Fifth Sunday of Easter
Today's Mass Readings
I remember I was barely seventeen. Leaving home to go the seminary was the most difficult call I answered. This decision was even more difficult because I would not see my family for a whole year. My parents came with me to drop me off at the seminary in Bangalore, India. They stayed with me a few days and then the day came when they were to leave. I think it was the most difficult day of our lives. That morning we attended mass at the chapel in the seminary. When everybody had left the chapel, we sat there still and quiet. I guess each of us was still pondering what all this meant. Hanging on the wall of the chapel was a picture of the Mother of Perpetual Help. The legend behind the picture is that as a mere child, Jesus had a vision of his impending passion and death. In fear he ran into his mother who picked him up to console him. In the picture, this is symbolized by Jesus’ falling shoes. Perhaps my mother sensed my fear. She took me in front of the picture of the Mother of Perpetual Help and she said to me, “Thus far I have been your mother.” And then pointing to Mary she said, “From now on, SHE is your mother.” I am telling you this story for two reasons. First because, today is mother’s day, and second, because I am fortunate to have parents here today with me to celebrate this Eucharist.
Today's Mass Readings
I remember I was barely seventeen. Leaving home to go the seminary was the most difficult call I answered. This decision was even more difficult because I would not see my family for a whole year. My parents came with me to drop me off at the seminary in Bangalore, India. They stayed with me a few days and then the day came when they were to leave. I think it was the most difficult day of our lives. That morning we attended mass at the chapel in the seminary. When everybody had left the chapel, we sat there still and quiet. I guess each of us was still pondering what all this meant. Hanging on the wall of the chapel was a picture of the Mother of Perpetual Help. The legend behind the picture is that as a mere child, Jesus had a vision of his impending passion and death. In fear he ran into his mother who picked him up to console him. In the picture, this is symbolized by Jesus’ falling shoes. Perhaps my mother sensed my fear. She took me in front of the picture of the Mother of Perpetual Help and she said to me, “Thus far I have been your mother.” And then pointing to Mary she said, “From now on, SHE is your mother.” I am telling you this story for two reasons. First because, today is mother’s day, and second, because I am fortunate to have parents here today with me to celebrate this Eucharist.
Fourth Sunday of Easter
Today's Mass Readings
Last week, I invited an unusual group of visitors from India to my parish in Datyon. Two children from the city of Bhopal, India gave an interview to the Catholic Telegraph here at the parish and then later in the evening at the University of Dayton. Sartia and Saafrin are merely 16 years old and they are the victims of one of the worst industrial disasters in history. On Dec 2, 1984, a poisonous gas leak from a Union Carbide factory killed about three thousand people within three hours in Bhopal. Later figures rose to about ten thousand people. Investigators tell us that had the company followed all safety procedures this disaster could have been averted. Obviously, Union Carbide did not follow these procedures to save a mere thirty dollars a day. Moreover, the people in this densely populated neighborhood were not informed either by the company or the Government of India that such poisonous chemicals were being produced there. Twenty-five years later, the contaminated factory remains poisonous, spreading the contamination to larger areas; compensation is being withheld so that people cannot be resettled into cleaner areas; and Dow Chemicals, the new owner of the company refuses to admit any responsibility. The children that came to Dayton is hoping to get a congressional hearing on the issue. Meanwhile thirty thousand people still continue to bear the brunt of what is now called the Bhopal Gas Disaster.
Today's Mass Readings
Last week, I invited an unusual group of visitors from India to my parish in Datyon. Two children from the city of Bhopal, India gave an interview to the Catholic Telegraph here at the parish and then later in the evening at the University of Dayton. Sartia and Saafrin are merely 16 years old and they are the victims of one of the worst industrial disasters in history. On Dec 2, 1984, a poisonous gas leak from a Union Carbide factory killed about three thousand people within three hours in Bhopal. Later figures rose to about ten thousand people. Investigators tell us that had the company followed all safety procedures this disaster could have been averted. Obviously, Union Carbide did not follow these procedures to save a mere thirty dollars a day. Moreover, the people in this densely populated neighborhood were not informed either by the company or the Government of India that such poisonous chemicals were being produced there. Twenty-five years later, the contaminated factory remains poisonous, spreading the contamination to larger areas; compensation is being withheld so that people cannot be resettled into cleaner areas; and Dow Chemicals, the new owner of the company refuses to admit any responsibility. The children that came to Dayton is hoping to get a congressional hearing on the issue. Meanwhile thirty thousand people still continue to bear the brunt of what is now called the Bhopal Gas Disaster.
