This is my homily for Sunday 27 November 2011. I am a Catholic chaplain in Teaneck at Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) campus and for the FDU Newman Catholic Association. We celebrate Catholic Mass - during Fall and Spring semester - every Sunday Mass (7:30 p.m.) at the Interfaith Chapel, 842 River Road, Teaneck, NJ.
[_01_] This Sunday is the First Sunday of the Season Advent.
Knowing that we have a particular deadline or departure time, we do things in advance for –
• Academic examinations
• Performances and rehearsals
• Job interviews.
• Thanksgiving Dinner
• The Introduction of the Roman Missal, 3rd Edition.
Certain deadlines will keep us awake, in the night or the day.
However, we also feel comfort, ease confidence .. when we are prepared.
The opposite may also be the case, such as …
• Being awakened from a deep sleep by an alarm clock at home
• Being awakened from a deep sleep when we are trying to be a good student, a good listener, but we fall asleep in class.
• Being awakened, becoming aware of something we have missed. Maybe, for example, we are not actually asleep but distracted and we forget where we should turn, where to go, what to do next.
[_02_] Whether we are driving down Fifth Avenue, River Edge or trying to survive a Physics lecture, or even Thanksgiving Dinner, we may fall asleep or lose our focus.
In such a case, we resemble the servants of the parable who are left in charge of the house, the gate, the door, the garden. They know not when the master of the house is returning. Easy for them to fall asleep, to lose their focus.
[_03_] Sometimes, we may also to lose our focus, or find ourselves awakened suddenly.
Today the First Sunday of the weeks of Advent, 4 weeks in which we are preparing to celebrate Christmas, and also remembering that Jesus arrived not only once in Bethlehem but he will arrive again at the end of our lives.
[_04_] I’d like to suggest that we go through certain phases of alertness.
Sometimes, we go through the motions…
Going through the motions….
Isn’t it true that certain actions may not require our complete attention such as the difference between the COLD faucet and the HOT faucet in the kitchen sink. (Hot on the left, cold on the right, correct?) Or the difference between the stove and the refrigerator. I don’t need Google maps or GPS to get me there.
However, if we move to a new country or new environment, we may not take things for granted. Or, if we are taking care of someone else’s home, someone else’s property, we are called to attentiveness, alertness about where certain things are located and how certain tasks are accomplished.
In the parable, we might say that the servants are going through the external visible actions. Or, perhaps, they are sleepwalking.
Wouldn’t they seem to be more focused on the objects in the house than on the person who owns the house?
This Advent, we are also called to focus more on the person of Christ rather than on the many objects of the Christmas season, some of which may not be very Christian at
all.
And, even in our everyday lives, keep the person in mind, in view.
Yes, we have many deadlines, exams, interviews.
But all of these things have a personal aspect.
A mother/father/husband/wife meets deadlines and makes commitments not for some object but for the good of the person(s) in the family.
And, just as God has made us as persons in his image and likeness, we are called to see that image in others. Sometimes, that image may be hard to recognize or easy to ignore.
We may miss that image when are very focused on an object, the object of our own pleasure, reputation, popularity, wealth.
But, in looking for this image in others, we are also staying awake for the coming of our Lord who arrives not on the 12/25 deadline but at every day and at every door.
[_fin_]
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Matthew 25 (2011-11-20)
This is my homily for Sunday 20 November 2011. I am a Catholic chaplain in Teaneck at Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) campus and for the FDU Newman Catholic Association. We celebrate Catholic Mass - during Fall and Spring semester - every Sunday Mass (7:30 p.m.) at the Interfaith Chapel, 842 River Road, Teaneck, NJ.
[_01_] This Sunday is the Feast of Christ the King, a feast that was formally introduced to our church relatively recently.
The church has identified was identifying Jesus as King, before this feast was set on our church calendar as the final Sunday before Advent.
Jesus, in the Gospel, is the ¨rebel king¨, crucified for disobeying the religious authorities and Roman authorities. In mockery of his popularity, the sign is placed on the cross at Calvary, Jesus of Nazareth, king of the Jews, or Jesus of Nazareth, King of Israel. But, his kingdom is not of this world. (reference …._)
Also, Jesus – in the Gospel – is the one who will rebuild the Temple of his body, and will become a new Temple to replace the structure built by King Solomon.
[_02_] Where do kings, presidents, and other V.I.P.´s live? As we know, most if not all reside in a castle or palace.
And, in this Gospel, Matthew chapter 25, the king (Jesus) is sitting on his throne, in his palace and speaking to his people.
Matthew 25 is our reading today. And, we might say that ¨Matthew 25¨ is not only a parable we are reading. Matthew 25 is also our destination, our mission, in which we read a summary of the Gospel
• Hungry, we give them food
• Thirsty, we give them drink
• Stranger, and we welcome them (some of our relatives are ¨stranger¨ than others)
• Naked, and we clothe them
• Ill, and we care for them
• In prison, and we visit them.
In the Gospel, Jesus reminds us to love God and love our neighbor. And, Matthew 25 tells us both how, when, and where we are do to this.
For the sick, hungry, the estranged, the alien, the poor. This might be someone in our own families who is in need.
In this regard, Matthew 25 is not only a way of making the journey and living the Gospel. Matthew 25 is also a destination. Matthew 25 brings us to the palace of Christ´s kingdom.
PAUSE
[_03_] Matthew 25, in my experience, is also an actual location, a place, and a mission.
About 3 years ago, I traveled to Port au Prince and to central Haiti to an orphanage. I was travelling with a group from Seton Hall University. We were in Haiti, about 7 months before the tragic earthquake of 2010 in which over 300,000 died.
For a week, we were in the small city of Hinche, seeing life severely impoverished and very simple. We visited an orphanage of 250 children who we receiving the benefits of an education, regular meals, housing, a soccer field. Of course, they lacked the necessary emotional and spiritual support of a mother and father.
It was touching to see how they loved each other and loved us, their visitors, through this struggle. We were the strangers and they welcomed us.
In the earthquake that was to come, this orphanage was well beyond the zone of major seismic activity. While they felt some vibration, there would have been very few injuries and no deaths attributable to the earth’s tremors. That was in the countryside…
[_04_] Port au Prince, as we have seen, is very close to epicentre. And, in Port au Prince, we returned to our destination, our mission of Matthew 25.
That is, Matthew 25 is the name of a guest house, it is Matthew 25 Guest House in the city.
And, in some ways, Matthew 25 was a palace, a castle to us. For at Matthew 25, we had certain things that we did not enjoy in the countryside.
