I don’t know if I would die for my faith

By e November 10, 2019 Homilies, Jesus Stuff No Comments

Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 156

I wrote this homily four times, and never could get it right. Then, yesterday, I had a conversation with some younger men. They are at that point in their life where they are paying attention to how they think and feel. They are trying to lead their hearts and minds in the right direction. 

As we spoke, these young men expressed the idea that,

“If we take our faith seriously, it should be the most important thing in the world. I don’t know if it is the most important thing for me. I love my wife and my children. I would die for them. I don’t know if I would die for my faith.” 

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The Pharisee, The Publican, and Kanye

By e October 28, 2019 Homilies, Jesus Stuff No Comments

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 150

The Pharisee and the Publican

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I like to be right.  Do you like to be right? I think most of us like to be right.

The Pharisee in today’s gospel is right. He’s faithful, honest, generous, and chaste. He fasts twice a week, and gives money to the temple. He works hard at an honest job.

And that publican? Yeah.. he’s not right. He’s basically a gangster.  Read more

Thanks, Too Long Delayed

By e October 13, 2019 Jesus Stuff 1 Comment

“Eleazar,” the old man called out, “are you refreshed after your journey through the wind-driven sand?”

“Yes, Rabboni, I am.”

“I have a heavy burden, and a long walk, and the high Sabbath is drawing near.”

“Of course, Rabboni, I will help.”

It is a heavy burden, indeed, but young Eleazar is strong. The sweet smell of myrrh and lignum aloes wafts out as he hoists the wrapped bundles onto his shoulders. Eleazar smiles a bit as he sees wizened old Nicodemus hoist a much smaller bundle of powdered herbs. The venerable teacher is tough, and surprisingly strong, but he’d invested most of the past several decades in sedentary study. Eleazar couldn’t help but think of him as one of those elders King David described as “still full of sap, still green,” in his old age. It was an honor to serve in his household.

“Where are we going, Rabboni?”

“Just outside the walls, Eleazar. My colleague Yousef’s messenger brought word that we need to bring burial spices.”

“So many, Rabboni?” Eleazar shifted the load slightly. “We have enough here for many burials, perhaps enough for three kings.”

“Indeed,” said Nicodemus.

It had been a strange day.  Read more

Faith, Trust, and Joy

By e October 6, 2019 Homilies, Jesus Stuff No Comments

Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 141

When I was nineteen or so, my sister announced to my mother and I that she intended to be a (celibate, sell it all and give the money to the poor) missionary. I was filled with admiration for her courage and commitment, and my first thought was “I should do that too, what could be better?” My second thought was “I don’t want to, but I will if I have to.” I went to the Lord in prayer, and really gave God a piece of my mind. The one thing every master owes their servant is a good, clear set of instructions. How can a master expect a servant to be obedient, if the master doesn’t give good instructions? If God wanted me to leave everything and be a missionary, then certainly God should tell me so. It was only fair, after all. Clearly, God owed me a very clear set of instructions for the path I should choose in life. I ranted on like this for a good long while.

Then, when I finally shut up for a minute, God spoke to me. Read more