Mt 22:34-40 Everything Depends on Him

Matthew Mt 22:34-40 Everything Depends On Him

You know that the beginning is the most important part of any work, especially in the case of a young and tender thing; for that is the time at which the character is being formed and the desired impression is more readily taken…Shall we just carelessly allow children to hear any casual tales which may be devised by casual persons, and to receive into their minds ideas for the most part the very opposite of those which we should wish them to have when they are grown up? We cannot… (Plato’s Republic)

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth…” (Gen 1:1). “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (Jn 1:1). The beginning is the most important part of any work because it is always the best place to start. This is true not only in the work that we do, but also in the thought that goes into it. Today, the Lord is asking to put him first - in our thoughts, words and actions. All that I think, say and do should be an acceptable gift to the Lord. No more running or hiding from the Lord. Do not delay! This day belongs to God, who made heaven and earth…and me. “Give thanks to the Lord; his love is everlasting!” (Ps 107:1).

How I long to see His face! How I long to be in His presence. What the Lord has given to me is more precious than the finest gifts, more satisfying than the greatest banquet; more rewarding than the mightiest accomplishments. He has given me a share in His life! What is more precious, more valuable, more satisfying than friends to love, enemies to forgive and a life spent in his service – His army! Flesh and bones have come to life! The spirit of the Lord has gathered the clay, spun the wheel and fashioned my bones and flesh and given me life! We are alive! Everything depends on Him: life, death, forgiveness and salvation. He is the first. He is also the last.

“Teacher, which commandments in the Law is the greatest?” Jesus knew the answer and I know the answer too, but do I believe it? Do I still need proof? Does the Lord still need proof to believe in me? That I am good in heart? That my thoughts are not so bad? That my actions are for a good reason? To believe fully, wholeheartedly, and to put an end to this debate once and for all, the Lord invites us to “Love God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” Believe and see. There are many reasons why this is the greatest commandment. It is the beginning of justice; mercy and compassion; love and understanding. It is the end, the goal, of life, of history and our salvation! The second is similar to the first, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” I could never love God as much as he loves me. I can only love my neighbor as much as I love myself. The Lord ties the knot at the beginning and at the end.

Today, bring to the forefront of your mind and heart, the reality of life on earth and in Heaven. Notice everything: the sky, earth, sun, clouds, moon, flowers, trees, people – everything - the living and the dead. Do not miss a single opportunity to be surprised by what we take for granted. You will not be the first. Read the Book of Daniel 3:57-88.

Mt 22:1-14 A Wedding Made In Heaven

Matthew 22:1-14 A Wedding Made In Heaven

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Today’s parable of the Marriage Feast is an allegory of salvation history that reaches its climax in Jesus Christ. The king is God, who prepares a heavenly celebration for his son. The servants are the prophets of old, sent to invite the Chosen People, the people of Israel, but they refuse. In fact, some are beaten and killed. God was so enraged that he will destroy the city of Jerusalem and send other servants, the Apostles, to invite all people (the Gentiles), good and bad alike. Those that are not properly dressed – that is, those who have not done good deeds, will be cast out and thrown away.

Here is a question that is very much worth asking: What must I do to be saved? Maybe some of us would have a hard time answering this, even after many years of CCD instruction, bible studies and/or weekly Mass. Thank God the question was asked over two thousand years ago: “Master, what must I do to have eternal life?” (Mt 19:18) The answer is faith and good works. Believe in the one whom the Father sent and live what you believe. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life, whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe?” (Jn 11:26) Yes, Lord, I have come to believe!

We have all been invited to the feast! The Lord stretched out his arms to embrace his people, and walked for miles to gather his sheep. He spent his time in prayer, fasting, healing the sick and helping the poor. He endured so much, but he set an enduring example that would endure forever! This feast, this banquet - the very Last Supper- will never come to an end because it has been prepared through Him, with Him and in Him. The food and drink will never run out because it is his body and blood, poured out for many so that many may live. “Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed!”

