ONE'S  LIFE  WORK

February  28,  2012

Quote for Today - Twenty-Eighth Day in Black History Month

“What we play is life, my whole life, my whole soul, my whole spirit is to blow that horn,” he told a doctor a few months before he died in 1971. No, he wouldn't cancel an upcoming date at the Waldorf-Astoria. “The people are waiting for me, I got to do it, Doc, I got to do it.” 

Louis Armstrong - 1901-1971 

YOUR  TOP  10 

BIBLE  TEXTS

INTRODUCTION

The title of my homily is, “Your Top Ten Bible Texts”.

There are various ways to make the Bible one’s own - or to own the Bible.

There are 2 ways to understand that verb, “to own”.

Literalists might say,  when asked if they own the Bible, “Of course, I own a Bible. It’s right there on my bookshelf.” Others might say, “No way. I only own a couple of quotes and stories that are in the Bible.”

How is the Bible part of your life?

I ask these questions - as reflection questions for Lent.

FATHER JOSEPH CHAMPLIN’S BOOKLETS

When someone dies and calls the parish for a Funeral Mass here, they are given not a Bible, but Father Joseph Champlin's Through Death to Life booklet - to help prepare the Funeral Liturgy. It helps the family to pick the first and second reading. Father Joseph Champlin did the booklet that we give couples to pick readings for their wedding as well.

In the early 1970’s I took a course on Liturgy at Princeton Theological Seminary given by Father Joseph Champlin. Nice guy - and he gave me an A.  He died in 2008 at the age of 77 -  from Waldenstrom’s - a bone marrow disease. He was from the Diocese of Syracuse.

I like it when a family or a couple pick Bible readings that are not in those booklets. It often means that they or the loved one who has died has a special Bible text that they really owned - or loved. At the same time some favorite Bible texts for funerals and weddings are in those booklets. 

FATHER FRANK MILES - JESUIT

I am grateful for Father Frank Miles, a Jesuit, who died here in Maryland. He was stationed in the Faulkner retreat house down there in Southern Maryland. I knew him when he was in Wernersville, Pennsylvania. I went to him for Spiritual Direction - as well as making a few directed retreats there.  On directed retreats - after listening to someone for a half hour or so - he would give those he was directing a Bible text to chew on and digest - a text usually right on target. I once asked him how many Bible texts he used. And he said something like, “I own about 75 texts.”

I think that’s where I got this idea of one way to understand the Bible is to see what texts one owns.

There are other ways of reading and using the Bible. To see what texts one owns is just one way.

LENT

If you want one more Lenten practice, try the owning the Bible Question. Simply jot down 10 Bible texts you own. They’re yours. You don’t have to know the Book, Chapter or Verse. Just jot down a favorite text - and then you can find it afterwards. If you have a computer, just type in what you know about the text into Google and go from there.

TODAY’S TWO READINGS

What I just said hit me after reading today’s two readings.

Today's two readings also triggered the following thoughts.

Today’s first reading, Leviticus 19: 1-2, 11-18, has a list of prohibitions based on the Ten Commandments.

If asked favorite Bible texts some people might say their key text is the Ten Commandments.

What hit me next was this: well then would someone else might say their favorite text is today's gospel - Matthew 25: 31-46. It's the parable of the Sheep vs. the Goats.

Being careful and not wanting to fall into the sin of pride, I would think that if a person says their favorite text is Matthew 25: 31-46 compared to someone who would pick The Ten Commandments, then they might be saying an awful lot about themselves. It would be sort of the same if some one said that the Beatitudes and not the Ten Commandments was key to them. That would be saying an awful lot about a person as well.

To me the difference would be in the area of the struggle of Paul - between outer law and inner law - which he voices loud and clear in Romans 7. It would take us to what Jeremiah 31:31-34 talks about in that text. There is the law written on stone and there is a  law to come that will be written in the human heart.

