July 29, 2007
Posted in Homilies
at 9:00 am
Homily for the Seventeenth Sunday of Ordinary Time
July 29, 2007
Can you imagine what it must have been like for Abraham to be negotiating with God over the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah? As we listen to this passage, it sounds like a customer and a vendor haggling over an item in a market. But, there is no exchange of goods and money under discussion here. Neither one is buying or selling. And there is certainly an enormous difference in the two involved – the Almighty God of the universe, and Abraham, a very powerless, mortal human.
Despite that difference, Abraham keeps lowering the number of just men that will satisfy God in order to spare these cities. Abraham is just beginning to know God, and it is as though he is feeling Him out, trying to get an idea of what justice means to Him. Will God punish the just along with the wicked? How many good people will God require in order to relent in His punishment? Working without much of an understanding of God, Abraham even seems to make an appeal to God’s ego, so to speak. “Far be it from you to do such a thing, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from you!” When the Lord indicates that He would spare Sodom if He found fifty righteous there, the bargaining begins in earnest. As the negotiations progress, Abraham works the number down from fifty to ten. Of course, we know that there were not even ten just men found, and Sodom and Gomorrah were eventually destroyed.
God had heard the outcry against these cities. We can safely conclude that this outcry came in the form of prayer; people asking God for relief, and their idea of justice, from these sinful cities. But Abraham’s prayers, his conversations and negotiations with God, were not only for justice, but also for mercy. Perhaps Abraham even felt that some mercy was in order for the evildoers, another chance for the wicked to repent. In the end, God did save the few good people that were found. Abraham learned something about God’s justice and mercy, and grew in his understanding of God and his relationship with Him. He started very tentatively, but became more confident as the discussion continued. He found that prayer isn’t just an empty monologue, but truly is a personal conversation.
Our interactions with God do not have the same immediacy as Abraham’s did. But our relationship with God, and our understanding of Him, rely on our prayer life. Like Abraham, we can ask God for what we need in our lives, and for the needs of others. “For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened”.
When we ask God to act in our lives, He will answer our prayers. That doesn’t mean that we will always get what we want – or think we want. Jesus did not say ‘everyone who asks receives – what he asks for’ or ‘everyone who searches finds – what he was looking for’ or ‘for everyone who knocks, the door will opened – and behind it will be what was expected’. Yet, do we sometimes try to bargain with God, not quite as Abraham did, but more as a kind of bartering? “Lord, if you give me what I want, I’ll be really, really good. I won’t yell at my kids, I won’t drink too much Saturday night, I’ll even go to confession…just please give me what I want!” We may or may not be asking for something good, but what we really need to be asking for is God’s will.
Jesus mentions children asking for fish or an egg, and says that a parent wouldn’t then give them a snake or a scorpion. Fish and eggs were symbols of life, snakes and scorpions symbols of death. Just as a good parent wouldn’t give their children anything poisonous, our heavenly Father certainly would not give us anything that would lead to our spiritual death. And, unlike Sodom and Gomorrah, He does not destroy our enemies with fire and brimstone, even if we ask Him to do so. We live in a fallen world, where disease, accidents, and natural disasters occur. People acting with free will do terrible things to others and to themselves. Those don’t come from God. He is not punishing us when bad things happen to us. Christ redeemed us; He made, and continues to make, the one sacrifice for the sins of mankind. That does not absolve us of responsibility for our individual sins – we still need to follow the way Chris set out for us, and when fail…well, we were given the Sacrament of Reconciliation for that.
So, unlike Abraham, we shouldn’t feel that we need to bargain with God. We should feel free to petition God, praying for His help and support. When we do act according to God’s will, those actions should be a reflection of our gratitude for all the blessings that God has given us, and not be considered as a requirement to obtain His gifts. The more we pray, the more we are able to recognize His gifts, His hand guiding our lives. The more we pray, the more we develop a deeper understanding of our relationship with God. Isn’t that the primary purpose of our existence, to become closer to God? He is listening always, and He does respond to our prayers. He truly loves each and every one of us, and wants us to have good things, spiritually, and materially if they support us spiritually. When we ask, search, or knock desiring holiness, God will help us find what we want. As Jesus said, “How much more will the Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?”
Permalink
July 22, 2007
Posted in Homilies
at 9:00 am
Sixteenth Sunday, Year C, July 22, 2007
In the refectory (the dining room) of St. Augustine’s Seminary in Toronto, there stands a lovely statue of St. Martha, to commemorate the work of the Sisters of St. Martha, (founded in Antigonish, Nova Scotia) who for 80+ years lived and worked at the Seminary. As we listen to Jesus’ gentle rebuke of Martha in today’s Gospel, “You are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part” (Lk 10:41-42), we must keep in mind that Jesus loved Martha (Jn 11:5). Martha is a saint! Religious orders are named after her! She is a good example of service and hospitality!
I will briefly mention the “better part” of listening to Jesus, but I will focus on Martha’s example of hospitality, specifically what Catherine Doherty of Madonna House called “hospitality of the heart.”
“The greatest need of all is the need to be loved. But we pass by one another without noticing, without stopping, without the slightest sign of recognition . . . It is time that Christians began to take notice of each person they meet. Each person is a brother or sister in Christ, who must be “recognized”. Each person must be given a token of friendship and love, be it only a smile, a nod of the head.
What the world needs most today is the hospitality of the heart. (It) means accepting all others as they are, allowing them to make themselves at home in our heart.
This is especially necessary in this modern age because of the strange technological loneliness that has separated us so thoroughly not only from our neighbours, but from our fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, grandparents, in short, from all our relations. Our technological age has begotten a terrible loneliness!
Yes, we must open the doors of our hearts. We must open the doors of our homes. We must accept people as they are.”
(From “Hospitality of the Heart” by Catherine Doherty, Pass It On #18, see www.madonnahouse.org/publications/passiton/Pass-It-On-018.htm).
We can start practicing hospitality of the heart right here and now in our parish! I have heard mixed reviews about our practice of hospitality. Some new parishioners told me they once attended a coffee Sunday . . . and guess how many people talked to them and welcomed them to the parish? . . . None . . . perhaps we could keep that in mind when Coffee Sundays resume in September. But these same parishioners told me that they were warmly welcomed on another occasion by one special parishioner! Whenever we see “strangers” in our midst, let us remember the hospitality not only of Martha but also of Abraham when those three men appeared one day near his tent. He “ran” from the tent to meet his three visitors and “bowed” before them, then he “hastened” to arrange a meal for them (Gen 18:1-10).
I fear that there might be someone sitting in our midst right now who does not feel welcome. Perhaps this person comes each week out of a sense of duty or habit, or perhaps out of pure love of God, since he or she does not feel welcomed by people. First of all, I would like to say to this person that you are very welcome here; you belong here; you are loved; this is your family; by our baptism we are all brothers and sisters in Christ. Our parish family is not a perfect family like that of Jesus, Mary and Joseph in Nazareth, so please forgive us – please forgive me – if we have failed to practice hospitality of the heart and make you feel more welcome with even a smile or a nod.
