Why does a teenage boy, given to one word answers and careless dress, suddenly become concerned about his appearance and sound a bit more civilized — after a certain young woman smiles at him?
Why is it that the birth of a grandchild can turn grumpy, distracted adults into euphoric grandparents?
Why do memories of certain places stir glad feelings within us?
Why does the concern of a friend during a time of trial lighten our burden?
Why do all of these things happen if not because just even a hint of LOVE –  arms us against our need always to be on guard, or fearful of a loss of self. . .
Yes, love is the answer. . .

        But how is it that people come to love us, or we to love them?  How do people fall in love??

Manuel, age 9 says, “I think you are supposed to get shot with an arrow or something, but the rest of it isn’t supposed to be so painful.”
7 year old Mae has this perspective:  “no one is sure why love  happens, but I heard it has something to do with how you smell.  That’s why perfume and deodorant are so popular.”


And Glen, age 6, says “if falling in love is anything like learning how to spell – I don’t want any part of it  - because it takes too much effort.”  I think Glen will remain unmarried for a VERY long time if he thinks love is easy. . . 

Even though we might not be so sure of how people fall in love –  LOVE is what the Kingdom of God is all about. . .

About a month ago, we heard the story in St. Mark’s Gospel about a scribe asking Jesus “which is the first of all the commandments?”
And Jesus responded by saying to love God-   with all you heart, mind, and soul – and to love your neighbor as yourself.

Yes, love is what the kingdom of God is all about.

That’s why Jesus talks about love 71 times in the Gospel – saying such things as “Love one another as I have loved you.” Or “there is no greater love than this:  to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
We know that love is pretty important when it comes to living our faith:  which is why the word love is used an additional 245 times in the rest of the New Testament – such as St. Paul’s saying love is patient –  love is kind in his letter to the Corinthians.
Or St. John’s first letter where he writes:  God is love, and the one who abides in love, abides in God, and God in them.

    Yes love is important.  And love is powerful.  And love motivates us to do things we might not naturally do:
  
LOVE – allows human hearts to be moved so that enemies speak to one another, adversaries join hands, and people seek the way of peace together.



Love empowers us to use our hands to help others.  To use our feet to hasten to the poor and needy.  To use our eyes to see misery and want.  To use our ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of others. . .
When we are in love, we don’t allow our hearts to become drowsy – but we remain alert and ready to respond to those in need and those we love.
When we are in love, we keep our promises - just like God has always done.
And when we are in love, we are stretched out of our comfort zones to become the best version of ourselves:  blameless and holy before God.

And we are able to do all of these things we do in love – because God has first loved us.
As St. John tells us in his first of 3 letters:  “In this is love:  not that we loved God, but that God loved us.”
Yes, “God so loved the world that in the fullness of time, God sent God’s only begotten Son to be our Savior.  Made incarnate by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, who shared our human nature is all things but sin.”
This is the love we prepare our hearts to receive anew at Christmas.  This is why we use this season of Advent as a time of preparation – to make room in our hearts for Christ to come and dwell – so we can become more and more like Christ ->
Something we might not naturally do – but through the GRACE of God – becomes possible.
Because sometimes our hearts and lives and schedules are so full – there is no room in them for Jesus – much like the inns of Bethlehem were too full to welcome the new born king.
We need God’s grace to be at work in us – to make room in our hearts and lives – so that Chirst can do his work in and through us.
Yes, as Jeremiah told us – the days are coming when God will fulfill the promise made.  The Lord of justice is coming: but are we ready to receive him?
This is the work of Advent that we have to do – preparing our hearts to receive the Lord — all because God so loved the world. . .

