Wednesday, October 3, 2012

ENEMY




Quote for Today - October 3,  2012


"Everyone carries an enemy in their own heart."

Danish Proverb



Questions:

Name your's right now and down through the years?

Have any of them become non-enemies?

Isn't it a bummer?

Jesus had enemies - so did he practice what he preached about how to deal with one's enemies?



Tuesday, October 2, 2012


GUARDIAN ANGELS


INTRODUCTION

The title of my homily is, “Guardian Angels.”

Today - October 2nd - we celebrate their feast.

Last night in preparing this homily I did some homework - some reading up - on “angels” and “Guardian Angels”.  What’s your read on angels?

FOR STARTERS

For starters angels are very much part of our Sacred Scriptures. We hear of them in all kinds of stories and situations in both Testaments.

Some angels have names - most don’t.

Some angels of God are destroying angels - wiping out enemies.

Some angels come to earth to help - to lead - to stand by - to camp themselves around folks to protect people. They are also pictured as part of the upper heavens giving praise to God - all the time - and when we pray we enter into their ongoing praise and music to God.  

They are part of the Hosanna singing “Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts.”

So they are very much part of our scriptures as well as our tradition.

We also find them mentioned in Islam, Mormonism, and various other religions.

In our Bible one of their key roles  - besides guarding and protecting us, is that they are messengers.

They are usually pictured with wings - because they seem to fly everywhere and flutter over someone - and then give them a message.

HERE IN THIS CHURCH

Here in this church they are holding holy water in the back of the church as you come in. There are images of angels up here around the tabernacle and on the edge of the old altar. We see them  in the stained glass windows - in the OLPH picture - up near the ceiling -. Evidently they can fly.

ANGELIC QUESTIONS?

Where are you with angels? Are they part of your spirituality? Are they part of your spiritual practices and prayers?

What are your wonderings about angels?

What are your questions about angels: good and bad angels?


What was the angel movement from about 10 or was it 15 years ago - when there were so many angels for sale - in all kinds of shapes and forms? It certainly was a money maker.  I received two little angels named “Andrew” - and I keep them on a book shelf - gathering dust - along with another tiny angel without a name. This chubby cheeked creature has a little card saying, “I’m Angel Cheeks, your Guardian Angel. I will be there when nobody else is, to care, kiss away tears and bring smiles on rainy days. And always - to be a very best friend. Because everybody needs somebody … That’s Me!”   Made in China.

If I was an artist, I thought of this last night, how would I sculpt or paint an angel? Answer: I’m not sure. Would I paint a ray of light, a hand on a shoulder, a bug in an ear, a push in the back, an index finger to the face?  That question gave me an understanding why artists often picture them as humans - but with wings.

I wonder why Protestantism rejected the Catholic practices about angels? The literature against Catholics said that they worshiped angels - along with Mary and the saints - and that’s idolatry. Catholics responded with a no. We just ask for their help, because we need all the help we can get. I was surprised about the Protestant attack on angels - because they are very scriptural.

As I read up on this last night I spotted some strange stories like in the middle ages relic savers would have objects like a branch from the burning bush of Moses and a feather off the wing of Gabriel the archangel. Boccaccio [1313-1375] told the story of a Friar who walked around saying he too had one of the feathers that dropped of the Angel Gabriel when he dropped into the bedroom of the Virgin Mary at the Annunciation.

That kind of stuff didn’t help Catholicism. And I agree with the criticism of the recent angel period that was non-denominational. Angel were being sold as these chubby faced clean feathered images. The criticism was that they might give you a feeling of the sacred - or the holy -  but there was no challenge - like that of dealing with a real person.

CONCLUSION

As to one’s Guardian Angel what I think would be helpful is to ask one’s Guardian Angel for guidance and to guard us from all harm.

