We Are Beloved Children

The Baptism of the Lord
January 12, 2025 — Year C
Readings: Is 42:1-4, 6-7 / Ps 29 / Acts 10:34-38 / Lk 3:15-16, 21-22
by Rev. Nixon Negparanon, Pastor

The Baptism of the Lord is a profound moment in the life of Christ and the Church.  Today we celebrate not only Jesus’ baptism, but also the revelation of His identity and His mission.  It is a reminder of our own baptism, where we, too, are given a new identity and mission as beloved children of God.  The words of the Father at Jesus’ baptism, “You are my beloved Son; with You I am well pleased,” resonate deeply as the cornerstone of today’s reflection.

The prophet Isaiah, in our first reading, speaks of comfort, hope, and renewal for the people of Israel.  He proclaims the coming of the Lord, whose glory will be revealed for all to see.  The imagery of valleys being lifted and mountains laid low signifies that nothing will stand in the way of God’s salvation.  This passage sets the stage for the revelation of Jesus as the Messiah, the One who comes to shepherd His people with tenderness and strength.

In the second reading, St. Paul emphasizes the grace of God, who brings salvation to all.  This grace teaches us to live lives of holiness, and points to the mercy of God revealed through Jesus Christ.  Through baptism, we are reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit, becoming heirs of eternal life.  This transformation connects directly to Christ’s baptism, when the Spirit descended upon Him, symbolizing His mission to bring salvation to humanity.

In today’s gospel, John the Baptist prepares the way for the Messiah, emphasizing the greatness of the One who will come after him.  When Jesus is baptized, the heavens open. The Holy Spirit descends like a dove, and the Father’s voice proclaims, “You are my beloved Son; with You I am well pleased.”  This moment marks the revelation of Jesus’ divine identity, and His mission to redeem humanity.

The readings converge in terms of revelation, transformation, and mission.  Isaiah foretells the coming of the Lord’s glory.  Paul explains how God’s grace transforms us into His children.  Luke recounts the moment when Jesus’ divine identity is revealed at His baptism.  These messages remind us that baptism is not just a ritual, but a profound encounter with God’s grace, revealing our identity as His beloved children, and our mission to live as disciples.

Last Sunday’s Epiphany celebrated the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles, through the visit of the Magi, revealing Him as the light of the world.  Today’s feast continues this revelation, focusing on Jesus’ identity as the beloved Son of God, and the start of His public ministry.  Both feasts highlight how Jesus is revealed as the savior for all humanity.

When Jesus stepped into the Jordan River, He didn’t do so for His own sake.  He was sinless and had no need for baptism.  Yet, He chose to be baptized for our sake.  By entering those waters, He sanctified them, transforming baptism as the gateway to grace and salvation.  At His baptism, the Holy Spirit descended, and the Father’s voice declared, “You are my beloved Son; with You I am well pleased.    This moment was not only an affirmation of Jesus’ identity as the Son of God, but also the beginning of His mission.  Anointed by the Spirit, He would go on to preach, heal, and ultimately redeem humanity through His death and resurrection.

Anointing isn’t just a holy function; it is a declaration.  It revealed that He was the Messiah, the Anointed One, the Christ.  One is anointed to be a priest, a prophet, and a king.  That’s exactly who Jesus is forever.  He’s the great high priest, the greatest of all prophets, the eternal king.  From His baptism, He went into the wilderness to battle Satan.  Moved by the power of the Holy Spirit, He fulfilled His mission.  The Father declared over Him, “You are my beloved Son.”  Baptism revealed Jesus’ identity and mission.  His identity is that He’s the beloved Son, the Christ, the Anointed One, the priest, prophet, and king.  His mission was also revealed.

For us, baptism is more than an entry into the Church.  It is a moment when God declares over each of us, “You are my beloved son,” or “You are my beloved daughter.”  Through baptism, we receive a new identity as children of God, and are entrusted with a mission.  As baptized Christians, we are not only given a new identity as beloved children of God, but also entrusted with tasks and responsibilities toward our brothers, sisters, and community.  Baptism calls us to live in service, love, and solidarity, following the example of Christ.  We are called to foster unity and understanding among those around us.  St. Paul reminds, in his letters, that we are one body in Christ.  Our mission, as baptized Christians, is to tear down barriers of division, and build bridges of reconciliation.

Jesus’ mission often focused on the marginalized and downtrodden.  As His followers, we must show compassion and care for those in need, whether through acts of charity, advocacy, or simply offering a listening ear and a loving heart.  Like Jesus, who began His public ministry after His baptism, we are tasked with sharing the good news.  This doesn’t always mean preaching from a pulpit.  It can mean living a life that radiates Christ’s love, joy, and hope in our daily interactions.