The difference takes me to what I see Jesus doing with his struggles in Matthew with the Pharisees - especially Chapter 23. I see Jesus  taking us into a whole different realm or Kingdom in my opinion than being a Ten Commandments' Person. They can be like a list on a refrigerator door - or a granite stone with the Ten Commandments chiseled into it standing outside a court house. To be living one’s life putting Matthew 25 into practice that takes a lot of living and experiencing and spiritual growth. To make Matthew 25: 31-46  one’s own - it would take meeting various folks in need and caring for them. That would flesh out Matthew's words into their lives by our service. We would be incorporating our heart and mind with Jesus' heart and mind. Jesus is calling us to visit the sick or serve say on the St. Vincent de Paul team - or be with those folks who visit the prison up on Jennifer Road.

CONCLUSION

So in this homily I’m asking about our top 10 Bible texts - the one’s we own. Or if you want lesser homework: pick the bible texts you want at your funeral. Either way, I’ll give you an A.

WORKING  AT  IT

February  27,  2012

Quote for Today - Twenty-Seventh Day in Black History Month

“People might not get all they work for in this world, 

but they must certainly work for all they get.”  

Frederick Douglas, 1818-1895

METAPHORS

FOR LIFE

INTRODUCTION

The title of my homily is, “Metaphors for Life.”

Do people have a metaphor for life? If they do, what is it? If they do, when do they put it together or when do they put it on like a coat?

This question hit me from the sermon I preached here yesterday afternoon and this morning at 11 AM.

ROLLER COASTER

The first metaphor I used was that of a roller coaster. I told the story about how when we were in the 8^th grade a bunch of us boys used to take the subway train to Coney Island - for a couple of hours - not to swim - but mainly to go on the Cyclone.

The Cyclone was the roller coaster in Coney Island and in the New York - New Jersey area. And actually it was mainly the first hill. After that it was easy rolling. The first hill down seemed like it was more than 90 degrees - because it felt like you went down and in and then up again.

We’d go on a few times. I think it was 50 cents - maybe even 25 cents in the early 1950’s. Then we’d go over to Nathan’s for a hot dog and an orange drink and then walk down to the water - not go it - and then head back to the Cyclone for one more ride and then take the train home.

In my homily this morning I asked if that’s a metaphor for life. Sometimes it’s like we’re on a train - flat tracks - a few twists and turns - but not scary. Sometimes it’s like we’re on a roller coaster - up and down, up and down, and twists and turns all around. And sometimes we’re just sitting around, relaxing, enjoying a hot dog and an orange drink.

ICE CREAM CONES

The second metaphor I used was ice cream cones.

Last Thursday I went downtown Annapolis and then to the Naval Academy for a 45 minute walk. I love to do that - because seeing all those young people running, exercising, throwing a Frisbee, practicing lacrosse, challenges me to try to stay healthy. There was even a group of Naval Academy young people practicing Danny Boy with brass instruments.

But what hit me from that walk downtown and then through the Naval Academy was the people down town Annapolis on Thursday afternoon. I saw lots and lots and lots of people eating ice cream cones.

Could that be a metaphor for life? Looking at your life right now are you just starting with a brand new full ice cream cone - 2 scoops - and you’re just starting to lick away? Or is your ice cream cone almost finished and your hands are sticky and you forgot to get a napkin? Or did your kid drop and plop his ice cream cone - and she’s screaming and you hand her yours? Or you’re diabetic - and I know there’s sugar free ice cream - but it’s really not - and you say, “My ice cream cone days are over. Ugh.”

LENT

Lent is a good time to look at your life.

Where are you? Is there something that you need to do for more life?

Are you into self destruction?

How do you see life?

TODAYS’ READINGS

Today’s first reading and today’s gospel - give us two totally different metaphors: the water and the desert - two totally different scenes.

Is the ocean a good metaphor for life. Those of you who sail might like this.

