Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
On the 15th of August 1947, India attained freedom from the British after almost two hundred years of colonial rule. Among the political, economic and cultural oppression by the British there was also the social stigma attached to being Indian. Even prominent Indians were treated with disdain. At many of social celebrations it was common to see a notice board that was placed at the entranceway that read, “Dogs and Indians not allowed.” It is sixty-one since India gained Independence. In my lifetime I did not experience the colonial British arrogance, but even today when I hear that old story of Indians being equated with dogs I feel my blood boil.
Today's Mass Readings
On the 15th of August 1947, India attained freedom from the British after almost two hundred years of colonial rule. Among the political, economic and cultural oppression by the British there was also the social stigma attached to being Indian. Even prominent Indians were treated with disdain. At many of social celebrations it was common to see a notice board that was placed at the entranceway that read, “Dogs and Indians not allowed.” It is sixty-one since India gained Independence. In my lifetime I did not experience the colonial British arrogance, but even today when I hear that old story of Indians being equated with dogs I feel my blood boil.
Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
The gospel passage for today’s liturgy is very vivid. It tells us that the disciples cried out in fear thinking they were seeing a ghost. They, like any of us would be, were genuinely afraid. This is the scripture’s way of saying that fear is real. We have our ghosts too. Some of them may be imaginary like in the case of the disciples, others are real. For example, there is a person I know who is afraid of what will happen when General Motors closes its doors soon. I know a mother who son is a police officer and fears for his safety every day. I know parents whose children are still in Iraq and they fear for their sons and daughters. I know a seventy-one year old lady who is losing her sight. She fears for her future. I know a mother who is struggling with cancer and has only a few months to live. Her fear is for her little children. I know families who have just lost their job and their house. Should they be afraid for their future? A lady I know fears that her health may come between a job-interview she has. Fear is real.
Today's Mass Readings
The gospel passage for today’s liturgy is very vivid. It tells us that the disciples cried out in fear thinking they were seeing a ghost. They, like any of us would be, were genuinely afraid. This is the scripture’s way of saying that fear is real. We have our ghosts too. Some of them may be imaginary like in the case of the disciples, others are real. For example, there is a person I know who is afraid of what will happen when General Motors closes its doors soon. I know a mother who son is a police officer and fears for his safety every day. I know parents whose children are still in Iraq and they fear for their sons and daughters. I know a seventy-one year old lady who is losing her sight. She fears for her future. I know a mother who is struggling with cancer and has only a few months to live. Her fear is for her little children. I know families who have just lost their job and their house. Should they be afraid for their future? A lady I know fears that her health may come between a job-interview she has. Fear is real.
Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
I have never starved in my life before and I am presuming that so is the case with most of us in this parish. May be a few examples will help us understand the reality of starvation. In an image I saw on BBC an entire family was eating the rotting flesh of a dead animal in Niger. Or take Amina, a twelve year old girl. She is so starved that she cannot eat food even if she wants to. She vomits as soon as anything goes in. Amina’s mother had this to say at the end of it all. She said, "As far as I'm concerned, God did not make us all equal - I mean, look at us. None of us has enough food." More than 862 million people in the world go hungry. In developing countries nearly 16 million children die every year from hunger related illnesses. In the United States, 11.7 million children live in households where people have to skip meals or eat less to make ends meet. That means that one in ten households in the U.S. are living with hunger or are at risk of hunger.
Today's Mass Readings
I have never starved in my life before and I am presuming that so is the case with most of us in this parish. May be a few examples will help us understand the reality of starvation. In an image I saw on BBC an entire family was eating the rotting flesh of a dead animal in Niger. Or take Amina, a twelve year old girl. She is so starved that she cannot eat food even if she wants to. She vomits as soon as anything goes in. Amina’s mother had this to say at the end of it all. She said, "As far as I'm concerned, God did not make us all equal - I mean, look at us. None of us has enough food." More than 862 million people in the world go hungry. In developing countries nearly 16 million children die every year from hunger related illnesses. In the United States, 11.7 million children live in households where people have to skip meals or eat less to make ends meet. That means that one in ten households in the U.S. are living with hunger or are at risk of hunger.
Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Rachel Smith, a young pharmacy student shared this personal testimony with me last week. She writes, “At every mass I try to focus on one thing that God is really trying to speak to me during the scripture readings and the homily. I call it my “one thing” and I try to allow God to remind me of my “one thing” during the week. At mass last Sunday, I felt like God’s “one thing” for me to learn is that opening my heart to receive “the Kingdom of God” is a choice. As Fr. Satish said in his homily, I can choose to let justice, love and mercy reign in my heart or not. I decided that my task would be to be open to the Kingdom at the pharmacy. And then it happened. I came across a serious problem that a customer was having. The man needed a medication that cost $3,000. He needed it soon so that his transplanted kidney would not reject his body. The problem was that his insurance plan wouldn’t let a retail pharmacy fill his prescription. My other colleagues had given up because it was a situation beyond their control. As I became aware of the situation, I didn’t know if I could help him at all but I felt so strongly that God was posing the question, “Will you show mercy? Will you receive the Kingdom today?” I resolved that I would try my best to help this man. After many, many phone calls I was able to set the man up with a mail-order-pharmacy that could help him, help his nurses realize the situation, and finally was able to transfer his prescription to a pharmacy that would emergency-deliver it to his home in time. What was so special about this experience for me was that I felt God was giving me a direct invitation to follow or not to follow the things that had been placed in my heart at mass. And I didn’t feel alone in doing what God was asking of me. Not only did God call me to be open to the Kingdom but God was also with me every step of the way. The feeling that I can have an impact on God’s kingdom was exhilarating. Even better, I felt like I was on God’s team. As more people needed help, I just felt “hungry” to serve someone, because I experienced such a reward in surprising people with kindness.”
Today's Mass Readings
Rachel Smith, a young pharmacy student shared this personal testimony with me last week. She writes, “At every mass I try to focus on one thing that God is really trying to speak to me during the scripture readings and the homily. I call it my “one thing” and I try to allow God to remind me of my “one thing” during the week. At mass last Sunday, I felt like God’s “one thing” for me to learn is that opening my heart to receive “the Kingdom of God” is a choice. As Fr. Satish said in his homily, I can choose to let justice, love and mercy reign in my heart or not. I decided that my task would be to be open to the Kingdom at the pharmacy. And then it happened. I came across a serious problem that a customer was having. The man needed a medication that cost $3,000. He needed it soon so that his transplanted kidney would not reject his body. The problem was that his insurance plan wouldn’t let a retail pharmacy fill his prescription. My other colleagues had given up because it was a situation beyond their control. As I became aware of the situation, I didn’t know if I could help him at all but I felt so strongly that God was posing the question, “Will you show mercy? Will you receive the Kingdom today?” I resolved that I would try my best to help this man. After many, many phone calls I was able to set the man up with a mail-order-pharmacy that could help him, help his nurses realize the situation, and finally was able to transfer his prescription to a pharmacy that would emergency-deliver it to his home in time. What was so special about this experience for me was that I felt God was giving me a direct invitation to follow or not to follow the things that had been placed in my heart at mass. And I didn’t feel alone in doing what God was asking of me. Not only did God call me to be open to the Kingdom but God was also with me every step of the way. The feeling that I can have an impact on God’s kingdom was exhilarating. Even better, I felt like I was on God’s team. As more people needed help, I just felt “hungry” to serve someone, because I experienced such a reward in surprising people with kindness.”
Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readgins
One of the most decisive events in the history of the world was the gradual emergence of the nation-state. What I mean by that is that the political system existing in the world today based on geographical territories is a rather modern phenomenon. Before nation states existed there were multi-ethnic empires ruled by an emperor or a king. On the other hand, what defines a nation-sate is not ethnic majority or religious affiliation but rather a definite geographical boundary. In a nation-state like the United States, the State becomes an instrument of national unity, in economic, social and cultural life. It is based on a Constitution that determines rights and obligations, discipline and punishment. Peace is often enforced by armed civil authorities. There are seldom second chances offered to those who fail. One of the main characteristic of the nation-state is nationalistic patriotism which almost assumes the level of religion. Thus, heroism is associated with the ultimate sacrifice – death – to defend the boundaries of the nation. Armies are fashioned to defend each nation. The world spends close to three trillion dollar all together to defend itself from each other. Take for example the war in Iraq. It only makes sense when one sees the war as a defense of the nation. More than four thousand people have died in the defense of this nation. But the price is considered necessary for the continuous defense of a nation. Those who give up their lives are honored as heroes. So much for the nation-state...
Today's Mass Readgins
One of the most decisive events in the history of the world was the gradual emergence of the nation-state. What I mean by that is that the political system existing in the world today based on geographical territories is a rather modern phenomenon. Before nation states existed there were multi-ethnic empires ruled by an emperor or a king. On the other hand, what defines a nation-sate is not ethnic majority or religious affiliation but rather a definite geographical boundary. In a nation-state like the United States, the State becomes an instrument of national unity, in economic, social and cultural life. It is based on a Constitution that determines rights and obligations, discipline and punishment. Peace is often enforced by armed civil authorities. There are seldom second chances offered to those who fail. One of the main characteristic of the nation-state is nationalistic patriotism which almost assumes the level of religion. Thus, heroism is associated with the ultimate sacrifice – death – to defend the boundaries of the nation. Armies are fashioned to defend each nation. The world spends close to three trillion dollar all together to defend itself from each other. Take for example the war in Iraq. It only makes sense when one sees the war as a defense of the nation. More than four thousand people have died in the defense of this nation. But the price is considered necessary for the continuous defense of a nation. Those who give up their lives are honored as heroes. So much for the nation-state...
Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Words are powerful tools. Today, at this mass we are celebrating the fiftieth wedding anniversary or Fred and Marian Volk. Just two words, “I do,” has bound them together for the last fifty years. And it will for the next many years. As far as I can see, they are going to hang around for a very long time. But I also know a lady who broke her “I do,” over the phone. Words are powerful. They have the power to build or destroy. If you were following the political events this week, then you know the effect of Rev. Jesse Jackson’s careless words over an open microphone against Barak Obama. Just like the news channels, I cannot even repeat those words in a Church. The consternation those words created is irreparable. The power of words...
Today's Mass Readings
Words are powerful tools. Today, at this mass we are celebrating the fiftieth wedding anniversary or Fred and Marian Volk. Just two words, “I do,” has bound them together for the last fifty years. And it will for the next many years. As far as I can see, they are going to hang around for a very long time. But I also know a lady who broke her “I do,” over the phone. Words are powerful. They have the power to build or destroy. If you were following the political events this week, then you know the effect of Rev. Jesse Jackson’s careless words over an open microphone against Barak Obama. Just like the news channels, I cannot even repeat those words in a Church. The consternation those words created is irreparable. The power of words...
Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
There is movie running these days at the Neon Art theatre – Then She Found Me. Toward the end, there is a rather powerful scene in the movie. But let me give you the context. The movie is about a 39 year old single school teacher April Epner (Helen Hunt), who was adopted into a devout Jewish family as a year old baby. Though she herself was adopted, April desperately wants a child of her own. Her adopted mother’s final advice to her before she dies was to adopt a baby. April is a devout Jewish woman, the kind of person who would not eat a meal without giving thanks and pray before any important event. Then follows a chain of events - her rather sudden marriage, an equally sudden end of her marriage, and her realizing that her only chance of having a baby has vanished. To add to her frustration her biological mother Bernice (Bette Midler), who gave her up for adoption, barges back into her life as if nothing had ever gone wrong. Her hilarious nature adds to the much needed humor in the movie. The last thing April can expect from her mother is faith in God because she had none. Three weeks after her being dumped by her husband, just when she was getting into a relationship with a man who really loved her, April discovers that she is pregnant with her former husband’s baby. We can imagine the complications arising from this new development. Tragically, though, she loses the baby in miscarriage. She is so desperate for a baby that she tries the artificial method. In the room with her on the day of her impregnation is her biological mother. Just before she is impregnated, the doctor asks April if she is ready. She says, yes. But Bernice stops her. Her mother reminds her that she had not prayed like she would normally do. April refuses to pray. Her mother on the other hand insists that she should pray. April breaks down at this point saying, “I had faith!” Obviously, after all that had happened, especially after she had lost her baby, she could not find the strength to believe. This is the most touching part of the movie. Her mother questions her, “You cannot believe in God now? Why? Because God is like you: complicated, difficult to understand?” Something hit her at that moment. April then prays the schema, and she is impregnated. There are more twists to the plot but --I will not reveal the end of the movie in case you want to see it.
Today's Mass Readings
There is movie running these days at the Neon Art theatre – Then She Found Me. Toward the end, there is a rather powerful scene in the movie. But let me give you the context. The movie is about a 39 year old single school teacher April Epner (Helen Hunt), who was adopted into a devout Jewish family as a year old baby. Though she herself was adopted, April desperately wants a child of her own. Her adopted mother’s final advice to her before she dies was to adopt a baby. April is a devout Jewish woman, the kind of person who would not eat a meal without giving thanks and pray before any important event. Then follows a chain of events - her rather sudden marriage, an equally sudden end of her marriage, and her realizing that her only chance of having a baby has vanished. To add to her frustration her biological mother Bernice (Bette Midler), who gave her up for adoption, barges back into her life as if nothing had ever gone wrong. Her hilarious nature adds to the much needed humor in the movie. The last thing April can expect from her mother is faith in God because she had none. Three weeks after her being dumped by her husband, just when she was getting into a relationship with a man who really loved her, April discovers that she is pregnant with her former husband’s baby. We can imagine the complications arising from this new development. Tragically, though, she loses the baby in miscarriage. She is so desperate for a baby that she tries the artificial method. In the room with her on the day of her impregnation is her biological mother. Just before she is impregnated, the doctor asks April if she is ready. She says, yes. But Bernice stops her. Her mother reminds her that she had not prayed like she would normally do. April refuses to pray. Her mother on the other hand insists that she should pray. April breaks down at this point saying, “I had faith!” Obviously, after all that had happened, especially after she had lost her baby, she could not find the strength to believe. This is the most touching part of the movie. Her mother questions her, “You cannot believe in God now? Why? Because God is like you: complicated, difficult to understand?” Something hit her at that moment. April then prays the schema, and she is impregnated. There are more twists to the plot but --I will not reveal the end of the movie in case you want to see it.
Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul
Today's Mass Readings
The media did not devote too much attention to it; the Catholic Church did not try to get mileage out of it; the Church of England did not even comment on it; TIME magazine could have dedicated its cover page to it but did not. I am talking about one of the most high profile conversions to the Catholic Church that went almost unnoticed. December 2007, Tony Blair, the outgoing prime minister of Britain became a Catholic. In reality, the news should have generated huge interest and the Catholic Church should have made a big deal out of it. The media usually loves high profile, controversial events like these. And there was controversy. Why did Blair wait to leave office before he converted? Britain has never had a Catholic prime minister and it would have been a boost to the Catholics in a historically Protestant country. A new research had just shown that for the first time in decades, the number of Roman Catholics attending Sunday services in Britain had fallen behind the Anglicans. Secondly, Blair’s record on life issues and war has contradicted the Catholic Church’s teachings. Can one become a Catholic while rejecting core Catholic values? Having debated all the controversial issues, in the final analysis, we have also to view this conversion from God’s point of view. After all, the lives of Peter and Paul, whose feast we celebrate today, looked very different from human perspective and God’s plan.
Today's Mass Readings
The media did not devote too much attention to it; the Catholic Church did not try to get mileage out of it; the Church of England did not even comment on it; TIME magazine could have dedicated its cover page to it but did not. I am talking about one of the most high profile conversions to the Catholic Church that went almost unnoticed. December 2007, Tony Blair, the outgoing prime minister of Britain became a Catholic. In reality, the news should have generated huge interest and the Catholic Church should have made a big deal out of it. The media usually loves high profile, controversial events like these. And there was controversy. Why did Blair wait to leave office before he converted? Britain has never had a Catholic prime minister and it would have been a boost to the Catholics in a historically Protestant country. A new research had just shown that for the first time in decades, the number of Roman Catholics attending Sunday services in Britain had fallen behind the Anglicans. Secondly, Blair’s record on life issues and war has contradicted the Catholic Church’s teachings. Can one become a Catholic while rejecting core Catholic values? Having debated all the controversial issues, in the final analysis, we have also to view this conversion from God’s point of view. After all, the lives of Peter and Paul, whose feast we celebrate today, looked very different from human perspective and God’s plan.
Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday Mass Readings
On my trip to France last year, I stayed at my friends house which overlooked the amphitheatre where Blandina was put to death in 177 AD. Blandina, was a slave and a Christian who had been taken into custody along with her master, also a Christian. She was bodily frail and her friends feared that she might not remain steadfast under torture. But in spite of her terrible torture, torture that even her executioners became exhausted of, she remained faithful and repeated to every question "I am a Christian and we commit no wrongdoing." She was bound to a stake and wild beasts were set on her. They did not, however touch her. After this for a number of days she was led into the arena to see the sufferings of her companions. Finally, as the last of the martyrs, she was scourged, placed on a red-hot grate, enclosed in a net and thrown before a wild steer who tossed her into the air with his horns, and at last killed with a dagger. We certainly know that her faith was strong. We look at Blandina’s faith and we admire her courage, faith and conviction.
Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday Mass Readings
I came to know Greg and Lucy Kramer about six years ago. I met them along with their two beautiful children Christi Ann and Andrew who are now 10. From the time I have known Greg I have always seen him in his wheelchair. Lucy plays the flute at the Sunday evening ‘Rock with Jesus’ mass and her children help Linda set up for mass. Greg works for the Access Centre for Independent living, and usually sits at the back of church when the band practices and actively participates in the celebration. Of course it was always tempting to ask them about Greg but I did not want to be rude either. I assumed that some illness had struck him early on during their married life. It was when I was invited to dinner couple of years back that I came to know the real story. Greg was involved in a swimming accident when he was merely fifteen. When they fell in love with each other, he was already in the wheel chair. I have never asked Lucy why she married a man who was so severely restricted in so many ways. Of all the choices she could have made, why Greg? I have to admit that I have rarely met anyone as courageous as Greg and as unpresumptuous as Lucy. Yet what they have achieved together has remained for me an inspiring and true act of love, commitment and faith. For both of them, there must be a reason for their choice, there must be a price to be paid each day for their choice, and there must be a purpose that comes from their choice.