I also think what would help is not to picture them as a tiny feathery creature - like a cherubic faced doll in a white dress - hovering over our right shoulder. Would it be better to imagine one’s angel as a voice - an inner voice?  Even that is tangible - and sensible. At this point, I think a good image for one’s Guardian Angel would be a voice that challenges us with messages each day on how to be a better Christian - a messenger like Gabriel who came to Mary and called her to  bring Christ into our world. So too us. Amen.
BE ANGELIC! 
TAKE YOURSELF LIGHTLY

Quote for Today - October 2, 2012


“Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly.”


G. K. Chesterton [1874-1936]

Monday, October 1, 2012


OBITUARY AND LEGACY

INTRODUCTION

The title of my sermon for this October 1st feast day of St. Therese of Lisieux is, “Obituary and Legacy.”

This is a topic I’ve been interested in for years now.

I first heard about legacy while driving on a Sunday morning somewhere. I was listening to a  program on the car radio. A speaker said something like, “The big deal is making one’s will. I think the big deal should be: putting together one’s legacy.”

That hit me. Ever since I heard that radio program I have pushed In sermons from time to time the value of pulling together what we would like as our legacy. It’s something I think about from time to time. Better I think we all think about this without calling it thinking about our legacy. It’s what folks do in what Erikson calls the 8th Stage of human psychosocial development. That stage is called: “Wisdom: Ego Integrity vs. Despair - [Late Adulthood, 65-death].”

An obituary is usually written after our death and by someone else. However, I’ve met folks who have everything arranged for their death - including their obituary. A legacy takes a lot of time and reflection and homework than an obituary.

ST THERESE OF LISIEUX

This theme of “Obituary and Legacy” hit me again today on this feast of the Little Flower: St. Therese of Lisieux.

Ida Gorres, in her book, The Hidden Face, The Life of Therese of Lisieux has the following opening paragraph to her book: “The cult of St. Therese of Lisieux has a history unequalled in recent centuries. This young nun who was born in 1873, and entered a convent at fifteen, died at twenty-four of galloping consumption. Never, in this short span of life, did she do anything that even attracted attention. The general estimate of her among the nuns of the convent community, with whom she had lived in close association for nine years, is expressed in a well-known anecdote: from the window of her sickroom Therese, during the last months of her suffering, heard one nun say to another: ‘Sister Therese will die soon; what will our Mother Prioress be able to write in her obituary notice? She entered our convent, lived and died - there really is no more to say.’”

And yes her obituary was brief and minimal. In time her legacy was heard all around the world - with a wide, wide world following and impact. Her autobiography, The Story of a Soul, was translated into many languages. Between 1898 and 1923 the autobiography sold 700, 675 copies and 2 ½ million copies of an abridged copy were sold - just in her own language alone: French.

Love, having the simplicity of a child, putting everything into God’s hands, could sum up her legacy. Better read her book - The Story of A Soul. Read Ida Gorres book, The Hidden Face, as well.

CONCLUSION

Right now most of us could write  ¾ of our obituary. Right now, some of us could pull together the first paragraphs of our legacy.

Legacy is autobiography for starters.

Legacy includes details and memories - but especially learnings from our experiences.

Legacy includes our dreams, our learnings, our hopes, what we perceive as our accomplishments.

But what about mistakes - even disasters in our story? Instead of despair - which is the opposite side of Ego-Integrity as mentioned in Erikson’s 8th Stage of Psychosocial Development, the Christian knows about forgiveness. They know Jesus’ parable of going into the garden at the last hour. They know they story of Jesus forgiving the thief on the cross. The Catholic might know the story of St. Therese of Lisieux praying for the conversion Henri Pranzini in 1887. He had brutally murdered two women and a child. He showed no remorse - but Therese kept praying - and she read in the paper that he grabbed a crucifix and kissed it three times before his death by the guillotine.

The title of my homily is, “Obituary and Legacy”. I’m stressing: write one’s  legacy. Use paper or computer. Maybe it too will go viral after we go. Let those who find it after we die find out who we were and what we were about.



[Picture on top: Therese Martin aged 15]
STEP UP!


