Transfiguration

The readings are filled with Epiphanies. The vision of Daniel sees "one like a son of man". In the midst of the heavenly court, we see this apocalyptic figure appear. The letter of Peter describes the majesty of Jesus overshadowed by the Father's message "This is my beloved Son". That same message is eachoed in the Gospel account of the Transfiguration where Jesus is shown in the place of honor between Moses and Elijah.

In the Mass, this theme is carried forward in the Elevation of the Host and Chalice. We are invited to recognize Him when the priest says "This is the Lamb of God."

Outside of Mass, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in a monstrance invites us to contemplate His glory. During Benediction in 1822, Bordeaux, France, the priest and everyone present saw the face of Jesus in the monstrance in place of the Blessed Host. The image remained about 20 minutes, until Benediction was completed.

The centrality of the tabernacle makes a statement about His place in our lives.

Ordinary 17

The multiplication of the loaves foreshadows the Eucharistic miracle that Jesus gave us in the Mass. In the two multiplication of loaves miracles and in the changing of water into wine at Cana, Jesus provides more than is necessary. This is an important point about the graces of the Eucharist.

Throughout history there have been dramatic Eucharistic miracles that remind us of the great Eucharistic miracle: The Real Presence of Jesus, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. Hosts have turned to visible flesh, have bled, have turned hard as flint when received by a person in mortal sin.

If we heard that Jesus was appearing somewhere in Ohio, uncounted numbers of people would go out of their way to go there. Jesus is appearing at every Mass. Jesus is present in the tabernacle in the Blessed Sacrament. The consecrated host is not a holy thing, a relic but rather it is the Body and Blood of Jesus.

Ordinary 17

The Bread of Life will be the topic of the Sunday Readings over the next four weeks, with exception of Feast of the Transfiguration. The teaching of Jesus in Chapter 6 of the Gospel of John is central to our belief in the Real Presence. In short form: Jesus said we must eat His Body and drink His Blood if we wish to have eternal life. At the Last Supper He gave us the Eucharist so we can fulfill that commandment. The Eucharist is His Body and His Blood.

A sense of reverence and awe should mark our behavior in church. Respectful behavior includes bowing, genuflecting, and attentive presence. Be mindful of the Eucharistic Fast (one hour before Mass starts) as part of your preparation.

Ordinary 16

How does a shepherd fulfill his obligations to the sheep? Is it enough to lead by example? For real sheep that works. Do the sheep of the Church distinguish the fine points of a good example? I beleive they get most of the message. Is that enough?

What is the obligation of a shepherd to those sheep who do not want to be led? Sheep will stray. On our last rip to Ireland we got an example of how sheep dogs work to gather the sheep. It was impressive. The sheep often roam at large, few fenses to limit them. Shepherds give them wide latitude but still can find their sheep. How much wandering will God allow?

Ordinary 16

Jesus shows compassion "for they were like sheep without a shepherd". While Jesus himself is our shepherd, he has left the Church to continue His work. Shepherding is called pastoring and comes from that same image.

The sheep of the Church as not as ignorant as they might have been in the past. They are highly educated in many areas. Perhaps their moral education is faulty. A good pastor discerns what needs to be built up. A good pastor will be a leader. Sheep (the real thing) are not good at taking care of themselves.

I prefer the image of "people of God" to sheep. It is a question of dignity. People can also be accountable and can change their behaviour.

Ordinary 16

Jeremiah is a reminder to pastors regarding their responsibility to warn the people about their sins. If a priest ever wanted or needed an excuse to be "prophetic", this weekend is it.

The people who need to hear that prophetic voice are often not present. Those present do need assurances about what is right and what is wrong. The tone of the homily must be balanced. A pastor who soft sells everything is falling short of his obligation to the people.

What if we asked for a show of hands for each sin and then preached about the one that got the most votes? It is a humorous suggestion that we find out what the people do need to hear.

Ordinary 16

The topic is "shepherding". Jeremiah speaks about the false shepherds. God promises to shepherd his people. Jesus is the Good Shepherd.

Jeremiah speaks about "Woe to the shepherds who misled and sactter. . ." We speak of shepherding as pastoral care. Often we use the narrow idea that pastoral care is fulfilling the Corporal Works of Mercy. That is true, but there is more. There are also the Spiritual Works of Mercy. Instructing the ignorant and admonishing the sinner are places where we can easily compromise. Is compromise true pastoral care?

