Feat of St. Matthias, apostle
(Acts 1:15-17; 20-26)
Eleven men make up a football team, and there are “twelve apostles.” No coach would think of sending only ten players onto the field, but is it incomprehensible that there would be only eleven in the inner group directing the early Church? Since each member of the group has basically the same function, some people may think “no,” twelve is rather arbitrary – a number whose virtues are both substance and balance. However, in the first reading today the whole community of disciples in Jerusalem obviously sees something critical about twelve. One of their first decisions after Jesus’ ascension is to name a replacement for Judas.
Jesus was definite about choosing twelve men for his core group of disciples. Although one characteristic of this base is their exemplary readiness to follow him, Jesus had more in mind than a balanced showcase of discipleship. He chose no more and no less than twelve in order to execute his mission of reuniting the twelve tribes of Israel. Jesus' purpose was to inaugurate the Kingdom of God by gathering together all Israel as a magnet to attract all peoples of the earth. There would be one judge or leader of each of those tribes.
The New Testament does not mention Matthias other than in this passage. His significance is to indicate that Jesus had a definite vision of his mission and of the community he founded. This realization should fill us with confidence and joy. The Church, to which we have committed ourselves, is no happenstance but the deliberate design of Jesus. Even more significantly, our Church continues Jesus’ work of establishing the Kingdom of God with all its hope and promise.
Homilette for Tueday, May 13, 2008
Tuesday of the Sixth Week of Ordinary Time
(Mark 8:14-21)
“Some say the world will end in fire,” writes poet Robert Frost, “Some say ice.” He is proposing metaphors for the two great threats to humanity -- desire and hatred. In today’s gospel Jesus proposes his own metaphors for these two eternal foes – the leaven of Herod and the leaven of the Pharisees. Herod wanted to please everyone, especially himself, so he married his brother’s wife, imprisoned John the Baptist when he criticized the action, and then beheaded the prophet not to lose face with his guests. The Pharisees came to despise sinners in their zeal to carry out the Law beyond all reproach.
To overcome desire and hatred, Jesus gives us himself as the bread of life. He personifies wisdom showing us how to live happily but temperately. He also incarnates the love of God, which brings out the good in all people so that they might gain eternal life. Jesus is the “one loaf” that the disciples have in their boat. He is the bread we break at Mass that delivers us from all evil.
(Mark 8:14-21)
“Some say the world will end in fire,” writes poet Robert Frost, “Some say ice.” He is proposing metaphors for the two great threats to humanity -- desire and hatred. In today’s gospel Jesus proposes his own metaphors for these two eternal foes – the leaven of Herod and the leaven of the Pharisees. Herod wanted to please everyone, especially himself, so he married his brother’s wife, imprisoned John the Baptist when he criticized the action, and then beheaded the prophet not to lose face with his guests. The Pharisees came to despise sinners in their zeal to carry out the Law beyond all reproach.
To overcome desire and hatred, Jesus gives us himself as the bread of life. He personifies wisdom showing us how to live happily but temperately. He also incarnates the love of God, which brings out the good in all people so that they might gain eternal life. Jesus is the “one loaf” that the disciples have in their boat. He is the bread we break at Mass that delivers us from all evil.
Homilette for Monday, May 12, 2008
Monday of the Sixth Week of Ordinary Time
(James 1:1-11)
Fully renewed by the sacrifices of Lent and the graces of the Easter season, the Church now eases into Ordinary Time. We are to live the faith that the Holy Spirit has implanted in our hearts so that we might experience the fullness of eternal life. We have as yet to celebrate the Solemnities of the Holy Trinity, Corpus Christi, and the Sacred Heart, but our daily readings return to the lessons on holiness from the gospels and other Scriptures.
Today’s reading from the Letter of James provides a significant clue to sanctity. It tells us not to become frustrated when we experience trials. When no one pays attention to what we say or when we fail to achieve what we set out to do, we should not curse our predicament. Rather, we should step back and consider the trials as sources of growth. Patience in trial perfects us by allowing us to see that God will take care of us. Our task is to remain faithful to His ways.
In Death Comes to the Archbishop Willa Cather portrays the head of the newly erected diocese of Santa Fe as a man patient and persistent in trial. He does not curse his having to cross hundreds of miles of desolate wilderness to authorize his credentials. Nor does he falter in facing the challenges of accustoming himself to a very different culture. Rather he executes his mission with diligence and prayer. His crowning work is the construction of a beautiful cathedral which symbolizes his archdiocese. The structure stands today as a testimony to the archbishop’s sanctity.
(James 1:1-11)
Fully renewed by the sacrifices of Lent and the graces of the Easter season, the Church now eases into Ordinary Time. We are to live the faith that the Holy Spirit has implanted in our hearts so that we might experience the fullness of eternal life. We have as yet to celebrate the Solemnities of the Holy Trinity, Corpus Christi, and the Sacred Heart, but our daily readings return to the lessons on holiness from the gospels and other Scriptures.
Today’s reading from the Letter of James provides a significant clue to sanctity. It tells us not to become frustrated when we experience trials. When no one pays attention to what we say or when we fail to achieve what we set out to do, we should not curse our predicament. Rather, we should step back and consider the trials as sources of growth. Patience in trial perfects us by allowing us to see that God will take care of us. Our task is to remain faithful to His ways.
In Death Comes to the Archbishop Willa Cather portrays the head of the newly erected diocese of Santa Fe as a man patient and persistent in trial. He does not curse his having to cross hundreds of miles of desolate wilderness to authorize his credentials. Nor does he falter in facing the challenges of accustoming himself to a very different culture. Rather he executes his mission with diligence and prayer. His crowning work is the construction of a beautiful cathedral which symbolizes his archdiocese. The structure stands today as a testimony to the archbishop’s sanctity.