Quote for Today - October 1,  2012 - Feast of the Little Flower


"You make me think 
of a little child 
that is learning to stand 
but does not yet know 
how to walk. 
In his desire 
to reach 
the top of the stairs 
to find his mother, 
he lifts his little foot 
to climb the first step. 
It is all in vain, 
 and at each renewed effort he falls. 
Well, be this little child: 
through the practice of all the virtues, 
always lift your little foot 
to mount the staircase of holiness, 
but do not imagine 
that you will be able to go up 
even the first step! 
No, but the good God 
does not demand more from you 
than good will. 
From the top of the stairs, 
He looks at you with love. 
Soon, won over by your useless efforts, 
He will come down Himself 
and, taking you in His arms, 
He will carry you up.... 
But if you stop lifting your little foot, 
He will leave you 
a long time on the ground." 

St. Therese of Lisieux [ 1873-1897] in Counsels and Reminiscences



Comments:

Just do it.

A journey of a thousands miles starts with  that first step.

Discover 12 Step Programs.

Step up to  the plate.

The first step is the most important step.


Sunday, September 30, 2012



JEALOUSY AND ENVY


INTRODUCTION

The title of my homily for this 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, B, is, “Jealousy and Envy!”

They are two demons - two nasties - two energies - that can de-energize or drain us.

Today’s readings triggered for me this theme of “Jealousy and Envy.”

Looking at “Jealousy and Envy” can be like taking a shovel or a crowbar to force ourselves to look at what’s underneath our exterior - looking at out motives and what we think and talk to ourselves about - especially about stuff and others. It could be like looking under a rock that covers some yucky hidden stuff underneath. We have all opened up a napkin or a garbage bag and uncovered or discovered “ooooh” and ugly underneath.

Yet who wants on a beautiful Sunday to look at worms and ugly crawly things like jealousy and envy?

JEALOUSY AND ENVY

We know what jealous and envy are. We use the words all the time - but how do we put what they are into words?

Jealousy has to do with not wanting to lose what we have and envy is wanting what we don’t have and someone else has it.

Jealousy has to do with me and my stuff. Envy has to do with you and your stuff.

Jealousy has to do with what I have. Envy has to do with what you have.

However, the two words are mixed up or combined at times - because both are often happening at the same time. In fact, in Buddhism both are combined perhaps for that reason. The Sanskrit word that is used is, “IRSHYA”.

The Sanskrit word, “IRSHYA” means being or becoming upset or agitated because compared to ourselves we see others who are rich or talented. Then we notice they are noticed or praised.

We’d like some of that - and at the same time we’re worried about losing what we already have. 

So if you mix up these words - “Jealousy and Envy” or intertwine them - you’re not the only one. Most people do - and most people in their gut know what jealous and envy are all about - because they get us in the gut.

I still like the classic distinction of the difference between these two demons.

Jealousy: I’m worried about losing what I have.

Envy: I want what I don’t have and that itches and scratches my soul.

TODAY’S READINGS

Today’s second reading from James is marbled with the sin of jealousy - the holding onto - the me, me, me of possessions - and how they can possess us. It’s the last of 5 tough readings from James. He has some strong words about becoming fat with stuff - riches - wealth - treasure - position -  how they can devour us - as well as how unfair wages for those who work for us - can kill - not just us - but them. James uses the word “murder.”

In today’s first reading and gospel we get into the sin of envy. In the first reading a young man comes to Moses to complain that two men, with the great names of Eldad and Medad, are prophesying in the camp. Joshua - an aide to Moses’ since he was young - complains. I can hear him expecting Moses to agree with him and complain as well.  Moses answers, “Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the people of the Lord were prophets! Would that the Lord might bestow his spirit on them all!”

Moses named it. Joshua seems to have been scared to lose some of his prestige and power - being close to Moses. Surprise!  Moses is bigger than Joshua - and is not worried about being overshadowed.

The same sort of situation happens in today’s gospel reading. John complains to Jesus that he saw someone driving out demons in Jesus’ name. He says that we tried to stop him because he does not follow us.

Jesus basically says, “Cool it. Celebrate that others are doing good deeds.”