St. Maximillian Kolbe, a modern martyr and profound witness to Christ’s love, once said, “Let us remember that love lives through sacrifice and is nourished by giving.  Without sacrifice, there is no love.”  Our baptism calls us to this sacrificial love; to give ourselves for the good of others.  St. Maximillian Kolbe embodied this love when he gave his life to save a fellow prisoner in Auschwitz.

While most of us will not face such extreme circumstances, we are called to make daily sacrifices for the good of our families, communities, and even strangers.  Our baptism not only affirms our identity as God’s beloved children but also calls us to action.  Just as Christ’s baptism began His mission, ours commissions us to live out our faith in practical, sacrificial love for our brothers and sisters.

Today, let us hear again the words spoken over Jesus and know that they are meant for us: “You are my beloved son; with you I am well pleased.”  Let this truth guide us and guide our lives.  In moments of doubt and struggle, remember that we are God’s beloved children.  May this identity inspire us to live out our mission with courage, faith, and love, as Jesus did.

Let Us Be Like the Magi

The Epiphany of the Lord
January 5, 2025 — Year C
Readings: Is 60:1-6 / Ps 72 / Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6 / Mt 2:1-12
by Rev. Nixon Negparanon, Pastor

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany, a significant moment in the liturgical calendar, when we reflect on how Jesus is revealed as the Savior, not only to the Jewish people, but to all nations.  The word epiphany means manifestation or revelation.  This feast reminds us of God’s plan to bring salvation to the entire world and challenges us to respond to His revelation with true worship.

Let us explore today’s readings, how they connect to the feast, and why the Feast of Epiphany is essential for our faith.

The prophet Isaiah speaks of Jerusalem as a city radiant with God’s glory.  The imagery of light overcoming darkness symbolizes the revelation of God’s salvation.  Nations and kings are drawn to this divine light, bringing gifts of gold and frankincense as signs of worship and acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty. This prophecy finds its fulfillment in the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child.  Isaiah’s vision points to a universal salvation where all peoples are invited to encounter the light of Christ.

St. Paul, in our second reading, proclaims the mystery of Christ that Gentiles are co-heirs to the promise of salvation.  This was a radical message for Paul’s time, breaking down the barriers between Jews and Gentiles.  The Feast of the Epiphany underscores this truth.  The Magi, representing the nations, are the first Gentiles to encounter and worship Christ, signaling the inclusivity of God’s plan of salvation.

The gospel recounts the visit of the Magi, wise men from the east who follow a star to find the newborn King.  They bring gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, each with symbolic meaning:  gold for kingship, frankincense for divinity, and myrrh for sacrifice.  The contrasting responses to Jesus are striking.  The Magi worship Him, while Herod reacts with fear and hostility.  The story challenges us to reflect on our own response to God’s revelation.

The common thread across the readings is the manifestation of Christ to the nations.  Isaiah foretells it. Paul declares its fulfillment.  Matthew narrates the Magi’s response as representatives of the Gentile world.  Together, these readings emphasize that salvation is for all, breaking boundaries of ethnicity and culture.

The Feast of the Epiphany dates back to the third century, celebrated initially in the Eastern Church.  It commemorated not only the visit of the Magi, but also the baptism of Jesus and the wedding at Cana, all moments of divine revelation.  Over time, the Western Church emphasized the Magi’s visit as the primary focus.  The feast is important because it highlights God’s gradual self-revelation, culminating in Jesus Christ.  It calls us to recognize God’s light in our lives and to respond with worship as the Magi did.

At the heart of the Feast of Epiphany is the recognition that at this moment in history, Jesus is revealed to the nations.  This feast acknowledges how God has gradually revealed Himself over time.  First, He called one person, Abraham.  Next, He called Abraham’s family, and eventually all of the people of Israel.  However, at this pivotal moment in history, with the birth of Jesus Christ, God is revealed to the nations in an extraordinary way.  The Feast of the Epiphany, exemplified by the visit of the Magi, is not just about God revealing Himself.  It is also about His revelation being recognized by the nations.

This leads us to the essential question:  When God reveals Himself, what is our response?  Our response could be like Herod’s, rejecting God’s presence, even wanting Him out of the world.  It could also be indifference or ignorance.  The proper response to God, however, is worship.

Worship is the heart of all religions.  It is not just about creeds or moral behavior, though both are important.  At its core, religion is about a relationship with God and the heart of that relationship is worship.  A religion without worship is not a religion, but rather, a philosophy.  Philosophies are valuable, but they are not the same as religion.  Religion calls us to a relationship with the Creator and worship is the expression of that relationship.

When we encounter God, the natural response of the heart is to ask, “What can I give?”  Worship is not for God’s benefit.  He needs nothing from us.  Instead, worship is the only fitting response to the Creator, the source of all being.  Worship stems from justice.  It is about giving God His due.  In every Mass, we acknowledge this when we say, “It is right and just.”  Worship is not only our duty, but also our salvation.  Without worship, we miss the very essence of our relationship with God.

