsibility not only to DENOUNCE and REJECT sinfulness, but also to RENOUNCE and REFORM ourselves.

          The priest is in the confessional as a soul friend to you. You might resist this idea based on the priest himself being a sinner and a human being.

          Yes, guilty as charged!

But the priest is not there to represent himself but rather Jesus Christ and the Church.

          You have a right to hear from JC and the Church. You are a daughter or son of the Church.

          I’d like to make an analogy.

          You, as a child, of your parents have a right to their love and wisdom. You may not have had perfect parents. You may have had very imperfect – broken – parents.

          But, when we turn to them, we have a right to expect something that will heal us, change us, convert us, because of their love for the family.

          In fact, the “end” or purpose of their lives was to help you begin. The “end” or purpose of all of our lives – towards young people – is to help them begin and begin again.

          Even the “corrections” we make toward them is to help them as a  renewal rather than a rejection.

          If we turn to our parents in a crisis, we expect our sins or difficulty to stay “in house”, not to go out on social media or even to other family members.

          There is a parallel of this family confidentiality to the confidential seal of confession.

          It is the calling and endeavor of the priest to allow you to confess your sins and also to keep it all “in house.” This is the absolutely confidential seal of confession.

          To put it bluntly, what happens in the confessional stays in the confessional.

          But what happens on Calvary, on the Cross, does not stay on Calvary.

          In his more public Passion, Death and Resurrection, Jesus’ mercy goes out to the whole world, to you and me as individuals, to Our Lady of Lourdes parish family (which we give thanks for this weekend,), so that all of us might put on the new man, the woman in Christ to be re-made in holiness and wholeness.

          Jesus’ mercy blooms and flourishes. He is the grain of wheat that falls to the ground and dies.

          Because he dies, he bears much fruit. This fruit, this growth is your life, the forgiveness of your sins, a new beginning. You and I can begin again.

  [__end__]  

The End In Mind (2024-03-11, St. Joseph Novena)

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Homily, Novena – March 11, 2024  ●●  2024 March 11  ●●  Monday of 4^th week of Lent  Readings:  ● ●  + John 4:43-54 ● ●

 [__01__]  In the Gospel episode of this journey of Jesus (John 4:43-54), we receive a glimpse into the Lord’s vision/attitude at a time of crisis, when someone is in need.

          Jesus’ words – at face value – suggest that he is not very concerned about the well being of the man’s son.

          Jesus seems – on one level – annoyed that he is being asked for yet another miracle and replies not to the person individually but to persons in general by whom he is asked for favors.

Jesus replied, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you do not believe.” (John 4:___)

         

[__02__]  It was not very long ago, about 5 years ago, that I successfully figured out for the very first time, how to take action – on my own – in the event of a flat tire on my car..

          Up to this point, I would call for roadside assistance, triple A.

          I felt proud – perhaps too much so – that I figured this out.

          Nevertheless, I cannot solve every problem on my own. Recently, I had a crack in my windshield.  That required way more expertise and intervention than I could offer. I needed, for this, to bring the car in. It could not even be done “roadside”

 

[__03__]  There is a man in the Gospel who approaches Jesus and who is calling for “roadside assistance”, meaning he is out on the road flagging down our Savior. His car is not in trouble. It’s more serious. His son is very ill and he wants the Lord to make a house call.

 

[__04__]  Jesus seems to resist the request, but he also knows the man needs help.   It seems that the Lord does not want to prove himself with every successive miracle.

 

[__05__]   In order for me to live in Christ with faith, integrity, joy, I am not saying – as the song goes – all I want is a miracle…. But I do live in faith much more readily when things are going my way.

          Been there? Done that?

 

[__06__] This instance in John chapter 4 is similar, a parallel, to Jesus’ behavior at another health-crisis moment, that of the dying Lazarus who is miles and kilometers away. When the news goes out, everyone is losing his or cool. The disciples want to make the journey right away. Let’s deliver roadside assistance!  Meanwhile, Jesus presses PAUSE and shows up 2 days later. During this delay, Lazarus has died and is already buried.

          Then, as we know, Jesus raises Lazarus from the tomb in spectacular fashion.

 

          Question: Why the delay?

          Answer: Jesus used the raising of Lazarus and this event in John chapter 4 to prepare the world for what was to come, his own death and resurrection which – by the way – was not understood or communicated by everyone or to everyone right away.