Sunday Mass Readings
I came to know Greg and Lucy Kramer about six years ago. I met them along with their two beautiful children Christi Ann and Andrew who are now 10. From the time I have known Greg I have always seen him in his wheelchair. Lucy plays the flute at the Sunday evening ‘Rock with Jesus’ mass and her children help Linda set up for mass. Greg works for the Access Centre for Independent living, and usually sits at the back of church when the band practices and actively participates in the celebration. Of course it was always tempting to ask them about Greg but I did not want to be rude either. I assumed that some illness had struck him early on during their married life. It was when I was invited to dinner couple of years back that I came to know the real story. Greg was involved in a swimming accident when he was merely fifteen. When they fell in love with each other, he was already in the wheel chair. I have never asked Lucy why she married a man who was so severely restricted in so many ways. Of all the choices she could have made, why Greg? I have to admit that I have rarely met anyone as courageous as Greg and as unpresumptuous as Lucy. Yet what they have achieved together has remained for me an inspiring and true act of love, commitment and faith. For both of them, there must be a reason for their choice, there must be a price to be paid each day for their choice, and there must be a purpose that comes from their choice.
Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday Mass Readings
Sept 11, 2001 – The twin towers of the World Trade Centre collapsed. Sept 14, 2001 - Just three days after the tragic event, President Bush declared the day to be observed as a national day of prayer and remembrance. Sept 14 in the Catholic tradition is the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross. In the most mysterious of ways America got the chance to reflect upon the events of those days under the shadow of the cross. The following weeks and months were times when churches overflowed as people prayed for protection. Partly out of fear and partly out of confusion people flocked to places of refuge for comfort, for help and perhaps even answers. Some overenthusiastic evangelists interpreted the death of some three thousand people as God’s punishment for Americas increasing godlessness. Others said that this was God’s way of bringing America to its knees. I personally did not subscribe to any of these views. However, for some time there was a sense that America was returning back to God. But, as tragic as the events of Sept 11, the fervor waned away as quickly as it had appeared. Seven years down the road many people may not even remember the day they spent in prayer as a nation.
Sunday Mass Readings
Sept 11, 2001 – The twin towers of the World Trade Centre collapsed. Sept 14, 2001 - Just three days after the tragic event, President Bush declared the day to be observed as a national day of prayer and remembrance. Sept 14 in the Catholic tradition is the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross. In the most mysterious of ways America got the chance to reflect upon the events of those days under the shadow of the cross. The following weeks and months were times when churches overflowed as people prayed for protection. Partly out of fear and partly out of confusion people flocked to places of refuge for comfort, for help and perhaps even answers. Some overenthusiastic evangelists interpreted the death of some three thousand people as God’s punishment for Americas increasing godlessness. Others said that this was God’s way of bringing America to its knees. I personally did not subscribe to any of these views. However, for some time there was a sense that America was returning back to God. But, as tragic as the events of Sept 11, the fervor waned away as quickly as it had appeared. Seven years down the road many people may not even remember the day they spent in prayer as a nation.
Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday Mass Readings
I heard two contrasting stories on National Public Radio this week. One showed the superficiality of our culture, the other the depth of the human heart. I heard a rather lengthy commentary on some Iraqi women’s sense of freedom in Iraq. It was the criterion that was used to measure freedom that baffled me – that in some part of Iraq women could now use make-up. I see all you lovely ladies here and some of you with make-up and you look beautiful. But you know and I that if our sense of security and freedom had to come from our make-up that would be rather superficial. When it is all said and done, make-up is exactly that – make-up. And then I heard another commentary. It was the story of a man who came to the United States from India when he was seven years old. He is now the Hindu priest of the Hare Krishna temple in New York. His own quest for the meaning of life began with a simple question - What is the cause of the uncertainties or fluctuations of life? And then he picked up the Bhagvad Gita – one of the main Hindu Scriptures. In them, he found his answers. It changed his life. He built his life around the answers he discovered and now he tries to help others to find their own answers. These two stories are contrasting examples of people’s search for meaning and purpose of life.