True worship arises from recognizing God’s majesty and offering our best.  The Magi’s gifts symbolize this act of giving.  They teach us to approach God with hearts full of gratitude, justice, and love, offering not leftovers, but our very best.  In the Mass, we participate in the highest form of worship.  The Eucharist is not just a ritual but a representation of Christ’s sacrifice.  It invites us to offer our lives in union with His.

Some people say, “I don’t get anything out of Mass.”  Mass, however, is not about how we feel.  It is about giving God what He is owed.  The essence of the Mass is not about what we get from it.  At the heart of every Mass, we represent the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ, His life, death, and resurrection, and offer it to the Father.  When we go to Mass, we are participating in this act of justice, giving back to God what He deserves.

Worship, by its nature, is not about receiving, but about giving.  It is about offering ourselves to God, uniting our prayers, our hearts, and our sacrifices with the ultimate sacrifice of Christ on the cross.  Instead of asking, “What can I get out of this?” the better question is, “What can I offer?”  We should think about how we can join our hearts and lives with the sacrifice of Jesus for the glory of God and the salvation of the world.  This shift from receiving to giving deepens our engagement and allows us to experience the Mass as it truly is:  the greatest act of love and worship.

Let us be like the Magi.  Let us seek the light by following the light of Christ, even when the path is uncertain.  Let us also offer our best in worship and in daily life, giving God our finest in our time, talent, and treasure.  Like the bright star that shone on the Magi, let us be the light to others, reflecting Christ’s light to those around us, especially those still searching for meaning and hope.

The Epiphany of the Lord invites us to recognize Christ as the light of the world, worship Him with our whole hearts, and share His light with all nations.  As we celebrate this feast, let us reflect on our response to God’s revelation and renew our commitment to authentic worship.  Let us, like the Magi, approach the altar of the Lord with the best we have, offering our lives as a gift to the One who has revealed Himself to us and the world.  It is right and just.

The Spirit of Christmas

The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)
December 25, 2024 — Year C
Readings: Is 9:1-6 / Ps 96 / Ti 2:11-14 / Lk 2:1-14
by Rev. Nixon Negparanon, Pastor

Many of us may be familiar with the song, “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.” It starts with, I heard the bells on Christmas Day, their old familiar carols play, and wild and sweet the words repeat, of peace on earth, good will to men. The song starts nicely, but on the third and following verses it continues:

Then from each black, accursed mouth
            The cannon thundered in the South,
            And with the sound the carols drowned
            Of peace on earth, good will to men.
            It was as if an earthquake rent
            The hearthstones of a continent,
            And made forlorn the households born
            Of peace on earth, good will to men.
            And in despair I bowed my head;
            “There is no peace on earth,” I said,
            “For hate is strong and mocks the song
            Of peace on earth, good will to men.”

 The stanzas suddenly seem to get dark and sad, and we can ask ourselves, what is this song all about? If we go to the origin of the song, we realize what actually is happening.

This song was written in 1863 by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. He was a poet and a literary critic. Longfellow had faith to some degree but also had pain and suffering mark his life. His wife perished in a fire that he tried to extinguish, even with his own body. His eldest son was shot during the Civil War, and the youngest son also died at a young age.

Longfellow is a widower surrounded by tragedy:  his son’s being killed in the Civil War and devastating things happening in that war, such as the pain, the number of lives that were being lost, and his own grief. Sitting in his home on December 25, 1863, he hears the bells of the local church ringing. He is inspired to write the poem, “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.”  Longfellow’s experience had shown him that there wasn’t peace on earth.  He knew that there was violence on earth, there was ugliness on earth. He writes about hearing the cannon thundering in the South and of how many houses are empty of their sons because of this Civil War. In this song, you see a man with a broken heart in a broken world on Christmas Day.

Perhaps many of us here today may have similar experiences. Some have lost a loved one, are away from families, have lost a job, have an illness of some sort. We all live in a broken world where wars are still present in some parts of the world, poverty and corruption still exist. It seems that, just like the song, “hate is strong, and mocks the song of peace on earth, good will to men.”

Then, however, Longfellow in his last stanza says,

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
            “God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
            The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
            With peace on earth, good will to men.”

This is actually the message of Christianity. The message of Christmas is that even though this world is broken, even though this world is full of suffering and pain, hate and evil, God is not dead, and He does not sleep. God the Divine Word leaped like a warrior to this earth, and He allowed the brokenness and the hate and the evil and death to overwhelm Him so as to conquer the evil and the hate and the violence and the death. He transformed it so that you and I, in the midst of a world that is broken, in the midst of the world where bells still ring even though cannons still boom, can still have hope. We can still ring those bells in the midst of wars.  We can still ring those bells in the midst of grief. We can still ring those bells when we have been broken. We know that this is the true meaning of Christmas.