“The greatest need of all is the need to be loved,” writes Catherine Doherty. I think we can agree on that. And we’re not just talking about strangers on the street or unfamiliar faces at Mass; we’re also talking about your spouse or members of your own family. Then why do we pass by others without noticing their pain, without stopping to ask how they’re really doing? Why don’t we open our hearts to others and reach out to them? Are we too busy, too tired, just don’t have the energy? Or are we afraid of pain if we open our hearts to others?
At the entrance to my rectory, there is an icon of the Holy Family and a painting with one of Catherine Doherty’s sayings linked to hospitality of heart: “the heart of a priest is open, like Christ’s, for the whole world to walk through.”
These words remind me each day of something I am called to do, that I should do, that I must do, but so often fail to do . . . because it can be excruciating . . . to welcome those who are suffering and covered as it were in thorns that can cut into our hearts . . .
But I believe that Jesus and Mary are pleading with us to open our hearts. The following words (which I have quoted before at First Saturday Mass) were written by St. Paul, but they could easily have been spoken by Mary addressing us, her children, “Our hearts are wide open (her Immaculate Heart and the Sacred Heart of Jesus) . . . as a fair exchange, (I speak to you as my children) be open yourselves” (2 Cor 6:11-13). Open wide your hearts and do not be afraid to welcome others into the hospitality of your heart.
A long time ago, a woman named Martha opened her heart and welcomed Jesus into her home. In doing so, she welcomed God, yes, but she also welcomed someone who felt rejected. Jesus had already foretold that he would suffer and be rejected and killed (Lk 9: 22). Jesus was also human and felt the pain of rejection. He needed some people to welcome him into their homes and show him hospitality of heart. And in each one of us, his brothers and sisters, Jesus continues to suffer rejection and he continues to look for consolation in open hearts, through something as simple as a smile or a nod of the head . . .
Now I have only a little time left to speak of Mary who also welcomed Jesus into her home and especially her heart by sitting at his feet and listening to what he was saying (Lk 10:39). Pope Benedict writes in his latest book that “the kingdom of God comes by way of a listening heart.” Are we really listening to Jesus at Mass? Or are we going to receive Jesus today in Holy Communion routinely, like we do every week, “distracted by many things”?
The Catholic evangelist Matthew Kelly, who spoke at this year’s televised National Catholic Mission in Lent, responds to the criticism of Mass being boring, by suggesting that everyone bring a little booklet to Mass each week, LISTEN attentively, and write down one word that hits you from the readings, the hymns, the prayers, the homily, a word in your heart – one word that will help you become a better person. Write it down and pray about it during the week. That’s good advice. Then we too can be like Martha who welcomed Jesus and Mary who sat at his feet listening to what Jesus was saying.
I will end with this: many of you have heard of Pope Benedict’s Apostolic Letter (Summorum Pontificum) granting wider permission for priests to celebrate the Latin Mass from the 1962 Missal. In the accompanying letter to the Bishops, he reminds us that the current Mass can and should be loved even by “traditionalists” if it is celebrated “with great reverence in harmony with the liturgical directives” in order to “bring out (its) spiritual richness and theological depths.”
Why do I mention this? Because Jesus is coming into our home today, into this Church and into our hearts. With God himself as our guest, every single detail is important – the altar cloths, the candles, the vestments; every single word is important, and every single sign of reverence of kneeling or genuflecting or a bow of the head . . . a bow before receiving Holy Communion . . . This coming year, the Church in Canada is preparing for the International Eucharistic Congress. This is a golden opportunity for all us to rediscover the Eucharist, where Jesus is present speaking to us and giving us Himself in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood.
Permalink
July 15, 2007
Posted in Homilies
at 9:00 am
Fifteenth Sunday, Year C, July 15th, 2007
“Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of robbers? . . . ‘The one who showed him mercy.’ . . . ‘Go and do likewise.’” (Lk ). With these words, Jesus is encouraging us to show mercy, to practice the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.
Q: Can anyone name any of the seven corporal works of mercy? (I couldn’t name them all, so I had to look them up in the Appendix to the Compendium of the Catechism).
(On overhead)
1. Feed the hungry
2. Give drink to the thirsty
3. Clothe the naked
4. Shelter the homeless
5. Visit the sick
6. Visit the imprisoned
7. Bury the dead
I want to thank the parishioners for all the ways in which you are being good neighbours and good Samaritans in practicing the corporal works of mercy. Thank you for all the ways in which you help to feed the hungry by donating to the Food Bank, the Alms for the Poor Box and the Emergency Assistance Fund, for your donations in the past to visiting missionaries or last year’s El Salvador mission, for the meals that you have been providing for those with a family member who is sick or in hospital. There’s also the Pastoral Care Team that along with the Pastor visit the sick, and so on. Thank you for being such good Samaritans in practicing the corporal works of mercy.
I believe it is much easier to practice the corporal works of mercy than the spiritual works of mercy. The man who fell into the hands of robbers was stripped, beaten and left half dead. Imagine the Good Samaritan picking this man up from the ditch and the man wakes up and says, “what are you doing?” “I’m trying to help you.” “Leave me alone!” “But you’ve been stripped and beaten up by robbers.” “I don’t need your help!” “But what are you going to do? I can’t leave you here!” “Mind your own business!”
Obviously, the man in the story did not react this way, because he knew he needed help, and I’m sure he was grateful for the assistance provided by the Good Samaritan. In all my years of visiting Central America, I have never had anyone refuse the gift of food, drink, clothing or shelter. But it is not so when it comes to the spiritual works of mercy in our culture.
Q: Can anyone name one of the seven spiritual works of mercy? (Again, I didn’t know them until I looked them up).
1. Counsel the doubtful
2. Instruct the ignorant
3. Admonish sinners
4. Comfort the afflicted
5. Forgive offences
6. Bear wrongs patiently
7. Pray for the living and the dead
Have you ever tried, perhaps among your family or friends, to practice #2 or #3, to instruct the ignorant and to admonish sinners? “Leave me alone! I don’t need your help! Mind your own business!” Why is it so difficult to instruct the ignorant and admonish sinners? So often they don’t want to be instructed and admonished. They are offended if you even try. They fail to see or refuse to see the love and mercy behind the instruction and admonishment.
We live in an extremely individualistic society with the motto “live and let live.” (Or as a friend of mine from high school would say, “whatever makes you happy.” Then I think of that song by Cheryl Crow: “If it makes you happy, then why are you so sad?”) If every time we meet people among our own families or friends who are suffering emotionally, psychologically or spiritually, who are ignorant or slaves of sin, and if we just look away and “pass by one the other side” then we are like the priest and Levite from the parable, we are leaving them in the ditch to die spiritually. We are not respecting their privacy, (“live and let live”), we are neglecting their immortal souls (“live and let die”).
Of course we do need the right motivation. So the self-righteous must beware of getting on their high horse, dictating to others how to live their lives. No. Pope Benedict, in his encyclical, God is Love, wrote about the Church’s charitable work and the question of converting people of other faiths.