  

​

So just a little light humor before we get serious:
A man named John received a parrot, named CHIEF, as a gift.
    The parrot had a bad attitude and an even worse vocabulary.  Every word out of the bird’s mouth was rude, obnoxious and laced with profanity.
    John tried to change the bird’s attitude by consistently saying only polite words, playing soft music and anything else he could think of to clean up the birds vocabulary and soften its spirit.
    Finally, John was fed up and yelled at the parrot.  And the parrot yelled back.  John shook the parrot and it only got angrier and even ruder.
    John, in desperation, threw up his hand, grabbed the parrot and put him in the freezer.
    For a few minutes the parrot squawked and kicked and screamed.  Then suddenly - there was total quiet.  Not a peep was heard for more than a minute.
Thinking that the parrot was hurt, John quickly opened the door to the freezer.
The parrot calmly stepped out onto John’s outstretched arm and said, “I’m certain I have offended you with my rude language and actions.  I’m sincerely sorry for my inappropriate transgressions and I fully intend to do everything I can to correct my rude and unforgivable behavior.”
John was stunned at the change in the bird’s attitude.  So he asked the parrot, “how did this remarkable change in you come about.”
“Pretty simple.”  Said the parrot.  “I sure did not want to end up like that turkey in the freezer.”

    For we Americans, the term “Thanksgiving” conjures up images of turkey and cranberry sauce, parades and football games.  These traditions have come to mark an event made a perpetual institution of American life by President Abraham Lincoln’s decree of 1863 - in the midst of the Civil War.
But why did Lincoln proclaim the last Thursday in November as a national holiday?  
Because it was clear to him that the blessings of food, land, family, and freedom enjoyed by Americans are all gifts from the Creator.  But Americans, he realized, had forgotten this.  >
A special day was needed for us to forget our differences and remember our blessings.  And from remembering naturally flows giving thanks to the Source of those blessings.
And so we do that to this day.  We gather with family and friends to remember our blessings.  And from remembering naturally flows giving thanks to God - the source of those blessings.
But true thanksgiving is not just a matter of words and warm sentiments.  Gratitude for a gift means offering a gift in return.  So as we give thanks today - let us also ask ourselves what we are going to give God in return for all the blessings continued to be showered down upon us.

Which makes today the perfect day to pre-plan our Christmas giving.  Not only what we will give to each other – but also what we will give to the thirsty, the stranger, the sick, the hungry and the lonely.
For when we do these things for the least of our brothers and sisters, we do them for the Lord.
Happy Thanksgiving!

​

When Pope Pius XI instituted this feast of Christ the King for the universal Church in 1925 - Christians in many parts of the world were facing grave difficulties.
    In Mexico, the Church was being persecuted:  church property was being seized, religious orders were being outlawed, and public displays of faith were forbidden.
    There was the rise of National Socialism which became Nazism in Germany – and atheistic Communism in the recently formed Soviet Union.
    In this country there was the rise of materialism, consumerism, and the biggest growth of the Ku Klux Klan promoting racism since the end of the Civil War.
    Pope Pius wanted this feast to show the deplorable consequences produced when individuals and governments rebelled against and rejected the Gospel.
    Godless governments, he said, are always anti-life governments which emphasized power over peace.
    The state over the individual.
    And the censor and persecution of religion.
    Pope Pius wanted to strengthen and encourage Catholics facing persecution – hopefully allowing them to continue to work for the spread of Christ’s reign, despite hostilities.


    This feast is also to act as a reminder to all Catholics – that amidst all the trials of life – faith can and will sustain us in the most difficult moments of life - and faith can transform our fallen world into the Kingdom of God– if we LET values of the kingdom reign in our lives.
    On this feast – the last Sunday of this liturgical year – we should consider in the end – what really matters – is not our own status –or it’s  not to impress those around us – but whether in the end we have allowed Christ to reign as king in our hearts, minds, and wills.
    In the Gospel – we heard Pilate ask Jesus:  are you a king?  Notice that Jesus does not answer the question directly. . .
 because like the question posed to his disciples several weeks ago:  who do you say that I am?  – This is a question that each of us has to answer for ourselves. . . is Jesus a king?  If we answer, yes - it determines the course of our lives – a course that Pilate rejected.
    But on another level – what kept Pilate from acknowledging Jesus as a king – was his – PRIDE.  Pride keeps everyone from the truth about Jesus – because pride does not acknowledge a king outside of one’s self.
    Pride says:  I need to be the one in charge.  I need to wield the power over myself and others.  I determine what truth is in my life.