We could sit at a table to eat dinner, we had electricity regularly. The Matthew 25 Guest House does not rely on the municipal or city power grid. They have their own generators.
Wouldn’t it be the same at the White House in Washington D.C. or Buckingham Palace in London? The president cannot be in a blackout. The Queen needs wireless internet.
We had electric fans, keeping us cooler at night. And, Matthew 25 was similar to any palace in its placement of a locked gate and the presence of an armed guard, with live ammunition, at the gate.
This was the Palace of Matthew 25. The place of a king?
[_05_] Jesus – in the Gospel – is rebuilding a place for himself as a King. But, he is not building a Temple of marble or palace of stone, but rather the Temple of his body.
Jesus gives up his body, not that he may boast (cf. 1 Corinthians 13), but that we may be saved.
• Hungry, - give - food
• Thirsty, - give - drink
• Stranger, - welcome -
• Naked, - clothe -
• Ill, - care for -
• In prison, - visit -.
Certainly, I was blessed to live this mission of Matthew 25 for a week at the orphanage.
But, to me, for months thereafter, I thought of Matthew 25, the Guest House, as a place where we had some of luxuries of modern living, the water, the food, the fans.
But, if you call yourself Matthew 25, the mission continues. We returned home in June 2009.
And, from the safety of New Jersey, we all watched the events of January 12, 2010, the thousands of died, the thousands who helped.
And, the ministry of Matthew 25 Guest House continued.
Matthew 25 became a semi-permanent home for many professionals, doctors, nurses.
The soccer field adjacent to Matthew 25 became a small tent city for several hundred people.
And, the kitchen became an operating room for emergencies.
So, whether we live by Matthew 25 or live at Matthew 25, we are called to live these values to …
• Hungry, - give - food
• Thirsty, - give - drink
• Stranger, - welcome -
• Naked, - clothe -
• Ill, - care for -
• In prison, - visit -.
We are called to go and do likewise. Matthew 25 is our secure location in the Gospel, a secure and safe summary of how we are called to love. But, Matthew 25 will also challenge us, like the Good Samaritan, to go and do likewise.
Matthew 25 is not a secure place for us to hide, but a destination for us to go and discover what we can do for each other. (__end__)
[_01_] This Sunday is the Feast of Christ the King, a feast that was formally introduced to our church relatively recently.
The church has identified was identifying Jesus as King, before this feast was set on our church calendar as the final Sunday before Advent.
Jesus, in the Gospel, is the ¨rebel king¨, crucified for disobeying the religious authorities and Roman authorities. In mockery of his popularity, the sign is placed on the cross at Calvary, Jesus of Nazareth, king of the Jews, or Jesus of Nazareth, King of Israel. But, his kingdom is not of this world. (reference …._)
Also, Jesus – in the Gospel – is the one who will rebuild the Temple of his body, and will become a new Temple to replace the structure built by King Solomon.
[_02_] Where do kings, presidents, and other V.I.P.´s live? As we know, most if not all reside in a castle or palace.
And, in this Gospel, Matthew chapter 25, the king (Jesus) is sitting on his throne, in his palace and speaking to his people.
Matthew 25 is our reading today. And, we might say that ¨Matthew 25¨ is not only a parable we are reading. Matthew 25 is also our destination, our mission, in which we read a summary of the Gospel
• Hungry, we give them food
• Thirsty, we give them drink
• Stranger, and we welcome them (some of our relatives are ¨stranger¨ than others)
• Naked, and we clothe them
• Ill, and we care for them
• In prison, and we visit them.
In the Gospel, Jesus reminds us to love God and love our neighbor. And, Matthew 25 tells us both how, when, and where we are do to this.
For the sick, hungry, the estranged, the alien, the poor. This might be someone in our own families who is in need.
In this regard, Matthew 25 is not only a way of making the journey and living the Gospel. Matthew 25 is also a destination. Matthew 25 brings us to the palace of Christ´s kingdom.
PAUSE
[_03_] Matthew 25, in my experience, is also an actual location, a place, and a mission.
About 3 years ago, I traveled to Port au Prince and to central Haiti to an orphanage. I was travelling with a group from Seton Hall University. We were in Haiti, about 7 months before the tragic earthquake of 2010 in which over 300,000 died.
For a week, we were in the small city of Hinche, seeing life severely impoverished and very simple. We visited an orphanage of 250 children who we receiving the benefits of an education, regular meals, housing, a soccer field. Of course, they lacked the necessary emotional and spiritual support of a mother and father.
It was touching to see how they loved each other and loved us, their visitors, through this struggle. We were the strangers and they welcomed us.
In the earthquake that was to come, this orphanage was well beyond the zone of major seismic activity. While they felt some vibration, there would have been very few injuries and no deaths attributable to the earth’s tremors. That was in the countryside…
[_04_] Port au Prince, as we have seen, is very close to epicentre. And, in Port au Prince, we returned to our destination, our mission of Matthew 25.
That is, Matthew 25 is the name of a guest house, it is Matthew 25 Guest House in the city.
And, in some ways, Matthew 25 was a palace, a castle to us. For at Matthew 25, we had certain things that we did not enjoy in the countryside.
We could sit at a table to eat dinner, we had electricity regularly. The Matthew 25 Guest House does not rely on the municipal or city power grid. They have their own generators.
Wouldn’t it be the same at the White House in Washington D.C. or Buckingham Palace in London? The president cannot be in a blackout. The Queen needs wireless internet.
We had electric fans, keeping us cooler at night. And, Matthew 25 was similar to any palace in its placement of a locked gate and the presence of an armed guard, with live ammunition, at the gate.
This was the Palace of Matthew 25. The place of a king?
[_05_] Jesus – in the Gospel – is rebuilding a place for himself as a King. But, he is not building a Temple of marble or palace of stone, but rather the Temple of his body.
Jesus gives up his body, not that he may boast (cf. 1 Corinthians 13), but that we may be saved.
• Hungry, - give - food
• Thirsty, - give - drink
• Stranger, - welcome -
• Naked, - clothe -
• Ill, - care for -
• In prison, - visit -.
Certainly, I was blessed to live this mission of Matthew 25 for a week at the orphanage.
But, to me, for months thereafter, I thought of Matthew 25, the Guest House, as a place where we had some of luxuries of modern living, the water, the food, the fans.
But, if you call yourself Matthew 25, the mission continues. We returned home in June 2009.
And, from the safety of New Jersey, we all watched the events of January 12, 2010, the thousands of died, the thousands who helped.