Third Sunday of Easter
Today's Mass Readings
Have there been times in your life when you were doing something routine, and suddenly a sense of self-awareness overcame you? Say you are doing laundry or cutting grass, or doing dishes or driving to work, and suddenly the question pops in your mind, “What am I doing?” or “What is my life all about?” I was driving from one hospital to another last week, taking communion to the sick and, behind the wheels, a similar thing happened. I asked myself, “What am I doing? Am I crazy visiting sick people who really are not either family or friends or people who otherwise I would not visit? What am I doing with my life anyway?” Thank God, that day I had consecrated hosts in my coat pocket. Just at that moment the fact that I was taking the risen Christ to helpless people consumed me. I said to myself, “I am so fortunate that I get to take the very presence of God to people who are struggling.” I don’t make a lot of money, I don’t get kudos for taking care of the sick, it is not the most advertized job in the world, but I get to bring the hope, love and healing that only Christ can give. Is there anything more precious than that? That consciousness was worth everything that I live for.
Today's Mass Readings
Have there been times in your life when you were doing something routine, and suddenly a sense of self-awareness overcame you? Say you are doing laundry or cutting grass, or doing dishes or driving to work, and suddenly the question pops in your mind, “What am I doing?” or “What is my life all about?” I was driving from one hospital to another last week, taking communion to the sick and, behind the wheels, a similar thing happened. I asked myself, “What am I doing? Am I crazy visiting sick people who really are not either family or friends or people who otherwise I would not visit? What am I doing with my life anyway?” Thank God, that day I had consecrated hosts in my coat pocket. Just at that moment the fact that I was taking the risen Christ to helpless people consumed me. I said to myself, “I am so fortunate that I get to take the very presence of God to people who are struggling.” I don’t make a lot of money, I don’t get kudos for taking care of the sick, it is not the most advertized job in the world, but I get to bring the hope, love and healing that only Christ can give. Is there anything more precious than that? That consciousness was worth everything that I live for.
Second Sunday of Easter/Divine Mercy Sunday
Today's Mass Readings
I was deeply moved by with Jana Bennett’s reflection she wrote for www.itemissaest.org. She wrote, “Sometimes I think it is very difficult to comprehend, let alone believe, that Jesus rose from the dead. Death for us is something final. It is something that we have to deal with and confront because we cannot undo time and make someone come back. That finality makes it quite hard to see that perhaps death does not always win – that God’s Son rose from the dead.” Jana is so right. Our normal experience is that death happens, that no one can extend life, and that dead people do not normally rise to life. Not only is death more real than risen life. So are our fears, our anxieties, our pains, our brokenness, our ruptured relationships, our sins, our helplessness and even our moments of godlessness.
Today's Mass Readings
I was deeply moved by with Jana Bennett’s reflection she wrote for www.itemissaest.org. She wrote, “Sometimes I think it is very difficult to comprehend, let alone believe, that Jesus rose from the dead. Death for us is something final. It is something that we have to deal with and confront because we cannot undo time and make someone come back. That finality makes it quite hard to see that perhaps death does not always win – that God’s Son rose from the dead.” Jana is so right. Our normal experience is that death happens, that no one can extend life, and that dead people do not normally rise to life. Not only is death more real than risen life. So are our fears, our anxieties, our pains, our brokenness, our ruptured relationships, our sins, our helplessness and even our moments of godlessness.
Easter Sunday The Resurrection of the Lord
Today's Mass Readings
What is the last thing that a priest wants on Holy Saturday? How about a Funeral service! When I first got news about the funeral, I felt overwhelmed. The last thing I wanted in the midst of all the Holy Week schedule and practices was a funeral. I agreed to do the funeral simply because that is what my duties call for. But when I entered the funeral home and saw the family of the deceased gathered in love around the body, I realized that this funeral was the best thing I could accommodate on Holy Saturday. It gave me a sense of what the family of Jesus must have felt on that first Holy Saturday. Like them, here was a family waiting with the body in a casket, waiting for the stone to be rolled away. It was a most beautiful experience for me to see this person buried with Jesus, and like Jesus, waiting for the resurrection. For the family too, to know that they could entrust their loved one into the hands of the same Father into whose hands Jesus entrusted his life was the most consoling thing. They left in peace.
