22nd Sunday - C (September 1, 2019)

“My Friend, Move Up”

Luke 14:1, 7-14

I am at a banquet, sitting where I belong, in the lowest place.  Jesus himself comes and sits next to me.  Next thing I know; he invites me to move up. 

In the mystery of the Incarnation, out of love for us sinners, the Son of God came to live among us, and be one with us (Philippians 2: 5-8).  Through his death on the cross, he takes away our sins and brings us to the higher seats – those of the children of God. 

And it is not just a seat at a table in the afterlife.  Even now, at the Eucharistic Table, we are already sitting at God’s table!   

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21st Sunday - C (August 25, 2019)

The Narrow Gate

Luke 13: 22-30

Jesus continues “making his way to Jerusalem” – to the cross. 

Christian discipleship, which is our following of Jesus, always involves the cross.  That is “the narrow gate.”

Christian discipleship is not about connections or even membership.   It is not enough to claim “We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.” 

Jesus surely teaches.  But do I listen? 

Christian discipleship involves listening to Jesus and living his way.  Yet so often, Jesus’ way contradicts our political, cultural, economic, and societal values.  There, the narrow gate!  

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20th Sunday - C (August 18, 2019)

“Keep Our Eyes Fixed on Jesus”

Luke 12: 49-53

Jesus said to his disciples then, and to us today, “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing.”

Jesus said these words as he continues his journey toward Jerusalem, where he will complete his mission through his death and resurrection, which he here refers to as the “baptism.”

We all know difficulties and trials in our personal lives and in the life of the Church.

May we not lose sight of the mission that Jesus has shared with us – “to set the earth on fire.” 

The Letter to the Hebrews (2^nd reading) reminds us of how Jesus did it – by enduring the cross.  So we need to “persevere in running the race … while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus.”

The saints who form “so great a cloud of witnesses” have done this.  They now support us with their examples and prayers for us, and continue to cheer us on.  

 

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19th Sunday - C (August 11, 2019)

The Father’s Gift

Luke 12: 32 – 48

Two Sundays ago, Jesus taught us to pray for to the Father that “Your kingdom come” and “give us each day our daily bread.”

Last week, Jesus told us the parable of a person who is self-centered, ungrateful to God, and has no concerns for others.  He only cares about his earthly possessions and the pleasure of this passing life. 

Today, Jesus tells us that the Father “is pleased to give you the kingdom.”

We need to live this earthly life knowing that we are already living in God’s kingdom, even though its fullness has not yet been a reality.

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18th Sunday - C (August 4, 2019)

“You Fool”

Luke 12: 13-21

Prior to today’s Gospel, Jesus was preaching to the crowd.  Among the things Jesus said to them were these two verses, “Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins?  Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God.  Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.” (Luke 12: 6-7)

And here, in the same crowd, a person asks Jesus to be a judge of a family matter over their inheritance. 

That context gives us some possible insights to the parable. 

It is the land that “produced a bountiful harvest.”  In other words, the rich man could hardly take credit for his wealth [1] .

He does not acknowledge God who has given him the harvest.  Nor does he pay attention to the poor people around him, and there were many poor people in Palestine at the time of Jesus.

The rich man’s self-centeredness costs him his sensibility, the purpose of his life, and in fact, life itself. 

He has become a fool. 

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[1] www.progressiveinvolvement.com

 

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17th Sunday - C (July 28, 2019)

“Teach Us to Pray”

Luke 11: 1-13

Having watched Jesus praying, “one of his disciples” asked him, “Lord, teach us to pray.”  Jesus’ relationship with his Father must be so evident and inspiring.

Maybe today, I can thank God for the people who have taught me to pray.  What do I learn from their relationship with God?

And how is my relationship with God?  Is it in anyway evident? 

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16th Sunday - C (July 21, 2019)

At His Feet, Listening

Luke 10: 38-42

We continue listening to Luke, Chapter 10.  Two weeks ago, as Jesus sent to 72 disciples out, he affirmed the value of hospitality.  He distinguished two attitudes, “Whatever town you enter and they welcome you” and “Whatever town you enter and they do not receive you” and the consequences.

Then last week, also in Chapter 10, Luke gives us the parable of the Good Samaritan, one who goes out of his way to serve the needs of another person.

That Jesus spoke of the importance of hospitality and generous service helps us to better understand what he says to Martha in today’s Gospel.

Martha does what she thinks is best to welcome Jesus. 

But that does not seem to be what Jesus is looking for.

In serving others, sometimes with good intentions, we might give others what we think they need, not what they actually need. 

And when we serve Jesus, there are moments when Jesus wants us to be with him, at his feet, listening to him, not busy running around doing things.

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