    This type of pride is a rebellion and rejection of God – the sort of rebellion and rejection that leads to broken friendships and families – of persecution and the belittling of others.  History shows this over and over.  God-less-ness leads to self-destruction and violence toward others.
    But pride can be shattered – and it must be – in order to belong to the kingdom of truth and freedom, of peace and justice.  A kingdom where all people are raised up to a new hope.
    The changing of the liturgical seasons are always a good time to do some self-examination:  to ask ourselves is selfishness, pleasure, control, pride, neglect – reigning in our lives – or are our hearts and lives filled with generosity, self-control, humility, prayer?  
    So this week – I encourage you to ready yourself for Advent – which begins next Sunday.  
Plan additional prayer time and time for spiritual reading.  Step it up when it comes to acts of mercy and charity.  Maybe make it to daily Mass once or twice when we have some of the most meaty readings at Mass - -coming from the prophets who foretold the coming of Christ.  And to offer that Mass up to someone who is in need of your prayers.
    And perhaps – put off the Christmas decorations at least for a while longer – and instead letting an Advent wreath be the focus of your holiday decor. 
 Or at best – as you string up your Christmas lights – reminding yourself to invite Christ into your heart – to light up your life with his grace.
    “Long live Christ the King” was the cry of those being persecuted in Mexico in the early part of the 20th century.  May it also be our cry – so that Chrsit the King may reign in our minds and hearts, and in our relationships with family, friends, strangers, neighbors –and even our enemies.
    When we allow Christ to reign in us – he transforms us into instruments of his justice and goodness.  We become partners with Christ uniting people in extending God’s mercy, truth and love – for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
    
    

​

Two widows - the most vulnerable people in a patriarchal society.  And they should humble us.
         A starving mother feeds Elijah - even though she only has enough to make one last meal for her son and herself.
         And a woman giving her two last coins to the treasury -- and Jesus praises her for giving all she had.
         These two women - models of courage and faith -- gave the last of what they had because that is what God called them to do.
         Would we have the courage –and the faith -- to do what they did?
 
         Do we have the faith and courage to give up our last dollars and cents -- to the Lord?
         Do we bring an offering of the first fruits of our labor -- or do we wait to see what is left in our purses or wallets after we pay our rent, utilities, bills -- and maybe a nice meal and tickets to a ballgame -- and only then maybe think about what we should offer as a return to God through our parish?
         Are we good stewards and treat our other resources -- our time and talent - as God's – or do we think we own them – and then guard them at any price?
 
 
         Do we pass up the opportunity to help, sometimes in very small ways, while we wait for an opportunity to do something big or impressive –
or something that will catch the attention and praise of others?
                              
         Mother Theresa once said there are no great things -- only small things done with great love.
         With God, even the smallest things are extremely important -- because those are the ones God often uses to work miracles -- a handful of flour -- a couple of coins worth a few cents --- we don't have to wait for something major.  Because God doesn’t consider the size of the gift –
as much as the heart of the giver. . .
         We don't have to wait until we are down to our last two coins or the last bit of food in the cupboard  --To give something.
         What WE DO have to give is – ourselves-- fully and completely to God.
         As we consider this, let's listen to the words of the song:  These alone are Enough, Dan Schutte's song based on the Prayer of Saint Ignatius Loyola.
Take my heart, O Lord, take my hopes and dreams.
Take my mind with all its plans and schemes.
Give me nothing more than your love and grace.
These alone, O God, are enough for me.
​

​To peak your interest – and to catch your attention---  our school's spring musical will be Fiddler on the Roof  -- so stay tuned -- and never forget there can always be an unexpected appearance on the stage by someone not in the cast.
         One of the scenes in that musical and movie -- is when the Father, Tevye, finally breaks down -- and gives his blessing for one of his daughters to marry a man who had nothing but a sewing machine-- and the hope of being a great tailor.
         Tevye finally became convinced that the old ways are passing away, that it's a new world -- and people are now marrying each other out of love –
 
and not because the marriage had been arranged by their parents.
         Tevye then turns to his wife and asks the question:  do you love me?
         His wife doesn't know how to respond, she ignores the question, but Tevye persists:  do you love me?
         She finally breaks out in song reciting all that she has done for him for the last 25 years:
washing his clothes, cooking his meals, cleaning their house, birthing his children, milking the cows. . .
 