His words offer good advice to all those thinking of instructing or admonishing others: “Those who practice charity in the Church’s name will never seek to impose the Church’s faith upon others. They realize that a pure and generous love is the best witness to the God in whom we believe and by whom we are driven to love. A Christian knows when it is time to speak of God and when it is better to say nothing and to let love alone speak” (Deus Caritas Est #31c)
In the Catholic Church today, there is a desperate need to find a creative and charitable way to instruct the ignorant and admonish sinners particularly on the importance of the living the Sacraments, and I mention today the Sunday Eucharist and the Sacrament of Marriage.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus affirms the lawyer who gives the right answer to the question, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbour as yourself.” (Lk 10:27).
Could someone please tell me how it is possible for a Catholic to love God with all his heart, soul, strength and mind, and NOT participate in the Eucharist every Sunday? I know I’ve been brainwashed back in 1995 when I converted to Catholicism because I actually believe in the teaching of the one, holy, Catholic and apostolic Church founded by Christ. So I confess that yes, I am biased in favour of the Church. So perhaps someone here who is more objective and intelligent could explain to me how it is possible for a Catholic to love God with all his heart, soul, strength and mind, and NOT participate in the Eucharist every Sunday? My brothers and sisters, if I did not receive the Eucharist regularly, there would be so little love in me for God, for you, or for anyone.
Every single person here has Catholic family members or friends who do not participate in the Eucharist every Sunday. Have you ever thought of showing them a spiritual act of mercy by instructing or admonishing them? Or are you afraid someone will yell at you and say, “Mind your own business!”?
What about the sacrament of marriage? I was thinking about it because summer is the wedding season, and there was a wedding here in French last week celebrated by Msgr Ernest Leger. He asked me how many weddings I have this summer. Any guess? One. Why so few?
In part because Catholics aren’t getting married any more in the Catholic Church! It is very sad. For many Catholics, it is more important to get married outside under a maple tree or a palm tree next to the reception area than it is to celebrate the sacrament of marriage before God in a Church building. For the sake of one day, they are willing to give up their right to receive the Eucharist for the rest of their lives, until their marriage is blessed in the Church. If a man loves God with all his heart and his neighbour – his girlfriend or fiancee – as himself, would he not want to receive the sacraments of marriage and the Eucharist with her?
I know how difficult it is to raise these issues with family and friends. But this is what God is asking us to do – to show them the spiritual works of mercy. One of my best friends is not married in the Catholic Church. Over the past eight years, I have mentioned it maybe three times. He and his girlfriend are a little bit embarrassed, they make some excuses, but they don’t bother to change, even though I tell them I would be happy to bless their marriage in the Catholic Church, and I will do it for free, in five minutes! That goes for anyone here or people you might know – if you are free to marry in the Catholic Church and want your marriage convalidated, then we’ll do the ceremony no charge in five minutes! So what’s the excuse?
So what do I do about my friend who refuses to get married in the Catholic Church? I . . . I weep and mourn . . . in part because I see the wounds in his marriage that God would heal if only he would live his Catholic faith. And then I practice the seventh spiritual work of mercy – I pray.
In many cases, in dealing with family and friends in need of mercy through instruction or admonishment, we must wait for Christ to open the doors to their hearts with the Cross, because so often, the comfortable people in our culture will only turn to God through suffering. And then, when they truly feel spiritually stripped, beaten, and half dead, then perhaps they will allow themselves to receive mercy at the hands of a Good Samaritan. When that day comes, let us be ready to show to them the same mercy that God has shown us.
For truly, Jesus Christ is the Good Samaritan who has shown us mercy, who has made himself our neighbour, who found us stripped and beaten, who carried us to the inn, the Church, and who poured wine and oil into our wounds, “an image of the healing gift of the Sacraments,” including the Eucharist we are about to receive (Jesus of Nazareth, Pope Benedict, p. 201).
The seven corporal
works of mercy
1. Feed the hungry
2. Give drink to the thirsty
3. Clothe the naked
4. Shelter the homeless
5. Visit the sick
6. Visit the imprisoned
7. Bury the dead
The seven spiritual
works of mercy
1. Counsel the doubtful
2. Instruct the ignorant
3. Admonish sinners
4. Comfort the afflicted
5. Forgive offences
6. Bear wrongs patiently
7. Pray for the living
and the dead
Permalink
July 8, 2007
Posted in Homilies
at 9:00 am
Fourteenth Sunday, Year C, July 8, 2007
“The kingdom of God has come near to you” (Lk 10:9)! The kingdom of peace and joy. “Peace” is mentioned three times in the Gospel (Lk 10:1-12, 17-20), and the words, “rejoice” appear three times in the first reading (Is 66:10-14). Peace and joy. I am reminded of a children’s hymn that I heard several times this past year when the children from Mother Teresa’s would visit for Mass. I’m sorry but I will have to sing part of it for the full effect: “I’ve got this joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart, down in my heart, down in my heart. I’ve got this joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart, down in my heart to stay. And I’m so happy, so very happy, I’ve got the love of Jesus in my heart . . . “
Now, what’s our reaction when we hear children sing a hymn like that? I think it describes the disciples of Jesus from today’s Gospel. When Jesus sent out the seventy disciples two by two to prepare the way for him and proclaim the kingdom of God, they had nothing – no money, purse, bag, sandals – nothing! – but they did have peace and joy, and the love of Jesus in their hearts.
Does this children’s hymn express what we feel as disciples of Jesus and children of God? Or is there a voice inside us that says (mocking tone) “‘joy in my heart!’ and (sarcastic, angry) ‘love of Jesus . . .’ You kids, just wait till you grow up . . . ‘love of Jesus’ . . . just wait till you get married and it doesn’t work out . . . or try raising a family in today’s world . . . you go to work, and you come home and work, and that’s all you do . . . joy, joy, joy down in my heart? Just you wait . . .”
Woah! That’s pretty grim! To think that way is to let “snakes and scorpions” into our heart to poison us! But Jesus has given us as baptized Christians and children of God “authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy” (Lk 10:19), to cast out anything that prevents us from experiencing the peace and joy of his kingdom.
Especially in summertime, in July and August during our holidays, we are so desperate for some peace and joy, for just a little piece of that pie of perfect happiness, for which we were created but which we cannot completely find in this world. “Lord, I’m not asking to gorge myself on a big piece of pie, but just a little slice of peace and joy would be nice! (with a little scoop of ice cream – not a big scoop, just a little one)
My favourite summer holidays as a kid were spent visiting my cousins in the Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia. I’m not going this year because I am going to another cousin’s wedding in NYC. Often we do need to get AWAY on a holiday and forget our troubles and responsibilities for a little while. But the kingdom of God has come NEAR to us. Peace and joy are not so far away; they’re much closer to home, even in our own backyard.