And, the ministry of Matthew 25 Guest House continued.
Matthew 25 became a semi-permanent home for many professionals, doctors, nurses.
The soccer field adjacent to Matthew 25 became a small tent city for several hundred people.
And, the kitchen became an operating room for emergencies.
So, whether we live by Matthew 25 or live at Matthew 25, we are called to live these values to …
• Hungry, - give - food
• Thirsty, - give - drink
• Stranger, - welcome -
• Naked, - clothe -
• Ill, - care for -
• In prison, - visit -.
We are called to go and do likewise. Matthew 25 is our secure location in the Gospel, a secure and safe summary of how we are called to love. But, Matthew 25 will also challenge us, like the Good Samaritan, to go and do likewise.
Matthew 25 is not a secure place for us to hide, but a destination for us to go and discover what we can do for each other. (__end__)
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Packing Extra (2011-11-06)
This is my homily for Sunday 6 November 2011. I am a Catholic chaplain in Teaneck at Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) campus and for the FDU Newman Catholic Association. We celebrate Catholic Mass - during Fall and Spring semester - every Sunday Mass (7:30 p.m.) at the Interfaith Chapel, 842 River Road, Teaneck, NJ.
[_01_] Is it wise, is it intelligent to carry EXTRA?
Do we not, at times, identify someone as foolish if he or she has too many suitcases, too many textbooks, too many packages or is simply moving too slowly? This parable suggests that we can acquire wisdom when we also acquire – and accept – the extra burden in our lives.
[_02_] Consider for example, last week’s loss of electric power, heat, communications, phone.
Can we survive without Google? Life seemed to move much at a much slower pace.
And, the really “well connected” people were not those with the most HD boxes, flat screens, or gigabytes per second of Internet service.
The well connected folks in the blackout were those with Double-A batteries, lanterns and fireplaces.
Prudent it was to have a little extra.
[_03_] Do we not also strive to acquire a little extra in academic studies in the classroom as well?
In academic endeavors, we carry around many books, papers, notebooks.
And, in the early part of the semester, we may carry around absolutely everything not sure of what we need. (Or, perhaps, we think only the freshmen do this… the upperclassmen are much cooler, aren’t they?).
Nevertheless, early in the semester –- as we read in the parable in the Gospel -- we have to fill up our flasks with oil, our tanks with fuel. We fill up these flasks, these tanks, to get through the midterm and final.
By December, we may actually be able to reduce the weight in our backpacks. That is, we may have burned off, consumed some of the necessary oil. So, we may not be carrying around so many gallons of oil or kilograms of textbooks. Rather, we hope that we hope that we have learned the knowledge.
That, is the knowledge is burning inside of us. And, this light will burn until the end of the semester and beyond.
[_04_] In the population of students, the wise person brings some extra; the foolish person is the one who travels with little or no luggage.
And, for a while, this person is pretty cool and comfortable. But, this is also the person who knocks on your door, or comes up to you at the [SUB] cafeteria and wants you to explain microbiology or microeconomics, the day before the midterm.
This person, foolishly, has not studied, having carried nothing around, let alone opening a book. Unfortunately, it’s too late.
This parable reminds us to acquire, for example, intellectual knowledge for ourselves. Some things cannot be memorized or downloaded at the last minute.
Wise and prudent are we to carry a bit extra at the start of the journey.
[_05_] Isn’t this also true in our spiritual lives and in our relationships with others?
That is, we are also wise to carry a bit extra. However, we may find it difficult to do so.
For example, at Newark Airport or L.A.X. or JFK or Penn Station, I could be easily persuaded to carry an extra suitcase or layer of clothing … on one condition.
That is, I am carrying this burden for my own comfort, my own appearance.
[_06_] More difficult, however, is the choice that I make which brings me NEITHER:
Popularity NOR Reward.
Sometimes, I do not achieve popularity or reward for my actions.
For example, I may choose to do the honest thing when my friends are pressuring me to take the easy way out. I may carry the extra burden of rejection or loneliness for a while, due to the choice of virtue, of integrity. The Lord reminds us that we are are not alone. Just as Simon of Cyrene helped with his cross, Jesus returns the favor with our crosses.
[_07_] Or, I may choose to compromise or make a sacrifice for someone who does not notice – recognize – what I am doing.
This choice may slow me down. Isn’t it easier when I receive credit for my actions? …and also when all of the electricity and lights are working?
[_08_] By this parable, Jesus encourages us to accept even the difficult burden, not to run from our responsibilities.
It is true… the commitment which seems difficult may also slow us down. This may be for example, the commitment of marriage, family, parenting for many of us.
We may be tested, examined – and stopped at the border repeatedly to be asked about it.
But, and these commitments require great energy from us… but, they are also commitments which teach us about God’s love, forgiveness, mercy, commitments which provide the fuel we need to gain warmth and the light we need in order to see.
[__fin__]
[_01_] Is it wise, is it intelligent to carry EXTRA?
Do we not, at times, identify someone as foolish if he or she has too many suitcases, too many textbooks, too many packages or is simply moving too slowly? This parable suggests that we can acquire wisdom when we also acquire – and accept – the extra burden in our lives.
[_02_] Consider for example, last week’s loss of electric power, heat, communications, phone.
Can we survive without Google? Life seemed to move much at a much slower pace.
And, the really “well connected” people were not those with the most HD boxes, flat screens, or gigabytes per second of Internet service.
The well connected folks in the blackout were those with Double-A batteries, lanterns and fireplaces.
Prudent it was to have a little extra.
[_03_] Do we not also strive to acquire a little extra in academic studies in the classroom as well?
In academic endeavors, we carry around many books, papers, notebooks.
And, in the early part of the semester, we may carry around absolutely everything not sure of what we need. (Or, perhaps, we think only the freshmen do this… the upperclassmen are much cooler, aren’t they?).
Nevertheless, early in the semester –- as we read in the parable in the Gospel -- we have to fill up our flasks with oil, our tanks with fuel. We fill up these flasks, these tanks, to get through the midterm and final.
By December, we may actually be able to reduce the weight in our backpacks. That is, we may have burned off, consumed some of the necessary oil. So, we may not be carrying around so many gallons of oil or kilograms of textbooks. Rather, we hope that we hope that we have learned the knowledge.
That, is the knowledge is burning inside of us. And, this light will burn until the end of the semester and beyond.
[_04_] In the population of students, the wise person brings some extra; the foolish person is the one who travels with little or no luggage.