“A clean heart create in me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me…Give me back the joy of your salvation and a willing spirit sustain in me…My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit; a heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.” (Ps. 51:12-19)

The Apostles (the King’s servants) headed the Son’s final commandment: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, till the end of the age.” (Mt 28:19)

These words are dear to me. Sixteen years ago, as I was making my final farewell to my family, friends, and work associates, I needed a miracle, a confirmation that the Lord was truly calling me. I knew it in my heart and mind, but the flesh is weak and I couldn’t walk a step further. I remembered how a saint closed his eyes and opened the bible in hope of finding an answer to his calling. I did the same and my eyes and finger fell upon Matthew 28:19.

Little did I realize that this is where our eyes, ears, tongue, hand, heart, mind and will should always fall upon: The Word of God.

Today, share your faith, hope and love in the Lord with someone who has forgotten (or never knew) The Way back home. Invite them to come to the feast where there is plenty of food and drink.

Mt 20:1-16 I Will Give You What is Just

Matthew 20:1-16 I Will Give You What is Just

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The Lord is much more generous than his creatures. Thank God! “The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.” (Ps 23:1) He will give more than what is just, for what is just is more human than what is love, which is of God. May I never forget that God’s justice is his Son’s passion – our prize; his pain.

The word of the Lord came to Ezekiel (Ez34:1-11):

· “Woe to the shepherds of Israel who have been pasturing themselves!”

· “Should not shepherds pasture sheep?”

· “You did not strengthen the weak nor heal the sick nor bind up the injured.”

· “You did not bring back the strayed nor seek the lost.”

· “My sheep were scattered over the whole earth, with no one to look after them or to search for them.”

Bishops and priests have been given authority, by the Lord, to shepherd his flock! What kind of authority do they have? To give their life for others. That’s it. It’s okay; actually, it’s good, it’s part of the Good News that there are those who are called to lay down their lives for others. Is this not the vocation of mothers and fathers, and husbands and wives who have been drawn closer to the well and are to serve rather than to be served? Their service is to be generous: to give more than others; to bring back the strayed or the lost; to strengthen the weak, heal the sick and to bind up the injured; to pasture their neighbors rather than themselves. It is a commitment to poverty, chastity and obedience. The reward will be great in heaven!

When Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli was nine years old, he told his mother that he wanted to be a poor village (country) priest. His mother responded, “We are already poor and live in a village. You want to be a priest? Let us see.” He became Pope John XXIII. His motto: Obedience and Peace. He gave almost seventy of his eighty-two years of life to others.

A few years back I met a gentlemen in San Giovanni Rotondo who was adamant that Padre Pio was a saint! (This was prior to his canonization.) I asked him why he was so sure? He answered that he had been one of two in charge of cleaning his room after his death. He was amazed to find “not a single penny” in his quarters. He was a poor priest who lived a rich life with the Lord.

But then we have the example of Karla Faye Tucker, a convicted murderer and executed for two brutal murders, who converted to Christianity while in prison. For the last fourteen years of her life she was a model prisoner. Even the prison warden was moved by her conversion. Regardless of the pleas made by John Paul II and various dignitaries, including the president of Italy, Karla Faye was executed by lethal injection on February 2^nd, 1998. When it was announced that she was dead, a vociferous crowd erupted with applause and cheers, while others sang “Amazing Grace.” The song was shouted down by cries of “Kill the b----!” Italian president Oscar Luigi Scalfaro stated in a public speech, “And we are on the threshold of 2,000 years of Christ!”

The Lord asks, “Are you envious because I am generous?” May we never boast in ourselves for what we have freely received from an early age! May we never grow envious of those who have been received by the Lord later in life! God forbid that I would prefer the death of the sinner than their salvation! Cost whatever it may cost every lay Catholic is called to be a “shepherd” in the Church. Why? Because they have received so much, much more than they ever deserved, especially the Sacraments of Baptism, Confession and the Eucharist. The lay people are called to be “Pastors” or “Preachers” of the Word of God – especially of his mercy and love. Consecrated men and women are called to live the life of the Lord, devoted exclusively to him: “Through Him, with Him, and in Him.” They die to self so that others may live. Who deserves that? The irony of today’s gospel passage is that our Father has given us more than what is just. He has given us his very own Heart – his Son!