Sometimes I go biking five minutes from here on Hamilton Road, and I stop and admire the sunshine, the hay, the corn, the cows, and it feels like I’m on holiday in Nova Scotia! Sometimes I sip a cup of coffee and look at my window at the backyard at the sky, the trees, the robins hopping around looking for breakfast or singing with joy (“tuteloot, tuteloot”). It’s very peaceful. (Just an aside to those busy families thinking of the priest living alone in his rectory in perfect peace. But you are surrounded by the love of your children, and with children comes noise. You can’t have the love without the noise. You have both, I have neither. See how good God is in balancing everything? Maybe we could switch sometime – you come live in the Rectory and I will go to live in your house, and we will see who goes crazy first!)
There is one problem of trying to get AWAY on holiday. Have you ever noticed this every single time you go away on holiday you always have to take yourself with you? And there’s no perfect holiday or paradise on earth if the love of Jesus is not in our hearts. Have you ever heard of the phrase “trouble in Paradise”? It’s the name of a 1932 movie and the title at least 3 albums (wikipedia). I remember once visiting with some relatives by the ocean in NS in idyllic natural surroundings. But the husband and wife were fighting and we guests were walking on eggshells, thinking, “this is our holiday!” Trouble in Paradise.
Now, this is where our great and glorious, all-powerful and merciful God steps in: with the love of Jesus in our hearts, not only can we find a slice of Paradise in our backyards, but we can even find Paradise in the midst of trouble, the kingdom of peace and joy in the midst of suffering. If only we could receive the kingdom with the trust of little children! If only we could appreciate the infinite love of Christ in coming down from heaven in every single Eucharist, to dwell in our souls in every single Holy Communion we receive!
But how can there be joy in the midst of suffering? John Paul II wrote about this mystery in 2001 in an apostolic letter on the new Millenium, at a time when he himself was suffering through much weakness and pain. He referred to the paradox of Jesus on the Cross who experienced “at one and the same time . . . profound unity with the Father, by its very nature a source of joy and happiness, and an agony that (went) all the way to his final cry of abandonment” (Novo Millennio Ineunte #26)
Following the example of Jesus and the saints, it is possible to have joy in the midst of suffering. The world desperately needs us as disciples of Jesus to witness to this joy that nothing and no one can take from us (Jn 16:22). The atheist philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, whom I used to read in my early twenties, once said something like, “How can I believe in a Redeemer, if you Christians don’t look redeemed?” Gloomy faces instead of radiant joy! Jesus sent out his disciples with joy and peace in their hearts to preach, “the kingdom of God has come near to you!” We need to preach the Gospel to the world by our peace and joy.
I will close with a few words in response to the exhortation of Jesus at the beginning of the Gospel: “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.” The Church has always interpreted these words as an invitation to pray for vocations to the priesthood. I know that there are men listening to me right now who are called to be priests – age 12 or age 42 – it doesn’t matter! Do not be afraid to say “yes” to the call.
The main reason to say “yes” is NOT because the “labourers are few,” and the Church desperately needs more priests (which is true). The main reason to say “yes” is the love of Jesus in your heart: his love for you and your love for him. Jesus Christ has a love for his priests different from his love for any other people. And if you are called to be a priest, you will already have in your heart a hint of this great love. Jesus wants to share first with you the mysteries of the kingdom (Lk 8:10) and to give first to you his peace and joy so that you in turn can be sent out to share it with others.
Yes, we need more labourers for the harvest. Without the priest, there is no Eucharist; without the Eucharist, there is no Church. Without priests, Jesus does not dwell on earth in his Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. The priest is the doorway for Christ’s Eucharistic presence to enter our world. And I say this for the sake of those called to be priests, so that they will appreciate this great and unique privilege of bringing God’s kingdom of peace and joy so near to us in the Eucharist.
As we prepare to celebrate the liturgy of the Eucharist and to receive Holy Communion, let us renounce all pride, guilt, unforgiveness, doubts, fears – all the snakes and scorpions that can poison our hearts – so that we can receive Jesus with the openness and trust of children, the children of God that we are as Christians! So that we can all truly sing: “I’ve got this joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart . . . I’ve got the love of Jesus in my heart.”
Permalink
July 3, 2007
Posted in justin
at 1:49 pm
PRAYER VIGIL FOR JUSTIN
ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28TH THERE WILL BE A 12 HOUR PRAYER VIGIL FOR JUSTIN
AT OUR LADY OF THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL PARISH IN RUSSELL
FROM 9:00 AM. – 9:00 PM.
Please stop by and pray for Justin in Jesus’ REAL PRESENCE!
For the Love of Our Lord, our God, our ALL!
THE MCKENNA FAMILY
Wednesday, July 4th, 2007
Justin is still in the ICU in stable condition, so please refrain from visiting until he is up in recovery. He will need LOTS of visitors once he wakes up.
The doctors have confirmed that Justin is in fact in a coma. We don’t know when he will wake up, so please KEEP PRAYING.
I will continue to post updates on Justin’s health status regularly.
Thank-you for all of your support.
- Julia (Justin’s sister)
Friday, July 6th, 2007
For the last few days Justin has been battling pneumonia. The pneumonia is making it difficult for him to breathe.
We would like to ask you to pray especially for Justin to overcome the pneumonia.
Thank-you.
Monday, July 9th, 2007
Justin remains in ICU. He still has pneumonia but his chest has improved. Please continue to pray for his lungs and breathing to regain health.
Thank you for your continued prayers and for placing trust in our God.
Lord, have mercy on Justin!
-Suzanne (mom)
Friday, July 13th, 2007
Prayers are already starting to be answered! Thank you God! Justin is now breathing continuously on his own and his lungs are clearing. He remains in a coma.
Justin is now moved out of ICU and onto 4 West. His room must be calm and quiet and Justin requires lots of rest in order to heal. So we are still asking that everyone refrains from visiting.
Our warmest heartfelt thanks for your continuous prayers for our good boy Justin.
A reminder of today’s Prayer Vigil for Justin at our Church 9 am. – 9 pm. (Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, Russell). Your prayers of healing are working!!!!!
With all our love,
Gerry, Suzanne, Dominic, Daniel, Julia & Justin
Lord, please give us strength.
Thursday, July 19th, 2007
Our most heartfelt thanks for the ongoing prayers for our good boy Justin. Justin remains in a coma.
Yes we give thanks to the Lord for the many miracles already: Justin’s complete healing of his lungs-pnemonia free and breathing totally on his own; the gift of his voice –humming sound; his movement of arms, hands, legs and feet; and most importantly the gift of Justin’s life.
Please ask our Father of love in your prayers for continual full healing of Justin’s mind.
“Let my prayer come before you, Lord; listen, and answer me.” (Ps 88)
With all our love,
Gerry, Suzanne, Dominic, Daniel, Julia, & Justin xxoo
Friday, July 27th, 2007
Our most loving thanks for your continued prayers of healing for our Justin. Your kindness and thoughtfulness is so very much appreciated.
Justin remains in a coma in a semi conscious state. We thank our loving Father for his continued movement. When awake Justin opens his eyes partially. Physiotherapy works with him daily to increase his mobility in arms and legs.