Sunday Mass Readings
I heard two contrasting stories on National Public Radio this week. One showed the superficiality of our culture, the other the depth of the human heart. I heard a rather lengthy commentary on some Iraqi women’s sense of freedom in Iraq. It was the criterion that was used to measure freedom that baffled me – that in some part of Iraq women could now use make-up. I see all you lovely ladies here and some of you with make-up and you look beautiful. But you know and I that if our sense of security and freedom had to come from our make-up that would be rather superficial. When it is all said and done, make-up is exactly that – make-up. And then I heard another commentary. It was the story of a man who came to the United States from India when he was seven years old. He is now the Hindu priest of the Hare Krishna temple in New York. His own quest for the meaning of life began with a simple question - What is the cause of the uncertainties or fluctuations of life? And then he picked up the Bhagvad Gita – one of the main Hindu Scriptures. In them, he found his answers. It changed his life. He built his life around the answers he discovered and now he tries to help others to find their own answers. These two stories are contrasting examples of people’s search for meaning and purpose of life.
Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
Today's Mass Readings
If you have been to the groceries lately you may have noticed that the price of food items has risen enough to make us think twice about what and how much we buy. What we in more stable countries perceive as a price rise is only a symptom of what the United Nations has warned to be a serious food crisis. For example, food prices have risen by an average of 83% in the past three years. At least 100 million people could be tipped into poverty as a result. Food riots have broken out in at least a dozen countries. A range of factors have been blamed, including poor harvests, partly due to climate change, rising oil prices, the dash to produce biofuels at the expense of food crops, and speculation on commodities markets. The fact that there is much money to be made at the cost of other people prompted Jean Ziegler , a UN's official to comment, "This is silent mass murder." It is my opinion that our inability to banish hunger is a grave collective sin and that providing food security to the poor of the world would in itself be a great act of evangelization.
Today's Mass Readings
If you have been to the groceries lately you may have noticed that the price of food items has risen enough to make us think twice about what and how much we buy. What we in more stable countries perceive as a price rise is only a symptom of what the United Nations has warned to be a serious food crisis. For example, food prices have risen by an average of 83% in the past three years. At least 100 million people could be tipped into poverty as a result. Food riots have broken out in at least a dozen countries. A range of factors have been blamed, including poor harvests, partly due to climate change, rising oil prices, the dash to produce biofuels at the expense of food crops, and speculation on commodities markets. The fact that there is much money to be made at the cost of other people prompted Jean Ziegler , a UN's official to comment, "This is silent mass murder." It is my opinion that our inability to banish hunger is a grave collective sin and that providing food security to the poor of the world would in itself be a great act of evangelization.
The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity
Today's Mass Readings
Even at this moment humanity is dealing with two catastrophic natural disasters: the cyclone in Myanmar and the earthquake in China. I have to confess that I have had a difficult time dealing with the death of over one hundred thousand people in two weeks just to natural disasters. I have been afraid to look at pictures of the disasters. The one picture I did see was a naked and decaying dead body in the middle of an inundated rice field. “This body is made in the image and likeness of God,” I said to myself. There was a repulsion in me to even think that a holy thing like that should lie so desolate and so decadent. Of course, this is not the first time that the world has been affected by natural disasters of such magnitude. But as I read the readings for today – the feast of the Holy Trinity - I have struggled all week to reconcile these human tragedies with “God” who “loves the world so much that he gave his only Son…” (Jn 3:16). The question, then, is about making sense of human life as we experience it in relation to the life and nature of God.
Today's Mass Readings
Even at this moment humanity is dealing with two catastrophic natural disasters: the cyclone in Myanmar and the earthquake in China. I have to confess that I have had a difficult time dealing with the death of over one hundred thousand people in two weeks just to natural disasters. I have been afraid to look at pictures of the disasters. The one picture I did see was a naked and decaying dead body in the middle of an inundated rice field. “This body is made in the image and likeness of God,” I said to myself. There was a repulsion in me to even think that a holy thing like that should lie so desolate and so decadent. Of course, this is not the first time that the world has been affected by natural disasters of such magnitude. But as I read the readings for today – the feast of the Holy Trinity - I have struggled all week to reconcile these human tragedies with “God” who “loves the world so much that he gave his only Son…” (Jn 3:16). The question, then, is about making sense of human life as we experience it in relation to the life and nature of God.
Pentecost Sunday
Today's Mass Readings
Last Tuesday evening I was invited to a banquet organized by the National Youth Advocate Program, where I was to speak to foster parents of children who need critical care. There was a small group of wonderful people who in an act of overwhelming generosity take into their homes children who otherwise no one would want. They take in juvenile sex-offenders, critically ill children, and even children with serious psychological problems. While my talk was addressed to the foster parents I was totally unaware of who I was actually reaching. Two days later, I received a phone call that one of the staff at the Program was returning to mass after fifteen years. The Holy Spirit of God is still alive and working in our midst. The Holy Spirit works in ways we can never imagine. On this the feast of the Pentecost I believe the Spirit is truly alive in our midst.