Today, let us offer up our prayers and sacrifices for the conversion of sinners and those that are entrusted to their care. There is a fine line that separates the two: Jesus Christ.

Mt 19:23-30 With God All Things Are Possible

Matthew 19:23-30 With God All Things Are Possible

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Today’s first reading from the book of Ezekiel is a vivid reminder that there is a God, and I’m not him! Man is always attempting to be more “understanding”, more “accepting”, more “respectable”, more “tolerant” then God. Evil has always marketed itself as being “more” humane – the more efficient “savior.” But darkness is not light and evil is not good. When man plays god, evil is let loose! There is one thing in common with Fascism, Nazism and Communism: Atheism.

Ezekiel, with much sarcasm tells the prince of Tyre, You may think yourself a god, but you are a man and not a god! How long will it take for us to learn, that without God - without God in our hearts and minds, communities and nation, textbooks and schools, laws and government, arts and culture, families and life, there will be no understanding of right or wrong; no peace in our schools or offices; no moral compass to guide our actions - no moral authority to look up to. We have not become a richer (kinder) and gentler nation. We are a begging and fearful nation. We fear our schools, neighborhoods, children, husbands, wives, and government because we do not allow the Son of Man to be seated on his throne.

The Lord says, “It is I who deal death and give life.” (Dt 32:39c) It is the Lord who determines the life of each individual and the life of the nations. He is the Lord of life and history. The “rich young man” whom we met yesterday has been metastasized from an individual into a lesson, a society - a nation! The Lord’s lesson is that it is impossible for man to save himself! How we would love to say, “’Our own hand won the victory, the Lord had nothing to do with it.’” (Dt 32:27) Of course we are to try, but alone man cannot and will never eliminate poverty, disease, drugs, abuse, loneliness, despair, fear, war, terror or death! His solution is not God’s solution. His solution will always be one of reduction – of births, of the elderly; of legalization of drugs and prostitution; of technology and devices. Why is it impossible for man alone to solve the world’s problems? Because they are a consequence of sin. Sin lies beneath all the external ailments of life and men. Our world is a mixture with weeds and wheat, sin and grace, sinners and saints, evil empires and God fearing nations (the Vatican is a sovereign nation)!

“It is hard for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of heaven.” It is very hard, for their hell is on earth! Rich people, those who are in the world and of the world, are generally not happy people. Rich people are filled with spiritual emptiness; physical disease; drug addictions; physical, psychological and sexual perversion; loneliness due to countless separations of spouse and children; despair of ageing; and fear of failure or bankruptcy! It is so hard for them because they are so far down! The temptation to enter the gates of hell and to end their existence is tremendous. Our Lord reminds us, “The first shall be last and the last shall be first.” With regards to sin, it’s not good to be the first. Instead of looking up to the rich, we should bend our knees, look up to the Lord, and pray for them. “I tell you…there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous who do not need to repent.” (Lk 15:7) They need our prayers and we need their prayers! “Who then can be saved?” “For men this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.”

Today, let us pray a mystery of the rosary for the conversion of sinners, the start of a new world order in the right order!

Mt 19:16-22 The Rich Young Man

Matthew 19:16-22 He Went Away Sad

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“I will preach the Gospel whether convenient or inconvenient.” (2Tm 4:2) This is great news, some Good News! Finally, someone who will stand up and tell us what we should say and do. No more re-inventing the wheel. No more learning from our own mistakes. It is the coming of age, an authentic “Enlightenment”, a willingness to embrace that the Lord is the Master of life and death, mission and recognition, faith and morals, truth and beauty. “Have you become unmindful of that Rock that begot you? Have you forgotten the God who gave you birth…What a fickle race they are, sons with no loyalty in them!” (Dt 32:18-19)

Not too long ago I was speaking to a couple who disagreed with me about pre-marital sex. They asked a simple question, why is it wrong? I gave them a simple answer, “Because it doesn’t work.” The Commandments are God’s answers to our problems. Those who wish to follow another commandment, another god, will follow a false god.