“He is planning a family reunion in heaven for your family, and His will is that not one family member be missing.” (Acts 16:31).
In our love & thanksgiving,
Gerry, Suzanne, Dominic, Daniel, Julia & Justin xxoo
Thursday, August 2nd, 2007
We thank our good Father for the celebration of Justin’s 18th birthday yesterday. It was a happy day with a visit from Justin’s pet dog, Jackson. A very joyful moment.
Justin remains in a semi conscious state. He continues with physiotherapy daily in the gym working every part of his body.
We cannot thank everyone enough for your prayers, Masses and amazing meals provided. Justin requires lots of rest in order for his brain to heal. So we still ask that there are no visitors. Please please continue to pray for our good boy Justin.
God, we ask you for your continued healing upon Justin. Please give us strength.
“God is love, and he who lives in love, lives in God, and God in him.”
Our heartfelt thanks & love,
Gerry, Suzanne, Dominic, Daniel, Julia & Justin xxoo
Friday, August 10th, 2007
Justin remains in a semi-conscious coma. He continues with physiotherapy daily. Your continuous devout prayers of healing for Justin are so very much appreciated.
The doctors have ordered NO VISITORS until further notice. In order for Justin’s brain to heal he needs a quiet atmosphere.
Thank-you for all of your support.
Gerry, Suzanne, Julia, Dominic, Daniel, and Justin xo
Saturday, August 18th, 2007
As we all miss Justin so very very much we thank you again for your continued overwhelming support.
Justin is still in a semi conscious coma and continues daily rehabilitation. Please pray to God to give Justin strength, encouragement and motivation to “reach the top” and most of all to feel God’s peace and awesome love within him.
SPECIAL MESSAGE to Justin’s many many devout and loyal friends. Please remember to pray daily for Justin! Ask our good Lord Jesus for Justin’s complete recovery and to provide you with patience and understanding. Have a conversation with Him because He is always listening and is full of love ….. Justins’ friends.
May God the Father almighty bless and keep Justin.
From our hearts,
Gerry, Suzanne, Dominic, Daniel & Julia xxoo
Saturday, August 25th, 2007
Our continuous sincere thankfulness to everyone for all of your prayers, Masses and support in this very difficult time.
Yesterday, Justin was transfered to the 5th floor for full rehabilitation. He remains in a semi conscious coma.
Prayers and Mass intentions for Justin are very comforting. We ask if you can stop in at our Church, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, to pray for Justin at some time at the 12 hour Prayer Vigil ( 9 am. – 9 pm.) on Friday, September 28th. Jesus is present in the monstrance, the Blessed Sacrament in the Church. Please ask Jesus for Justin’s healing!
Lord, Have Mercy on our good boy Justin!
Thanks be to God!
Gerry, Suzanne, Dominic, Daniel & Julia xxoo
Friday, August 31st, 2007
We thank our Father for Justin’s continual gradual healing in the last 2 months. Justin’s eyes are wide open when awake and has increased movement. The physiotherapists are actively working Justin daily to reteach all his muscle control.
On behalf of all of us thank you again for the incredible meals provided — extremely helpful.
With the start of hockey season, Justin had an exciting personal encounter yesterday in his room with the actual Stanley Cup accompanied by Sean O’Donnell of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. It was a very happy moment indeed!
Almighty God, we ask you to fill Justin with your Spirit and bring him to full healing.
With all our hearts,
Gerry, Suzanne, Dominic, Daniel & Julia xxoo
Friday, September 14, 2007
PRAISE ALMIGHTY GOD! Justin is very very slowly becoming more alert and started last night to respond to his brother, Dominic. The commands included thumbs up, snapping his fingers, and thanks be to God — Justin attempted to give us a smile! ALLELUIA!
Justin will have surgery next week on his left ankle to lengthen the tenden in his ankle and will be casted for 6 weeks. He is continuing extensive rehabilitation including school, speech therapy, occupational therapy and physiotherapy. Justin still requires lots of rest in order to heal.
We thank you all for you continuous prayers and support. A reminder of the 12 hour Prayer Vigil for Justin on Friday, September 28th (9 am. – 9 pm.) with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.
We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, because by your cross you have redeemed the world. ALLELUIA!
Jesus we ask you to give Justin the gift of healing,
Gerry, Suzanne, Dominic, Daniel & Julia xxoo
Monday, September 24th, 2007
THANK YOU GOD! Last Monday Justin uttered his first word and is continuing to speak since. He has made incredible progress according to the CHEO rehab team. It takes a huge amount of energy for Justin to speak and perform any activity. He still requires a lot of rest for his continuous healing.
Our sincere appreciation for your amazing support of meals, prayers, Masses and more. It certainly gives comfort to our difficult journey.
A REMINDER that THIS FRIDAY is Justin’s 12 hour Prayer Vigil at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church from 9:00 am. – 9:00 pm. We encourage all to drop by and pray for our Justin’s healing. He requires so much prayer and we thank you very much!
Even carrying this heavy cross, we continue to glorify our good Father, our Lord.
With our continuous heartfelt thanks,
Suzanne, Gerry, Dominic, Daniel & Julia xxoo
Sunday, September 30th, 2007
We cannot thank everyone enough for the overwhelming love and support — amazing meals (from family, friends, St. Thomas Aquinas High School . . .), your prayers, the Prayer Vigil last Friday, Masses and more. We also appreciate your cards and letters…please continue to send us your comforting words of support.The letters and cards are all read and shown to Justin as well and this all aids in his long road of rehabilitation.
Justin is continuing to work painfully hard with the rehab team to recover – extensive physiotherapy, speech therapy, school, and occupational therapy. With the help of physiotherapists he has been in the standing position for approximately 1 1/2 minutes. He is now eating orally with our help a full diet (pizza too). In school last Friday he was able to answer correctly a question from Grade 12 Data Management (Mrs. Jackson you did it!). At the end of each day Justin is extremely tired. Visitors are still restricted as he still needs healing time and time to organize his thoughts with the support of his immediate family and caregivers. But, as mentioned, your letters and cards of support are greatly appreciated and can be mailed to:
Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario
c/o Justin McKenna (5 East)
401 Smyth Road
Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L1
We ask you to especially pray for the recovery of Justin’s left side — his arm, hand and leg. There is very little movement. Also, please continue to pray for the complete healing of his mind.
Heavenly God, we humbly ask you to give Justin your healing peace and love and give him the strength and courage to continue his vigorous and painful rehabiliation. As You know, Justin also needs the encouragement and endurance to never give up which You can give him! We ask you this in Jesus’ name.
Our warmest thanks to everyone and our good Father!
For the Love of our good boy Justin,
Gerry, Suzanne, Dominic, Daniel & Julia xxoo
YOU CAN DO IT JUSTIN!!!
