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Homily file for Nov. 1 , 2023 All Saints Day
[_01__] Many years ago, I attended a concert in NYC at which the star performer was the world famous performer on the cello – the cello, Yo-Yo Ma. I also learned something that was applicable to the Christian life and expectations that go along with having a gift or any grace, even ordinary gifts that do not make us famous or wealthy.
As you may know, Yo-Yo Ma was identified as gifted from an early age. When the time came for college, he was accepted at Harvard.
He continued to studying
there. The lecturer at the concert related this event that there were several
students in the class. Each played his or her part and after each player, the offered
praise, commending them for playing the correct notes and staying in tune.
At the time, the significance
of playing "in tune" wasn't entirely clear to me, as I naively
believed that all instruments inherently stayed in tune.
However, the cello, like many instruments,
posed unique challenges; it was all too easy to slip out of tune. When Yo-Yo Ma
presented his piece, the professor's response was different. Rather than
showering him with praise, the professor dissected his performance with
unrelenting criticism. He questioned Yo-Yo Ma's choices, from the volume in the
opening to the softness in the 23rd measure. It was a barrage of critique.
The reason behind this harsh evaluation became apparent: the professor recognized in this Harvard student, Yo-Yo Ma, a talent of unparalleled magnitude. He understood the weight of the biblical adage, "To whom much is given, much will be required."
Ordinary praise would not
suffice for someone entrusted with extraordinary gifts. To take this principle
to the extreme, if Yo-Yo Ma had chosen not to put in the effort and practice,
his gifts would have gone to waste.
Today is All Saints Day --- a reminder that every one of us, in this life and the hereafter, is called to embrace holiness and virtue. Although we may casually use the term "saint" to describe individuals of exceptional character, the true essence of holiness, as articulated by St. Paul in 1st Corinthians, lies in our ability to envision God face to face.
The journey toward holiness,
for each one of us, began with baptism, Baptism carries a profound tradition
and requirement: the white garment placed upon the baptized child. This white
attire symbolizes purity and holiness, signifying the initiation of a new life
and identity. Though we may have physically outgrown that baptismal outfit, our
spiritual connection to baptism and God remains undiminished.
In the Book of Revelation
today, we also read about the saints and holy ones being clothed in white after
being washed in the blood of the lamb. This is quite paradox that a fabric of
white can be washed clean in blood.
It is easy to fall
into the temptation of thinking that we have outgrown our Christian commitments
or way of life, particularly when we perceive little correlation between our
Sunday practices and our daily lives from Monday to Saturday.
But, each day, we
are called to be both clothed in white and washed clean by the suffering of
Christ, by his body and blood.
We may question how "Sunday Mass" or "All Saints
Day" relate to our academic achievements, financial success, or the
pursuit of admission to prestigious institutions. However, the connection is
not always readily apparent.
A pivotal element of Catholic
tradition related to Holy Communion is fasting, requiring a one-hour abstinence
from food before partaking in the Eucharist. Although longer fasting periods
may have spiritual benefits, the one-hour rule is firmly upheld. This practice
is not merely a ritual; it carries profound significance.
When we receive Holy Communion
at the conclusion of Mass, it is not uncommon to experience physical hunger,
both individually and collectively as a community.
This unites us to Jesus’
suffering – to the body and blood of Christ.
This hunger serves as a reminder
of our need for sustenance, both physical and spiritual. It mirrors the hunger
we experience during prayer, petition, and our quest for divine guidance.
Fasting during prayer draws a connection between our yearning and the needs of
those for whom we pray.
Pope Francis has recently emphasized the power of fasting in promoting peace, encouraging us to fast for this purpose. Fasting may be challenging, but it unites us in solidarity with those in need. By sacrificing the goodness of food, technology, or even the impulse to express opinions, we prepare our bodies and minds for introspection and prayer.
Leaving the church, we may still feel physical hunger, but this sensation should remind us to turn to our Lord for daily sustenance and guidance. We partake in the body of Christ and absorb the divine teachings, acting as our spiritual GPS, guiding us toward our ultimate destination. St. Paul's words resound in this context: "And love never fails." Love, as symbolized by the body and blood of Jesus during Holy Communion, is enduring and unwavering.
As we approach Holy Communion adorned in various clothing, we can categorize our spiritual journey into three phases: the garments we wore as children, our current attire, and the clothing that awaits us in the future, such as the attire for the Sacrament of Confirmation. While the outfit we wore at baptism may be forgotten, its symbolism remains vivid. It marked the moment when we were clothed with the life and grace of Jesus, heralding the commencement of a new life and identity.
Despite the perception that we
may have outgrown our Christian commitments or that they have little relevance
to our daily lives, the essence of our faith is unwavering. Whether we are
dressed in our First Holy Communion attire or casual clothing, our core
identity as Christians remains constant. This identity calls us to embrace a
new life and a new sense of self.
For you – young people -- the next sacrament on our faith journey,
following Communion and Confirmation, may be the Sacrament of Matrimony. This
sacred occasion is marked by its distinctive attire. As we approach this
significant day, it is essential to remember that Holy Communion, where we
encounter God face to face, serves as preparation for our wedding day. On that
day, we will make sacred vows and experience God in a profound way. Therefore,
it is never too early to start praying for ourselves and our future spouses.
Our faith journey, rooted in the traditions of baptism, fasting, and Holy Communion, is a continuous process of growth. As we move forward, regardless of the clothing we wear or the sacraments we approach, Jesus calls us to embrace a new life and prepare. In the end, it is our enduring connection with God's love that guides us, reminding us that "love never fails."
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