 
         Much like Jesus in his resurrection appearance to Peter and the others on the side of the lake -- Tevye asks for a third time:  but do you love me?
         And his wife, Golde, persists // too:  saying for twenty-five years I've lived with you, fought with you, starved with you -- if that's not love, what is??
         Tevye’s wife, is saying--  love is not just something we say we have -- we show each other that we have it -- by sharing each other's hopes and dreams, joys and sorrows -- Love always expresses itself through actions.
 
         One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him, "which is the first of all the commandments".
         And Jesus says that it is "to love God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our mind and strength"  -- but that's not all -- we then show our love for God by loving our neighbor as ourself -- because love always expresses itself through actions.
         So like Peter standing on the lakeshore -- if Jesus were to ask us:  do you love me?
         What would we have to show for it??
         And do always remember – it never hurts to tell the people we love – that we do love them, and we should tell them often – because we never know when it will be last the opportunity we 

My name is Plutus – I was named after the Greek God of wealth – because that’s what I was, “filthy rich” as you say in your day.
    I had a big house, lots of servants, good food to eat and fine wines to drink.  I was living on easy street - another of your sayings, I think.
    But I was also a good Jew – I paid my temple tax, although I hated any type of taxes – especially the ones those foreign Romans oppressed us with.  And I observed all the high holy days as well as strictly observed the Sabbath.  
    You would not catch me working on the Sabbath – well, not that you would ever catch me working - that’s what you have servants for.
    I had heard of one of our Jewish brothers, Jesus was his name – who was preaching and teaching about a new way of living – living within the Kingdom of God here on earth - and enjoying it for all eternity in the life to come.  I was curious about this. . .
    So, when I had the chance to meet him, I ran and knelt before him.  And boldly asked him:  what must I do to inherit eternal life?
    He quizzed me about my moral life and I told him keeping the commandments were a part of my daily life.
    He looked at me with love, I did not feel judged at all – and he told me to sell what I had, give it all to the poor, and to follow after him.
    Well – I wasn’t about to do that – give up my comfy lifestyle?   Give up my servants?  Give up everything I had worked so hard to achieve:  no way.  So I simply walked away.
    But I could not get this man out of my head – nor could I forget what he asked of me.
     I guess I could loosen the purse strings a little bit.  It seems like every time I went out – I encountered more and more people who were begging just to keep alive.  
Maybe this Jesus was on to something.  I  heard that he wants us all to have a soft spot in our hearts for the widows, orphans, and foreigners  - those prone to fall through the cracks in our society. . .
Those words he spoke – cut into me like a two-edged sword – which penetrated my soul and spirit. . .
So I prayed about all of this – and prudence was given me – I pleaded, and the spirit of wisdom came to me.
And in the gift of wisdom given to me – I began to see and understand what I should have seen and understood all along –
I was not the OWNER of anything I had – I was only a caretaker – a steward – and I began to recognize that everything I had – and everything I was – came to me as a gift from God – and gifts are given not to be clung to – but to share.
I began to live my life out of a sense of abundance - rather than scarcity – which led me to become more generous with my time, my talent, and especially with my treasure.
Jesus was right all along – I was lacking in one thing – a proper perspective of who I was and who I was called to be.
By the time I figured all of this out –it was too late to show Jesus how the seeds of his wisdom had taken root in my heart – because I heard his way of thinking did not align with the thinking of the powers to be of Rome – and the shut him down by putting him to death.


Now my friends, I only hope the same for you:  allow the words you hear Jesus speak to you every week in this place to cut into you like a two-edged sword.  Allow them to penetrate your soul and spirit.
Look honestly and deeply into yourself and find out the one thing you are lacking– the thing that holds you back from living the life of a steward – one who knows everything they have is a gift from God - and then you will be on the path to being a true disciple.
Maybe there are other things that hold you back from intentionally following after Jesus. . .
Could it be you pray only here on Sunday – and then fail to set time during the week to pray by yourself or with your family? 
 Consistent prayer will help you be on the path to true discipleship.
Could it be that you give yourself to God only when you are here – then do whatever you want during the week – thinking you are at least covering your bases by coming to Mass?
Living with integrity - letting what you do here affect the rest of living throughout the week – the choices you make, the words you speak – the things you do – will help you become a more intentional disciple of Jesus – following him more closely.
Could it be that you cling so tightly to your possessions – like I did – that you cannot see the need to share a portion of them with others who are less fortunate than you.
Being generous with your gifts God has blessed you with – will help you to be a better disciple.
Could it be the thing you most have to turn loose of – is your busyness?  Thinking that you are so busy, you just can’t find any time in your schedule to give yourself in humble service in some way – to your community, your Church – or may even your own family?
Having a proper balance in your life will put you on the right path – the narrow path – to true discipleship.