And, for a while, this person is pretty cool and comfortable. But, this is also the person who knocks on your door, or comes up to you at the [SUB] cafeteria and wants you to explain microbiology or microeconomics, the day before the midterm.
This person, foolishly, has not studied, having carried nothing around, let alone opening a book. Unfortunately, it’s too late.
This parable reminds us to acquire, for example, intellectual knowledge for ourselves. Some things cannot be memorized or downloaded at the last minute.
Wise and prudent are we to carry a bit extra at the start of the journey.
[_05_] Isn’t this also true in our spiritual lives and in our relationships with others?
That is, we are also wise to carry a bit extra. However, we may find it difficult to do so.
For example, at Newark Airport or L.A.X. or JFK or Penn Station, I could be easily persuaded to carry an extra suitcase or layer of clothing … on one condition.
That is, I am carrying this burden for my own comfort, my own appearance.
[_06_] More difficult, however, is the choice that I make which brings me NEITHER:
Popularity NOR Reward.
Sometimes, I do not achieve popularity or reward for my actions.
For example, I may choose to do the honest thing when my friends are pressuring me to take the easy way out. I may carry the extra burden of rejection or loneliness for a while, due to the choice of virtue, of integrity. The Lord reminds us that we are are not alone. Just as Simon of Cyrene helped with his cross, Jesus returns the favor with our crosses.
[_07_] Or, I may choose to compromise or make a sacrifice for someone who does not notice – recognize – what I am doing.
This choice may slow me down. Isn’t it easier when I receive credit for my actions? …and also when all of the electricity and lights are working?
[_08_] By this parable, Jesus encourages us to accept even the difficult burden, not to run from our responsibilities.
It is true… the commitment which seems difficult may also slow us down. This may be for example, the commitment of marriage, family, parenting for many of us.
We may be tested, examined – and stopped at the border repeatedly to be asked about it.
But, and these commitments require great energy from us… but, they are also commitments which teach us about God’s love, forgiveness, mercy, commitments which provide the fuel we need to gain warmth and the light we need in order to see.
[__fin__]
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Power Outages (2011-10-30)
This is my homily for Sunday 30 October 2011. I am a Catholic chaplain in Teaneck at Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) campus and for the FDU Newman Catholic Association. We celebrate Catholic Mass - during Fall and Spring semester - every Sunday Mass (7:30 p.m.) at the Interfaith Chapel, 842 River Road, Teaneck, NJ.
31st Sunday (Year A)
NEWS NOTE --- The New York Times By SARAH MASLIN Published: October 30, 2011
*** " Millions of people across the Northeast found themselves without power on Sunday after an unusual autumn storm dumped record amounts of snow. More than 2.3 million customers from Pennsylvania through New England had no electricity, according to reports, as the region was lashed by surprisingly high winds and the snowdrifts piled up. In Manhattan, tree branches snapped under the weight of wet snow, piling up along Fifth Avenue and blocking Central Park paths. " ***
[_01_] In a power outage (blackout, loss of electricity, heat, cable, telephone), we observe homes going dark on the same street where other homes burn and glow PSE&G style.
Random does the loss of power seem. Not only does our home within become disorganized without working light switches, but the neighbourhood is also in disarray.
The grass seems greener on the neighbor’s property for it is now better illuminated.
[_02_] And, how about the process of restoring power to households who have electricity from the utility company?
This may also seem random. Some homes are restored to electricity, heat, telephone sooner than others.
In New Jersey, the utility is PSE&G (Public Service Electric and Gas). And, we recognize that PSE&G (and Verizon and other providers) must set a priority.
That is, we try to have patience while the most vulnerable – the most deserving – are cared for.
In this regard, power is given to those who are most deserving.
[_03_] In the Gospel this Sunday, Jesus speaks of the power, prestige, authority, that is gained or obtained by some individuals.
These individuals are the Pharisees and Scribes. They have power.
Do they have this power because they have earned it?
We also have encounters with those who have authority and power. These individuals could be teachers, parents, professors, supervisors.
What do we learn from these experiences?
[_04_] The disciples are being reminded that power is not given to them because they have earned it or deserved it.
And, parents, for example, exercise their greatest influence over their children not by winning an argument today or by laying down the law or proving they are right all the time.
Rather, don’t parents have the greatest influence over their children, simply by the exercise of humble service.
That is, children themselves learn how to be mothers and fathers and husbands and wives by the example of parents who sacrifice.
And, in a similar way, we could say that students – who feel called to teach – will learn what it is to be a teacher not by the teacher with the longest curriculum vitae longest but from the teacher’s own sacrifice and gift of self.
In this regard, we learn that the last shall become first in times of both darkness and light. [__end__]
31st Sunday (Year A)
NEWS NOTE --- The New York Times By SARAH MASLIN Published: October 30, 2011
*** " Millions of people across the Northeast found themselves without power on Sunday after an unusual autumn storm dumped record amounts of snow. More than 2.3 million customers from Pennsylvania through New England had no electricity, according to reports, as the region was lashed by surprisingly high winds and the snowdrifts piled up. In Manhattan, tree branches snapped under the weight of wet snow, piling up along Fifth Avenue and blocking Central Park paths. " ***
[_01_] In a power outage (blackout, loss of electricity, heat, cable, telephone), we observe homes going dark on the same street where other homes burn and glow PSE&G style.
Random does the loss of power seem. Not only does our home within become disorganized without working light switches, but the neighbourhood is also in disarray.
The grass seems greener on the neighbor’s property for it is now better illuminated.
[_02_] And, how about the process of restoring power to households who have electricity from the utility company?
This may also seem random. Some homes are restored to electricity, heat, telephone sooner than others.
In New Jersey, the utility is PSE&G (Public Service Electric and Gas). And, we recognize that PSE&G (and Verizon and other providers) must set a priority.
That is, we try to have patience while the most vulnerable – the most deserving – are cared for.
In this regard, power is given to those who are most deserving.
[_03_] In the Gospel this Sunday, Jesus speaks of the power, prestige, authority, that is gained or obtained by some individuals.
These individuals are the Pharisees and Scribes. They have power.
Do they have this power because they have earned it?
We also have encounters with those who have authority and power. These individuals could be teachers, parents, professors, supervisors.
What do we learn from these experiences?
[_04_] The disciples are being reminded that power is not given to them because they have earned it or deserved it.
And, parents, for example, exercise their greatest influence over their children not by winning an argument today or by laying down the law or proving they are right all the time.
Rather, don’t parents have the greatest influence over their children, simply by the exercise of humble service.
