Posts in category: Homilies

February 13, 2022                       Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Introduction

Frequently when I haven’t seen someone for a long time, I like to catch up with them and find out what they have been up to.

• We usually discuss what’s happening in their life, how work is going and any significant events that have happened.
• Then I like to ask them this one question, “are you happy?”
• Answers usually vary.
• However, I strongly believe that the one thing each of us wants out of life is happiness.
• We want to be happy and satisfied.
• So, this afternoon/morning I ask you, “Are you happy?”

Sermon on the Plain

The readings for Mass this weekend talk to us about happiness.

• In our gospel we have what is entitled, “The Sermon on the Plain.”
• Most of us are more familiar with Saint Matthew’s version called “The Sermon on the Mount.
• Jesus gathers his disciples around him as well as a great crowd who desires to be healed.
• He begins to teach them about the Kingdom of God. You might think of this as a homily.
• It is divided into two parts: the first part contains four beatitudes that begin with the words “blessed are you” while the second part begins with the words, “Woe to you,”

Kingdom of God

When Jesus speaks or describes the kingdom of God, he usually begins by saying something to shatter people’s complacency.

• Complacency can be described as a smug satisfaction with oneself. 
• In order for the Kingdom of God to break into people’s lives, their world has to be turned upside down.
• Jesus wants people to know that there is a new order and a new way of thinking.
• God has a plan for the human family. Jesus‘ words in the gospel today reflect that vision.

Happiness 

His first words are “blessed are you.”

• The actual word is the Greek word “makarios “.
• It is best translated as “happy”
• So each of those four beatitudes might be translated: happy are they who are hungry.
• happy are they who are poor.
• happy are they who weep.
• happy are you when people insult you
• Somehow that really doesn’t make sense.
• However, there is a deeper meaning behind the word “makarios”
• That word doesn’t necessarily translate as the common notion of “happy, happy.”
• To the contrary, it describes the kind of happiness that comes from within. 
• It is rooted in something that does not change.
• It bespeaks of a fullness and deep satisfaction that comes from the realization that God loves me and cares for me.
• This is the kind of happiness that only God gives.

Need for God

The question remains: “How can Jesus say that those who are hungry or poor or hurting are the ones that are blessed or happy?” 

• The answer is simple:  They are the ones who realize that they are profoundly in need of God.
• Their source of help or consolation comes from him alone.
• In that moment of realization, there is an intense openness to the Kingdom and God‘s plan for them.
• In that moment, there is the explosion of happiness and a deep sense of joy in spite of difficulty.

God created human nature 

God created human beings and human nature.

• Since he is the source of existence, he knows ultimately what will make people happy.
• God intends an enduring sense of joy, not fleeting happiness.
• That is what he intends for the human family.

Paradox

There is a paradox here.

• Authentic happiness is found in giving and sacrificing for others.
• It really doesn’t seem to make sense because it would appear that happiness or satisfaction is the result of obtaining something.
• However, that’s just not true.
• Happiness in not found in taking but in giving.
• Think of it this way: when you sacrifice for another person and give something of yourself, there is a deep sense of satisfaction.
• That satisfaction leads to joy and true happiness.

Contrast of values

In the Sermon on the Plain there is a stark contrast between the values of God’s kingdom and the values of the world. 

• The Kingdom of God is based upon love, forgiveness, sacrifice and justice.
• The world bases its values on power, wealth, position and popularity. 
• The world declares that if you have these things in your life, you will be happy.
• Those values appear in the second part of Jesus‘s sermon.
• Jesus declares that true happiness can never to be found there.  
• The reason why is they are always temporary and external.
• They can come and they can go.
• As a result, it is no wonder that Jesus says, “Woe to you rich; woe to you who are satisfied; and woe to you who have position and power.

Uneasiness 

Perhaps that part of Jesus sermon makes people feel uneasy.

• I am sure that it was Jesus’ intent.
• That uneasiness should help us look inward and reflect upon our own lives and values.
• Although The values proclaimed by Jesus may make us feel uncomfortable, there is something deep down inside of us that recognize the power of truth.

Conclusion

God wants us to be blessed.

• He wants to give us the kind of happiness that will fulfill us in the very depths of our hearts.
• That happiness can only come from him. 
• God knows that wealth, power and position will never totally fulfill any human being. 
• Jesus wants us to flourish.
• God made each of us and knows what is best for us and what will make us happy.
• Jesus doesn’t want us to waste our lives. He wants us to live our lives to the full.