“Teacher, what good must I do to gain eternal life? He answered him, Why do you ask me about the good? There is only One who is good.” This is where all discussions must begin. Do you believe that God is good? That he is my good, and not that he simply gives me the goods?

The Lord instructs the rich young man to “keep the Commandments!” The young man asks Jesus, “Which ones?” The Lord’s reply may be summarized in the following way: All of them! It’s all or nothing. “I have done all these things.” We know the Lord must have loved him because he began to demand more from him: “Go, sell what you have and give it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” The Apostles, Christ’s followers, are called to be in the world, but not possessed by the world. Leave all behind and come follow me. But isn’t there a shortage of priests and nuns? Don’t we need to make it easier? Shouldn’t priests get married (and divorced)? Aren’t they just like us?

In the days following Vatican II, many theologians, clerics and lay members believed that the 1960’s liberal agenda was the future. They called themselves “The Future Church.” Today, they would be best described as “The Fossil Church.” Our mainline protestant brothers embraced the “all-embracing” doctrines of (a) demand nothing from your members except the god of “tolerance”; (b) defang all dogmas and doctrines; (c) embrace 1960’s sexual morality. We have done all these things, what else must we do?” The response from the recent past is clear: die. Catholics account for less than 10 percent of England’s population; however they significantly outnumber Anglicans when it comes to Sunday observance in a country where 60 percent identify themselves as Anglicans! Mainline protestant churches throughout Europe are dying.

The wisdom of the Church Fathers has always been simple: follow the Lord’s example. Never water down the faith; never loosen her commitments. “Whatever you loose on earth, will be loosed in Heaven.” But whatever you bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven!” (Mt 16:19) What makes men commit to the Lord? A demanding God! “The blood of the martyrs is the seed for the Church.” (Tertullian) When the Church is in need of more holy men and women, they tighten the lifestyle of their men and women, they demand more from them - they make it harder and this draws more men to the Lord’s inner circle.

Today, let us pray, petition and sacrifice to the Lord for an increase in holy men and women, the seed of the Church, the hope of the world! Let us go out and preach the great news!

Lk 1:39-56 The Assumption of Our Lady

Luke 1:39-56 I am the Handmaid of the Lord

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“A woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. She was with a child.” Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, when God honored Mary’s fidelity by taking her up, body and soul, into the glory of heaven. For nine months, she carried the baby Jesus in her womb; for nine months she was the Ark of the Covenant, carrying the word of God within her. She was close to God and today, she is with God and in God. (Pope Benedict XVI)

Why would God give to Mary such a special place in his heart? Because she made God smile! And when you make God smile, watch out!

How do you make God smile? The Bible tells us that God takes delight in the devout.

· When we completely trust Him: “Let it be done to me according to your word.” (Lk 1:2)

· When we faithfully obey him: “I am the handmaid of the Lord.” (Lk 1:38)

· When we continually praise him: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.” (Lk 1:46)

· When we use our abilities: Mary was humble and loved the Lord.

Mary knew Scripture well. She was educated in the faith and spent time in the Temple. She knew the promise that God had made to Israel. From the chosen people, from Bethlehem, a king would be born (1Sam 16:1). This was the promise. So when the angel appeared to Mary, she had to know if this was true. Was this an angel from God, or the devil? After all, what the angel promises to Mary sounds similar to the serpent with Eve: “God will make you great!” “You will be famous!”