Today's Mass Readings
What is the last thing that a priest wants on Holy Saturday? How about a Funeral service! When I first got news about the funeral, I felt overwhelmed. The last thing I wanted in the midst of all the Holy Week schedule and practices was a funeral. I agreed to do the funeral simply because that is what my duties call for. But when I entered the funeral home and saw the family of the deceased gathered in love around the body, I realized that this funeral was the best thing I could accommodate on Holy Saturday. It gave me a sense of what the family of Jesus must have felt on that first Holy Saturday. Like them, here was a family waiting with the body in a casket, waiting for the stone to be rolled away. It was a most beautiful experience for me to see this person buried with Jesus, and like Jesus, waiting for the resurrection. For the family too, to know that they could entrust their loved one into the hands of the same Father into whose hands Jesus entrusted his life was the most consoling thing. They left in peace.
Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion
Today's Mass Readings
This week brought us some bad news. A gunman killed thirteen people after taking many of them hostage in the US state of New York. No one will ever be able to explain the reason for this carnage. And then again, a gunman in Pittsburg killed three police officers who came in answer to emergency call from his house. How can we explain such events? In one sense, these events bring to us the the stark realities of the human condition. I begin my homily on such a somber note to bring to our attention the fallen human condition.
Today's Mass Readings
This week brought us some bad news. A gunman killed thirteen people after taking many of them hostage in the US state of New York. No one will ever be able to explain the reason for this carnage. And then again, a gunman in Pittsburg killed three police officers who came in answer to emergency call from his house. How can we explain such events? In one sense, these events bring to us the the stark realities of the human condition. I begin my homily on such a somber note to bring to our attention the fallen human condition.
Fifth Sunday of Lent
Today's Mass Readings
I believe in paradox. I remember standing at the railway station, waving goodbye to my parents. I was barely seventeen. My conviction that I was called to be a priest cost me my family. And at 17 that was not easy. I burst into tears as I saw the train pull away. I would not see my family for two years. At that moment I was afraid. I saw my mother and father tears roll down their cheeks and because I could not bear it no more, I looked away. It was at that exact moment that I felt this strange strength inside me. It was rather paradoxical – that this moment of separation would also turn out to be the moment of the confirmation of my call. I believe in paradox.
Today's Mass Readings
I believe in paradox. I remember standing at the railway station, waving goodbye to my parents. I was barely seventeen. My conviction that I was called to be a priest cost me my family. And at 17 that was not easy. I burst into tears as I saw the train pull away. I would not see my family for two years. At that moment I was afraid. I saw my mother and father tears roll down their cheeks and because I could not bear it no more, I looked away. It was at that exact moment that I felt this strange strength inside me. It was rather paradoxical – that this moment of separation would also turn out to be the moment of the confirmation of my call. I believe in paradox.
Fourth Sunday of Lent (Based of Year A Readings)
Today's Mass Readings
Here we are in this parish, preparing for the parish mission. For the last month I have nothing else in my mind but the mission as our parishes prepare great renewal. And so I was taken back when I read about a movement in the Anglican Church in Britain where some atheists want the Church to provide them “de-baptism” certificates. They object that they were baptised an infants and they now want their name erased from the baptism book. Of course, the Anglican Church has said that a historical record cannot be erased. So the secretary of the movement, John Hunt has come up with his own home made “de-baptism” certificate. It reads, "I, John Geoffrey Hunt, having been subjected to the rite of Christian baptism in infancy... hereby publicly revoke any implications of that rite. I reject all its creeds and other such superstitions in particular the perfidious belief that any baby needs to be cleansed of original sin." Although, most often such movements are more anti-organised religion than anti-God, it is not uncommon that more and more people are becoming professed unbelievers. Here in the US such people are called “Noners,” as in professing no religion. The world continues to be the battle ground for Godliness and godlessness.
Today's Mass Readings
Here we are in this parish, preparing for the parish mission. For the last month I have nothing else in my mind but the mission as our parishes prepare great renewal. And so I was taken back when I read about a movement in the Anglican Church in Britain where some atheists want the Church to provide them “de-baptism” certificates. They object that they were baptised an infants and they now want their name erased from the baptism book. Of course, the Anglican Church has said that a historical record cannot be erased. So the secretary of the movement, John Hunt has come up with his own home made “de-baptism” certificate. It reads, "I, John Geoffrey Hunt, having been subjected to the rite of Christian baptism in infancy... hereby publicly revoke any implications of that rite. I reject all its creeds and other such superstitions in particular the perfidious belief that any baby needs to be cleansed of original sin." Although, most often such movements are more anti-organised religion than anti-God, it is not uncommon that more and more people are becoming professed unbelievers. Here in the US such people are called “Noners,” as in professing no religion. The world continues to be the battle ground for Godliness and godlessness.