Gospel Challenge 

So, here’s the gospel challenge.

• It is an easy one.
• After you receive the Lord in Holy Communion, spend a few moments with him.
• Ask yourself if you are truly happy with your life.
• If not, what changes do you need to make?
• Ask Jesus to give you the grace to make those changes.
• Remember, Jesus died for you and wants you to share his life.
• He wants you to live your life to its fullest

February 6, 2022                        Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Introduction

“Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.”

We say those words at every Mass right before Holy Communion.

• In doing so we confess our worthiness to receive such a holy Gift in the Eucharist.
• We see our unworthiness in the presence of God.

Readings

In our readings at Mass this weekend we meet three individuals who are profoundly aware of their unworthiness in the presence of God.

• We meet Isaiah in the first reading, Paul and Saint Peter in the gospel.

 Reading from Isaiah 

In the first reading Isaiah describes how he is overcome by the splendor and glory of God.

• The sky is torn open. 
• He sees God in all of his glory, power, majesty and splendor seated upon the throne that encompasses all of reality.
• The glory of God fills the heavens. The seraphim or the angels of fire surround him.
• In the scripture they are described as glowing like fire suspended in midair with six wings: two cover their face, two suspend them in flight, and two cover their feet.
• Their splendor is only eclipsed by the majesty of God.
• All of heaven cries out in an endless hymn, “holy, holy, holy lord God of hosts. heaven and earth are full of your glory.”
• There is a tremendous roar and everything shakes like an earthquake.
• Isaiah is breathless and totally overwhelmed by the majesty of this vision. His first thought is, “O no. I am going to die because I am a sinner and I have seen the glory of God.”
• Then a strange thing happens.
• An angel, one of the seraphim, purifies him with a burning coal.
• With that, God chooses him to be the one to bring his message to Israel.

Paul’s letter to the Corinthians 

Our second reading from Paul’s letter to the Corinthians is a precious account of the resurrection appearances of Jesus.

• Paul lists those appearances of Jesus to the disciples and to his followers.
• At the end of that list, Paul declares that the Risen Lord has appeared to him as well.
• This is the only place in the entire Bible where we have a first person account of the resurrection of Jesus.
• Paul states, “I have seen the risen Lord.”
• Unfortunately, he gives no description of what he saw.

With that, Paul confesses his unworthiness to be an apostle entrusted with the message of the gospel.

Gospel 

Today’s gospel records an important experience of Peter’s encounter with Jesus.

Jesus gets into the boat

There is no glory, there is no majesty. However there is a magnificent display of God‘s power over nature.

• This day would change Peter’s life forever.
• Things would never be the same. From this moment on he would find meaning and purpose in life. 
• There is some indication that Jesus and Peter know each other.
• Jesus boldly approaches Peter and gets into his fishing boat and directs him to put a short distance from the shore.
• It is from there that Jesus teaches those gathered along the seashore.

Put out into the deep 

After speaking, Jesus directs Peter to put out into the deep and lower his net.

• This is a strange and curious moment because Peter is a professional fisherman and Jesus is a rabbi.
•  Peter must have thought to himself, “what does Jesus know about fishing. We have been at this all night and caught nothing. This is my business; I know what I am doing.”
• Peter was an expert at fishing. The boat belonged to him.
• He knew that you don’t catch fish in broad daylight, especially if you’ve been trying all night.
• Nevertheless, begrudgingly he follows the command.
• The catch of fish is beyond Peters wildest imagination. 
• He has to signal to his fishing partners to come help.
•  Both fishing boats are filled to the point of sinking.
• That is the exact spot that Peter had been fishing all night with no success. 
• Suddenly, Peter realizes the extent of the miracle. 
• Although there is not the display of the splendor and majesty of God in the moment, there is the experience of the profound power of God over creation.
• All of a sudden, Peter realizes he is in the presence of God.
•  In that moment he knows that he is a sinful person and not worthy to be in God‘s presence.
• As with the experience of Isaiah and Saint Paul, God invites Peter into a relationship that will change the course of his life and human history.

Application

As we hear these stories, the question emerges, “what does God ask of us?”