Sometimes all is calm. Sometimes all is storm. Sometimes you get a lot of wind. Sometimes you have to turn the motor on.

Some people see life as a sail from A to B.

The earth is 76 % or so water. Sometimes water gets tricky and wipes out homes and roads, bridges and docks. Sometimes it’s nice and easy.

In today’s first reading all is nice - but there is a great flood.

As it happens every time - when the world goes cafluey, when there are great storms and floods, and a lot is destroyed, a lot of people think God is mad at us for sin and selfishness.

Today’s first reading presents just that as the case.

So if we take what’s happening with water as a metaphor for life, then there are times we need rainbows. Enough is enough.

I would assume that the human call is to be rainbows - that all the rainbow of people around the world helps specific peoples when they are flooded out.

I remember a big enormous priest  - with a big smile - telling me that when Hurricane Agnes devastated parts of Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania and that area, money poured into the diocese from Churches  all over the country - and the bishop called him and other priests in - to go and see people and hand them money. So he had hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of hundred dollar bills and he was Santa Claus coming in to see hundreds of people.

Is that a metaphor for life. Sometimes we’re the flooded out. Sometimes we’re the rainbow - giving hope and recovery.

The gospel tells the story in the early part of Jesus’ life when the Spirit drove him into the desert and he wrestled and struggled with Satan. And the story adds that angels ministered to him.

I’ve only been to two deserts. One was 100 miles east of San Diego - in the Salton Sea area of California. I would not have wanted to live there. The other was near Tucson Arizona - and I was preaching there - but it didn’t rain. All is sand. All is heat. All is dry. But they told me if it rains, what a difference. Flowers bloom almost immediately.

Isaiah the prophet took that image in his sermons and poems and said that’s us. If we hide from God - all can dry up - all can die - but if we hang with God the desert can bloom.

What does my life look like? Desert or lake or ocean or bay?

What is the metaphor for my life?

CONCLUSION

Lent is a good time to look at one’s life and all this stuff.

The theme and thought of my homily is to look at your metaphor for your life.

I’m not sure what mine is. I once heard a speaker and he saw life as a battle. The more he spoke, the more I disagreed with him.

I prefer the roller coaster and the subway train and the Nathan’s hot dogs and orange drink image much better. Amen.

LIFE IS 

A ROLLER COASTER

INTRODUCTION

The title of my homily is, “Life Is A Roller Coaster.”

Life is a roller coaster, ups and downs, and then all around.

At 12 or 13 years of age - 8^th graders - a bunch of us boys used to love to take the subway train to Coney Island, Brooklyn, N.Y.  for a few hours - head for the Cyclone roller coaster - go on it a bunch of times - go to Nathan’s for a hot dog and orange drink. Then we would walk down to see the water - but not go in. Then we’d head back to the Cyclone  for another ride - laugh - head for the train - and get back home - a nice Saturday afternoon in warm weather.

Looking back now, that adventure, was a metaphor for life.

Sometimes we’re just rolling along - no ups and downs - just getting along in life - a few twists and turns - some stops - like a subway train ride. And sometimes we feel like we’re on a roller coaster. It’s all ups and downs - and all arounds. And sometimes it’s neither. We’re checking out the scenery or we’re enjoying a hot dog and an orange drink -and not too much is happening.

LENT

Lent - it’s an annual time to look at our life. We do this on New Year’s Eve and Day - but how long does that last?

Lent - what’s your metaphor for how you see life? Lately, it has been feeling like a roller coaster for me - lots of action - lots of adventures.

Lent - it’s here - we had Ash Wednesday a few days ago - and this year it goes till early April - Palm Sunday is on April 1^st this year - and Easter the following Sunday, is April 8^th.

Lent - Spring - 2012.  I was wondering if we’ll appreciate Spring this year - because we’ve had such a sweet and easy winter. It still could snow and get cold - but this week we’re into March. How much does weather - and geography - mold - form and shape us?

Once more: what are your plans for Lent this year?

