No sé si moriría por mi fe

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

XXXII Domingo ordinario
Leccionario: 156

Escribí la homilía para este domingo cuatro veces, y nunca pude hacerlo bien. Ayer, tuve una conversación con algunos jóvenes. Están en ese punto de su vida donde prestan atención a cómo piensan y sienten. Están tratando de dirigir sus corazones y mentes en la dirección correcta. 

Mientras hablábamos, estos jóvenes expresaron la idea de que,

“Si tomamos nuestra fe en serio, debería ser lo más importante del mundo. No sé si es lo más importante para mí. Amo a mi esposa y mis hijos. Moriría por ellos. No sé si moriría por mi fe.” 

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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

English Español

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