Second Sunday of Lent
Today's Mass Readings
Just as I preached at the beginning of Lent, this year I am not focusing on just denying myself things in penance. Rather, I am really trying to imagine myself as being with Jesus in the desert and journeying with him. Having said that, I did decide to deny myself a simple pleasure. Sometimes, after a long day, I do enjoy a glass of wine or a beer with my dinner. I did not think that this amounted to much. But, last weekend was a very hectic weekend. I directed a women’s weekend retreat, said four masses, was involved with the confirmation retreat in the parish and had to work very hard for the rite of election till nine on Sunday night. After all that work, nothing sounded better than a glass of wine. I am almost embarrassed to admit that I was struggling. I even wondered for a moment if I had made the right decision by deciding to give up this simple pleasure. And you know what makes it even worse. Last Sunday was only the first Sunday of Lent.
Today's Mass Readings
Just as I preached at the beginning of Lent, this year I am not focusing on just denying myself things in penance. Rather, I am really trying to imagine myself as being with Jesus in the desert and journeying with him. Having said that, I did decide to deny myself a simple pleasure. Sometimes, after a long day, I do enjoy a glass of wine or a beer with my dinner. I did not think that this amounted to much. But, last weekend was a very hectic weekend. I directed a women’s weekend retreat, said four masses, was involved with the confirmation retreat in the parish and had to work very hard for the rite of election till nine on Sunday night. After all that work, nothing sounded better than a glass of wine. I am almost embarrassed to admit that I was struggling. I even wondered for a moment if I had made the right decision by deciding to give up this simple pleasure. And you know what makes it even worse. Last Sunday was only the first Sunday of Lent.
First Sunday of Lent
Today's Mass Readings
There is this very dear and darling lady in my parish who has an amazing sense of humor for her age. The other day she came up to after mass and said, “I am giving you up for Lent.” I laughed so hard my stomach hurt. Humor aside, is it not true that for many people Lent is about “giving up” something in penance? And tragically, sometimes Lent remains at the level. Surely there is more to Lent than acts of penance. Today’s readings take us to the depths of the spirituality of Lent.
Today's Mass Readings
There is this very dear and darling lady in my parish who has an amazing sense of humor for her age. The other day she came up to after mass and said, “I am giving you up for Lent.” I laughed so hard my stomach hurt. Humor aside, is it not true that for many people Lent is about “giving up” something in penance? And tragically, sometimes Lent remains at the level. Surely there is more to Lent than acts of penance. Today’s readings take us to the depths of the spirituality of Lent.
Seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
There are three groups of people in the gospel reading today where Jesus heals a paralytic man. First, there are the “many” (Mk 2:2) who gathered at the door of the home where Jesus was preaching. We cannot be sure who these “many’ really were. We may speculate that most of them were devout Jews; some were there for a healing, others out of curiosity, others to see him perform miracles, others to see if this was the messiah who would bring freedom to Israelites from the Romans, and some who were just captivated by the message of Jesus.
Today's Mass Readings
There are three groups of people in the gospel reading today where Jesus heals a paralytic man. First, there are the “many” (Mk 2:2) who gathered at the door of the home where Jesus was preaching. We cannot be sure who these “many’ really were. We may speculate that most of them were devout Jews; some were there for a healing, others out of curiosity, others to see him perform miracles, others to see if this was the messiah who would bring freedom to Israelites from the Romans, and some who were just captivated by the message of Jesus.
Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Pope Benedict's term as Pope has been characterized by efforts toward reconciliation with the Eastern Church and more particularly the Society of Pius the X. Bishop Williamson was among four bishops whose excommunications were lifted by the Pope in an attempt to heal a split with traditionalists. Williamson belonged to the Society of St Pius X, founded by a French archbishop, Marcel Lefebvre, in 1970. This society was founded as a protest against the Second Vatican Council's reforms on religious freedom and pluralism. The late Archbishop Lefebvre made them bishops in Switzerland in 1988. This led to the immediate excommunication of all five by the late Pope John Paul II.