Today, the world pauses and holds its breath, for we gather to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. The gospel passage we just heard from Luke tells the most extraordinary story in the simplest of terms. In the humblest of settings, amidst the quiet fields of Bethlehem, God enters our world not as a mighty king, but as a vulnerable child. It is a story of hope, humility, and uncontainable joy. In the silence of the manger, we see the love of God unveiled in its purest form.

The narrative begins with the decree from Caesar Augustus, a reminder of the vast power of the Roman Empire. Yet amid the show of worldly authority, God chooses to reveal His divine power in the stillness of a manger. Joseph and Mary, obedient to the call of God, travel to Bethlehem, fulfilling the prophecy that the Messiah would be born in the city of David. Consider the mystery of this moment. The King of Kings is born, not in a palace, but in a stable. His crib is a manger. His first visitors are shepherds, simple marginalized people of the time. Through this humility, God shows us His heart. He comes not to overwhelm us with grandeur, but to draw close to us in our everyday lives, in our struggles and simplicity.

When the angel appeared to the shepherds, they were terrified. But the angel’s message was clear: “Do not be afraid, for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.”  These words echo across the ages to us today. The birth of Christ is not just a moment in history. It is a message of salvation, a promise that God is with us: Emmanuel.

Notice also the role of the shepherds. They are the first to hear and to respond. They go in haste to find the child and share the good news. In doing so, they become the first evangelists of the Gospel. This reminds us that God often chooses the humble and the unexpected to be His messengers. Perhaps this Christmas, He is calling us to share His love and joy with those around us. The shepherds, the first witnesses of this miracle, were not the powerful or the elite. They were ordinary people, just like many of us. Yet they were chosen to hear the angelic proclamation, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men.”  This message reminds us that God’s love is for everyone, regardless of status or circumstance.

The heavenly host proclaims, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.”  This peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the profound peace that comes from being reconciled with God. It is the peace that heals broken hearts, restores relationships, and offers hope in times of darkness.

This message of peace and Longfellow’s poem resonate profoundly during this Jubilee Year of Hope. Pope Francis has declared a Jubilee Year of Hope in 2025.  In the Pope’s Bull of Indiction, he said, “During the Holy Year, we are called to be tangible signs of hope for those of our brothers and sisters who experience hardships of any kind.”

That hope is born of love and based on the love springing from the purest heart of Jesus upon the cross. “For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more surely, having been reconciled, will we be saved by His life.”  (Romans 5:10) That life becomes manifest in our own life of faith, which begins with baptism, develops in openness to God’s grace, and is enlivened by a hope constantly renewed and confirmed by the working of the Holy Spirit.

As we reflect on the birth of Christ, we are reminded that hope is not an abstract idea, but a person, Jesus Christ. The Jubilee Year calls us to renew our trust in God’s promises and to be beacons of hope in a world that often feels weighed down by despair. The light of Bethlehem that shines in the darkness is the same light that we are invited to carry in our lives and communities, illuminating the path toward reconciliation, justice, and joy.

Today, as we gaze upon the Nativity scene, let us open our hearts to the mystery of God’s love. The birth of Jesus is an invitation to encounter God in the ordinary, to embrace humility, and to share His joy with the world. Let us also embrace the call of this Jubilee Year of Hope. This year is an opportunity to live out the message of Christmas in tangible ways by reaching out to those in need, by fostering unity in our families and communities, and by trusting in the transformative power of God’s grace.

Let us remember that the miracle of Christmas is not just that God came to dwell among us, but that He continues to dwell within us. Every Eucharist we celebrate is a reminder of this truth. Christ is Emmanuel, God with us. May this Christmas also remind us that God is not dead, nor does He sleep. Even in the midst of grief, we worship Him. In the midst of grief, we pray. In the midst of grief, we love each other. In the midst of grief, we ring those bells, because we know the truth is that God has become one of us. He’s not dead. He does not sleep.  He’s near, and He loves you and me.

As Christians, we are called to radiate the light of Christ, especially during this joyous season. We are tasked to share the spirit of Christmas with our brothers and sisters and our community. Let us be witnesses of joy. Joy is the hallmark of Christmas. Let us be beacons of hope and positivity, reflecting joy of the incarnation in our words and actions. Let us also reach out to those who may feel lonely and forgotten. A simple invitation, a warm meal, or heartfelt conversation can embody the love of Christ. Also let us not forget to serve the needy. The birth of Jesus in a manger reminds us of God’s special love for the poor and marginalized. Let us be generous in sharing our resources with those in need.  Most importantly, let us live the Gospel. Our faith becomes a powerful testimony when we live it authentically. Let our lives inspire others to seek the peace and love that only Christ can give.

