Founder's Day 109th Anniv. Mass (2023-11-05) Sunday 9:30 am

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Homily file for November 5, 2023  31^st Sunday      ● Malachi 1:14b-2:2b, 8-10 ●  Psalm 131:1, 2, 3 ●  1 Thesssalonians 2:7b-9, 13 ●  Matthew 23:1-12●  

 Title:   Founder’s Day Mass

[_01__]       In the Gospel this Sunday, Jesus reflects on whether we should place our trust in the Pharisees and scribes, and whether they are truly believable and worthy of being followed. Jesus's message is clear: we should heed their words but not necessarily emulate their actions because, in essence, they lack credibility.

          As we commonly state: “Do as they say, not as they do.”

          I bring this up also to consider that real faith and real confidence is not simply based on what something is, but also on who someone is.

          Ultimately, our relationships are built on trust in people, not in things.

 This particular Sunday holds special significance as it marks the anniversary of our parish, Our Lady of Lourdes. Each year, we celebrate this milestone, our 109^th anniversary since its foundation on November 9, 1914.

A few years ago, during our Centennial, 100th-anniversary celebration a few years ago, some parishioners fondly recalled the very first pastor, Monsignor Nicholas Marnell.

He devoted 28 years of service to Our Lady of Lourdes, from 1914 to 1942. The esteem with which they spoke of him left a lasting impression. This strong testimony, combined with the accounts of other parishioners, reinforced my belief in his exemplary leadership.

          At one point one person was elaborating, what a great pastor, what a great pastor… for a split second, I was wondering why is she talking about me?

          Never mind!

           My present-day confidence and belief in Monsignor Marnell and our original parishioners is not only based on the testimony of witnesses who remember them as they were but also based on my observation of who you are as parishioners of today. 2023. And the welcome and hospitality you show – you are our parish staff, volunteers, everyone in church and your visits and prayer for others beyond this church building.

          We gather here to pray and to ask God to watch over us and our families. In this month of November, we pray especially for our loved ones who have died and to recall that while our bodies and physical strength will decline and pass away, you and I have an immortal soul which is individual and will be judged by God and last forever.

          For this reason, we have confession so as to purify our souls to meet God face to face.

          In parallel, every building, every cathedral is not physically eternal, but has the eternal presence of God. The Church is present yesterday, today, forever. I understand there will be Mass in Heaven. The parking is great.

          Love lasts forever.

          So, how do we build and protect our church and parish?  We do so by acts of love, charity. I read this an ancient homily, a reflection on Psalm 127: “Unless the Lord build the house, in vain do the builders labor.”

          Jesus is reminding his listeners in the Gospel not to be dismayed by human leadership – and its brokenness in the Pharisees of their day – or in the brokenness of any human leader, because the Lord is building the house.

           You and I are called to build and to give to Our Lady of Lourdes. I am grateful for your financial support and for the volunteer time and prayers you offer for our parish.

          I read this by Saint Hilary of Poitiers (France)  (Source: Liturgy of the Hours, vol. 4, “Common of Pastors”, p. 1756, (Nos. 7-10: PL9, 696-697))

          “This temple is built by God. If it were constructed by human effort, it would not last … through the efforts of the individual faithful [parishioners – you !], this house will grow into many houses -  [into the prayer at your dinner table, your living room, your room] – and thus will arise the blessed and spacious city of God.

          God cared for Abraham in his wanderings, he rescued Isaac when he was about to be sacrificed, supported Moses against Pharaoh.

          [Told Joseph and Mary, the Holy Family about Jesus’ coming through angels]”

          (Source: Liturgy of the Hours, vol. 4, “Common of Pastors”, p. 1756, (Nos. 7-10: PL9, 696-697))

Right now, there is much trouble in the world, trouble which is based partly on politics and borders, but not entirely.

          Trouble also appears – with a capital T – when there is hatred, a refusal to understand, a rejection of personal dignity.  A lack or deprivation of love.

          I have also been trouble – been in need of mercy and absolution – when I have been lacking in love, or in a vision that will see not only the body (material) but also the sense to perceive the soul (spiritual) in a person or situation.

          For this, we need God, we need the Church. We need you to come to church. For unless the Lord build the house, in vain do the builders labor. And, at Mass and prayer, the Lord is not just building up walls and roof as house but is building up you as a house and as temple of the Holy Spirit..

 We can build up God’s house and accept his spirit when we follow Christ – by whom we can follow both his word and example.

Do as he says.

Do as he does.

We pray for many more years for Lourdes parish to come. Ad Multos Annos, Our Lady of Lourdes. Pray for us.  [_end __]