You will find homilettes for all weekdays from October 29 below. I hope that they assist your meditation on the Word of God. cm
Monday, XXXIII Week of Ordinary Time
(Luke 18:35-43)
Faith, we sometimes say, is another way of seeing. Rather than perceiving color, faith ascertains the nature of spiritual realities. Faith is aware of a God who loves us. In the gospel today faith enables the blind man to recognize Jesus as the “Son of David” or, in other words, the long-awaited Savior. Indeed, this faith would have saved the blind man even if Jesus did not bless him with physical sight.
Determination characterizes the blind man almost as much as his faith. When the people rebuke him -- evidently for bothering Jesus -- he calls out all the louder. Only with this insistence does Jesus take notice of him. We might ask if the blind is actually making a pest of himself as many do when they wish to attract the intention of a famous personality. Evidently, however, Jesus does not think so as he treats favorably the man’s request.
The blind man immediately follows Jesus giving glory to God. That is, he becomes Jesus’ disciple. We can take him as a model disciple. His faith, determination, and also forthrightness to ask for what is helpful in service show us how we might better follow Jesus.
Homilette for Friday, November 16, 2007
Friday, XXXII Week of Ordinary Time
(Luke 17:26-37)
There once was a rich man who wanted to defy those who claimed, “You can’t take it with you.” This rich man arranged that he be buried in his Cadillac. He might have gone out in style but he likely did not get very far. He should have heeded Jesus’ words presented in the gospel today.
The words have an ominous tone. When asked about where the Son of Man will be revealed, Jesus answers, “`Where the body is, there also the vultures will gather.’” This line alone could chill the back of a polar bear. It means to say the separation of the good from the bad will happen everywhere, but that is not important. What is critical is that all take note of the message he has made throughout his ministry and repeats here: “`Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses it will save it.’” Money invested in 401(k) plans will not save us when Jesus is revealed. Rather, if we have been generous with those in need, he will find us wherever we are.
Some perhaps have not taken notice of the words because, it seems, many generations have come and gone without Jesus being revealed. Yet every person’s death may just be that revelation. We certainly believe that God judges each of us at death. He will decide whether we have lived first and foremost for ourselves or whether we considered Him first and put ourselves a distant second.
(Luke 17:26-37)
There once was a rich man who wanted to defy those who claimed, “You can’t take it with you.” This rich man arranged that he be buried in his Cadillac. He might have gone out in style but he likely did not get very far. He should have heeded Jesus’ words presented in the gospel today.
The words have an ominous tone. When asked about where the Son of Man will be revealed, Jesus answers, “`Where the body is, there also the vultures will gather.’” This line alone could chill the back of a polar bear. It means to say the separation of the good from the bad will happen everywhere, but that is not important. What is critical is that all take note of the message he has made throughout his ministry and repeats here: “`Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses it will save it.’” Money invested in 401(k) plans will not save us when Jesus is revealed. Rather, if we have been generous with those in need, he will find us wherever we are.
Some perhaps have not taken notice of the words because, it seems, many generations have come and gone without Jesus being revealed. Yet every person’s death may just be that revelation. We certainly believe that God judges each of us at death. He will decide whether we have lived first and foremost for ourselves or whether we considered Him first and put ourselves a distant second.
Homilette for Thursday, November 15, 2007
Thursday, Memorial of St. Albert the Great, bishop
(Wisdom 7:22b-8.1)
The poet T.S. Eliot in 1934 felt the anxiety that grips many in our Information Age. He wrote back then, “Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge? Where is the knowledge we have lost in information?” Wisdom tells how to live happier, more meaningful lives. Yet too many people today lack it as the multiple medical problems attest to even as medical knowledge has allowed us to live longer.
In the first reading the sage who wrote the Book of Wisdom finds twenty-one attributes of wisdom. The number is considered absolutely perfect because that it is the product of the perfect number (seven) and the number of divine attributes (omniscience, omnipresence, and omnipotence). Of these attributes he includes “loving the good, keen, unhampered, beneficent, kindly, firm, secure, tranquil” – qualities that we might use to describe a wise person.