Today's Mass Readings
Last Tuesday evening I was invited to a banquet organized by the National Youth Advocate Program, where I was to speak to foster parents of children who need critical care. There was a small group of wonderful people who in an act of overwhelming generosity take into their homes children who otherwise no one would want. They take in juvenile sex-offenders, critically ill children, and even children with serious psychological problems. While my talk was addressed to the foster parents I was totally unaware of who I was actually reaching. Two days later, I received a phone call that one of the staff at the Program was returning to mass after fifteen years. The Holy Spirit of God is still alive and working in our midst. The Holy Spirit works in ways we can never imagine. On this the feast of the Pentecost I believe the Spirit is truly alive in our midst.
Feast of the Ascension of Jesus
Today's Mass Readings
I studied in the seminary twelve years before I was ordained in the year 1994. About half way through the studies, I confronted a situation with the seminary’s rector which disillusioned me. It will take me too long to explain the situation but it will suffice to say that I realized that the rector’s stand on the matter was dishonest and unjust. I wanted to be a priest but was also aware that if I opposed the rector I would probably be shown the door for being rebellious. I decided that I would quit my seminary training rather than face such problems. I decided to write to my parents about my dilemma. It was mother who wrote back. She said I was welcome back home and that they would support my education. The very last line of the letter was really what decided my future course of action. She wrote, “No matter what you decision, I am with you.” I read that sentence again and again. I needed the reassurance. I could go back home because my parents were so supportive. But finally this is what I said to myself. “If my mother is with me then I am going to go ahead and continue my studies inspite of the problems.” The words “I am with you…” gave me the courage to face the situation rather than escape it. Those four words… they didn’t’ change the situation, but they changed me... changed me enough to face the situation and here I am.
Today's Mass Readings
I studied in the seminary twelve years before I was ordained in the year 1994. About half way through the studies, I confronted a situation with the seminary’s rector which disillusioned me. It will take me too long to explain the situation but it will suffice to say that I realized that the rector’s stand on the matter was dishonest and unjust. I wanted to be a priest but was also aware that if I opposed the rector I would probably be shown the door for being rebellious. I decided that I would quit my seminary training rather than face such problems. I decided to write to my parents about my dilemma. It was mother who wrote back. She said I was welcome back home and that they would support my education. The very last line of the letter was really what decided my future course of action. She wrote, “No matter what you decision, I am with you.” I read that sentence again and again. I needed the reassurance. I could go back home because my parents were so supportive. But finally this is what I said to myself. “If my mother is with me then I am going to go ahead and continue my studies inspite of the problems.” The words “I am with you…” gave me the courage to face the situation rather than escape it. Those four words… they didn’t’ change the situation, but they changed me... changed me enough to face the situation and here I am.
Reflection on the Passion of Our Lord"
Readings for Good Friday
There are very few things in human history for which humanity as a whole must take responsibility. For example, humanity as a whole is responsible for world hunger. In some way, each of us plays some part in it. We could not say that of slavery, of colonialism or even of the holocaust. In more recent times, “global warming is one such phenomenon.” Human beings have been on the face of the earth for thousands of years. But it has taken us this long to realize that our actions and our lifestyle have consequences. If there is anything “global warming” is teaching us it is this, that we must take responsibility for our actions. To look at the melting ice in the artic region; to see rising sea levels causing untold hardships to the poor in low lying areas; to see the change in weather patterns across the world; to see the dramatic increase of droughts in Africa and Australia, flash floods in East and South Asia and hurricanes and tornadoes in the Americas is indeed a heart wrenching experience. The most sobering experience for me has been to look at all these natural calamities and realize that in some way, I am responsible for this.
Readings for Good Friday
There are very few things in human history for which humanity as a whole must take responsibility. For example, humanity as a whole is responsible for world hunger. In some way, each of us plays some part in it. We could not say that of slavery, of colonialism or even of the holocaust. In more recent times, “global warming is one such phenomenon.” Human beings have been on the face of the earth for thousands of years. But it has taken us this long to realize that our actions and our lifestyle have consequences. If there is anything “global warming” is teaching us it is this, that we must take responsibility for our actions. To look at the melting ice in the artic region; to see rising sea levels causing untold hardships to the poor in low lying areas; to see the change in weather patterns across the world; to see the dramatic increase of droughts in Africa and Australia, flash floods in East and South Asia and hurricanes and tornadoes in the Americas is indeed a heart wrenching experience. The most sobering experience for me has been to look at all these natural calamities and realize that in some way, I am responsible for this.