Our Church reminds us today that Christmas is not merely a day, but a way of life. It is an invitation to enter into the mystery of God’s love and to share that love with the world. Let us carry the spirit of Christmas beyond this day, making every moment an opportunity to glorify God and bring His peace to others.

As we leave this holy place today, may the joy of the shepherds, the faith of Mary and Joseph, and the peace of Christ fill your hearts. Let us go forth, as they did, glorifying and praising God for all we have seen and heard. Let the hope of this Jubilee Year inspire us to be agents of God’s love and mercy. May the light of Christ shine through us, so that the world may know the hope born in Bethlehem. Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to all.

Rejoice in God’s Presence and Promise

Third Sunday of Advent
December 15, 2024 — Year C
Readings: Zep 3:14-18a / Is 12 / Phil 4:4-7 / Lk 3:10-18 
by Rev. Nixon Negparanon, Pastor

Today, on the Third Sunday of Advent, we celebrate Gaudete Sunday, a day of joy and rejoicing as Christmas draws near.  The rose-colored candle of the Advent wreath, known as the Shepherd’s Candle, reminds us of the joy proclaimed to the shepherds on the night of Jesus’ birth: “Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.”  This joy is not merely a fleeting emotion, but a deep and abiding sense of hope rooted in Christ.  Let us explore the joy found in today’s readings and what these readings mean for us in our world today.

The prophet Zephaniah, in our first reading, exhorts the people of Israel to rejoice: “Shout for joy, O daughter Zion!  Sing joyfully, O Israel!”  This is a remarkable declaration, as it follows chapters warning of judgment and exile.  Yet, Zephaniah concludes his prophecy with a vision of restoration.  God promises to be in the midst of His people to renew them in His love and to banish fear and despair.  This reminds us that joy is not the absence of struggle, but the presence of God.  In the hardships of life, whether personal trials or global crises, we can find joy in the assurance that God is with us, rejoicing over us with gladness.  Mother Teresa said, “Joy is an act of love by which you can catch souls.”  When we live in the joy of God’s presence, we share His love with others.

Paul’s letter to the Philippians continues this theme of joy: “Rejoice in the Lord always.  I shall say it again:  rejoice!”  Writing from prison, Paul’s exhortation carries profound weight.  His joy is not tied to external circumstances, but to his relationship with Christ.  He reminds us that the Lord is near and encourages us to bring our needs to God in prayer, trusting that His peace will guard our hearts and minds.  In our current world, filled with anxiety and uncertainty, Paul’s message is particularly relevant.  How often do we let fear and worry rob us of joy?  Yet, as Paul assures us, when we entrust our burdens to God, His peace, which surpasses all understanding, will fill our hearts.  Joy rooted in faith becomes a powerful testimony to others, drawing them toward the hope we have in Christ.

In today’s gospel, John the Baptist calls the people to repentance, emphasizing the tangible expressions of faith:  sharing with those in need, practicing integrity, and avoiding exploitation.  When asked what we should do, John provides practical guidance for living a life aligned with God’s will.  His message is both a challenge and a promise, as he points to the coming Messiah who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.

There was a little boy, praying and shouting to God in a synagogue, that he might be given ten silver coins because his mother was sick.  It also happened that a tax collector, who was also praying, heard the prayer of the little boy.  The problem was, he had only seven silver coins, not enough to meet the needs of this child.  Regardless, he gave these to the boy by putting them near the altar.  When the boy saw the coins, he said to the Lord, “Thank you Lord for giving me the coins, but next time, don’t show the tax collector.  I’m sure he got the other three coins.”

St. John shows us that we should be honest in our way of life, that we should not try to take advantage of others.  He tells us that even if we see that someone is trying to take advantage of us, even when by doing good, we will be thought of as fools, we should still share.  We should not be discouraged; we should always be willing to continue to help others.

John’s call to action reminds us that true joy comes, not from self-centered pursuits, but from living in love and service to others.  In a world often characterized by greed and division, this gospel invites us to embody the spirit of generosity and justice.  As Mother Teresa beautifully put it, “A joyful heart is the inevitable result of a heart burning with love.”  When we love as Christ loves, our joy becomes a light for those in darkness. As we reflect on the theme of joy this Gaudete Sunday, we are reminded that true joy is not found in our circumstances, but in our trust in and surrender to God.