          This “delay” and variation in comprehension was seen on the road to Emmaus  (Luke 24)

 

[__07__] The Road to Emmaus (Luke 24) Soon after Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection, there was an episode in which 2 disciples are leaving Jerusalem after Jesus’ death, going to Emmaus and discussing what had just happened.  To these 2 disciples appears a 3^rd mysterious traveler. It’s Jesus but they do not recognize him.  Jesus asks them, “what happened in Jerusalem?” They reply incredulously because they cannot believe anyone would be unaware and they say, “Are you the only traveler to Jerusalem who does not know what happened there in these past few days?“ (Luke 24).

          This is an ironic question because Jesus is – in fact – the only one who does know what really happened!

 

[__08__]  A couple of years ago, my friend’s elderly father – Robert - passed away after a long illness. Robert an was also a father figure and friend to me whom I have known since high school.

          I was honored to be at Robert’s funeral and burial which reminded me of a family tragedy in his life when were all much younger. It was 1982 and Robert’s daughter had just died as the result of a sudden accident on the road on their neighborhood.

          The moment stands out to me as one of the first times I attended a funeral not only because my parents had a connection, but I did as well.

I still remember how they were dressed. It was also a very hot summer day, but the temperature was not really the problem.

          Remembering all of this, at Robert’s funeral, and many events since 1982 to the present, I could see how many of their choices were shaped by the death of a child. I think they made good choices as a result. But, they did not make easy choices.

Certainly, their faith also sustained them.

          We do not fully understand our lives or the lives or the lives of others as they are happening. We can understand some things and thus we really need the silence of prayer and meditation.

          But, we may only understand certain things at the end, after someone dies or when we face our own deaths and mortal nature.

          St. Paul writes in 1^st Corinthians, comparing our current “vision” on earth to our future vision in heaven:

“For we know partially and we prophesy partially, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.   When I was a child, I used to talk as a child, think as a child, reason as a child; when I became a man, I put aside childish things.  At present we see indistinctly, as in a mirror, but then face to face. At present I know partially; then I shall know fully, as I am fully known.  So faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:9-13)

         

[PAUSE]

 

[__09__]  St. Joseph is known as the patron saint of the dying and the patron saint of a happy death.

None of us knows the “when” r the “where” of our death. Yet, the mortality rate is hovering around 100%

The Church invites you and me to prepare for our deaths, even to the prepare for the next Funeral we will attend.

It is good and salutary for us to attend the wake and funeral for loved ones, not just for our most intimate family and friends but also for neighbors, for extended family, for classmates.

Is it not good for us to reminded of our hopes and prayers:

For example:

“Lord Jesus Christ,  by your own 3 days in the tomb, you hallowed (you blessed) the graves of all who believe in you and so made the grave a sign of hope that promises resurrection

even as it claims our mortal bodies.

 

Grant that our brother, may sleep here in peace until you awaken him her to glory,

Grant that our sister, may sleep here in peace until you awaken her to glory,

for you are the resurrection and the life.

Then they will see you face to face and in your light will see light and know the splendour of God, for you live and reign for ever and ever”

 

[__10__]   Reflecting on these words is not only about MORTALITY, but also about REALITY.

          There is a business-management wisdom “mantra” that is not religious per se, but has a connection to our journey.

          Stephen Covey wrote/declared that an important habit to cultivate is to “begin with the end in mind”

          This applies not just to a negotiation or the pursuit of wealth.

          It also applies to our view of death.

 

[__11__]   Of course, we might prefer to think of death. Death is the enemy.

          And, we might prefer to keep the enemy at bay with all sorts of comforts and conveniences and distractions.

          Naturally, we seek self-preservation. But, reflecting on death is not self-destructive. It is self-instructive.

          But, it can be difficult.

          Lent and the 40 days of Lent introduce this, in case you did not know that’s why the dust is placed on your forehead and mine:  “Remember thou art dust and to dust thou will return.”

          Then, Ash Wednesday and Lent introduces fasting and abstinence, perhaps the discomfort of either or both.  Real sacrifice and hunger are daunting. They remind us of our mortality. Thus, they are called mortification.

          But these Lenten practices – which are not really confined to these 40 days – help us to keep the end of our lives in mind.

 

[__12__]    I pray that this Novena and our Lent will remind us of our need to pray for own salvation and to pray for those who have died, to pray for the souls in Purgatory, to pray for those may have been forgotten or unknown, those who died suddenly.

          It does not matter how long ago someone died. Pray for him or her now. In God there is no timetable. Your prayers are relevant now. If they deceased person/soul is not in need of your prayers – say the person is already in heaven – God will apply your prayers to someone in need.

[__13__]     St. Joseph is the patron of the dying because it is the Church’s Tradition that he ended his days, dying at home in Nazareth in the presence of Jesus and Mary.