Homilette for Friday, May 9, 2008
Friday of the Seventh Week of Easter
(John 21:15-19)
George Orwell’s Animal Farm pictures a society without leaders. On paper it seems like a good idea. Every animal is equal. There are no farmers around to make the animals do what they do not wish. In reality the situation quickly deteriorates. Soon every animal is equal but some are more equal than others. The same division of labor follows as when the farmers were in charge, but there is worse oppression. Orwell intended the novel as an allegory for totalitarianism in twentieth century Russia. We can also read it as a warning about leaderless societies.
There is some evidence that the early Church saw no need for a leader to replace Jesus. His disciples expected Jesus to return soon after his going to the Father. Everyone associated with the various communities of disciples understood the primacy of love. With such high motivation, is a leader really necessary? Today’s gospel indicates that there is indeed such need if the institution’s existence stretches to any appreciable length. For this reason Jesus is seen appointing Peter as chief shepherd of his flock.
But Peter is to be a leader different from most. The basis of his authority is love for Jesus. To assure that Peter understands what he is saying, Jesus has Peter profess his love three times. Later this love will be tested in an even more revealing way. When Jesus tells Peter that someone will lead him where he would not otherwise go, he is predicting Peter’s martyrdom. Peter did, in fact, die crucified like Jesus nailed on a cross.
Leadership is fraught with pitfalls. Leaders may abuse their authority to become tyrannical or they may neglect their duties to grow ineffectual. Based on self-sacrificing love and guided by the Spirit’s gifts of justice and prudence, however, leaders perform an indispensable and necessary service. Especially in contemporary times the Church has been blessed with great leaders in the line of Peter.
(John 21:15-19)
George Orwell’s Animal Farm pictures a society without leaders. On paper it seems like a good idea. Every animal is equal. There are no farmers around to make the animals do what they do not wish. In reality the situation quickly deteriorates. Soon every animal is equal but some are more equal than others. The same division of labor follows as when the farmers were in charge, but there is worse oppression. Orwell intended the novel as an allegory for totalitarianism in twentieth century Russia. We can also read it as a warning about leaderless societies.
There is some evidence that the early Church saw no need for a leader to replace Jesus. His disciples expected Jesus to return soon after his going to the Father. Everyone associated with the various communities of disciples understood the primacy of love. With such high motivation, is a leader really necessary? Today’s gospel indicates that there is indeed such need if the institution’s existence stretches to any appreciable length. For this reason Jesus is seen appointing Peter as chief shepherd of his flock.
But Peter is to be a leader different from most. The basis of his authority is love for Jesus. To assure that Peter understands what he is saying, Jesus has Peter profess his love three times. Later this love will be tested in an even more revealing way. When Jesus tells Peter that someone will lead him where he would not otherwise go, he is predicting Peter’s martyrdom. Peter did, in fact, die crucified like Jesus nailed on a cross.
Leadership is fraught with pitfalls. Leaders may abuse their authority to become tyrannical or they may neglect their duties to grow ineffectual. Based on self-sacrificing love and guided by the Spirit’s gifts of justice and prudence, however, leaders perform an indispensable and necessary service. Especially in contemporary times the Church has been blessed with great leaders in the line of Peter.
Homilette for Thursday, May 8, 2008
Thursday of the Seventh Week of Easter
(Acts 22:30; 23:6-11)
Often when we feel criticized, we plan on how we are going to defend ourselves. We search for impressive words that will show off our wit and put down our critics. But this might be a foolish strategy. We would do better to listen carefully to what others are saying about us, pray to the Holy Spirit that we might respond prudently, and speak forthrightly what comes to mind. Jesus tells us as much when he says, “When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.’”
In today’s reading from the Acts of the Apostles Paul seems to follow Jesus’ advice. He evaluates the situation and speaks to it. His reference to being a proponent of the resurrection of the dead divides his persecutors. What starts as a conspiracy to condemn Paul turns into a debate with half the Sanhedrin supporting him. The Holy Spirit is the driving force behind this and all activity in Acts. He brings Christianity from its humble beginning in Jerusalem to center stage in Rome where it will fan out throughout the whole world.
The Holy Spirit is God’s incomprehensible gift of Himself to us. We are never abandoned when he settles upon us. The Spirit bestows in trial and strength to endure persecution. Sunday, the feast of Pentecost, we proclaim the Spirit’s coming. God is never reluctant to share His Spirit, but we should directly and persistently petition his presence.
(Acts 22:30; 23:6-11)
Often when we feel criticized, we plan on how we are going to defend ourselves. We search for impressive words that will show off our wit and put down our critics. But this might be a foolish strategy. We would do better to listen carefully to what others are saying about us, pray to the Holy Spirit that we might respond prudently, and speak forthrightly what comes to mind. Jesus tells us as much when he says, “When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.’”
In today’s reading from the Acts of the Apostles Paul seems to follow Jesus’ advice. He evaluates the situation and speaks to it. His reference to being a proponent of the resurrection of the dead divides his persecutors. What starts as a conspiracy to condemn Paul turns into a debate with half the Sanhedrin supporting him. The Holy Spirit is the driving force behind this and all activity in Acts. He brings Christianity from its humble beginning in Jerusalem to center stage in Rome where it will fan out throughout the whole world.
The Holy Spirit is God’s incomprehensible gift of Himself to us. We are never abandoned when he settles upon us. The Spirit bestows in trial and strength to endure persecution. Sunday, the feast of Pentecost, we proclaim the Spirit’s coming. God is never reluctant to share His Spirit, but we should directly and persistently petition his presence.
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