• If you turn to the gospel, the answer is simple: Jesus is asking to get into our boat with us.
• As long as we are in the boat by ourselves we have the power to control where it goes.
• However, if Jesus gets in the boat, then it’s time to surrender and he takes over
• “Were will Jesus lead us?” The answer can be found in his words to Saint Peter, “Put out into the deep.”
•  In response to that invitation, it always entails stepping out of our comfort zone and taking a risk.
• Without doubt, Jesus wants more for each of us.
• He has a plan for each of us just as he had a plan for Isaiah, St. Paul, and Saint Peter.
•  Jesus just doesn’t want us to survive in our spiritual life. To the contrary, Jesus wants us to thrive.

Gospel Challenge

Here is the gospel challenge for this week. Give yourself some time and reflect where Jesus might be calling you in one of these three areas of your life.

The first one is your relationship with God.

• Maybe the Lord is calling you to spend more time in prayer.
• Or, maybe if you haven’t been to confession for a long time the Lord is inviting you to receive the sacrament of reconciliation.

The second area is your relationship with other people.

• Maybe the Lord is asking you to spend more time with someone in your family or that you know who is lonely. Maybe all it involves it’s just a simple phone call. 
• On the other hand, maybe there is someone that you need to forgive or to ask forgiveness from.
• The starting point for that is, “Lord help me to want to forgive”

The final one is your relationship with yourself.

• Maybe the Lord is asking you to let go of a particular bad habit.
• That habit may not be sinful, but it may be harmful.
• Maybe the Lord is asking you to discipline yourself.

Conclusion

Whatever the Lord is asking you to do, he is asking if you will permit him to get into your boat.

• If you invite him in, he will certainly get in the boat with you. Just trust him and give him whatever he asks of you.
• Maybe it will just change your life

January 23, 2022                        Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Introduction

About this time every four years when a new president is elected, he comes before the Congress and the nation with his inaugural address.

• During that speech he outlines his hopes and vision for the country for the next four years of his term.
• Frequently he will describe how he intends to fulfill the promises he made when he ran for office.

Gospel of St. Luke

Jesus in the synagogue 

Something like that is happening in the gospel for today.

• Saint Luke records Jesus’ visit to the synagogue in Nazareth.
• The synagogue service consisted in a reading from Scripture and then a reflection offered by a member of the assembly.
• Obviously, the leader of the synagogue must have been ecstatic to see Jesus in the congregation.
•  Not only he, but the entire congregation, must have been excited to hear what Jesus would say since his fame had begun to spread throughout the entire region of Galilee.
• The leader of the synagogue hands Jesus the scroll.
• He unrolls it and finds the words of the prophet Isaiah.

Proclamation of the Kingdom 

In these words, Jesus frames the entire message of his mission.

• That message is to proclaim the good news of God‘s kingdom.
• In the words of the prophet Isaiah, he announces the unfolding of the Kingdom of God.
• Remember, this is God‘s vision for the human family.
•  It’s God‘s plan for the human race.
• In the gospel, Jesus announces that there will be a whole new way of thinking and doing things.
•  He comes in the power of God‘s Holy Spirit announcing  the good news to those who are open to God‘s presence.
• He brings freedom to those who are held captive either physically, emotionally or spiritually.
• He has come to open the eyes of those who are blind both physically and spiritually.
• He has come to announce the presence of God in human history and his vision for the human family.

Jesus has come to announce a new beginning. A new era has begun.

Reading from Nehemiah

Background 

This same theme is taken up in the first reading from the book of Nehemiah.

• The children of Israel have just returned from captivity in Babylon.
• Jerusalem was totally decimated by the Babylonians.
• After 50 years or so, the king of Persia let the captives go and they returned home.
• Most of them had never seen Jerusalem before its destruction.
• When they arrived, they found Jerusalem a ruined city, lying in decay.
• Reconstruction began immediately.
• The temple was restored and finished; homes and the city wall were rebuilt.

Ezra the scribe 

Now there is a sense of joy and anticipation. The people have gathered in the restored courtyard of the temple.

• A platform has been erected for this occasion.
• Thereupon, Ezra the scribe walks across the courtyard, climbs the stairs and opens the Torah or scroll to read to the people.
• Immediately the people rise as Ezra blesses the Lord and continues to read God’s word. 
• The young and the older alike fall to the ground with their faces to the pavement in humble submission to God.
• It is a moment charged with emotion for everyone.

 A new era

A new era has begun.

• Israel and Jerusalem have been restored.
• This must be a day of rejoicing because the power of God has done these things and the Lord will be the strength of his people.
• The past is gone and a new order has been restored.