Since the excommunication against the five bishops was lifted, a huge controversy has erupted. Bishop Williamson provoked outrage when he said he believed there had been no Nazi gas chambers. "I believe that the historical evidence is strongly against, is hugely against six million Jews having been deliberately gassed in gas chambers as a deliberate policy of Adolf Hitler," he said. Williamson has other radical views as well. He thinks that the United States planned the attacks of 9/11 and his views on women is equally disparaging. As a result the Pope spent time with Jewish leaders all last week trying to deal with the controversy.
Today's Mass Readings
Pope Benedict's term as Pope has been characterized by efforts toward reconciliation with the Eastern Church and more particularly the Society of Pius the X. Bishop Williamson was among four bishops whose excommunications were lifted by the Pope in an attempt to heal a split with traditionalists. Williamson belonged to the Society of St Pius X, founded by a French archbishop, Marcel Lefebvre, in 1970. This society was founded as a protest against the Second Vatican Council's reforms on religious freedom and pluralism. The late Archbishop Lefebvre made them bishops in Switzerland in 1988. This led to the immediate excommunication of all five by the late Pope John Paul II.
Since the excommunication against the five bishops was lifted, a huge controversy has erupted. Bishop Williamson provoked outrage when he said he believed there had been no Nazi gas chambers. "I believe that the historical evidence is strongly against, is hugely against six million Jews having been deliberately gassed in gas chambers as a deliberate policy of Adolf Hitler," he said. Williamson has other radical views as well. He thinks that the United States planned the attacks of 9/11 and his views on women is equally disparaging. As a result the Pope spent time with Jewish leaders all last week trying to deal with the controversy.
Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Zorba the Greek is a novel by Nikos Kazantzakis. It is about Zorba, a free thinker who is struck by tragedy. My purpose here is to narrate an interesting episode from his book.
“I remember one morning when I discovered a cocoon in the back of a tree just as a butterfly was making a hole in its case and preparing to come out. I waited awhile, but it was too long appearing and I was impatient. I bent over it and breathed on it to warm it. I warmed it as quickly as I could and the miracle began to happen before my eyes, faster than life. The case opened; the butterfly started slowly crawling out, and I shall never forget my horror when I saw how its wings were folded back and crumpled; the wretched butterfly tried with its whole trembling body to unfold them. Bending over it, I tried to help it with my breath, in vain. It needed to be hatched out patiently and the unfolding of the wings should be a gradual process in the sun. Now it was too late. My breath had forced the butterfly to appear all crumpled, before its time. It struggled desperately and, a few seconds later, died in the palm of my hand.”
Today's Mass Readings
Zorba the Greek is a novel by Nikos Kazantzakis. It is about Zorba, a free thinker who is struck by tragedy. My purpose here is to narrate an interesting episode from his book.
“I remember one morning when I discovered a cocoon in the back of a tree just as a butterfly was making a hole in its case and preparing to come out. I waited awhile, but it was too long appearing and I was impatient. I bent over it and breathed on it to warm it. I warmed it as quickly as I could and the miracle began to happen before my eyes, faster than life. The case opened; the butterfly started slowly crawling out, and I shall never forget my horror when I saw how its wings were folded back and crumpled; the wretched butterfly tried with its whole trembling body to unfold them. Bending over it, I tried to help it with my breath, in vain. It needed to be hatched out patiently and the unfolding of the wings should be a gradual process in the sun. Now it was too late. My breath had forced the butterfly to appear all crumpled, before its time. It struggled desperately and, a few seconds later, died in the palm of my hand.”
Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
This homily is based on one word – “authority.” Let me propose my reason for this focus. The last couple of weeks, the readings have focused on the beginnings of Jesus’ ministry. We were also know that he called some people to follow him radically and closely as apostles and disciples. And today’s gospel introduces another important dimension of his ministry. Mark says, “All were amazed and asked one another, "What is this? A new teaching with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him”” (Mk 1:27).
Today's Mass Readings
This homily is based on one word – “authority.” Let me propose my reason for this focus. The last couple of weeks, the readings have focused on the beginnings of Jesus’ ministry. We were also know that he called some people to follow him radically and closely as apostles and disciples. And today’s gospel introduces another important dimension of his ministry. Mark says, “All were amazed and asked one another, "What is this? A new teaching with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him”” (Mk 1:27).
Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
During my travels, somehow I attract the most interesting people as seat mates. Leaving Dayton for Atlanta on my way to India, I had a half-drunk next to me. He was on his way to Las Vegas to celebrate his twenty-first birthday. During my conversation with him I also discovered that he was Catholic. But even before the plane took off the runway, he began to tell me how there better not be any terrorists on the plane because if there were he would “kick their ---.” But then he said also he was not talking about me. He was loud and so everyone around him heard him. Outward I maintained composure but inside I have to admit I was a little nervous. But I humoured him and kept the conversation light for next two hours. My thought although was, this guy is drunk and so speaks his mind. How many other people when I enter a flight think similar? It really was a very sad flight.
And then I reached India. My parents were at the airport and we had a three hour drive from the airport to reach home. We stopped along the way to have breakfast. I am paranoid about my travel documents and instead of leaving them in the car I decided to take it into the restaurant. I placed them very carefully on the window sill. This was my first real Indian breakfast in a long time and must have enjoyed it much because I left the restaurant leaving my passport, my travel documents, fourteen hundred dollars, my social security card and all my green card documents behind. Twenty minutes into the drive blood shot through my brains. I asked the driver to turn around. I wish I had recorded the conversation for those twenty minutes. The driver had noticed that the restaurant was run by Muslims and according to him anything could happen. My mom, trying to console me said, “Muslims are more trustworthy than our people.” There were many other comments but I was out of the car before it stopped and ran into the restaurant. Even before I could enter the front door there was the waiter with all my stuff running toward me as if he were presenting me a trophy. Nothing had been touched. And yes, he was a Muslim.
Today's Mass Readings
During my travels, somehow I attract the most interesting people as seat mates. Leaving Dayton for Atlanta on my way to India, I had a half-drunk next to me. He was on his way to Las Vegas to celebrate his twenty-first birthday. During my conversation with him I also discovered that he was Catholic. But even before the plane took off the runway, he began to tell me how there better not be any terrorists on the plane because if there were he would “kick their ---.” But then he said also he was not talking about me. He was loud and so everyone around him heard him. Outward I maintained composure but inside I have to admit I was a little nervous. But I humoured him and kept the conversation light for next two hours. My thought although was, this guy is drunk and so speaks his mind. How many other people when I enter a flight think similar? It really was a very sad flight.
And then I reached India. My parents were at the airport and we had a three hour drive from the airport to reach home. We stopped along the way to have breakfast. I am paranoid about my travel documents and instead of leaving them in the car I decided to take it into the restaurant. I placed them very carefully on the window sill. This was my first real Indian breakfast in a long time and must have enjoyed it much because I left the restaurant leaving my passport, my travel documents, fourteen hundred dollars, my social security card and all my green card documents behind. Twenty minutes into the drive blood shot through my brains. I asked the driver to turn around. I wish I had recorded the conversation for those twenty minutes. The driver had noticed that the restaurant was run by Muslims and according to him anything could happen. My mom, trying to console me said, “Muslims are more trustworthy than our people.” There were many other comments but I was out of the car before it stopped and ran into the restaurant. Even before I could enter the front door there was the waiter with all my stuff running toward me as if he were presenting me a trophy. Nothing had been touched. And yes, he was a Muslim.
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Caron Butler is an NBA player and plays now plays for the Washington Wizards. He is merely 26 years old but has been through it all. He was arrested fifteen times before he was fifteen years old. He wanted to rule the streets and got into drugs. During his last arrest, he was put into solitary confinement for two weeks. This was his moment of revelation. As he said in his interview, “I heard the Lord’s call.” He made a resolve to turn his life around. Being naturally tall and athletic he took up basketball in the state penitentiary. Six years later he was traded for Shaq O’Neil for the Lakers. That was before he played for the Wizards.
Or take the story of Stanley “Tookie” Williams executed a couple of years back in California. Williams co-founded Crips, one of the world's biggest and deadliest gangs, in Los Angeles in 1971. He always denied the 1979 murders of Albert Owens in a convenience store hold-up and an elderly Taiwanese immigrant couple and their daughter at a motel they ran. During his 24 years in jail, Williams realized his calling. He denounced gang violence and won praise for his anti-gang books, earning Nobel Peace Prize nominations for his teachings.
Today's Mass Readings
Caron Butler is an NBA player and plays now plays for the Washington Wizards. He is merely 26 years old but has been through it all. He was arrested fifteen times before he was fifteen years old. He wanted to rule the streets and got into drugs. During his last arrest, he was put into solitary confinement for two weeks. This was his moment of revelation. As he said in his interview, “I heard the Lord’s call.” He made a resolve to turn his life around. Being naturally tall and athletic he took up basketball in the state penitentiary. Six years later he was traded for Shaq O’Neil for the Lakers. That was before he played for the Wizards.