          Of Jesus, of course, we learn very little of his life and words. And, post-mortem, there is no obituary. But that does not mean there is nothing to say.

          Sometimes, I dare say, the obituary for people we know cannot really communicate the essence of a person of what the person was really like.

          From 1994 to 2009, there was a reporter at an Atlanta newspaper who became famous for her effective writing and ability to capture the essence of a person in obituary. Her name was Kay Powell. She had a motto on her desk, anticipating the mysterious nature of her work, proclaiming:

 “God is my assignment editor”

 

[__14__]     God is also your assignment editor and my assignment editor, inviting us – before write anything or produce anything- to read the story of our lives in light of Jesus’s Passion, Death and Resurrection.

 

 “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die…”  (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2a)

 

As Jesus said to Martha after Lazarus’ death and burial:

“Everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:24)

          Martha was invited, as we all are, to begin with the end in mind.

 

[__end__]   

Nicodemus. Jury Duty. (2024-03-10, Lent 4th Sunday)

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Homily, 4^th Sunday Lent (year B)  ●●  2024 March 10  ●● II Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23 ● ● Psalm 137 ● ● Ephesians 2:4-10 ● ●  + John 3:14-21 ● ●

 [__00__] PRELUDE During this time leading up to St. Patrick's Day, it's notable that certain masses, like the 11:30 am one tomorrow, are canceled due to the St. Patrick's parade in West Orange. The Irish are renowned for their festivities, including parades, but their historical significance extends far beyond mere celebration.

Amid the collapse of the Roman Empire, a period marked by widespread chaos, destruction, and the suppression of knowledge, the Irish and Irish Catholic monasteries played a pivotal role in safeguarding Western civilization. As Rome faced invasion and cultural upheaval, Irish monks and priests embarked on a mission to preserve the wisdom of antiquity. They diligently transcribed and safeguarded texts, including the works of Plato and Aristotle, Augustine and others, within the confines of Irish monasteries.

This monumental effort to rescue and uphold knowledge earned them the moniker, "saviors of civilization." Their dedication to preserving the written word during a time of exile parallels the theme of exile in today's reading, where the return of people of Israel from Babylon (1^st reading from 2^nd Chronicles, ch. 36)  to their homeland symbolizes the restoration of worship and freedom. The connection underscores the enduring importance of safeguarding ideas, faith, and cultural heritage, especially in times of displacement and uncertainty.

 MAIN HOMILY

[__01__] Do you watch TV? What TV shows do you watch? What channel or channels or websites do you listen to for reports on nat’l, int’l or local news?

          These were some of the Q’s presented to every possible candidate for jury duty recently in an Essex County courtroom for jury duty.  The Q’s were asked to find out about our experience, possible biases we might bring based on experiences.

There were 200+ candidates from whom would be chosen the 12 jurors.

          So, it took about 2 days to select the jury. I started out as one of the 200+. I ended up as one of the 12 jurors.

 

[__02__]  What is a jury?      A jury consists of ordinary citizens, independent of the court, by whom the guilt or innocence is decided.

 

          That’s what it is. But, why does a jury exist? And, why – more fundamentally – are there laws and legal statutes for us to follow?

          On the 1 hand, we might say, we have these rules and police officers and judges and courtrooms in order to maintain a peaceful society: “Law and Order”.

          Hey, isn’t that a TV show?

          I think you can watch that one and still be on a jury.

 

[__03__] What were we supposed to do as the jury? The judge gave a detailed explanation about listening, observing carefully, not pre-judging or pre-determining how we might “vote” for “guilty”or “not guilty”.

           This detailed explanation took over 30 minutes. I questioned why it was so long. Your Honor, we got this. We watch TV!

 

[__04__]  But, the point of having laws and judges and police officers is not simply to maintain an orderly society. Yes, this is our hope as the outcome or effect.

          But there is a more basic reason to have laws. The goal is to reach the truth and the whole truth. That may or may not be on TV.

          And, as I read in a statement about the meaning of Christian baptism by Pope Benedict XVI, “the goal of baptism is not the community but the truth.”  (Benedict XVI, Dogma and Preaching, “6. Preaching God Today” p. 88)

          Benedict XVI continues: “the world does not have many rulers. [But we create new gods for ourselves] even when we do not call them gods: we worship money, sex, power, politics or history, expecting [one of them] will develop into God. But there is only one God.” (Benedict XVI, Dogma and Preaching, “6. Preaching God Today” p. 89)

          That’s the truth and it is meant to help us in our relationships.

 [__05__]  For example, in marriage and family and friendship, our 1^st priority is fidelity, truth, integrity.

          At times, relationships “suffer” because one person is being told a truth he or she does not want to hear.