Learn from me.  Take Jesus’s advice – find that one thing that you are lacking – the one thing you need to change – the one thing you need to let loose of – in order to follow Jesus more closely.
Hear Jesus call you by name and let his life and his love grow within you – helping you to make the changes you know you need to in your life.

Don’t be as foolish as I was – and just walk away. . .
    

​

Baptist pastor and sociologist, Tony Campolo, gives marriage seminars across the country.
    In his book, Let me tell you a story, he says that at just about every seminar he gives, a man will ask the question:  “Who is supposed to be the head of the household?”
    Campolo says his common answer to the question is to ask a question:  “Are you a Christian?”
    Usually the person answers - YES.
At which point he says:  “then you are asking a pretty stupid question . . . Because a Christian would never ask who is going to be the master. . . The Christian will always be asking:  who’s going to be the servant.”
    Our readings today could be used to speak to many issues - such as the relationship between men and women – marriage – adultery – divorce – even the issue of same-sex unions.
    While all of these are issues addressed by the Church - a homily is not necessarily the forum for addressing them.
    Our reading today are very apt to be misunderstood.  Some will want to use them as proof-texts for a particular stand.  But as always, we must approach them form the larger context of the message and teaching of Jesus Christ.
    For if location, location, location – is sometimes helpful for fully understanding the Gospels – then context, context, context is always important for fully understanding them.
    I know there are many in this sacred space who have suffered the agony of divorce.  And today’s Gospel could very well inflict yet another wound.
    Because Jesus appears to be very clear about the divorced - and doesn’t seem to have much understanding or compassion for them – but context, context, context –
    In this passage, Jesus is NOT speaking to those who are divorced – he is speaking to his ever present adversaries – the Pharisees – the religious lawyers – the canon lawyers – of Jesus day.
    These are legalists who have challenged Him on legalistic grounds – and so Jesus responds in kind –
    They ask about the law - so Jesus responds by using the law.
    Jesus’ frustration is that the concern of these particular Pharisees is too narrow and too shortsighted. . .
    They know God created marriage from the very beginning of creation – and so they know that marriage is part of God’s plan for humanity.
    The Pharisees are trying to use the Law to find an easy path – but Jesus is never one to take the easy path “take up your cross and follow me” is not meant to be easy!
    So Jesus acknowledges that Moses made exceptions in the Law regarding divorce because of SIN – 
and Jesus is pointing out to the Pharisees that these exceptions for divorce should not be their focus – but rather HOW TO AVOID SIN - and how to stay attached to God’s will – should be their focus – FOR EVERYONE – the married, the single, the divorced, and especially for religious leaders – Jesus always likes to poke the bears!
    Another context for our Gospel reading is to remember that in Jesus’ day – only MEN could bring about a divorce – NOT women.
    So in the house, with his disciples, Jesus makes it clear that for him, and those who want to follow after him – that it works both ways – he specifically says “whoever divorces his wife” – but also says “if she divorces her husband.”
    The creation story of man and woman does not create a hierarchy of men over women – it creates a partnership of equality – and in the debate over divorce – Jesus reminds his disciples of this.
    This is that radical inclusiveness of Jesus at work again – and in this way we can say that Jesus expands the understanding of marriage in saying that it is a partnership of equals.
    St. Paul reminded us of this teaching weeks ago in his letter to the Ephesins when he called upon husbands to “love their wives.” – Radical teaching in an age when society still viewed women as possessions – rather than the human beings they are.
    There is no Council in the Church, and no teaching coming from the Church – that changed the way we Catholics understand marriage more – than the teachings which came out of the Second Vatican Council. . .
    In its document on the Church in the Modern World – one of 16 documents that were approved by the Bishops of the world gathered in Rome during the 4 council sessions – the Church states such things as:
    “The two married partners render mutual service to each other through their love and daily life, leading them to total fidelity and unbreakable oneness.”  Art. 48