That is, children themselves learn how to be mothers and fathers and husbands and wives by the example of parents who sacrifice.
And, in a similar way, we could say that students – who feel called to teach – will learn what it is to be a teacher not by the teacher with the longest curriculum vitae longest but from the teacher’s own sacrifice and gift of self.
In this regard, we learn that the last shall become first in times of both darkness and light. [__end__]
Sunday, October 23, 2011
An Excellent Way (2011-10-23)
This is my homily for Sunday 23 October 2011. I am a Catholic chaplain in Teaneck at Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) campus and for the FDU Newman Catholic Association. We celebrate Catholic Mass - during Fall and Spring semester - every Sunday Mass (7:30 p.m.) at the Interfaith Chapel, 842 River Road, Teaneck, NJ.
[_01_] In this reading from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 22, Jesus is asked to make an evaluation, to provide a ranking, to set a priority.
“Which commandment of the law is the greatest?”
Which is the greatest?
First, we might reflect on how we determine greatness, excellence.
Of course, many examples of superior performance exist. And, some things which are regarded as superior in a popular sense are not the same things we really think are important.
We might, for example, enjoy certain entertainment, spoorts, movies, film, recreation. Some of these things might win awards, trophies, honors. Do they, however, possess greatness, the beauty, importance of which the Lord speaks?
Isn’t Jesus being asked a question about enduring greatness, about greatness that can and will continue?
Some things are currently in vogue, in fashion, or # 1.
[_02-EXAMPLES OF GREATNESS_] In professional sports, in major-league baseball, either the St. Louis Cardinals or the Texas Rangers will be the 2011 World Series Champion.
Japan and Spain are the current champions in the women’s and men’s world cup of soccer.
In tennis, Novak Djokovic from Croatia the current champion of the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the U.S. Open.
These individuals and teams have risen to the top, the summit in their selected competitions. In fact, no one “nominated” them... no one choose them... they were simply victorious in a competition with referees, point totals ...and they are currently number one.
[_03_] How do you and I determine greatness? Is it only based on CURRENT performance, yesterday, last week ...and my CURRENT comparision of myself with others?
Or ... my latest grade on a midterm exam or popularity poll?
Can we achieve – do we seek – greatness which is beyond these particular moments in time?
[_04_] Jesus is asked, “Teacher, which commandment of the law is the greatest?”
Aren’t students fond of asking this question of the teacher in the classroom?
As students you and I would also want to know – what do I need to know right now, or for this semester .... for final exam, A.P. exam, or test I will have in a few weeks or months?
And, so Jesus tells them about greatness –
[_05_-love of God and of fellow human being..]
That is, what is the greatest commandment:
We show our love for God not only by our attendance at worship and prayer but also by our attentiveness to – a brother, sister, classmate, roommate, child, friend, spouse, neighbor.
Our greatness is demonstrated by the way we love, act charitably toward others. Right now.
And, every day, every moment is a new opportunity to love, to forgive and to be the light of the world.
But, as we know, greatness does not come about literally overnight.
Even sporting competitors, the players on a team know this. Novak Djokovic, the current Wimbledon, U.S. Open and Australian open champion did not win these 3 tournaments merely by playing well for a day... or for the practice session the day before. Years of effort go into a championship, into greatness.
His greatness is measured over a much longer time period and so is ours.
The greatest commandment of love, then, is an invitation to practice ...more than to competition.
[_06_-greatness not overnight] Love – charity – calls us to a slower pace than the latest highlights on the television news or ESPN Sportscenter.
Love, is shall we say, more a documentary than a highlight ... a work in progress ... perhaps, the History Channel.
Love and charity invites us to consider not only --
• What have I done for you lately?
• Or what have you done for me lately?
• But rather what have I done..what have you done...and what has the Holy Spirit been achieving also through our cooperation?
• what have I already done... to what / whom have I already dedicated myself ? And, thus, where am I going?
[_07_] This is the History Channel... but sometimes we prefer the highlight film of what is only in the present, the current actual moment.
For example, doesn’t it seem easier to deal with the present, the actual issue evil / injustice of the day... or the reason that my team is falling behind...
Love invites us to a longer historical view.
I’m suggesting, however, that love in Christ, invites us to consider the history of his Passion, his cross in our lives.
[_08_] So, we might ask ourselves, not only how – currently – is
• my family
• my marriage
• my child
• my career
• (my ministry)
• TODAY...
But also, to what greatness do I aspire? Where is the love bringing me to this greatness?
And, not only ask ...
• How is my relationship with my spouse right now,... but what led us to be in love...either a year ago or several years ago ...? Not simply asking what changed ... in the intervening years... but what decision did we make, what commitment and why?
• Not only how is my child doing today ...but what love enabled me to accept the challenge of being mother or father?
• Not only how is my professional career going now ... or my studies...but how did I get here? What were my hopes, dreams?
For example, here in college, right now, you are making decisions about the rest of your life. And, someday you will return to this moment – October 23, 2011 and ask yourself – what was I feeling, sensing, commiting myself to ...?
Praying about these things, even of the past, we of this history can help us discover love, greatness ...and the greatest commandment amid our own search for greatness.
Or as Paul says..love is being an even more excellent way amid our own search for excellence... [_fin_]
[_01_] In this reading from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 22, Jesus is asked to make an evaluation, to provide a ranking, to set a priority.
“Which commandment of the law is the greatest?”
Which is the greatest?
First, we might reflect on how we determine greatness, excellence.
Of course, many examples of superior performance exist. And, some things which are regarded as superior in a popular sense are not the same things we really think are important.
We might, for example, enjoy certain entertainment, spoorts, movies, film, recreation. Some of these things might win awards, trophies, honors. Do they, however, possess greatness, the beauty, importance of which the Lord speaks?
Isn’t Jesus being asked a question about enduring greatness, about greatness that can and will continue?
Some things are currently in vogue, in fashion, or # 1.
[_02-EXAMPLES OF GREATNESS_] In professional sports, in major-league baseball, either the St. Louis Cardinals or the Texas Rangers will be the 2011 World Series Champion.
Japan and Spain are the current champions in the women’s and men’s world cup of soccer.
In tennis, Novak Djokovic from Croatia the current champion of the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the U.S. Open.
These individuals and teams have risen to the top, the summit in their selected competitions. In fact, no one “nominated” them... no one choose them... they were simply victorious in a competition with referees, point totals ...and they are currently number one.
[_03_] How do you and I determine greatness? Is it only based on CURRENT performance, yesterday, last week ...and my CURRENT comparision of myself with others?