Monday, October 15th, 2007
Dear Family & Friends,
In this update I will attempt to explain further Justin’s progress in the last couple of weeks. Justin has shown us that he can legibly write words. One of the biggest changes is in his cognitive awareness. His level of comprehension is dramatic and he is speaking in full sentences responding without hesitation. He can follow directions and understands what is said to him. Justin can flip through magazines (hockey being his favourite) and read headlines. Several times he has asked me to phone some of his friends and he actually will know their phone numbers (Paul you weren’t home when we called you). His past memories show more depth than recent memories. Confusion and agitation are features of his current level of cognitive awareness and stages in recovery.
We were able to take Justin home on a weekend pass last weekend – wonderful medicine for both Justin and Jackson. Stimulation for Justin is needed but too much can be frustrating and very tiring so we are still limiting visitors. Too many people talking is very difficult for his mind to process. Every effort that Justin puts out is very tiring and ultimately exhausting for him – eg. speaking, listening/noise, eating ….
Please pray for Justin’s continual progress. Your continued care and support is so much appreciated and we encourage mail — cards/letters to Justin at CHEO. It is such a nice surprise delivery for Justin to his bedside and keeps him in touch with everyone.
Our warmest thanks to our Father for placing the CHEO rehab team in Justin’s care. They are doing God’s incredible work in Justin’s recovery.
In thankfulness and praise for God’s miracles and
For the love of our good boy Justin,
Gerry, Suzanne, Dominic, Daniel & Julia xxoo
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Dear family & friends,
It has been 4 and half months since Justin’s accident and we thank you for all your prayers, love and support. Thank you as well to Kim Aird for the recent fundraising shopping event on behalf of Justin. All of you, our true family and true friends, are our greatest gifts and have been present with open hearts and ears.
Justin has had his left cast removed and a leg brace fitted to provide support and flexion in his ankle. We were so happy to see Justin lift his left leg last weekend – a lot of cheering from the whole family! His physiotherapy has enabled him to stand on his feet with some assistance for a longer duration of time – up to 5 minutes. He is also slowly able to roll himself to his side. Please continue to pray for his left arm and hand which shows very little movement.
Therapists are continuing to work on his short term memory. We are so blessed and most thankful that Justin remembers quite clearly past events and recognizes all of us. It does baffle us that he seems to have quite both a short & long term memory for food (Trevor, he remembers your chocolate chip cookies). There remains much healing to be done of his mind. So we continue to humbly ask everyone to pray for God’s healing of Justin’s mind.
Ask Jesus to help Justin walk in peace with Him
Ask Jesus to help Justin walk in hope with Him
Ask Jesus to help Justin walk in love with Him
Ask Jesus to help Justin walk in faith with Him
Ask as God is there to give.
We ask God to walk beside us each day so we can become more and more like Him. In your precious name we pray. Amen.
Gerry, Suzanne, Dominic, Daniel & Julia xxoo
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Dearest family & friends,
Thank you! thank you! thank you! Your postcards, letters, cards, gifts are incredibly appreciated by Justin. He is slowly becoming more aware of the notes/gifts being delivered to his bed and wants to open and read them right away. Due to his lack of short-term memory, the mail is read frequently. Justin is always anxious to find out who sent the mail before opening. If you are able to, please continue to send mail. It is very valuable in his long road of rehabilitation. THANK YOU!
Justin’s left side (arm/hand/leg) requires the most work re: physio. His leg has made some more progress since our last update. There is increased flexion in his knee. The physiotherapists and Justin’s willpower have accomplished some miraculous progress. Last week, with the aid of at least 2 physiotherapists, Justin was able to bear weight on his feet and very slowly take small steps down the hall. He was extremely tired after that endeavour.
Justin continues to have speech therapy daily working on his short term memory, occupational therapy beginning to use an adapted computer keyboard, and school classroom activities. In the last couple of days for the first time in his recovery, Justin has expressed emotion-a faint genuine smile. I don’t think he realized what he was doing. It was such a huge gift to us!!! Please continue to pray for his continual healing of mind and body. Justin needs your prayers!
Trusting in the Lord with all our hearts,
Gerry, Suzanne, Dominic, Daniel & Julia xxoo
Monday, December 3rd, 2007
Our continual heartfelt thanks to everyone for your overwhelming support — comforting meals, those who have sat Friday and Saturday nights with Justin, letters/care packages sent to Justin and most valuable of all your constant prayers. You have all provided us with words of encouragement, hope, strength and love during this very difficult journey. A big thank you to Justin’s friends — your patience and strength are an inspiration (Samantha, wasn’t Justin’s smile worth it all?)
The rehab team — occupational, speech and physio therapists, and teacher are all working deligently with Justin Monday to Friday. Cognitively, Justin still has difficulty with his short term memory and is not aware of his condition. Physically, the physiotherapists, continue to work daily on every bit of Justin’s body teaching and evaluating his movement, muscle control, posture, coordination and general mobility.
Please pray for Justin as he carries on his daily routine painfully. When you pray, especially ASK our good Father for the healing of Justin’s mind.
You are all in our hearts with Justin.
“Nothing is impossible with God.” (Lk 1:37)
Gerry, Suzanne, Dominic, Daniel & Julia xxoo
**************************************************************************************
On Saturday, December 15th from 9:00 am. – 4:00 pm. there will be Exposition of the Blessed Siacrament at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church with prayers offered especially for Justin. We ask, if you can, to please drop by the church and pray for Justin’s healing. Thank you and God Bless you all!
***************************************************************************************
Friday, January 4th, 2008
Thank you to all for your lovely greeting cards, letters of support, Christmas baking, gifts and your healing Masses and prayers for Justin. This is of such tremendous help in easing the burden of this difficult time. Another special thank you to Justin’s awesome friends — spending time with Justin and your overnight stays — the best medicine for Justin. His frequent phone calls to all of you are to help him “sort things out” as Justin says.
It is over 6 months since Justin’s accident and because of your prayers he continues to improve little by little. Justin has vigourous rehabilitation at CHEO Monday to Friday physically and cognitively and is home on weekends. Physiotherapists are pleased with Justin’s increased endurance attributed much to his athletic condition before the accident. Justin is able to sit up on the bedside for about 1 minute, take steps with assistance for longer durations of time and has increased range of flexion in his left knee and left arm.
We remain most thankful to God for His many miracles in Justin’s continuous recovery and we are still asking for your constant prayers of HEALING OF JUSTIN’S MIND AND BODY. Your devout prayers are the reason for Justin’s healing.
“I love You, O Lord, my Strength, O Lord, my Rock, my Fortress!” (Ps 18: 2-3)
Affectionately,
Gerry, Suzanne, Dominic, Daniel, Julia & our good boy Justin xxoo
Thursday, January 24th, 2008
To our “Community of Love”,
We are so deeply humbled by all of your support, your prayers and thoughtfulness during this very difficult time in our lives. No words can express our thanksgiving to all those this past weekend who have rallied together for Justin — the Euchre Party organized by Gilles & Cindy as well as the Benefit Concert by Tara, Samantha, Anthony, our friends of the Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal choir ………and Justin’s friends and there are so many people to thank that I would be afraid to miss anyone. We hope each one of you can feel our warmest hugs of love and thankfulness.