    “It is for this reason that the Church treats marriage as a Sacrament, a sign of God’s faithful love of us, and a source of grace for the partners.”  Art. 48
    And in its Constitution on the Church the Council proclaims:
    “Those called to matrimony live especially close to the unity and fruitful love that exists between Christ and the Church.  
    In fact, those who receive this Sacrament, by reason of their state and rank in life, have their own special gift among the people of God.”
    This is the FIRST time EVER - the Church speaks in terms of marriage being a vocation – 
just as important, just as holy, just as nobel, just as special – as a vocation to the priesthood or religious life!
    In the same Constitution on the Church, it is proclaimed that the “family setting is its own kind of Church, a sort of domestic Church.  In this household setting, where relationships are the stuff of everyday life, for better or for worse – members ought to witness to each other and teach each other to listen to the Spirit prompting them in their hearts.”
    Time and again, the documents of Vatican II remind us that all of us are called to holiness and lives of grace – which fits our School Theme for the year:  Saints in the making.  
    Our relationships, especially marriage and life within a family – should help us become saints!
    I feel compelled to say one more thing about marriage and divorce.  And I invite you to listen carefully – divorced Catholics CAN receive Communion.  Let me repeat that because I encounter this misunderstanding all the time – Divorced Catholics CAN receive the Eucharist.
    Divorce is not the issue – it is usually remarriage outside the Church – without seeking an annulment – which is the issue that keeps people from the Eucharist.
    Somebody today in this place – or someone you know – needs to hear that.
    May the Spirit of God – continue to move us to shatter all that would bind us – and keep us from living holy, and grace-filled lives.  AMEN!

​

There are a few sayings that help us get through life that we should remind ourselves of from time to time.
    Sayings like:  “charity begins at home.”
And “Honesty is the best policy.”  And of course, the Golden Rule:  “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
    These all express good principles and values for us to live by.
    Here are a couple more that maybe you haven’t heard but are just as important:
    Take care of your thoughts when you are alone.
    And take care of your words when you are with people.
    We form our thoughts – and our thoughts shape our words – and our words have an impact and affect those around us:  our words either lift people up - or tear them down.
    So we have to watch what we do or say.
Especially when children are around.

    Children have been on Jesus’ mind last week and this one.
    Last week as he held a child in his arms Jesus said:  “whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.”
    And as we just heard, perhaps as he still held that child since it is a direct continuation of the Gospel of last week:
  “whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better if a great millstone were put around their neck and thrown into the sea.”
    Jesus says these things because he knows how vulnerable children are.
    And he reminds us many times in the Gospels that the kingdom of God belongs to the child-like:  those who are able to place their trust and hope and find their dreams in God.
    It is often truthfully said that children are the world’s most valuable resource and the best hope for the future.

    That’s why we pour so many of our parish resources into them – in our school, and through our youth group, and with our help to students in 
El Salvador.
    And everyday, we make deposits in the memory banks of our children.
    They are like sponges – soaking up what we do and say  – and their thoughts and characters are being shaped and formed by these experiences.

    So when children talk back and argue with us – who did they learn that from?
    Or when they start shouting in an argument, was it because they heard us shouting at others –maybe even shouting at them?
    We also tend to complain and criticize and blame others for what has gone wrong that caused us inconveniences.
    So when they hear us venting – aren’t they learning something about not taking personal responsibility?
    Our world and our lives are like a fire burning with frustrations, disruptions, disappointments and maybe even depression.
    We can easily give into complaining, criticizing, blaming, and avoiding.
    But Jesus calls us to be like a cup of water for a thirsty and heated world.
    And just as water cleanses and refreshes, we often need to see situations and problems with clean and fresh eyes.
No doubt circumstances in our world cause us anxiety and worry.  But doesn’t past experience tell us that nothing ever last forever?
  So even if there is nothing in our present circumstances that tells us that there is beauty and goodness to come – doesn’t always eventually come??
    So let’s give each other that cup of water – that spark of hope - that will all need:  avoiding the gloom and doom.
 Let’s resolve to be resilient and to be united in charity – so as to look forward in hope for beauty, justice and peace.
May these be our thoughts and our prayers – and our example to the little ones – may the Lord help us to be that cup of water for a very thirsty world.