          The goal is the salvation of souls, truthfulness.

[__06__]  [EXAMPLE A] One of the difficult things about being truthful is that it usually also involves some renunciation or self-denial.

          In other words, if you speak the truth to me, it is not your victory, but God’s victory.

          The German scholar, Hans Urs Von Balthasar in writing about both discipleship and the priesthood, observed that the origin of the Church is not in Peter as the first Pope, but in Mary as the Mother God.

          Peter and the other disciples – and Nicodemus in the Gospel today -  were on a journey toward renunciation and respect for God, but often fell short.

          Mary, on the other hand, gives a perfect YES – “fiat” – from the beginning.  (Hans Urs Von Balthasar, On Priestly Spirituality, pp. 26-27)

 

[__07__] [EXAMPLE B] Jesus was instructing Nicodemus, the Pharisee, that the law alone would not save him.

Something more was required.

          Let’s take an example of our efforts to follow the Commandments.

          Let’s take honesty – or dishonesty – as an example. I recall being told many years ago about a way that I could cheat on my taxes. I did not cheat on my taxes, but I was told insistently by someone that there is now way I would ever get caught.

          Now, in this particular instance, I was able to resist the temptation, because I was convinced that one lie would lead to another lie, etc, etc.

          The point of the Commandments is not just to have “Law and Order” but to have and live truthfulness.

 

[__08__]  In the Gospel this Sunday, Jesus encounter Nicodemus, a Pharisee and legal scholar.

In the Gospel, Jesus talks with with Nicodemus, a Pharisee and legal expert. The Pharisees aimed for spiritual perfection via strict adherence to the commdments and laws. Jesus respects Nicodemus's sincerity, but calls him to something more. As Holy Week nears, we recall Jesus's clash with the religious elite, including the Pharisees, who later accuse him.  It’s not clear how Nicodemus “voted” in this jury, but at this time, Nicodemus is only researching Jesus, not renouncing everything to follow him.

 [__09__]   In my case of jury duty service, I was selected and put on a jury. We heard testimony for about 4 hours, or ½ day.

          Then, the trial was interrupted and we – the jury – were sent to our private – sealed off – jury room to wait.

          When we returned, the judge said, “the case has been resolved” In other words, a settlement was reached by the opposing lawyers. The judged thanked us for our service and reminded us that the jury system works very well and does so because of citizen jurors.

          The judge admitted the system is not perfect, because the system is made of imperfect human beings.

          Then, the judge rapidly turned and preached a short sermon to us, saying “because there was only one perfect person ever on this earth, right, Father ?”

          I said YES. I am also asked –as you are – to live this YES.

          Nicodemus is being asked for a profession of faith, a faith not only in the power of laws, but in the power of love in Jesus Christ through whom we can live lives of integrity and harmony and thus to believe in the possibility [pursuit ?] of 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__]   

Temple Cleansing / Inherent Value (2023-03, Lent, 3rd Sunday)

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Homily, 3^rd Sunday Lent (year B)  ●●  2024 March 3  ●● Exodus 20:1-17 ● ● Psalm ___● ● 1 Corinthians ___● ●  + John 2:13-25 ● ●

[__00__] How much is your home or apartment worth? What is its value? You do not have tell me out loud.

How do we measure the value or worth of our homes or apartments? Is it merely in MONEY – or there is there a deeper, inherent value ? Jesus, in his teachings, urges us to see beyond the material value of structures like the Temple, emphasizing the importance of meaning and inherent worth.

            This “inherent value” also extends to the person as we profess the dignity of the person in all our ethical choices about human life, the unborn child, the lives in danger in wartime, the lives of civilians….

            Because our lives have value, Jesus also believes we can change and be changed for the better.

Jesus's actions in the Temple further emphasize the importance of spiritual devotion over material concerns. He cleanses the Temple, rejecting the commercialization of sacred space and reminding us that the NAME, IMAGE and LIKENESS  we are concerned about this the NAME, IMAGE and LIKENESS  of God in each one us. This is the true purpose of worship, to turn us toward the NAME, IMAGE and LIKENESS  of God. In our modern context, we must also guard against allowing financial interests to overshadow spiritual integrity within our places of worship.

[__01__]   I’d like to share an experience of this, relating to my childhood experience of moving into a new house, I recall the significance of three factors: place, price, and property.

            Place held importance as we desired proximity to family, reflecting a deeper connection beyond mere convenience.

Price was crucial, requiring financial sacrifices and negotiations, demonstrating the practical aspects of homeownership.

Additionally, the property itself held meaning, symbolizing commitment and devotion, as evidenced by my grandmother's insistence on preserving our family home. She said, famously, “never sell this house.”