Or ... my latest grade on a midterm exam or popularity poll?
Can we achieve – do we seek – greatness which is beyond these particular moments in time?
[_04_] Jesus is asked, “Teacher, which commandment of the law is the greatest?”
Aren’t students fond of asking this question of the teacher in the classroom?
As students you and I would also want to know – what do I need to know right now, or for this semester .... for final exam, A.P. exam, or test I will have in a few weeks or months?
And, so Jesus tells them about greatness –
[_05_-love of God and of fellow human being..]
That is, what is the greatest commandment:
We show our love for God not only by our attendance at worship and prayer but also by our attentiveness to – a brother, sister, classmate, roommate, child, friend, spouse, neighbor.
Our greatness is demonstrated by the way we love, act charitably toward others. Right now.
And, every day, every moment is a new opportunity to love, to forgive and to be the light of the world.
But, as we know, greatness does not come about literally overnight.
Even sporting competitors, the players on a team know this. Novak Djokovic, the current Wimbledon, U.S. Open and Australian open champion did not win these 3 tournaments merely by playing well for a day... or for the practice session the day before. Years of effort go into a championship, into greatness.
His greatness is measured over a much longer time period and so is ours.
The greatest commandment of love, then, is an invitation to practice ...more than to competition.
[_06_-greatness not overnight] Love – charity – calls us to a slower pace than the latest highlights on the television news or ESPN Sportscenter.
Love, is shall we say, more a documentary than a highlight ... a work in progress ... perhaps, the History Channel.
Love and charity invites us to consider not only --
• What have I done for you lately?
• Or what have you done for me lately?
• But rather what have I done..what have you done...and what has the Holy Spirit been achieving also through our cooperation?
• what have I already done... to what / whom have I already dedicated myself ? And, thus, where am I going?
[_07_] This is the History Channel... but sometimes we prefer the highlight film of what is only in the present, the current actual moment.
For example, doesn’t it seem easier to deal with the present, the actual issue evil / injustice of the day... or the reason that my team is falling behind...
Love invites us to a longer historical view.
I’m suggesting, however, that love in Christ, invites us to consider the history of his Passion, his cross in our lives.
[_08_] So, we might ask ourselves, not only how – currently – is
• my family
• my marriage
• my child
• my career
• (my ministry)
• TODAY...
But also, to what greatness do I aspire? Where is the love bringing me to this greatness?
And, not only ask ...
• How is my relationship with my spouse right now,... but what led us to be in love...either a year ago or several years ago ...? Not simply asking what changed ... in the intervening years... but what decision did we make, what commitment and why?
• Not only how is my child doing today ...but what love enabled me to accept the challenge of being mother or father?
• Not only how is my professional career going now ... or my studies...but how did I get here? What were my hopes, dreams?
For example, here in college, right now, you are making decisions about the rest of your life. And, someday you will return to this moment – October 23, 2011 and ask yourself – what was I feeling, sensing, commiting myself to ...?
Praying about these things, even of the past, we of this history can help us discover love, greatness ...and the greatest commandment amid our own search for greatness.
Or as Paul says..love is being an even more excellent way amid our own search for excellence... [_fin_]
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Payback Unto Caesar/God (2011-10-16)
This is my homily for Sunday 16 October 2011. I am a Catholic chaplain in Teaneck at Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) campus and for the FDU Newman Catholic Association. We celebrate Catholic Mass - during Fall and Spring semester - every Sunday Mass (7:30 p.m.) at the Interfaith Chapel, 842 River Road, Teaneck, NJ.
[__01] Can I borrow some money? Of course I will pay you back. I will repay the loan, the money which I have borrowed.
That promise to repay, however, needs a little more detail, doesn’t it?
How much will I repay at a time? And, when will I repay? By what date, what day, month, year, …uh, century?
[__02] We have just read from the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 22, about repayment, -- paying back, -- giving back, or in another translation of this verse –
“Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God, the things that are God’s.” (Matthew 22:21)
Rendering to God and rendering to Caesar. Paying back.
[__03] Paying back a loan to Bank of America, a credit card to VISA, or a tax bill to the government, we may try pay at the latest possible date and in the smallest possible amount.
For taxes, we may wait until April 15.
This style, this schedule of repayment will work for some things. It may work well for things which strictly belong to Caesar.
What do we mean by Caesar in this Gospel? Caesar is the name of Augustus Caesar, the Roman Emperor. The taxes are being collected in his name, for his government.
[__04] Caesar represents more than the American federal government or the New Jersey state government. Caesar represents all of our material possessions, all of our financial obligations, all of our physical and earthly responsibilities
The things are material and physical. They are not, strictly speaking, spiritual.
However, they are also not strictly speaking superficial, or trivial or unimportant.
Jesus is saying that we are to keep these obligations to Caesar, to keep commitments hear in River Edge, in our jobs in NJ, New York, at school and at home.
Isn’t it true that our commitments, our responsibilities, cannot easily be divided or subdivided into things for Caesar and things for God.
[__05_WORK__] Work. Career. Making money. Isn’t it true that working and earning money is a way that we repay Caesar and we support our families physically and spiritually?
But, this work is also a spiritual sacrifice We would be thinking too materially if we simply say that work is about higher profits and technology.
Consider, for example, the achievements of Steve Jobs, who recently died. Steve Jobs was one of the founders of Apple Computers and he retired shortly before his death from his position as CEO, Chief Executive Officer. Steve Jobs personified Apple Computers, the iPhone, the iPad, the iPod … not to mention iTunes where I downloaded this homily for $0.99 (that might be a joke, check iTunes yourself).
What was the value of Steve Jobs’ life? Was it money? Technology? Did his life have more value than say a worker paid per hour to install the furniture in his office or to maintain the air conditioning in the building?
Work has a spiritual effect on us. Work is not about producing objects but about letting the work produce an effect on us. In this regard, when we work, we simultaneously give back to both Caesar and God, we do not produce objects .
[__06_-PRAYER_] Couldn’t we also say that PRAYER has both physical and spiritual effects. For example, we not only pray for our future salvation, in heaven. We are called to pray, to repent of our sins. However, we also pray – in the current moment – for help with immediate decisions, over material choices.
We also pray FOR CAESAR. We pray for elected officials, for our president, governor, senators.
While we pray for our government, and beg God’s help for them, our prayer helps us remember that we serve God first. If we also Caesar simultaneously, that’s great.
But, seek ye first the kingdom of God.
We cannot serve both God and mammon, can we?