Sacred Scripture

Four centuries separate Ezra from Jesus.

• However, both of them unroll scrolls and read. 
• It is the power of God’s word that captures and encompasses the assembly. 
• Yes, the scrolls which we now call the scriptures are the written word of God.
• In the gospel for today, however, it’s important to remember that Jesus himself is the Word of God incarnate.
• We continue to read from the Bible every Sunday because the Scriptures speak to us of our relationship to God and our relationship with one another.

Word of God Sunday 

Pope Francis has set this weekend aside as Word of God Sunday.

• It gives us the opportunity to reflect upon the power of God‘s word in our life.
• Additionally, the readings portray how God‘s word has formed and sustained the community of faith.

We might consider the scripture from two perspectives.

Inspired word

First of all, God’s word is different from every other kind of either written or spoken word.

• The scriptures are inspired by the movement of the Holy Spirit.
• In other words, God himself is the author of the Scriptures.
• Yes, they are written by human authors, but God inspired them in the written word.
• As a result, God’s word is free from error.
• That means that It contains the truth of God’s relationship to the human family as well as the truth of sacred revelation.
• The scriptures record the self-disclosure of God’s love and his saving acts in his son Jesus, for the salvation of humanity.

Those sacred writings contain the truths that we must embrace for our salvation.

The living word

Additionally, the scriptures are the living Word of God.

• That means that when we listen to them, it is God speaking directly to us. 
• Essentially the scriptures are a spoken word. That means that when they are proclaimed, they have power,
• They have the power to transform, forgive, console, or challenge to conversion.

As you listened to the readings for today, ask yourself this question: what is God saying to me today?

Gospel Challenge

Here’s the gospel challenge for this week.

• Make a commitment to set aside 15 minutes to read from the Bible.
• If you are not familiar with the Bible, then I am going to suggest one of two passages: read Psalm 148. It is a song of Thanksgiving to God for his creation.
• Another suggestion would be the second reading for Mass next weekend: I Corinthians chapter 13. This is one of the most beautiful descriptions of love found in the Bible.
• Saint Jerome once remarked, “ignorance of the scripture is ignorance of Christ.”
•  As Catholics, we should be familiar with the Bible and read from it on a daily basis.

There is power in God‘s word. Let those scriptures shape and form your life that you may be truly surrounded by the saving power of God.

January 16, 2022                   Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Introduction

If you enjoy a good glass of wine or two, you can really appreciate today’s gospel.

• Jesus takes the simple element of water and changes it into the exhilarating taste of good wine.
• Water is necessary for life, but wine brings joy.

Wedding Feast

Picture that you are at the wedding feast.

• Imagine what must have been going on in the mind of the wine steward.
• As the wedding feast begins after the exchange of vows, food and wine are served.
•  Initially, there seems to be lots of wine and the guests are enjoying themselves and having a good time.
•  Then as the day turns into evening, you notice that the wind is running short and before long it is gone.
• This could prove to be a disaster for the wedding and great embarrassment for the family of the bride.
• Then a young rabbi from a neighboring village of Nazareth tells you to fill up six large stone water jars.
• They are not for wine, but for ritual purification.
• This is no small task since the jars hold around 30 gallons of water each and you have to go back-and-forth to the well with buckets of water to fill them up.
• This takes a while but you complete your task.
•  The teacher then tells you to do something strange.
• He tells you to draw some of the water out and bring it to the steward in charge for tasting before it is served to the guests.
• You know it’s water because you put it in there yourself.
• Imagine how bewildered you would be by such a command.
• However, you do it.
• As you walk across the courtyard toward the head waiter you turn around and noticed Mary and Jesus standing by the stone water jars. 
• They motion for you to keep going.
• You hand the cup of water over to the head waiter expecting to be scolded.
•  What a surprise! He tells you, “how clever, you chose to serve the best wine last. Usually people serve the best first and then once people have had enough they serve the cheaper wine. I commend you!”
• This is an astounding miracle! Jesus with his divine power effortlessly changes gallons of water into gallons of wine.
• To appreciate the extent of the miracle, realize that each of those jars contain 30 gallons.
• There are six of them.
• If you do the math, you will realize that water into wine produces over 150 gallons of wine. Imagine that!

That miracle of Jesus showed forth his glory so that his disciples made believe in him.