Thanks be to God, Justin is still slowly progressing cognitively and physically. Kudos to Anthony(s), Paul, Samantha, Amy, Tom, Keane, Jake, Trevor, Joey, Gilles (Justin’s hockey coach), (forgive me if I’ve forgot some names) — WOW you are the tremendous support he needs to get through all of this and to “sort things out”. With his increased awareness comes the reality of what has actually happened to him and so comes maybe more difficult times for Justin ahead. YOUR SUPPORT is getting him through this! In the next few months our goal is to try to normalize his environment outside of CHEO — outings on weekends. Justin is beginning to have bits of increased awareness of his condition (in a wheelchair, his body limitations, his voice change, etc.) and is showing small signs of discomfort and sadness. The transition into a normal environment will be easier if we start now slowly.
The physiotherapists have been working specifically on the trunk of Justin’s body, independent sitting, and continuing to take steps with much assistance. He is slowly but steadily making progress. His left arm/hand/ fingers/shoulder requires a lot of work and he still cannot move it voluntarily (but he can slightly move his entire arm from shoulder). So there is a slight change.
As we always and will continue to ask …..please pray for Justin’s continual progress. He is so BLESSED to have a “community of love”.
Father, thank You for loving us so much that You gave Your “Son, that whoever believes in Him may not die but may have eternal life” (Jn 3:16).
We MISS YOU ALL!
Gerry, Suzanne, Dominic & Kelly, Julia, Daniel & Justin xxoo
YOU CAN DO IT JUSTIN ! ! !
Wednesday, March 5th, 2008
Dearest family & friends,
Your support is amazing! Big thank-you’s to Mother Teresa Catholic School and the Russell Lions Club. To Mother Teresa Catholic School staff and students for your generous donation raised from your fundraiser “Justin’s Coins of Hope” AND the beautiful greeting cards made by all the children are so very much appreciated. Another BIG thank you to the Russell Lions Club for your generous donation. Your donations will be of tremendous help for Justin’s long road of rehabilitation. We are truly again blessed to belong to such a “Community of Love”.
Justin’s daily rehabilitation continues to make gradual gains. He is still changing slowly both physically and cognitively. Justin is also demonstrating that he is beginning to lay down new memory. A powerful rehabilitation tool is Justin’s AWESOME friends. Your participation in his rehabilitation has greatly contributed to his recovery — daily phone conversations, visits, Rambo, Big’s Restaurant, a night out at Jake & Tom’s apartment, helping Justin make fajitas, Justin’s hockey coach and team member visits . . . Our perserverance, patience and understanding are what’s needed for Justin’s continual recovery.
As we always humbly ask — please continue to pray for Justin’s total healing of mind and body.
In thanksgiving,
Gerry, Suzanne, Dominic & Kelly, Daniel, Julia & our good boy Justin xxoo
YOU CAN DO IT JUSTIN ! ! !
Friday, May 23, 2008
To our special family & friends,
It has been 11 months since Justin’s accident and on May 1st we finally came home! We are so very thankful and appreciative of our loving community, family and friends who have never stopped being a pillar of strength. Thank you for the Masses that are continuing for Justin! Thank you to the friends of Justin continuing to be his strength and motivation! Thank you for the delicious meals! Thank you to good neighbours keeping our lawn cut! Your love and support is most valuable.
Justin continues to acquire strength and endurance little by little. His home schedule includes Neurogym in Ottawa 4 mornings a week for an hour and a half workout. If you hear a honk in Russell on weekday mornings, it could be Justin coming through town in a Ford van. Justin’soccupational and speech therapy (working on memory) takes place at home 2-3 times a week.
Please feel free to call Justin on the telephone. He enjoys the companionship and is always ready for a good conversation to catch up on news. Justin is always eager for visitors! Fatigue sets in very easily for Justin especially on the days of his extensive workouts. So visits have to be before approximately 8 pm.
As Justin continues to rebuild and train his body and mind daily, we continue to humbly pray to God to give all of us patience, strength and understanding.
YOU CAN DO IT JUSTIN!!!
In thankfulness,
Gerry, Suzanne, Dominic & Kelly, Daniel, Julia & our good boy, Justin xxoo
Tuesday, August 12th, 2008
It is almost 14 months since Justin’s accident and Justin continues to slowly make miraculous gains thanks be to God and your prayers.
Justin ‘s vigorous schedule includes Neurogym 5 mornings a week for 1 1/2 hours each time. He is continually challenged with increased weights as tolerated. His walking (with help) has also improved with his left leg pulling through with less effort. Last Friday, Justin for the first time extended his left arm almost straight by himself without using his right hand. This took a lot of effort but he said “it’s stiff”.
Justin’s afternoon consists of either Speech Language or Occupational Therapy. His recent memory has also slowly made gains recounting the weekend’s events more accurately, for example. The family never ceases to quiz him and repeat, repeat, repeat in order to regain his memory.
Justin’s increased strength has allowed him to join his friends on various outings… parties, the movies, Subway, the mall … One of those parties included his 19th birthday party just celebrated at Samantha’s. Thank you to all of Justin’s friends…. “Skinny”, Sam, Mario, Danny, Tom (your regular calls from Switzerland) Trevor, Paul (Johnston), Matthew and Jake (your faithful presence at Neurogym every week) …. please forgive me if I forgot some of you. Thank you isn’t enough. YOU ARE HIS MOTIVATORS!!!
And… HUGE THANK-YOUS to ST. THOMAS AQUINAS HIGH SCHOOL and the RUSSELL LIONS CLUB for their generous donations towards Justin’s rehab.
Please keep on PRAYING FOR OUR GOOD BOY JUSTIN because YOU CAN DO IT JUSTIN !!!!
With our love,
Gerry & Suzanne, Dominic & Kelly, Daniel, Julia & especially Justin xxxooo
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Everyone’s support remains outstanding! A special thanks to St. Thomas Aquinas High School. There are too many names to mention. Also, to Jenn of Jenn’s Fries for welcoming Justin to her business and Donna as job coach. Please forgive for all not mentioned. Your are all in my prayers of thankfulness.
Justin’s past 10 months of rehabilitation at school has been miraculous. Thanks be to God and Justin’s tremendous will power with the support of family, friends and community he continues to little by little climb the ladder. His training includes a newly acquired bungee walker daily at school, cognitive skills with the help of a speech therapist, Neurogym workout Monday to Friday for 1 1/2 hours all to achieve independency.
All of his great achievements could not have taken place without all of your help either through prayer, talks on the phone, long conversations, your encouraging smile, and your love and patience.
On behalf of the family and Justin, we continue to ask you to keep Justin in your prayers asking God for continual healing. If you are able to help Justin this summer with his ongoing rehabilitation please contact us at home 613-445-5591.
Our warmest thanks and appreciation,
Gerry, Suzanne, Dominic & Kelly, Daniel, Julia & especially JUSTIN XXXOOO
Permalink
July 1, 2007
Posted in Homilies
at 9:00 am
Thirteenth Sunday, Year C, July 1st, 2007
Once again I had to throw out all my notes about what I was planning to say in this homily, as the Holy Spirit seemed to lead me in a new direction in the middle of the week.