People have expressed gratitude for the Lenten Booklets - so some folks have some spiritual reading as part of their Lent.

The latest issue of America Magazine has a piece on “What  Are You Taking Up?” On the cover it shows some kids and staff from Sacred Heart School in Wallington, New Jersey, watching a big barn fire of blessed palms from the year before. The old tradition was to get the ashes for Ash Wednesday from those burnt palms. Today we get ashes for Ash Wednesday in tiny see through plastic bags from somewhere. The magazine article features 4 suggestions for action and reflection to take up during Lent - in contrast to the old saying, “What are you giving up for Lent?” 4 writers suggest: 1) The Asceticism of Truth. Take long walks, find quiet places, and face the truths about yourself and life that can set you free. John Kavanaugh, a Jesuit at St. Louis University, says, “Stop pretending. We are as fragile as dust.” 2) Gerald Schlabach - a theologian in Minnesota says, “Love the Enemy in Your  Pew.” Liberals, conservatives, gay, straight, old, young, listen to each other. 3) Margaret Pfeil an assistant professor at  the  Notre Dame says “Feed the Hungry With Local Food.” 4) Thomas Massaro a Jesuit at Boston College says, “Get to Know Your Legislators.”

What’s in your plans for this Lent?

There is a notice on our sign up board back in the rectory to sign up for hearing confessions on Wednesday Evenings in Lent. It’s “The Light is On” program that will be in all the parishes of this diocese and many dioceses. Is that in your plans for this Lent?

The article in America is suggesting 4 things. I just mentioned two things: some spiritual reading and the sacrament of confession or reconciliation.

Then there are fasting, praying, and alms giving as the 3 traditional practices for Lent.

LIFE

How about taking some time to look at one’s life? How’s it going?

I was at celebration at the Naval Academy on Friday afternoon for a Captain retiring from the Navy. I had the opening and closing prayer - so that was a piece of cake. What I liked was I had a chance to listen to two talks: one about  someone and the other by the person himself about his life. Summing up one’s life - at different points in life: good idea.

It hit me loud and clear about the power of comparisons. What’s it like to live in all kinds of different places - here, there and everywhere, all around the world? How does that impact one’s family - one’s spouse and kids? Adjustment. Adjustment. Adjustment.

Sitting there I realized I have also lived in lots of different places as well - but I didn’t have to worry about a family being uprooted. So finally a benefit for celibacy. I've lived in Wisconsin, Ohio, up by Lake Erie in Pennsylvania as well as in the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania, Upstate and downstate New York, New Jersey, Washington D.C. and 2 different places in Maryland. Once more how do changes, movements, geography, weather, homes, different assignments form who I am?

I remember someone saying a long time ago that one year in a foreign country - provided it’s in a language other than one’s own - is worth 4 years of college.  Is that true? I would assume that the answer to that is: “It all depends.”  I wonder at times how my life would have been if my plans worked out. I became a priest to work in Brazil. Didn’t happen. Maybe my life would have been a lot more like a roller coaster ride if that happened. We can only image with the what if’s.

We’ve all heard John Lennon’s words a dozen times, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.”

Life …. death …. there are 5 more funerals on our board that are coming up. It’s seems that a lot of people are dying. Have you been to any funerals lately? What were you thinking? What were you feeling? It can be like today’s first reading: one’s whole world is flooded out with tears and pain - and we need a Rainbow.

Yesterday,  I was at two funerals. The first one I was the priest at - the second one I attended. 