    
    


​

​At the recent Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, Catholic speaker Paul Kim began his talk to teenagers with what he said-- were the worst pick up lines for Catholic men to use, when trying to get a date.   They included:
          Hi, I was reading the Book of Numbers in the Old Testament and I couldn't find yours. . . can I have it?
          He continued:  I'm a Catholic and we pray the rosary. . . I want to be your Joyful Mystery for the next 5 decades. . .
          And finally:  My name is peace.  Can I be with you??
          Kim concluded any man who uses such lines is going to stay single for a long time!
          While far from a pick-up line - as he already had many followers -- and more like a reality check to make sure he was connecting with those who were following him -- Jesus asks:
          WHO DO PEOPLE SAY THAT I AM.
And the disciples told him some of things they picked up from the crowds:
          John the Baptist:  because, like John, they had heard Jesus call them to repentance.
          Others said Elijah:  for like Elijah, they had heard Jesus call them to stop following after false gods and return to the one true God.
 
          And still others - one of the prophets -- maybe like Isaiah - because they had seen Jesus set himself like flint against all the false things the scribes and Pharisees were saying about him.
          After hearing the results of this 1st century Gallop Poll --  Jesus must have thought, okay, I am connecting with the broader crowd -- they know that I am sent by God  -- they may not follow me to the bitter end -- but at least they are listening.
          BUT wanting to carry the reality check to another level -- Jesus wanted to make sure he was connecting with his closest followers -- and so he dares to ask the disciples -- but who do you say that I am?
          And good ole Peter, who was known to put his foot in his mouth more than once -- blurts out the bold statement:  You are the Christ!
           Good answer Peter, Jesus must have thought -- but do you really know all that entails?
          So he proceeded to tell them -- being the Christ, being the Messiah  -- means first suffering and death -- but then resurrection.
          And this is something Peter can't take -- and obviously the others can't take either -- because all of them will scatter when the suffering begins.
          At our Baptism -- this question is answered for us by our parents and godparents:  who do we say Jesus is?
          We say we believe that Jesus Christ is God’s only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary, was crucified, died, and was buried, rose from the dead, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father.
          We make that proclamation of faith every Sunday-- whether we use the Nicene Creed or the Apostles Creed. 
          And we often sing of this commitment to following Christ in song – as we will today at Communion when the very words we use are :  I will choose Christ, I will choose love, I choose to serve.  I give my heart, I give my life, I give my all to you.
 
 
          So the question is-- do we? 
Do we give our hearts, our lives, our all to Jesus Christ?
And if we were to do a reality check among our family and friends – and ask them – who do you say that I am --  would they readily admit that they know us as a follower of Jesus Christ? 
          Because . . . they see that we readily give to those who need the necessities of the body – as St. James challenges us?
          Do they know we are a follower of Christ because . . . they so easily see how we can deny our own wants, needs, and desires – in order to take up our cross and follow Jesus?
          Would our friends and family readily identify us as a follower of Christ because. . . they know we live according to Gospel values – and that we are willing to lose our lives for the sake of the Gospel?
          The prophet Isaiah begins our reading today by saying “The Lord God opens my ears that I may hear.”
Leo, our guest speaker of last week (unless you were here at the 11:00 Mass and our speaker was Bishop Johnston)  reminded us that the greatest tragedy in life is not to be born deaf – but to have ears and refuse to listen. . .
          We have heard the word of God today.  We have heard the call to become more and more like Christ in our words and actions. 
We have heard that we must take up our cross and follow after Christ –
 but hearing and listening are not enough – we must now put all this into practice.
          And if we do the best we can – and rely on the grace of God to build on our human efforts – then others will readily know that we have chosen to give our heart, our life, and our all to Christ. 
And that being followers of Jesus Christ is not just something we talk about or sing about – it’s something we actually do --
So - maybe the song we used to sing back when I was growing up – and actually sang at the school mass this week-- will ring true – they will know we are Christians by our love.

 
 

So mild-mannered Fr. Mike Clary got you eased back into St. Mark’s Gospel last week – and here we will remain until the beginning of Advent – with just one more Sunday of St. John between now and then.

    Not wanting to jump back into preaching very quickly – I sought out a guest speaker for today. . 
    