[__07_-SCHOOL__] How about at school, those of us who are students, whether we are in second grade or sophomore year or senior year…
We are also paying back.
We are not simply paying back our tuition.
But, we are constantly handing in homework, handing in term papers, handing in what we owe the teacher, based on the syllabus.
Why do students hand these things in, why do they repay? Why do they render unto Caesar?
Well…I daresay that most students are truly motivated by the grades, by the possibility of getting a good grade. And, that is an honorable motivation, a good reason.
When we get good grades, moreover, we may be recognized by “Caesar”. The emperor will notice those who do things well. Who is the emperor, who is Caeasar who notices these things? Well, we might say that the emperor is the school as institution – River Dell High School, Bergen Catholic, Paramus Catholic, Immaculate Conception, IHA, Holy Angels, Cherry Hill Elementary.
Students here are motivated to do well and get good grades so that they will be honored, so they will excel.
However, there is a further reason. We do this work, we hand in our papers, we do our best on our professional jobs for another reason.
That is, to give back the intelligence, the reasoning, the talents which God has given us. We come here, in a similar way, to share the faith which God has given us.
The Lord comes to help us make our payments, to render unto God. [__fin__]
[__01] Can I borrow some money? Of course I will pay you back. I will repay the loan, the money which I have borrowed.
That promise to repay, however, needs a little more detail, doesn’t it?
How much will I repay at a time? And, when will I repay? By what date, what day, month, year, …uh, century?
[__02] We have just read from the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 22, about repayment, -- paying back, -- giving back, or in another translation of this verse –
“Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God, the things that are God’s.” (Matthew 22:21)
Rendering to God and rendering to Caesar. Paying back.
[__03] Paying back a loan to Bank of America, a credit card to VISA, or a tax bill to the government, we may try pay at the latest possible date and in the smallest possible amount.
For taxes, we may wait until April 15.
This style, this schedule of repayment will work for some things. It may work well for things which strictly belong to Caesar.
What do we mean by Caesar in this Gospel? Caesar is the name of Augustus Caesar, the Roman Emperor. The taxes are being collected in his name, for his government.
[__04] Caesar represents more than the American federal government or the New Jersey state government. Caesar represents all of our material possessions, all of our financial obligations, all of our physical and earthly responsibilities
The things are material and physical. They are not, strictly speaking, spiritual.
However, they are also not strictly speaking superficial, or trivial or unimportant.
Jesus is saying that we are to keep these obligations to Caesar, to keep commitments hear in River Edge, in our jobs in NJ, New York, at school and at home.
Isn’t it true that our commitments, our responsibilities, cannot easily be divided or subdivided into things for Caesar and things for God.
[__05_WORK__] Work. Career. Making money. Isn’t it true that working and earning money is a way that we repay Caesar and we support our families physically and spiritually?
But, this work is also a spiritual sacrifice We would be thinking too materially if we simply say that work is about higher profits and technology.
Consider, for example, the achievements of Steve Jobs, who recently died. Steve Jobs was one of the founders of Apple Computers and he retired shortly before his death from his position as CEO, Chief Executive Officer. Steve Jobs personified Apple Computers, the iPhone, the iPad, the iPod … not to mention iTunes where I downloaded this homily for $0.99 (that might be a joke, check iTunes yourself).
What was the value of Steve Jobs’ life? Was it money? Technology? Did his life have more value than say a worker paid per hour to install the furniture in his office or to maintain the air conditioning in the building?
Work has a spiritual effect on us. Work is not about producing objects but about letting the work produce an effect on us. In this regard, when we work, we simultaneously give back to both Caesar and God, we do not produce objects .
[__06_-PRAYER_] Couldn’t we also say that PRAYER has both physical and spiritual effects. For example, we not only pray for our future salvation, in heaven. We are called to pray, to repent of our sins. However, we also pray – in the current moment – for help with immediate decisions, over material choices.
We also pray FOR CAESAR. We pray for elected officials, for our president, governor, senators.
While we pray for our government, and beg God’s help for them, our prayer helps us remember that we serve God first. If we also Caesar simultaneously, that’s great.
But, seek ye first the kingdom of God.
We cannot serve both God and mammon, can we?
[__07_-SCHOOL__] How about at school, those of us who are students, whether we are in second grade or sophomore year or senior year…
We are also paying back.
We are not simply paying back our tuition.
But, we are constantly handing in homework, handing in term papers, handing in what we owe the teacher, based on the syllabus.
Why do students hand these things in, why do they repay? Why do they render unto Caesar?
Well…I daresay that most students are truly motivated by the grades, by the possibility of getting a good grade. And, that is an honorable motivation, a good reason.
When we get good grades, moreover, we may be recognized by “Caesar”. The emperor will notice those who do things well. Who is the emperor, who is Caeasar who notices these things? Well, we might say that the emperor is the school as institution – River Dell High School, Bergen Catholic, Paramus Catholic, Immaculate Conception, IHA, Holy Angels, Cherry Hill Elementary.
Students here are motivated to do well and get good grades so that they will be honored, so they will excel.
However, there is a further reason. We do this work, we hand in our papers, we do our best on our professional jobs for another reason.
That is, to give back the intelligence, the reasoning, the talents which God has given us. We come here, in a similar way, to share the faith which God has given us.
The Lord comes to help us make our payments, to render unto God. [__fin__]
Sunday, October 9, 2011
What to Wear (2011-10-09)
This is my homily for Sunday 9 October 2011. I am a Catholic chaplain in Teaneck at Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) campus and for the FDU Newman Catholic Association. We celebrate Catholic Mass - during Fall and Spring semester - every Sunday Mass (7:30 p.m.) at the Interfaith Chapel, 842 River Road, Teaneck, NJ.
● Isaiah 5:1-17 ● Psalm 80 ● Philippians 4:6-9 ● Matthew 21:33-43 ●
[__01__] Aren’t the most likely to succeed are also the most likely to be photographed?
Showing up on the red carpet for the an Academy Awards presentation (the Oscars) or a presidential banquet (the White House), we see the photographers gravitate toward the most successful, the most famous, the A-list.
We use the term “A-list” don’t we describe the group “A” … not surnames and names that start with A, but the people who are first class, desirable, the cool people.
And, famous people on the red carpet not only want to be seen, they also want to be seen near each other, don’t they? The movie star with the MVP, the famous tenor with the first lady.
[__02] In the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 22, we read about invitations sent to the A-list, to the elite …
The parable uses the allegory - the symbolic fictional figure – of a wedding
banquet to represent the Christian life, the reign of God.