The first one was for a wonderful woman named Roberta Hart. She used to come to the 12:10 weekday Mass at St. John Neumann's - till she got sick. What an opportunity and a grace to try to help a person deal with sickness and then to help a family deal with the death of their mom. At the wake  on Friday afternoon, I looked at the pictures and the video and heard comments about a wonderful woman.  I had seen her a few months ago for an hour - at Genesis in Severna Park. Once more William Sloan Coffin Jr’s comment about being a minister or a priest hit me. He said the greatest gift is being invited into the secret garden of another’s soul. This one had cancer. Life. Sometimes it’s a roller coaster. Sometimes it’s a train. Sometimes it’s a bed in a nursing home. Then yesterday  morning at the Mass I got to hear a granddaughter - speak for a whole bunch of grand kids - and I heard her take on her grandmother. Then I got to hear a daughter speaking for 5 brothers and one sister tell us how she saw mom and mom saw life and her kids.

These are the things that form and inform me. These moments are great spiritual reading.

Then I shot back to Saint Mary’s to attend a second funeral. It was for Rita Esker - the mother of one of our priests. Rita was alive and kicking my first few years here at St. Mary’s. It was one more moment to reflect upon life - my mom and dad - where I came from - and their funerals.

OUT OF ELECTRICITY

Near the end of the second funeral Mass, I began saying to myself, I have to run upstairs now and come up with a homily for the 4:30 Mass - 1st Sunday in Lent Mass.

A feeling of tiredness came over me. I’m said to myself, “I’m on the bottom of the hill on the roller coaster ride called today.”

That's where that image came from.

What to preach on? What do you need? Where are you right now in your life? What’s your metaphor for your life right now?

As I thought about the past few days, metaphors for life hit me. 

I was thinking about the nice afternoon walk I took on Thursday - my day off. I was out the front door of St. Mary’s - ran across Duke of Gloucester - down to Ego Alley - and then through the Naval Academy. It’s great doing this around 4 PM - because all these young people in the Naval Academy are running, running - practicing lacrosse now - throwing a Frisbee, a football or having a catch. A group were playing Danny Boy with brass instruments. Life. Oh to be young again….

But sitting there after the funerals,  the image from that Thursday afternoon walk that hit me was ice cream cones. There were lots of folks licking ice cream cones. I thought: is that a metaphor for life? Is that a possible metaphor for a homily?

How would these questions sound?  Looking at your life right now are you just starting with a brand new full ice cream cone - 2 scoops - and you’re just starting to lick away? Or is your ice cream cone almost finished and your hands are sticky and you forgot to get a napkin? Or did your kid drop and plop his ice cream cone - and she’s screaming and you hand her yours? Or you’re diabetic - like me - and I know there’s sugar free ice cream - but it’s really not - and you say, “My ice cream cone days are over. Ugh.”

CONCLUSION

We’re at the beginning of Lent. What are your plans? Jesus headed into the desert for 40 days - as today’s gospel puts it. Matthew and Luke use great imagination what Jesus went through.

Mark - the earliest gospel - simply says that the Spirit drove him out into that desert and he was tempted by Satan. Sounds like it was some roller coaster ride,  if you ask me - but the gospels also say, the angels ministered to him. I’m sure there were no Nathan’s Hot Dogs and Orange Drink or ice cream there - but it sounds like there were some moments that weren’t as tough as the others. Best of blessings on your Lent his year. Hop on the train. Hope it doesn't become a roller coaster. Amen.

NEGRO

SPIRITUALS

February 26,  2012

Quote for Today - Twenty-Sixth Day in Black History Month

“Rural slaves used to stay after the regular worship services, in churches or in plantation ‘praise houses’, for singing and dancing. But, slaveholders did not allow dancing and playing drums, as usual in Africa. They also had meetings at secret places (‘camp meetings’, ‘bush meetings’), because they needed to meet one another and share their joys, pains and hopes. In rural meetings, thousands slaves were gathered and listened to itinerant preachers, and sang spirituals, for hours. In the late 1700s, they sang the precursors of spirituals, which were called ‘corn ditties’.”

 From Negro Spirituals.com

VISION

February 25,  2012

Quote for the Day - Twenty-Fifth Day in Black History Month

"Just because a man lacks the use of his eyes doesn't mean he lacks vision."

Stevie Wonder