Or take the story of Stanley “Tookie” Williams executed a couple of years back in California. Williams co-founded Crips, one of the world's biggest and deadliest gangs, in Los Angeles in 1971. He always denied the 1979 murders of Albert Owens in a convenience store hold-up and an elderly Taiwanese immigrant couple and their daughter at a motel they ran. During his 24 years in jail, Williams realized his calling. He denounced gang violence and won praise for his anti-gang books, earning Nobel Peace Prize nominations for his teachings.
The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord
Today's Mass Readings
(Note: I was in India all of last week and returned really ill. This homily is only a short reflection on the Baptism of Jesus) - Fr. Satish Joseph
Most of you know that I made a trip home just last week. When I first told my parents about my trip, my only intention was to spend time with them. But then, they had begun to make plans to visit even the pets of my relatives. I even said to my self that if my parents were not so dear to me there would be some not so nice conversations. Because my parents mean so much to me I would to do anything for them. But when I got home and I saw how proud they were of me, and when I realized why they wanted to show me off to the entire nation, I gave in. The real question I said to myself was not what my parents mean to me. The real question was what I mean to my parents. What does it mean for me to be a son? That was the real question.
Today's Mass Readings
(Note: I was in India all of last week and returned really ill. This homily is only a short reflection on the Baptism of Jesus) - Fr. Satish Joseph
Most of you know that I made a trip home just last week. When I first told my parents about my trip, my only intention was to spend time with them. But then, they had begun to make plans to visit even the pets of my relatives. I even said to my self that if my parents were not so dear to me there would be some not so nice conversations. Because my parents mean so much to me I would to do anything for them. But when I got home and I saw how proud they were of me, and when I realized why they wanted to show me off to the entire nation, I gave in. The real question I said to myself was not what my parents mean to me. The real question was what I mean to my parents. What does it mean for me to be a son? That was the real question.
Epiphany of the Lord
Today's Mass Readings
At least on two different occasions last year I had the opportunity to visit newborn babies in the hospital. To enter the room to visit either the mother and the baby or the parents and the baby is a very special experience. There is a sense of mystery and awe during such times. After nine months of wondering, waiting, expecting, hoping and longing, out comes the miracle of life. Every baby born is a sign that God still loves the world.
Today's Mass Readings
At least on two different occasions last year I had the opportunity to visit newborn babies in the hospital. To enter the room to visit either the mother and the baby or the parents and the baby is a very special experience. There is a sense of mystery and awe during such times. After nine months of wondering, waiting, expecting, hoping and longing, out comes the miracle of life. Every baby born is a sign that God still loves the world.
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Today's Mass Readings
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family. The New Testament does not give us much information about the family of Jesus. All we know is that his parents did bring him to the temple for the presentation as the Jewish custom prescribed. We also know that they went up each year to Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover and that Jesus grew in grace and wisdom. Without speculating much, I think that that much information is good enough for us to draw some very useful conclusions.
Today's Mass Readings
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family. The New Testament does not give us much information about the family of Jesus. All we know is that his parents did bring him to the temple for the presentation as the Jewish custom prescribed. We also know that they went up each year to Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover and that Jesus grew in grace and wisdom. Without speculating much, I think that that much information is good enough for us to draw some very useful conclusions.
The Nativity of the Lord
Today's Mass Readings
Do you remember the very popular Bette Midler song From and Distance? This is how it goes.
From a Distance the world looks blue and green
And the snow capped mountains white
From a distance the ocean meets the stream
And the eagle takes to flight.
From a distance there is harmony
And it echoes through the land
It’s the voice of hope, it’s the voice of peace
It’s the voice of every man.
God is watching us, God is watching us
God is watching us from a distance
God is watching us, God is watching us
God is watching us from a distance.
Today's Mass Readings
Do you remember the very popular Bette Midler song From and Distance? This is how it goes.
From a Distance the world looks blue and green
And the snow capped mountains white
From a distance the ocean meets the stream
And the eagle takes to flight.
From a distance there is harmony
And it echoes through the land
It’s the voice of hope, it’s the voice of peace
It’s the voice of every man.
God is watching us, God is watching us
God is watching us from a distance
God is watching us, God is watching us
God is watching us from a distance.