Story of elderly man

Sign of God’s power

This is Jesus’ first miracle or as Saint John calls it a sign.

• It is a sign of the coming of God‘s kingdom and the revelation of God‘s power.
• God created all things and can do all things.
•  Frequently God displays his power and care in the most unexpected ways.
• If Jesus can turn water into wine, there is very little that he cannot do.
• God cares for each of us in a most spectacular and personal way.

It reminds me of a story goes something like this:

Elderly man

Once there was an elderly gentleman who volunteered to build some crates to hold clothes that his Baptist Church was sending to an orphanage in China.

• When he finished building the crates, he helped pack them full of clothes and load them onto the truck. 
• On his way home he reached for his glasses which he believed were in his pocket.
• Somehow the glasses had fallen out of his pocket and end up in one of the crates on the way to China.
• The old man had very little money and was unable to replace his new glasses.

The little guy was upset and thought to himself, “here I am trying to do something good to help others and now I have no glasses. It doesn’t seem fair.”

Director of orphanage 

Several months later the Director of the Chinese orphanage came to speak at the little church.

• He began by thanking people for the shipment of clothing.
• However, he said, “I want to thank you for the glasses that you sent me. I was desperate and had no money and there was no way I could purchase my glasses that were destroyed by the communists”
• “How surprised I was when I open the crate and found a pair of glasses. The amazing thing is that when I tried them on, it seemed as though they had been custom made for me. I want to thank you from the very bottom of my heart”.
• People were a little confused because they knew there were no eyeglasses put in those crates.
• However, the little guy in the back of the room sat there with tears streaming down his face.
•  At that moment he realized that God in his goodness and power had worked a miracle.

Conclusion—Do whatever He tells you

God, who has the power to create the universe and turn water into wine provided sight for a man thousands of miles away.

• God cares for each of us in a real and personal way.
• The gospel ends with some excellent advice from the Blessed Virgin Mary.
• She tells the chief steward who is in charge of the wine, “do whatever he tells you.”
• Actually, these are the last recorded words of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Scriptures.
•  Mary tells us the same thing: “Do whatever Jesus tells you.”
• In the gospel the steward in charge of the wine surrenders to Jesus.
• As long as he was in control there was no wine only water. 
• He could never have provided enough wine for the guests by his own efforts.
• Once he does what Jesus tells him, God‘s power is manifest.
• The Blessed Mother tells us that we too, must relinquish control and do what Jesus tells us.

We were made for abundance of life.

Gospel Challenge 

Here is the gospel challenge for this week. Set aside 10 or 15 minutes.

• Ask Jesus to come into your hearts as you spend this time with him.
• Find a quiet place and remove the distractions.
• Once you are aware of Jesus’ presence, ask him, “what is it that you want for me?”

 Listen! Then, do whatever he tells you.

The Chosen

In the series entitled. “The Chosen,” about the life of Christ, at the end of the episode which portrays the wedding feast of Cana, one of the characters observes, “God always gives us more than we need!”

• God is there for us.
• He is a God of abundance.
• His miracles are the signs of his presence and care.
• So, don’t be afraid and do whatever he tells you!

January 9, 2022                                             Baptism of the Lord

Introduction

I thought I would show you a picture of the traditional place of the baptism of Jesus administered by John the Baptist.

• It is located west of Jerusalem in the Judean Desert not too far from the city of Jericho.
• It is not located in Israel but in Jordan.
• Most of the area resembles the Red Desert in southern Wyoming.
• However, as you can see there is greenery around the Jordan River.
• Actually, it’s not very wide and rather muddy.
• My first reaction was I would not want to go down into those waters.

Imagine the Baptism of Jesus

It is easy to imagine John the Baptist standing there in the Jordan River.

• He is rather primitive and unkempt, clothed in camel skin wearing a leather belt around his waist.
• He has a rather wild look with fire in his eyes.
• He is shouting out, time and again, “repent the Day of the Lord is at hand.”
• Numerous people are lined up preparing to enter into the water for baptism.
•  Among those standing in the line is Jesus.
•  Perhaps initially John does not recognize him until he comes forward.
• Although Saint Luke doesn’t go into a lot of detail, several of the other Gospel writers give us a glimpse into what may have happened.
• John and Jesus are cousins. Perhaps he has not seen Jesus for a while.
• However, once he recognizes Jesus, John tells him, it is not I that should baptize you, but you should be baptizing me. “I am not worthy even to untie your sandal strap.”
• There is no arguing. Jesus says it must be this way for now.
• With those words John baptizes him.
• As Jesus emerges from the Muddy Waters, we find that wonderful declaration of the Trinity.
• The Holy Spirit descends in the form of a Dove and God‘s voice is heard like thunder above the waters, “this is my beloved Son listen to him.”

