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

___ Click Here for Audio of Homily ___  

__ Click Here for Video of Mass___ 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

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