Reflection for Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday Readings
Last week a major scandal shocked America and indeed the entire world. New York Governor, Elliot Spitzer resigned after being linked to a prostitution ring. I am not referring to him at the beginning of this homily to condemn him from the outside. In fact, each of us at some time has said one thing and done the opposite. I merely bring Spitzer’s example us to draw attention to the dark side of human nature. One look at the world and we see the darkness that human beings can create – betrayal, murder, rape, violence, war, poverty, misery, infidelity, abuse, injustice and much more.
Palm Sunday Readings
Last week a major scandal shocked America and indeed the entire world. New York Governor, Elliot Spitzer resigned after being linked to a prostitution ring. I am not referring to him at the beginning of this homily to condemn him from the outside. In fact, each of us at some time has said one thing and done the opposite. I merely bring Spitzer’s example us to draw attention to the dark side of human nature. One look at the world and we see the darkness that human beings can create – betrayal, murder, rape, violence, war, poverty, misery, infidelity, abuse, injustice and much more.
Reflections on the Fourth Sunday in Lent
Sunday Mass Readings
I was sitting at my desk Wednesday morning, trying to put my thoughts together for my homily this Sunday. Just when I thought I was on to something, the intercom rang and the receptionist informed me that there was someone here who wanted to talk to a priest. I reluctantly went up and there stood this eighty year old man. Numerous things went on my head. May be I should make an appointment with him for later, may be I should ask him to wait till I got my homily done. Instead we sat and talked. He said how at this age he wanted a new beginning. He shared about how he had moved away from the church and his faith. Although, over the past ten years he had been going to Church, he still felt he needed something more. He shared about how he was ready to make a confession, come back to God, and begin all over again. His story was so moving. I went back to my room and sat there still for a moment. This homily was triggered from this experience. As I will reflected on today’s readings, I realized how this man was so much like the man who had recovered his sight. Here was someone else who had come from darkness to light and from mediocrity to making Jesus the undisputed Lord of his life.
Sunday Mass Readings
I was sitting at my desk Wednesday morning, trying to put my thoughts together for my homily this Sunday. Just when I thought I was on to something, the intercom rang and the receptionist informed me that there was someone here who wanted to talk to a priest. I reluctantly went up and there stood this eighty year old man. Numerous things went on my head. May be I should make an appointment with him for later, may be I should ask him to wait till I got my homily done. Instead we sat and talked. He said how at this age he wanted a new beginning. He shared about how he had moved away from the church and his faith. Although, over the past ten years he had been going to Church, he still felt he needed something more. He shared about how he was ready to make a confession, come back to God, and begin all over again. His story was so moving. I went back to my room and sat there still for a moment. This homily was triggered from this experience. As I will reflected on today’s readings, I realized how this man was so much like the man who had recovered his sight. Here was someone else who had come from darkness to light and from mediocrity to making Jesus the undisputed Lord of his life.
"Transfiguration: An Encounter with God"
Today's Mass Readings
If each of us looks back at our lives, most likely there are certain core experiences that have shaped us. Marriage, separation, childbirth, loss of a child, death of a loved one, a major success or failure, illness, a powerful encounter will the poor or a saintly person – these can transform us. Take for example, Stephen Kazmierczak who went into his classroom and shot down five people yesterday at the Northern Illinois University; there must be on experience that led him to become who he has become – a killer. Experiences have the power to transform us. I would like to add another kind of experience to the mix – God-experience. Let me give you an example from my own life. It is not uncommon for me to ask myself, “Why do I continue to be a priest?” I was telling one of my friends the other day, “If I did not have a passion for the things that I do; if somehow God did not grip my life the way God did, it would so easy to give it all up.” But I can look back to when I was about nineteen years old and that first experience of God’s all- consuming love. Life has not been the same. I am not saying that I have been immune from bad decisions, failures, mistakes, and sins; but that one single God-experience has colored all my other experiences.
Today's Mass Readings
If each of us looks back at our lives, most likely there are certain core experiences that have shaped us. Marriage, separation, childbirth, loss of a child, death of a loved one, a major success or failure, illness, a powerful encounter will the poor or a saintly person – these can transform us. Take for example, Stephen Kazmierczak who went into his classroom and shot down five people yesterday at the Northern Illinois University; there must be on experience that led him to become who he has become – a killer. Experiences have the power to transform us. I would like to add another kind of experience to the mix – God-experience. Let me give you an example from my own life. It is not uncommon for me to ask myself, “Why do I continue to be a priest?” I was telling one of my friends the other day, “If I did not have a passion for the things that I do; if somehow God did not grip my life the way God did, it would so easy to give it all up.” But I can look back to when I was about nineteen years old and that first experience of God’s all- consuming love. Life has not been the same. I am not saying that I have been immune from bad decisions, failures, mistakes, and sins; but that one single God-experience has colored all my other experiences.