Christian Baptism

Why would Jesus undergo a baptism? John preached a baptism of repentance for sin.

• Obviously as God, Jesus is sinless. So, why would he come forward to be baptized?
• The answer is simple: Jesus is baptized in order to sanctify the waters of baptism and to sanctify the sacrament of baptism itself.
•  Later, in the gospel of Saint Matthew Jesus will commission his disciples,” go baptize all nations, in the name of the father and of the son and of the Holy Spirit.”

Anointed by the Spirit

We have entered those waters of baptism and been anointed by the Holy Spirit.

• When Jesus came out of the waters of the Jordan River he was anointed by the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove.
• When we came out of those waters of baptism we were anointed with the oil of chrism, the symbol of the Holy Spirit.

New life

Saint Paul in his letter to the Romans put it this way, “are you not aware that we who have been baptized into Christ have been baptized into his death so that we might rise with him to new life.”

• In our baptism we died to sin and self so that we might rise to new life.
• In our baptism we have become a new creation.
• That old life of sin especially original sin is washed away in baptismal waters.
• Remember those waters have been made holy by the presence of the Holy Spirit and of Jesus by his baptism at the Jordan River.

Family of God

Not only have we become a new creation, but we have joined God’s family.

• At Jesus’ baptism the Father said “you are my beloved son.”
• In our baptism we become beloved sons and daughters of God our Father.
• In baptism we join a new family.
• God is our Father and we are brothers and sisters in Christ.
• This is a new bond of relationship that we begin in baptism.

Application

By our baptism we are called to make a difference in the world.

• Because of our baptism we share in the mission of Jesus.
•  Jesus came to proclaim the good news of God‘s kingdom. 

Kingdom of God 

God’s kingdom is God’s vision for the human family.

• In other words, God has a plan for the human race and it is built not on power, wealth or popularity.
• To the contrary, that kingdom is built upon love, forgiveness and justice.
• We have been chosen by God to be the ones to bear that good news of his kingdom.
• Yes, it is possible that the world can be different. It can be different because of us.
• By our prayers and our actions, we witness to the presence of that kingdom and witness to the truth.
• Truth is at the heart of God‘s kingdom. Remember Jesus said,” I am the way and the truth and the life.”

Esther

In the Old Testament book of Esther, a man named Mordecai challenges her to step out, take a risk and save her people.

• This is what he told her, “and who knows whether you have not come into the world for such a time as this?”
• Think of it this way: God chose for us to be born in this time and in this place.
•  It’s in this time and place that he invites us to work to build his kingdom in the world. 
•  

Listening to Jesus 

Essentially, that means we need to spend time with Jesus and listen to his voice.

• We need to listen to what he is telling us that we might be strong and faithful witnesses to the kingdom of God
• It is not easy to be a Christian. God never called us to a life of comfort but to a life of greatness.
• We just trust that God knows what he is doing and that he is in control.
• Even if we can’t see the whole plan and understand it, we know that everything will work out because of the power of God.

Conclusion

Today when you leave the church and dip your hand in the holy water which is essentially baptismal water and make that sign of the cross remember your baptism and the greatness to which God is calling you.

January 2, 2022                                                            EPIPHANY

Introduction

It would be very difficult to live in darkness.

• One of the things that you notice this time of year is that the nights are long and the days are short.
• Finally, with the winter solstice, days are now gradually getting longer.
• Do you remember summertime when sunrise is at 5:15 AM and Sunset at 9 PM?
• There is something in creation that longs for light.
• Light means life. 
• Have you noticed that in the summertime when there is a light on the deck all the insects gather around it? 
• Have you noticed that if you have a plant near a window, it, gradually will turn and move and turn toward the light of the sun?

Readings

Today we celebrate the feast of the Epiphany.

• It brings our celebration of the Christmas feast to a conclusion.
• The readings that we have for this weekend mention light in some form or another nearly 12 times.
• It seems appropriate that during these dark winter nights the readings focus on light.