There is a story of the life of Blessed Chiara Badano, a young Italian girl who offers a profound witness to this truth.  Born in 1971, Chiara grew up as an ordinary teenager who loved her family, friends, and sports.  Her life took a dramatic turn, however, when she was diagnosed with bone cancer at the age of 17.  While many would understandably despair, Chiara’s faith allowed her to transform her suffering into a profound encounter with Christ.  Even as her body weakened and her pain became unbearable, Chiara radiated an inner joy that inspired everyone around her.  She embraced her illness as a way to unite her suffering with Jesus, often saying, “If this is what you want, Jesus, so do I.”  Chiara never lost her smile and insisted that her room be filled with light and love, as she wanted to bring hope to her visitors.  She believed that her suffering was a way to serve others spiritually and her faith only grew stronger.  Chiara’s life was a living testimony to what St. Paul teaches, “Rejoice in the Lord always.”  Her joy, rooted in her relationship with Christ, reminds us that true joy is found, not in avoiding hardship, but in allowing God’s love to transform it.

As Catholics preparing to celebrate Christmas, this gospel challenges us to examine how we are living our faith in practical ways.  John’s instructions: to give generously, act justly, and avoid greed, reflect the heart of the Christmas message, God’s love made manifest in the gift of His Son.  During this Advent season, we are reminded that Christ’s coming calls us to transformation.  Just as the shepherds shared the good news with others after encountering Jesus, we, too, are called to be a witness to His love through our actions.  Moreover, the image of Jesus baptizing with the Holy Spirit and fire speaks to the renewal and purification that Christ’s coming brings.  Christmas is not merely a commemoration of a past event, but an invitation to allow Christ to transform our lives today.  The joy of the season lies in aligning our hearts with His, living out the values of compassion, justice, and generosity.

The common message in today’s readings is the call to rejoice because of God’s presence and promise.  This joy is deeply connected to trust in God, prayer, and acts of love.  It is a joy that sustains us through trials and empowers us to be agents of hope and transformation in the world.  In our contemporary world, marked by conflict, economic disparity, and environmental crises, today’s message is a beacon of hope.  Our Church invites us today to trust in God’s plan for restoration.  Like the Philippians, we are called to bring our worries to God and embrace His peace.  Like the crowds in the gospel, we are challenged to live out our faith in practical ways, sharing joy through acts of love and justice.  As we light the pink candle of the Advent wreath, let is remind us of the joy that Christ’s coming brings to our hearts and to the world.  May we, like the shepherds, share this joy with others, proclaiming the good news of God’s love through our words and actions.  Let us rejoice always, for the Lord is near.

Active Preparation

First Sunday of Advent
December 1, 2024 — Year C
Readings: Jer 33:14-16 / Ps 25 / 1 Thes 3:12–4:2 / Lk 21:25-28, 34-36
by Rev. Nixon Negparanon, Pastor

Today is the first Sunday of Advent.  Advent marks the beginning of a new liturgical calendar, a new beginning for us and for the family of the Church.  It is a time of hope, of preparation, and of anticipation of two comings of Christ – His birth in Bethlehem and His glorious return at the end of time.  These weeks before Christmas are rather a spiritual renewal, where we are called to wake up from spiritual complacency and return our hearts to the Lord.  As Pope Saint John Paul II reminds us, “Do not be afraid.  Open wide the doors to Christ.”

The Advent season is a season of hope and courage as we prepare to encounter Christ anew, in our lives, our world, and in eternity.  We do not pretend that Advent is without joy.  On the contrary, it is a season of joyful hope, because it points us to Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of all our longing.  Advent is a season to reorient our lives to this fulfillment, living with the expectation of His presence both now and in the future.

The readings for this first Sunday of Advent invite us to prepare with vigilance, hope, and faith.  From Jeremiah, we hear God’s promise to send a just and righteous savior to lead His people.  Paul encourages the Thessalonians to increase in love and holiness, as they await the coming of the Lord.  In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus warns of cosmic signs and urges us to stay alert and prayerful, so that we may stand firm before Him.

The prophet Jeremiah speaks of God’s promise of a savior who will spring from the line of David.  This righteous branch will establish justice and integrity in the land, fulfilling God’s covenant with His people. In Jeremiah’s time, the people of Judah faced turmoil and exile.  This promise of restoration gave them hope amidst despair.  For us today, it points to the coming of Christ, both in His incarnation and at the end of time.  Christ is the fulfillment of God’s promise, the King of justice and peace, who brings salvation to all who trust in Him.  Jeremiah reminds us that God’s plans never fail.  Advent invites us to anchor our hope in this promise and to live as citizens of His kingdom, marked by justice and righteousness.

In our second reading today, Paul writes to the Thessalonians, urging them to abound in love for one another and to live lives pleasing to God.  He encourages them to prepare for the coming of the Lord by growing in holiness and love.  This reading highlights an important aspect of Advent.  Advent is not just a preparation about waiting, but about action.  Love is at the heart of this preparation.  Paul challenges us to reflect on our relationships with God and with others, and to increase in love and virtue.

In our current world, where individualism often overshadows community, Paul’s words are a powerful reminder of our call to be witnesses of God’s love.  Advent is a time to examine our hearts and align our lives with God’s will, striving for holiness as we await Christ’s return.