An angel is a messenger of God, who speaks the truth. The devil is an angel who distorts the truth given to us by God. For this reason, he is the “father of lies.” Mary is cautious in her response. How can this be? I have consecrated my life to God. I am a virgin. God respects our freedom. God respects our promises to him. It sounds like the Lord is asking Mary to go back on her word. Instead, the angel responds, “Do not be afraid, Mary,” you will not have to break your promise to God. “The Holy Spirit will descend upon you. The power of the Most High will overshadow you.” For this reason, Mary is free to respond, “Let it be done to me according to your word.”

Mary’s assumption into heaven is a direct result of her fidelity to the Word of God. Her Son, her Savior, will never abandon those who are faithful to him. The Lord asks, “Who is my mother? Whoever does the Will of my Father in Heaven” (Mt 12:46-50). What Mary experienced awaits us.

Today, let us not break our promises to the Lord; let us not seek a short cut to our happiness and fulfillment. We do not need to compromise our values, morals, principles and faith in order to get ahead. Mary’s victory is our victory if we completely trust him, faithfully obey him and continually praise him!

Mt 19:13-15 Let The Children Come To Me

Matthew 19:13-15 Let The Children Come to Me

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Jesus loves to love. He loves children. But when he told the disciples, “let the children come to me”, he was doing more than meets the eye. He was teaching his disciples what it takes to be virtuous and holy: instruction and witnessing.

Instruction

For what purpose were “children brought to Jesus?” To be instructed. That is, to allow the blank pages of their lives to be filled with Christ’s life. It truly pains me to see parents neglect their children’s religious education - denying them their Sunday obligation and the sacraments, especially Reconciliation. Are parents so arrogant as to think that they are enough for their children! Are you all they need? The Lord says, “Let the children come to me.” The Lord comes first, then family, then volleyball, soccer, football, swimming, ballet, piano lessons, ski trips, etc. What the Lord has to say to them on any given Sunday may help them in ways never imagined: from self-image and self-esteem, to serenity and well-being; from handling peer pressure and noticing superficial goals, to healthy friendships and everlasting goals. I have seen with my own eyes the power of God’s word and Reconciliation in the life of children; how it can truly transform them from bad to good; robbers to cops; sinners to saints! Is this not the reason why we have come to believe? “The Lord has done marvelous deeds!” (Ps 98:1).

Witnessing

Children need to be in the presence of holy people, virtuous men and women, individuals of honor and integrity. Children learn best from example. They mimic what they see. They even have one eye on the lookout for hypocrisy. They are not easily fooled. I will never forget the greatest lesson I learned as a young priest in a cafeteria in an Italian school. I grabbed my food, sat down quickly and began to eat. All the children were looking at me. I was starving! All of a sudden it dawned on me that I had forgotten to pray. I gave out a loud gasp, stood right up, and began to pray silently and reverently. I did not rush. The kids sitting next to me were dead silent. They looked around (just with their eyes) at one another and one of them, sitting next to me, leaned over and quietly told me, “You are a real priest.” At that moment I realized that all my preaching, all my classes meant nothing to them unless it was backed up by authentic actions. They were looking for hypocrisy. They may even have been told by their secular parents that priests are hypocrites - the children were just waiting for proof. Thank God the Lord allowed me to witness my faith to them.

The Lord despised religious hypocrites. He must have seen them as a child. The proverb “Fathers have eaten green grapes, thus their children’s teeth are on edge” (Ez 18:2) unfortunately means that children directly suffer from the sins of their parents. There is much truth in this proverb. Addictions, abuse, ignorance, poverty and neglect are often passed down from one generation to the next. How often do we blame our parents for our own problems! However, what I have experienced over and over again is how children can literally transform their parents from one day to the next, from immature beings to mature adults, and set their lives straight even from the moment they are born! Children are truly a blessing from the Lord. Are we surprised? Did not the Lord say, “All lives are mine?” Many times, they are a last resort from God that saves a teenage mom! The mom only needs to let her children come to her.

Heavenly Father, you instruct us to be more like children; to come to you with an open mind, heart and arms so as to lead us to the Truth, the fullness of Life and into the arms of your Son. Help us to be more like you, to raise our children as you raised your Son. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.