Such a person was St. Albert the Great. Although he lived in the thirteenth century, Albert was canonized in the twentieth as a patron for scientists. He performed scientific experiments and developed a system of classification for the plants and animals he studied. He also taught philosophy and theology, served as a diocesan bishop, and later advised kings and popes. Very significantly, he recognized and encouraged genius in his student St. Thomas Aquinas whom he later defended against charges of heresy. But he may be considered a saint because he was “loving the good, keen, unhampered, beneficent, kindly, firm, secure, tranquil.”
(Wisdom 7:22b-8.1)
The poet T.S. Eliot in 1934 felt the anxiety that grips many in our Information Age. He wrote back then, “Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge? Where is the knowledge we have lost in information?” Wisdom tells how to live happier, more meaningful lives. Yet too many people today lack it as the multiple medical problems attest to even as medical knowledge has allowed us to live longer.
In the first reading the sage who wrote the Book of Wisdom finds twenty-one attributes of wisdom. The number is considered absolutely perfect because that it is the product of the perfect number (seven) and the number of divine attributes (omniscience, omnipresence, and omnipotence). Of these attributes he includes “loving the good, keen, unhampered, beneficent, kindly, firm, secure, tranquil” – qualities that we might use to describe a wise person.
Such a person was St. Albert the Great. Although he lived in the thirteenth century, Albert was canonized in the twentieth as a patron for scientists. He performed scientific experiments and developed a system of classification for the plants and animals he studied. He also taught philosophy and theology, served as a diocesan bishop, and later advised kings and popes. Very significantly, he recognized and encouraged genius in his student St. Thomas Aquinas whom he later defended against charges of heresy. But he may be considered a saint because he was “loving the good, keen, unhampered, beneficent, kindly, firm, secure, tranquil.”
Homilette for Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Wednesday, XXXII Week of Ordinary Time
(Wisdom 6:1-11)
During the Viet Nam War President Lyndon Johnson once was given a memo concerning the pros and cons of using tactical nuclear weapons. According to Johnson’s Secretary of State, Dean Rusk, the memo stated that use of such weapons would move China to enter the war with its own nuclear weapons and so begin a full-fledged nuclear war. Rusk reported that the words popped out of the page to Johnson who as President of the United States felt responsibility for not just his country but the world.
The first reading from the Book of Wisdom tells us that princes and kings, and we can surely add presidents and prime ministers, should indeed feel grave responsibility for their actions. It emphasizes that the burdens of their offices will not exempt them from divine scrutiny but intensify judgment. The wisdom to which the reading refers is practical wisdom or prudence. Leaders of the people must develop the virtue of taking the timely measure for the good of all. Along with justice, prudence is a prerequisite for governing.
The Church recognizes the responsibility and the difficulties of civil leaders. Together with prayers for Church needs, the General Instructions for the Eucharist specify that the faithful pray for “public authorities and the salvation of the world” in the intercessions after the homily. Although we frequently think that we might perform better than our political leaders, we should pray for them more than envy their work.
(Wisdom 6:1-11)
During the Viet Nam War President Lyndon Johnson once was given a memo concerning the pros and cons of using tactical nuclear weapons. According to Johnson’s Secretary of State, Dean Rusk, the memo stated that use of such weapons would move China to enter the war with its own nuclear weapons and so begin a full-fledged nuclear war. Rusk reported that the words popped out of the page to Johnson who as President of the United States felt responsibility for not just his country but the world.
The first reading from the Book of Wisdom tells us that princes and kings, and we can surely add presidents and prime ministers, should indeed feel grave responsibility for their actions. It emphasizes that the burdens of their offices will not exempt them from divine scrutiny but intensify judgment. The wisdom to which the reading refers is practical wisdom or prudence. Leaders of the people must develop the virtue of taking the timely measure for the good of all. Along with justice, prudence is a prerequisite for governing.
The Church recognizes the responsibility and the difficulties of civil leaders. Together with prayers for Church needs, the General Instructions for the Eucharist specify that the faithful pray for “public authorities and the salvation of the world” in the intercessions after the homily. Although we frequently think that we might perform better than our political leaders, we should pray for them more than envy their work.