In the gospel, Jesus speaks of cosmic signs and the distress of nations as signs of His return.  While the apocalyptic images may evoke fear, Jesus tells us to stand up and raise our heads, because our redemption is drawing near.  This emphasizes vigilance and hope.  The signs of the times are not meant to paralyze us with fear, but to awaken us to the reality of Christ’s kingdom.  Jesus warns against becoming distracted by the anxieties and pleasures of life, urging us instead to stay awake and prayerful.

We can see these signs in the challenges that our world faces:  environmental crises, social unrest, and personal struggles.  Yet, Jesus calls us to hope and persevere.  Advent reminds us to keep our eyes on Christ, the source of our redemption, and to live each day with faith and trust in His promises.

The overall message of today’s readings is the call to anticipation with active preparation.  God’s promises are trustworthy, and we are called to respond by living lives that reflect His kingdom.  Advent is not passive waiting. It is a dynamic journey of hope and renewal.  Advent challenges us to actively prepare for Christ’s coming, not just through external practices, but through an internal transformation.  It is a time to strengthen our faith, deepen our love, and root our hope in the Savior who is both near and yet to come.

As we reflect on these readings, we see how profoundly they speak to our current circumstances.  The world is marked by uncertainty, division, and anxiety.  Whether it be political tensions, climate crisis, or personal struggles, the gospel’s imagery of roaring seas and distressed nations feels strikingly relevant.  But Jesus does not leave us in despair. His words are a beacon: “When these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads, because your redemption is at hand.” (Luke 21:28)

This message of hope reminds us that we are not alone in the storms of life.  God’s promises endure.  Jeremiah’s prophecy of a savior assures us that God remains faithful, even when circumstances seem bleak.  As Catholics, we are called to bring this hope into the world through our actions, reflecting God’s justice, mercy, and love.  Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians offers practical advice for living out this hope: “May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all.”  (1 Thes 3:12)

In a world often characterized by self-interest, Advent challenges us to live counter-culturally, loving and serving others as Christ loves us.  This is the essence of Advent preparation, not just lighting candles or singing hymns, but becoming living witnesses of the Gospel.  Advent is not just a countdown to Christmas. It is a sacred time to renew our hearts and refocus on what truly matters.  It reminds us that Christ’s coming changes everything.  We are called to live in hope and readiness, embracing His light in a world that desperately needs it.

As we light the first candle in our Advent wreath, let it remind us of the light of Christ breaking into darkness.  Let us leave this season with hearts full of hope, ready to welcome the Savior not only in the manger but in our daily lives and at the end of time.  May we, like the vigilant servants in the gospel, stand ready and faithful, with our hearts fixed on the One who is to come.  Let us ask the Lord to awaken our hearts this Advent and help us to prepare with joyful anticipation for His coming.  May His light shine in our lives and through us into the world.

Thy Kingdom Come

The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
November 24, 2024 — Year B
Readings: Dn 7:13-14 / Ps 93 / Rv 1:5-8 / Jn 18:33b-37
by Rev. Mr. Mark De La Hunt, Permanent Deacon

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, which is the closing of Ordinary time. Next week we begin the new Church year with the season of Advent, and the primary gospel will change from Mark to Luke. What is our King speaking to your heart for Advent? Pray, reflect, and act on His request. But for today’s homily, we will focus on Jesus Christ’s kingship in our everyday life and make it personal.

First, let’s get grounded in scripture. Jesus’ kingship is depicted throughout the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. In Genesis, we see the mysterious figure, Melchizedek, a biblical type for Jesus, for he was a king and priest like Jesus and made offerings of bread and wine. (Gn 14) In today’s first reading, Daniel prophesies about Jesus, “One like a Son of Man received dominion, glory, and kingship.” (Dn 7:13)

Later on, the prophet Nathan told King David that his throne would be firmly established forever. (2 Sam 7:16) God’s promise to King David leads us to Jesus in the gospels. Gabriel told Mary that, “The Lord God shall give [her future Son, Jesus] the throne of his father David and He shall reign over the house of Jacob forever.” (Lk 1: 32-33) In today’s gospel, Jesus clarifies that His kingship does not come from this world. In today’s second reading from the last book of the Bible, Revelation, the apostle John writes that Jesus Christ is “ruler of the kings of the earth.”

Scripture is crystal clear that Jesus is King of the Universe. We either give our lives to His service or we give them to the evil one. There are no other choices. Do I really want to serve Jesus the King?

Jeff Cavins suggests that we want to serve the King in His splendor and glory, not in the poor, the stranger, the sick, and imprisoned. Yet, when we intentionally, according to the King’s command, bring His love to others, His compassion, His mercy, and His good news, we are at once seeing and serving the King in them and yet doing so with His grace and with gifts He has given us for that moment.