Jesus is often trying to get his disciples to see that first place is not the goal [unless you’re the Orioles]. The goal is making sure kids are not being hurt - people are getting cups of water - and we’re not putting our lives into the garbage dump with sins of eye, hand or foot - envy, lust, stealing or walking to places that can destroy us. Gehenna was the name of this ugly big garbage dump off one of the hills in Jerusalem - that was constantly on fire.

When it comes to jealousy, church goers and followers of Jesus are not immune. Ever since we were in the seminary we heard that jealousy is a priest’s disease.  We also heard that envy is as well.

Bummer.

Then as we experience life we discover jealousy and envy infiltrate everyone’s life more or else.

SOME EXAMPLES OF JEALOUSY

The priest or bishop is on the pedestal and everyone is praising them. Then the priest - bishop scandal hits the Church and priests and bishops and all the pedestals are empty because of pedophilia.  And in the meanwhile - which can take a lifetime - those who were abused feel like they were tossed out to sea with a great millstone around their neck for the rest of their lives.

The husband hates to dance - but gets angry at the wedding because his wife who loves to dance - is dancing with so and so.

The little girl or boy is the only child. Surprise mom and dad bring home another child and the oldest - even though very young  - now no longer has undivided attention - and surprise what he or she does to the new comer.

The old time secretary - who runs the show - sees the boss explaining things to the new young “thing” and comments start to fly.

SOME EXAMPLES OF ENVY

Daddy likes my sister more than me and I’m envious of the praise she gets.

The teacher gives so and so A’s and attention every day.

So and so is a better athlete than me - and has brains - and looks - and I wish I’d have a tiny bit of that.

So and so has the expensive car and house and pool and vacations and then there’s poor, poor me.

JESUS ON BOTH

Jesus knew about jealousy and envy first hand.

Why did the Pharisees want him killed? One answer: Jesus cut into their appearance on center stage in synagogues and market place.

Why did the Pharisees want Jesus killed?  One answer: They saw the crowds following Jesus - and they wanted to see people’s faces and not their backs.

Jesus knew that wanting the whole world can destroy a person’s soul - let alone the meal on his or her plate.

A cartoon in a British magazine, Punch, shows two men eating and one is signaling the waiter to take away his plate.  The caption below goes: “The envious man, who sends away his mutton because the person next to him is eating venison.”

Jesus knew that stuff happens every day and every day in can ruin us - and we miss the bread and the wine and enjoying seeing the birds of the air and the flowers of the field and a husband who has put on 25 pounds in his pot.

SALIERI AND MOZART

As I was thinking about this last night I remembered the movie Amadeus - that was the hot movie back in 1984.

Once upon a time there were two musicians - Salieri and Mozart.

And Salieri is in an insane asylum - having wanted to kill Mozart - and killing himself inwardly in the process and a young priest comes to hear his confession and we hear it all.

Mozart was a wild man - risqué and frivolous - and whatever music he touched turned to gold. Salieri was the pious person - and everything he created was work, work, work and paper.

In one scene Mozart hears one of Salieri’s pieces that he worked and worked over. Mozart upon hearing it once, replays it exactly. Then he starts to improvise and it becomes The  Marriage of Figaro. Such talent in another kills Salieri, He wants murder Mozart and steal Mozart’s Requiem and play it at his funeral. Instead he goes crazy with envy.

How many lives has this same thing happened?

In this homily I went under the skin and looked at “Jealousy and Envy” which all need to confess eats us up.

CONCLUSION: A PRAYER

Jesus help us with all of this,
because we can certainly mess
ourselves up with all of this. Amen.




[Painting on top: "Jealousy" found it on the internet - but don't know yet who painted it.]

VULTURES 
CALLED ENVY 
AND WANTONNESS



Quote for Today  September 30,  2012

"The vulture who explores our inmost liver, and drags out our heart and nerves, is not the bird of whom our poets talk, but those diseases of our soul, envy and wantonness."

Petronius [died a.d. 66], Fragments, Number 1