 

[__02__] Or if we connect this to the statement in the Gospel: “zeal for your house will consume me.”

This was a statement about Jesus's zeal, passion, devotion to the house.

A house in a particular place, a house for which he will pay the price with his life.

And, this house – this Temple – will be a permanent property to last forever through the Church.

 

[__05__]  In the Gospel today, Jesus demonstrates repeatedly his concern for the house of God, which he is not going to flip or resell.

Do you recall the famous episode and words spoken by the 12 year old year old Jesus when he goes missing on the family caravan journey to Jerusalem? Ultimately, the 12 year old Jesus is found in the temple and he displays wisdom and learning to the elder Scribes and Scholars.

When his parents asked him why he apparently ran away from them Jesus said, I didn't run away at all. But I have returned to be in my house  and says: 

“Why were you looking? What's the Why were you looking for me all over the place? Did you not know I would be in my father's house.” (Luke ____ )

 

[__06__] Are we not on the alert when “business” and marketing excessively interrupt on our lives?

            For example, are you and I are not sensitive sales calls or sales pitches? We don't want our own houses turned into a marketplace. In other words, we use caller ID these days to filter out unnecessary sales calls to get our house in our lives free of this distraction.

And are we not vigilant in our regard to keep our houses from not becoming an AMZN Marketplace?

 

[__07__]  Jesus's attitude is similar in response to what He's inviting us to do in our spiritual lives in our Lenten journey, to follow the commandments. And I'd like to return to the search for and care of the house as an example.

           

·       PLACE

·       PRICE

·       PROPERTY

 

First, place, it can take time, months, perhaps years to find the right location for a house and will we not sacrifice other things to get the house or the home.  As an adult, I notice now that my parents after we moved into that house, we didn't have a new car until 6 years after we moved into the house.

So, in a material sense zeal for our house. The house was the priority.

What about on a spiritual – sacramental journey level?

What things do you and I need to put aside to keep the Sabbath holy, to come to church on Sunday, to make Sunday a day for family and real friendship and intimacy with God?

[__08__]   I applaud you for your efforts for your witness your testimony, it matters for yourself, for your neighbors, for your children to be in God's house. It also shows that regardless of whether we live alone or with others, we have a connection to each other through God's house, through our service to each other by the commandments. Yes, we have many distractions in life. But when it comes to our house, where we live, do we not lay down our lives and lay down the law in terms of what we will accept in terms of noise or busyness or distraction. We want peace in our lives in our houses.

 

[__09__]   Jesus is also inviting us to clean up the house of our lives.

How does this “clean up” take shape for you and for me?

      I myself will avoid or postpone clean up if it means permanent lasting change. I myself enjoy cleaning up the kitchen, doing the dishes, washing the counters because I have the satisfaction of seeing the change on the surface.

But, real repentance is a different type of clean up and it does not happen all at once.

The clean up Jesus is asking for is connected to REPENTANCE, FORGIVNEESS, MERCY…

We learn lessons of this first at home.

            Here is an example of “clean up” from that first house.

[__10__]    About 2 years after moving into that house, I stood impatiently at the back door waiting for someone to answer it. I was about 8 years old. So impatient was I that I banged on the glass with my hand that had a winter glove on it. Fortunately!

I also broke the glass banging on the door. My parents were none too pleased. I had done something more than just materially wrong…. But also spiritually wrong by doubting so profoundly that I was actually abandoned at the back door.

But, I also took it as a lesson to be more patient.

I am still learning this lesson.

And, I also realize that we learn four first lessons of repentance and confession at home.

While my parents were displeased, I also recognized that I was loved. In grown up “terminology”, I had inherent value.

 We don't learn forgiveness first by going to a priest or speaking to God in a private room. But we learn it at home where the you is the mother and father function, or your mother and father functions almost like the priests, learning, teaching you about forgiveness, teaching you about unconditional love.

And that forgiveness doesn't mean that we're approving of bad actions, but that we're trying to grow. This forgiveness – at home - prepares you and me to go out beyond our houses, into the neighborhood, into the school into the street with the courage both to admit our faults when necessary, and the courage to forgive others. We learn this at home. What in our own houses.

[__11__]    These acts of contrition and forgiveness in the home also prepare you and me to go to speak to God in confession, throughout our lives. The advantage of the confessional is that it gives us a place to be totally honest in a safe and secure place and to start or re-start the process of conversion and recognize our inherent value to God and to each other.

In this regard, your church and the your home both have inherent value and complement each other. They are extensions of each other.  Our house is is a house of prayer and is meant to last forever.

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