Reading from Isaiah 

In the first reading, Isaiah has a magnificent vision. In that vision he sees the city of Jerusalem lifted up on a hill.

• The radiance of the Lord shines upon it.
• The glory of the Lord enlightens it.
• That light and the radiance of Jerusalem attracts people to the Lord.
• Jerusalem shines as the light of truth in the darkness of the pagan world. 
• The glory of the Lord permeates Jerusalem.
•  It is the holy city that attracts all peoples and nations to the Lord.

The radiance of Jerusalem together with the light of a star attracts the magi to seek out the Christ.

Light of the star 

In the gospel it is the light of a star that guides the Magi.

• Over the centuries there has been so much conjecture over at the star and the magi.
• However, it was that light in the night sky generated by that star that initially caused the magi to be curious.
• That curiosity led them to investigate the celestial event.
• That light led them to the conclusion that the Messiah, a king was born. 
• Immediately they knew they would have to make preparations for a journey.
• The light of that star guided them first to Jerusalem, and then on to Bethlehem.
•  It was the light and radiance of the Lord upon Jerusalem that attracted them and ultimately led them.

Jesus is the Light

Although the light of the star figures prominently in the gospel, Saint John in his gospel reminds us that Jesus himself is the light.

• He is the light that has come into the world and this light is the life of the human race.
• Furthermore, as the gospel reminds us, that light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not been able to overcome it.
• The ultimate light is Christ himself.
• Epiphany is the celebration of the manifestation of Christ and the manifestation of that light which has come in the world to dispel the darkness of sin and ignorance.
• Regardless of what happens, that light cannot be extinguished and cannot be overcome.

Gospel Comparison

The gospel contains an interesting comparison between those who are moving toward the light and those who are moving away from the light.

• In the gospel there are two groups.

Moving away from the Light

In the first group is King Herod and the religious leadership of the temple in Jerusalem.

• Interestingly enough, when the magi come and announce they are seeking the Messiah, Herod and all of Jerusalem is greatly troubled by their announcement.
•  If any group should have been interested in seeking out the Messiah, it should have been Herod and The chief priests and scribes.
• They were aware of all the words of the prophets which pointed out the coming of the Messiah.
• They should have been the ones who eagerly awaited the fulfillment of all God’s promises. 
• However, that was not the case. 
• When the light of the star pointed out the arrival of the Messiah, this group saw the light as a threat and became fearful.
• Rather than moving toward the light revealed in Bethlehem they sought to destroy it.

 Essentially, they were moving away from the light.

Moving toward the light

The other group is represented by the magi.

• Obviously they were moving toward the light.
• They didn’t have the advantage of the Scriptures and the prophets of old.
• All they did was gaze up into the sky and try to ascertain, by the guidance of a star, that an important event was happening and a significant person was being born.
• Guided by the light of a star, they journeyed toward the Light itself.
• For them, Jerusalem was radiant because the Lord shone upon it. 
• Because of Jerusalem they were attracted by its light to the Christ.

Application

As we begin this new year, we have the opportunity to reflect on this question, “Are we moving toward the light, or are we moving away from the light? How will we know toward which direction we are moving?” 

Moving toward the light

If we are moving toward Christ who is the light, then we have that light in us that dispels the darkness of our own sinfulness.

• That light becomes the basis of every decision and action of our lives.
•  We are in harmony with the light because that light is our life.
• As we struggle with the living the Christian life, that light reveals those places where darkness still has a hold. 

Yet, we journey toward the Light.

Moving away from the light

On the other hand, if we are moving away from the light, then those values that contradict the light are the ones that guide us.

• In moments of decision and action, that light becomes irrelevant.
• Like the people in the gospel, we have been blessed with the knowledge and the experience of the gospel. 
• In Jesus we experience the revelation of the Father.
• Jesus is the light that has come into the world.
•  If we are moving away from the light, then the values of God’s kingdom do not find a welcome place.
• Remember, it’s never too late to turn toward the light.
• All we need to do is to examine our life and invite Jesus who is the light into those places where there is darkness.

Conclusion

We have just celebrated Christmas.

• The light has come into the world. 
• By our baptism we are children of the light.
• As we begin this new year, let us continue that journey toward the light.
• May that light fill us and bring us the consolation of knowing that the light of Christmas can never be overcome by darkness.

December 25, 2021 Christmas Day.

Christmas 2021                                              December 25, 2021

Introduction

This night/morning we stand before a mystery. We stand before an event that is impossible: God made flesh.