Who is Jesus? What would Jesus do? What must I do to inherit eternal life? (Mk 10:17) We know all about that already! We’ve heard all the stories about Jesus since we were little kids! Our country has been Christian for over 300 years! I love Canada very much, and I thank God for the gifts he has given us: peace, prosperity, unity, religious freedom, natural beauty, (the Rideau Canal just named a World Heritage Site) and so on. But it seems now that our country has forgotten about Jesus and his teachings. Some people want to delete God completely from our conscience, our constitution and our national anthem. A letter writer to the Citizen suggested that we alter the offensive line in “O Canada” to read, “Let’s keep our land tolerant and free.” (June 28th)
The answer to these questions, “who is Jesus?” and so on are not so obvious; for this reason, Pope Benedict, one of the busiest men on the planet, chose to devote all his spare time to finishing his latest book Jesus of Nazareth, precisely to answer that question: Who is Jesus? Our salvation and eternal happiness depends on knowing the answer to that question. Unfortunately, throughout history, instead of getting to know the real Jesus, we human beings are tempted to create Jesus in our own image, and to make him into a puppet that will say and do what we want, and approve of all our bad choices.
Who is Jesus? Benedict writes that for some Biblical scholars, Jesus is an “anti-Roman revolutionary working . . . to overthrow the ruling powers.” At the other extreme, he is a “meek moral teacher who approves everything and unaccountably comes to grief” (xii). In the context of the debates in our time, we might also ask, “is Jesus a compassionate liberal or an uncompromising conservative?” (I use “liberal” and “conservative” as religious not political terms).
This debate about the identity of Jesus underlies many of the issues facing Church and society in Canada. Consider our brothers and sisters in the Anglican Church of Canada who held a national synod in Winnipeg last week to vote on whether or not the Anglican Church in Canada should bless same-sex unions.
The motion was narrowly defeated because a thin majority of bishops were opposed, but they all agreed that same-sex unions are compatible with the “core doctrine” of the Anglican Church. I mention this only as an example of this debate about “who is Jesus?” “what would Jesus do?” and “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
Both liberal and conservative Anglicans have different answers to these questions. Liberals point to the compassion of Jesus who welcomed prostitutes, who ate and drank with sinners and tax-collectors. Surely he would not exclude gays and lesbians. Therefore, based on the example of Jesus, we should bless same-sex unions.
The religious conservatives have a different answer to these question, “who is Jesus?” and “What would Jesus do?” They remind us that Jesus came to fulfill the law, not to abolish it. Jesus always upheld the moral teaching of the Torah, God’s law as revealed in the Old Testament, which includes very clear passages in Leviticus in which homosexuality behaviour is condemned as a serious sin (18:22, 20: 13). Therefore, based on the example of Jesus, we can never approve of same-sex unions.
Well, which Jesus is the real one? Who is Jesus? Let us look again at the picture of Jesus in today’s Gospel. Is he a compassionate liberal or an uncompromising conservative? Someone says to Jesus, “I will follow you wherever you go!” Jesus basically replies, “No you won’t. I can see right through you. You are too attached to your wife, your home and your possessions, but the Son of Man has nothing, and nowhere to lay his head.” Ouch! Jesus, that’s not very nice! Or, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” “Let the dead bury their own dead,” as if to say, “let the spiritually dead, those who put human relationships before God, bury their own physically dead.” Ouch! What happened to the meek moral teacher?
Is Jesus a schizophrenic or a split-personality? Is he a compassionate liberal one day and a uncompromising conservative on the other? We can only understand how Jesus or we ourselves can be BOTH compassionate and uncompromising if we appreciate the virtue of detachment, which is actually the theme of today’s readings.
What is detachment? In the Christian sense, it means to have no gods but God, to love God above all people and all created things. Yes, we can still love people truly and deeply, but as coming from God and belonging to him, not to us. Detachment is a difficult and uncompromising call. In the words of Jesus, ”Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me” (Mt 10:37). Ouch! Jesus that doesn’t sound very compassionate!
But that’s the first commandment, “you must love God above all things – more than your husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend, children, parents. It is a sin leading to unhappiness if you love anything or anyone more than God.” If I had time, I would tell you about . . . some of the agonies and tortures through which God has allowed me to pass in order to teach me detachment, and how to love others unselfishly, for his sake. And if we must be detached even from normal, healthy and holy human relationships, how much more must we be detached from lust, same-sex attraction, and so on.
Jesus is neither ‘liberal’ nor ‘conservative’ – but he is both compassionate and uncompromising. He speaks some harsh and uncompromising words because he has compassion for us based on truth. His words are like the doctor’s scalpel that cuts into our flesh – ouch! – but cuts only to heal.
The words of Jesus show us the narrow door leading to eternal life, the Way of the Cross leading to the Resurrection, the path of self-denial as the path to self-fulfillment. He challenges us to be converted, to make tough decisions, to be counter-cultural, to follow the voice of the Good Shepherd rather than succumb to peer pressure, or societal norms.
That’s the real Jesus. He’s the one whose face shines out from the Bible. Yet, debates within the Anglican Church teach us that it is not enough to have this book (Bible) to know who is Jesus and what would Jesus do, and what must I do to inherit eternal life. Without the Church, we have confusing and contradictory pictures of Jesus – a liberal or conservative, a revolutionary or a meek moral teacher.
So in addition to this book (Bible) we also need this book (Catechism), books from tradition like this one, The Imitation of Christ, more modern books like this one, Jesus of Nazareth. We also need the Magisterium, the teaching authority of the Church, the guidance of the Pope and bishops.
I’ll end with a few words about our new bishop, Terrence Prendergast. From his homily at his installation Mass on Tuesday, he gave every indication that he will be a shepherd like Jesus – a compassionate and uncompromising teacher of the truth. He spoke of Jesus as our model, who came not to be served but to serve, and who also challenges us in those parts of our life where we prefer the Gospel call did not enter, for example, with his teaching on marriage, divorce, family, etc . . .
He also asked us to pray for him, that the Lord will dissipate any fear or anxiety, conscious or unconscious, in his heart. The Archbishop knows the challenges he faces, and how unpopular the real Jesus (and the Gospel proclaimed by the Catholic Church) have become in secular Canadian society. If I had more time I would share with you one of the greatest struggles for bishops and priests is . . . well, to be like Jesus, compassionate AND uncompromising, especially when meeting with people whose lives openly and publicly contradict the Gospel, and trying gently to lead them to conversion. Especially when one is trying to be defense-less (as I mentioned last week), a priest or bishop opens himself up to being crucified – which does conform us to Christ and help us inherit eternal life!
As we prepare to receive Jesus in Holy Communion, let us thank God that through the Bible (properly interpreted), the Catechism, the Magisterium of the Church, Pope Benedict, Archbishop Prendergast and other teachers we can know, with surprising accuracy, the answer to those questions, “Who is Jesus?” “What would Jesus do?” and “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”
Permalink
Homilies