Just as we are expected to bring ourselves, to dedicate ourselves, to pay attention… and to honor the other guests … at a real-life party …we are also expected to bring ourselves, to dedicate ourselves to the Lord, to his commandments.
In our spiritual life, we opening and re-opening the envelope, the RSVP card and considering the invitation every day.
However, sometimes, we have difficulty with those invitations, We can’t figure where we put them, what they say …we may want to stall for time before we say YES or NO.
[__03__] Jesus reminds us in this parable that God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – never stops calling, inviting, texting or sending messages. He is trying find us, inviting us to prayer, repentance, virtue, generosity.
The Lord is trying to locate us, for real, not simply to entertain us with an allegory or a fiction.
[__04] So, what is the allegory, the symbol in our lives?
In our lives, we may not relate this allegory of a royal banquet in London or Madrid or Tokyo … few of us have been invited. Few of us will be invited to the White House… and last I heard, you cannot crash parties there so easily.
But, where are we invited? We have invitations on our calendars, arriving in the mail or we may hope to be included.
And, the questions are … with any invitation:
(1) Can I afford this?
(2) Do I have time for this?
(3) What will I wear?
[__05_Can I afford this?_] For some invitations we are expected to bring a gift, and we might decline if we cannot. But, in the invitation to be a good friend, a mother/father, to be a teacher, a son/daughter, a neighbor, we are always bringing the gift of ourselves.
Setting aside our own desires, needs, keeping commitments …. These are costly, expensive at times and we need God’s help to pay for them.
There is also the gift of time which is the next question
[__05_do I have time?_] If I were to imagine myself to be on the A-list, the elite, I may easily decline or stay in RSVP no-man’s land … with the response… “I’ll get there if I have time.”
Jesus is asking us, inviting us… to consider what do we already have time for … and where can we find time?
Or, if not, how we can at least take what is already burdening us, keeping us busy…and keeping in mind that we do this to praise God, we carry out our tasks so that the burdens of others may be lightened … not so that we will be praised.
[__06-what will I wear?] After asking – can I afford this, do I have time, we also ask … what will I wear?
The right garment will gain notice at the Oscars in L.A. and the White House in D.C.
And, it is a garment which gains notice at the end of this parable. The parable concludes with someone not properly dressed. How can we relate to him?
This is an allegory, a fictional representation. The guest not properly dressed is … or could be … any one of us.
One biblical scholar observes that the kingdom of God, the reign of God includes those who behave virtuously, those who live exemplary lives and those who behave with injustice, dishonesty.
What will I wear?
St. Paul in Romans, speaks about being clothed in righteousness, in goodness. Romans 13:14)
Just as we change our clothes each day and worry about our appearances, so we are also called to examine our lives for sinfulness, to examine our priorities, to seek repentance, forgivness, to make way in our calendars for this invitation and, finally, to on God’s new A-list. [__fin_]
● Isaiah 5:1-17 ● Psalm 80 ● Philippians 4:6-9 ● Matthew 21:33-43 ●
[__01__] Aren’t the most likely to succeed are also the most likely to be photographed?
Showing up on the red carpet for the an Academy Awards presentation (the Oscars) or a presidential banquet (the White House), we see the photographers gravitate toward the most successful, the most famous, the A-list.
We use the term “A-list” don’t we describe the group “A” … not surnames and names that start with A, but the people who are first class, desirable, the cool people.
And, famous people on the red carpet not only want to be seen, they also want to be seen near each other, don’t they? The movie star with the MVP, the famous tenor with the first lady.
[__02] In the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 22, we read about invitations sent to the A-list, to the elite …
The parable uses the allegory - the symbolic fictional figure – of a wedding
banquet to represent the Christian life, the reign of God.
Just as we are expected to bring ourselves, to dedicate ourselves, to pay attention… and to honor the other guests … at a real-life party …we are also expected to bring ourselves, to dedicate ourselves to the Lord, to his commandments.
In our spiritual life, we opening and re-opening the envelope, the RSVP card and considering the invitation every day.
However, sometimes, we have difficulty with those invitations, We can’t figure where we put them, what they say …we may want to stall for time before we say YES or NO.
[__03__] Jesus reminds us in this parable that God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – never stops calling, inviting, texting or sending messages. He is trying find us, inviting us to prayer, repentance, virtue, generosity.
The Lord is trying to locate us, for real, not simply to entertain us with an allegory or a fiction.
[__04] So, what is the allegory, the symbol in our lives?
In our lives, we may not relate this allegory of a royal banquet in London or Madrid or Tokyo … few of us have been invited. Few of us will be invited to the White House… and last I heard, you cannot crash parties there so easily.
But, where are we invited? We have invitations on our calendars, arriving in the mail or we may hope to be included.
And, the questions are … with any invitation:
(1) Can I afford this?
(2) Do I have time for this?
(3) What will I wear?
[__05_Can I afford this?_] For some invitations we are expected to bring a gift, and we might decline if we cannot. But, in the invitation to be a good friend, a mother/father, to be a teacher, a son/daughter, a neighbor, we are always bringing the gift of ourselves.
Setting aside our own desires, needs, keeping commitments …. These are costly, expensive at times and we need God’s help to pay for them.
There is also the gift of time which is the next question
[__05_do I have time?_] If I were to imagine myself to be on the A-list, the elite, I may easily decline or stay in RSVP no-man’s land … with the response… “I’ll get there if I have time.”
Jesus is asking us, inviting us… to consider what do we already have time for … and where can we find time?
Or, if not, how we can at least take what is already burdening us, keeping us busy…and keeping in mind that we do this to praise God, we carry out our tasks so that the burdens of others may be lightened … not so that we will be praised.
[__06-what will I wear?] After asking – can I afford this, do I have time, we also ask … what will I wear?
The right garment will gain notice at the Oscars in L.A. and the White House in D.C.
And, it is a garment which gains notice at the end of this parable. The parable concludes with someone not properly dressed. How can we relate to him?
This is an allegory, a fictional representation. The guest not properly dressed is … or could be … any one of us.
One biblical scholar observes that the kingdom of God, the reign of God includes those who behave virtuously, those who live exemplary lives and those who behave with injustice, dishonesty.
What will I wear?
St. Paul in Romans, speaks about being clothed in righteousness, in goodness. Romans 13:14)
Just as we change our clothes each day and worry about our appearances, so we are also called to examine our lives for sinfulness, to examine our priorities, to seek repentance, forgivness, to make way in our calendars for this invitation and, finally, to on God’s new A-list. [__fin_]
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