• We stand before the cave of Bethlehem.
•  We have been here many times before. The scene is so familiar
• We recognize those present: there is Mary the young girl who has just given birth to her first child.
• Standing nearby is her husband, Joseph who shelters her from the cold.
• As our eyes look downward we see the newborn infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a makeshift crib.
• The couple are young and afraid.
• This is not how they hoped things would unfold.
• Then as we gaze around that humble cave, we see the animals.
• This is their home. Joseph and Mary and you and I are all visitors.
• Wondrously, they have made room for us.
• Without knowing it, they are characters in a divine drama.
• This is no ordinary cave. It is holy, the intersection of heaven and earth.
• As our eyes behold they heavens above, we see the sky lit with the glory of God and filled with angels.
• There are the angels, archangels, cherubim and seraphim all with their eyes peeled toward Bethlehem. 
• They sing of the majesty of God, “glory to God in the highest and peace to those on whom God‘s favor rests.“

And finally, crowning the entire moment is that magnificent star of Bethlehem.

The Word made flesh

What is ultimately happening in this scene?

1. In the opening words of his gospel, Saint John puts it this way. 
2. He says, “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. Through him all things came into being and the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.”
3. That simple scene in Bethlehem manifests something truly unbelievable.
4. Although it may be simple and reflect the poverty of Joseph and Mary, it proclaims the majesty and the glory of God. 
5. In that moment, all of the hopes and aspirations of the peoples and children of Israel are realized.
6. The Messiah has come.
7. God breaks into human history and God dwells among us.
8. God’s promise to humanity, however is not exhausted.
9. God promised to come some 20 centuries ago but he promises to remain with us. 
10. The incarnation is an ongoing mystery.
11. God continues to dwell among the human race.
12.  One of his titles from the Old Testament is Emmanuel.
13. It is translated: “God is with us.”

God enters into the messiness

The world of the first century 

God enters into the messiness of the human experience. 

• The world of the first century was a mess. 
• Life was not easy.
• Israel and most of the western world were dominated by the Roman empire. 
• The empire ruled with an iron fist and dominated by intimidation and fear
• The vast majority of people were poor and barely able to make a living.
• Life was hard.
• Life expectancy was 40 years and most of those years were filled with toil and drudgery.
• It was into that world that Jesus was born in Bethlehem.
• He chose to be one with suffering humanity.
• To that world he brought hope and salvation.

He came as the revelation of God’s transforming love.

Our messy world

Our world is not that much different from the world of the first century.

• Our world seems to be in a mess as well.
• The country is polarized.
• People seem to be intolerant of one another. 
• Additionally, people worry about the future and the economy.
• Things cost more. Inflation is nearly 7%.
• Additionally, the pandemic seems to be dragging on and on.
• People are tired of COVID-19. Every several months there seems to be a new variance of the virus. 
• People continue to get sick and some die. It seems as though there is no end to it.
• Moreover, each of us struggles with our own personal issues.
• People struggle with family issues, with sickness and unemployment.
• Life is messy and at times difficult.
• Yes, amidst all of this Jesus comes into our world and into our lives.
• God promises to remain with us.
• As a matter of fact, Jesus’ final words were “I will be with you always until the end of time” 

God is with us

 Christmas is a confirmation of that promise.

• Jesus came into the world of the first century to be hope for the nations.
• Jesus comes into our world to be our consolation and our hope. 
• He wants to walk with each of us.
• It is in the very messiness of our world and of our life that Jesus breaks through.
• Curiously, he doesn’t take all of that away, but walks with us. 
• Somehow, that is the mystery of salvation.
• God is with us!

Conclusion

God did not need to come into our world.

• God chose to come into our world.
• He did so out of a profound love for the human family.
• God meets us where we’re at.
• He comes into our life in order to invite us to share in his life.
• God offers an invitation to everyone.
• If you have felt distance from him or for some reason have drifted away, consider that he is inviting you this very moment.
• It is the opportunity of a lifetime.
• God wants to walk with you.
• He wants to share in the messiness of your life.
• God came as a baby at Bethlehem on that first Christmas.
• He comes to each one of us at this Christmas night/day
• If you have been waiting for some kind of sign of God‘s love, maybe this Christmas is that sign for you.
• The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.
• May you experience God‘s love for you tonight/this morning and know the peace and joy of that first Christmas.