The problem presents itself in terms of: I don't want to chase them away, so I go slowly and tread softly. Do I ever get to say what they need to hear?

Ordinary 15

How do we experience the sacred? Our covenant with God is sealed in Baptism and constantly renewed in the Eucharist. Like Moses, we are on holy ground. How do we show reverence and respect for the covenant? Have we lost the sense of the holy?

A comment from Scott Hahn: I am afraid to receive the Eucharist because I am unworthy. I am afraid not to receive the Eucharist because I need the grace.

Ordinary 15

The Mass involves a Covenant Renewal each time we gather. First, we are signed (by the Cross) at the beginning; then we hear the words of the Covenant proclaimed in the scriptures; and at Communion we complete the renewal by sharing in the sacred meal.

There is an often overlook action that bears some consideration. When the chalice is prepared, the priest or deacon, puts a drop of water into the wine. The wine is of the earth and represents us. The water is pure and from heaven and represents the divinity of God. The priest or deacon prays "Through the mingling of this water and wine, may we come to share in the divinity of Christ who humbled himself to share in our humanity." Once that drop of water touches the wine, it can no longer be seperated. What a great sign of our covenant.

Ordinary 15

Jesus gives the disciples their "marching orders". There is a lesson in depending upon God to provide. What do we really need in life?

He gave them authority over unclean spirits. In His name we can drive out our demons. What does it take to overcome evil?

Ordinary 15

Amos the prophet is rejected by the priests of Bethel. Jesus gives instructions to Apostles for their mission and their response if they are not welcomed. Last week we considered how unwelcome the message of a prophet might seem at first glance. Once we understand it is a word of love from God calling us back to covenant we appreciate it more.

Speaking of words of love and covenant, St. Paul's letter to the Ephesians is full of encouragement. God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing. We are sealed with the Holy Spirit. We are beloved sons and daughters. What does it mean to us to be sons and daughters of God? What are we willing to do in response?

Ordinary 14

Three things we do not want to hear from the pulpit:
1. Receiving Communion in the state of Mortal Sin is a sacrilege. Typical confession includes missing Mass several times within a year. Person is still receiving communion. Deliberately missing Mass is a mortal sin and must be confessed before receiving communion.
2. Artificial contraception is a sin against life. It is too hard to do it God's way, so we do it the "safe" way. Besides that, the Church should stay out of our private lives and things she doesn't really know anything about.
3. Failing to responsibly support the Church is a serious sin. The Bible says we owe the first ten percent to God in thanksgiving. Is giving a dollar in the loose collection really responsible? The collection funds the work of the church and depends upon everyone's support.

No one wants to hear these sins proclaimed. I believe there is more good than evil in the church and that we need prise for the good we do. Proclaiming God's love is part of the prophet's task that goes along with calling the people to repentance. If we eliminate these sins, then we can focus on ways of living our call to holiness.

Ordinary 14

All week, the daily readings have been from Amos the prophet. What a contrast, the prophets of Bethel who tell the king what he wants to hear and Amos who speaks God's word. We go back to the question of which prophets we will listen to. Everyone likes to hear good things, but what we need to hear is another question.

Ordinary 14

Who are the prophets today? What is their message? Why don't we listen?

Father Frank Provone and Priests for Life speak about our contraceptive society. Have we become so selfish that we would sell our souls. What about sacrifice? St. Paul certainly would have something to say on that.

The Marketing of Evil: Do we even hear the warnings?

Ordinary 14

In the Gospel, Jesus was amazed at their lack of faith. It seems the prophets were always struggling against a lack of faith issue. If people had faith in God, they would live their lives differently.

God warns Ezekiel that the people will be hard of face and obstinate of heart. Faith softens the heart but makes one hard of character. Look at St. Paul and what he was able to endure.

Ordinary 14

The prophet Ezekiel is sent to Israel. Prophets proclaim God's Word with authority. Jesus spoke as a prophet in the synagogue in Nazareth. People are impressed with the authority but still do not want to hear what the prophet was sent to say.

Paul reflects upon his career, especially his shortcomings. He says these are the opportunities for God's grace to work. Paul would have agreed that the message is more important than the messenger.

What is the message that we should hear: "My grace is sufficient for you."