Homilette for Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Tuesday, XXXII Week of Ordinary Time, Memorial of St. Francis Xavier Cabrini
(Luke 17:7-10)
If the current generation of young adults expects instant gratification, it is not difficult to understand why few are willing to commit themselves to the Catholic Church. A recent survey of Catholics shows only 17 percent of those born between 1961 and 1978 and 0 percent of those born between 1979 and 1987 having a high church commitment. The reason for some of this lack this lack of commitment is that Christ asks much of his disciples, sometimes apparently no promising any reward at all. The gospel today makes it quite clear that Jesus does not pander to his followers. Expect to be told that you will have to wait at table, he tells them, after they come in tending the field.
Why then does anyone bother to follow him? Of course, we hold in our hearts the promise of eternal life. The wise person realizes that this hope trumps instant gratification any day. Perhaps though our reason involves coming to know the person we serve. Expert university professors, although demanding much work, often have their classrooms overfilled. When students know that they will learn deeply, they do not mind working especially hard. So we follow Jesus who teaches us deeply, who promises eternal life, and who helps us all along the way.
(Luke 17:7-10)
If the current generation of young adults expects instant gratification, it is not difficult to understand why few are willing to commit themselves to the Catholic Church. A recent survey of Catholics shows only 17 percent of those born between 1961 and 1978 and 0 percent of those born between 1979 and 1987 having a high church commitment. The reason for some of this lack this lack of commitment is that Christ asks much of his disciples, sometimes apparently no promising any reward at all. The gospel today makes it quite clear that Jesus does not pander to his followers. Expect to be told that you will have to wait at table, he tells them, after they come in tending the field.
Why then does anyone bother to follow him? Of course, we hold in our hearts the promise of eternal life. The wise person realizes that this hope trumps instant gratification any day. Perhaps though our reason involves coming to know the person we serve. Expert university professors, although demanding much work, often have their classrooms overfilled. When students know that they will learn deeply, they do not mind working especially hard. So we follow Jesus who teaches us deeply, who promises eternal life, and who helps us all along the way.
Homilette for Monday, November 12, 2007
Monday, XXXII Week of Ordinary Time, Memorial of St. Josaphat, bishop and martyr
(Luke 17:1-6)
Jesus is not only addressing his apostles in the gospel passage today. His words touch all people with responsibilities for others. Parents, teachers, supervisors, government servants, military officers should take notice.
Those in leadership must never give scandal since the penalty they will pay would drown a Navy frogman. The apostles, who will become heads of local churches, already feel the weight of their selection and ask Jesus for more faith. They sound like teachers seeking a raise because we entrust them with our children. Teachers may deserve an annual increase, but Jesus assures the Twelve that they have enough faith. Even if it appears small, their faith can produce an orchard of fruit!
We share the apostles’ burden. We feel that our faith is insufficient to carry out our responsibilities when God does not immediately meet our needs. The recent revelations about Mother Teresa might give us courage. The world has come to know that Mother Teresa experienced the darkness, dryness, and depression of grave doubt. Yet every morning before the sun came up she prayed before the Blessed Sacrament. During the day she went into the streets of Calcutta to tend to the humblest of people. Fortunately, few of us know the bleakness that plagued Mother Teresa. Nevertheless, we would do well to imitate her habit of prayer and care for the needy.
(Luke 17:1-6)
Jesus is not only addressing his apostles in the gospel passage today. His words touch all people with responsibilities for others. Parents, teachers, supervisors, government servants, military officers should take notice.
Those in leadership must never give scandal since the penalty they will pay would drown a Navy frogman. The apostles, who will become heads of local churches, already feel the weight of their selection and ask Jesus for more faith. They sound like teachers seeking a raise because we entrust them with our children. Teachers may deserve an annual increase, but Jesus assures the Twelve that they have enough faith. Even if it appears small, their faith can produce an orchard of fruit!
We share the apostles’ burden. We feel that our faith is insufficient to carry out our responsibilities when God does not immediately meet our needs. The recent revelations about Mother Teresa might give us courage. The world has come to know that Mother Teresa experienced the darkness, dryness, and depression of grave doubt. Yet every morning before the sun came up she prayed before the Blessed Sacrament. During the day she went into the streets of Calcutta to tend to the humblest of people. Fortunately, few of us know the bleakness that plagued Mother Teresa. Nevertheless, we would do well to imitate her habit of prayer and care for the needy.
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