    My name is Leo:   short for Lay-Leo - which means deaf in Greek – because that’s what I was:  completely deaf, deprived of so much that others take for granted.  

I could not hear the shouts of children at play, the singing of the birds, the sound of the wind in the trees. . . When was the last time you took the time to listen to such things??
    I could not hear words of comfort, encouragement, or advice.  And when was the last time you spoke these things to those you love?
    Few people try to communicate with the deaf.  They find us tedious.  Which make us feel terribly isolated.
    The fact that I was practically dumb, unable to speak –   added to my sense of deprivation and isolation.  I could not explain myself.  I could not express my feelings.  
Insensitive people laughed at my stammerings – as they often do at anyone who is different than them.
    I had no opportunity to contribute anything to the community.  Consequently, I felt useless and in the way.


    People even hesitated to touch me. Never underestimate what a reassuring hand on a shoulder or a pat on the back can do for a person.
 Having any disability marks you as different.  And when you’re different – people tend to be afraid of you.  And so they avoid you.  
They also often see a disability as a punishment from God – you, or one of your ancestors must have done something to tick God off - and the disability is pay back. . . or so they think.
    I was full of self-pity.  I craved compassion.  I was convinced there wasn’t a single person who understood or felt any type of emotion toward me.  
    That was until one day I heard of this man Jesus.  Even though he was a Jew, and I was a Gentile - that is a non-Jew – I wanted to see him and seek his help.
    What an experience I had!!  The first thing he did was take me aside from the crowd and gave me his undivided attention.
    For the first time in my life - I felt important in someone else’s eyes.  But it served a practical purpose too – it saved me from the curiosity of the gawkers in the crowd.
    Jesus did not speak to me as it would have been a waste of words.  Instead he touched me – he made me feel what I could not hear.  There was nothing rough or hurried about his touch.  It was tender, patient, and loving.  The type of touch I had longed for all of my life.

    Then he put his fingers into my ears – the man really does like making physical contact with those he loves. . . Then he put his finger into his mouth – took some of his spittle – and put it on my tongue.
    Next he raised his eyes to heaven to show me that it was all coming from God – this help that was coming my way.
    Then, with a great sigh he said:  be opened!  And suddenly my ears were opened and my speech was normal.  I was cured!  How amazing!

    Jesus told me not to broadcast what he had done for me – probably out of fear he would be overwhelmed by those who needed something.
    But I certainly could not be silent!  There was so much bottled up inside me after all those years of silence – that at first I talked non-stop!

    I could not pass someone on the street with saying - hello.  I could not remain silent in the presence of someone in pain if I felt a kind word would help.  I could not bear to see an injustice done without calling it out.
    But, I soon realized I was over-talking – and not listening.  In that way, I was NOT being completely open to people – because relationships are two-way – you have to both speak AND listen.  So I made it a point of trying to really listen to people, which meant that I had to stop talking.
    And so I listened – to the sounds of nature, to music, to laughter, to crying.


    But most of all – I listened to people’s stories - of their joys, their pains, the triumphs, their sorrows, their losses, their achievements – stories about their children and grandchildren.
    Did you know EVERYONE has a story inside of them just waiting to be told – if only someone cared enough just – to – LISTEN.
    I discovered some interesting things during those early months after my cure.
    I discovered that everybody has certain impediments that prevent them from making full use of the great gift of speech – shyness – insensitivity – apathy  –
    And everyone has impediments that keep them from hearing well:  prejudice, inattention, plain refusal to listen. . .
    Why am I telling you all of this??  It is to save you from the fate of those who have ears but cannot hear — and tongues but cannot speak.
  What I discovered from my experience is this:  the greatest tragedy is not to be born deaf or dumb – but to have ears and choose not to hear; and to have tongues and choose to fail to speak.
    Hearing and speech are such great gifts.  But without a heart that is able to feel compassion - we will never be able to use them well.  It is only with the heart that one can listen attentively, and it’s only with the heart that we can speak rightly.
    Jesus, the man who touched my ears and my tongue – also touched my heart.  It was that above all that made me new – made me whole - made me complete.   AND THAT was the real miracle.
    May hope is that you experience the same.  Let Jesus touch your heart and make you whole.  When you do – I promise you — it will be truly amazing

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