To help bring home the personal nature of serving our King through others, I want to share something from the Hallow app. They have a Catholic Social Teaching series, and one of the reflections is on homelessness. Blake Brouilette, Director of Christ in the City, a missionary formation and homeless outreach program in Denver and Philadelphia says, “Homelessness is a person to encounter.” He goes on to share that we see the poverty and brokenness of the homeless, but that Mother Teresa saw more. While visiting the United States, she observed: “There is a poverty in your country that is just as severe as our poorest of the poor. In the West, there is a loneliness, which I call the leprosy of the West. In many ways, it is worse than our poor in Calcutta.”

Blake added that “By looking deeper at poverty, we see a common thread in the homeless and the poor which can be traced back to broken relationships. This rupture of relationships is with others, society, God, themselves, and creation – and it results in isolation. The absence of genuine connection is our deepest form of poverty.”

This leprosy of loneliness and absence of genuine connection is what our King is asking us to heal by being saints. Fr. Mike Schmitz identified a common characteristic of saints that really gets at the heart of this, and you likely can have it with just a little effort. Saints are available when needed, just like their King when He walked this earth. It is easy to overlook this simple disposition, necessary for us to be saints.

When Jairus asked Jesus, who was speaking with the crowds, to come and save his dying daughter, Jesus did so. The same happened when Mary and Martha asked Him to come save their brother. In another case, no one had to ask, He just spontaneously reached out in compassion. This was when He happened upon the widow mourning her only son, and He stopped to help. In all three cases, he raised a person from the dead and restored a family’s wholeness. The lonely and disconnected need our time, our presence, and our testimony, so they can be restored. By our being available to them, they become genuinely connected with our King and His family.

What robs us of our availability? The Jews said, “We have no king but Caesar.” Jeff Cavins suggests we ask ourselves a tough question using this verse:  Where have I, by the way I live, said, “I have no king, but (fill in the blank.)” What goes into this blank are our excuses and sins.

Regarding excuses, we have many. Some we overcome, some we do not. But our King is patient. He called me for years to be a deacon. My excuses for saying no were twofold. I was too unhealthy and too sinful. How did I get to the point of saying yes? Even though I could not see how it would work, I kept praying and reflecting on it. I kept the door open. And for His part, the King sent me affirmations through others, and He illuminated a scripture verse to ease my concern about my poor health: Ps 92: 13-16. He even moved a class start date an entire month when I was hospitalized just two years into formation. Had He not done that, I would have been at risk of dropping out. As a deacon I have been blessed with opportunities to serve our King through those in need.

Regarding sins, filling in the blank “I have no king but…” Is anything in my life where I say “no” to my King and “yes” to something He has commanded I do not do, or when I say “no” to something He has commanded that I should do? Sin makes us unavailable, because it imprisons us in a dungeon of selfishness.

Therefore, serving our King begins with confessing our sin to Him, so that He can set us free to be available. In a talk on people who oppose the King by rejecting His kingdom (think Catholic Church), Fulton Sheen said, “The basis for our opposition to the Catholic Church is our moral life, or immoral life.”

Speaking of our sin, Fulton Sheen shared a metaphor. “If I try to open a can with a pencil two things happen. I will fail to open the can, and I will ruin the pencil. So it is when I use my gifts in a way that is against [the King’s] will. Two things happen: I fail to achieve whatever happiness I thought I would gain, and I hurt myself.”

To illustrate this, he goes on to tell a story of a fallen-away Catholic actress who had fame and beauty and three men in her life; i.e. she was hurting herself. She agreed to meet him at the church, if he promised not to ask her to go to Confession. He promised. She arrived at the church as planned, and as they were walking down the side aisle of the nave to show her a painting, he pushed her into the confessional, thereby keeping his promise to not ask her to go to Confession.  She confessed her sins and experienced true repentance, a radical reorientation of her life. The King set her free from the dungeon of sin and selfishness, freeing her to follow His command to be available for those in need. She became a nun and was happier for it.

We, like that actress, see a lot of temptations in this world, but we cannot insulate ourselves from those evils by hiding in the church and Christian homes. Our King said as much to His Father, “I do not ask that you take them out of the world but that you keep them from the evil one.” (John 17:15) To protect us from the evil one, our King doesn’t have to do battle per se. His presence in us casts out all darkness. We simply need to ensure our King lives in us. How? The King said, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” (John 14:23)

Our King’s promise is not an abstraction or warm fuzzy feeling for Christians who are Catholic! It is the reality of our King coming to us in the Sacraments. He cares for our sickness in Holy Anointing. He visits us imprisoned by sin, freeing us in Confession. He feeds our hungry souls in the Eucharist. His availability in the Sacraments frees us and strengthens us to be available for those in need, and then He and His Father make our soul their home. In essence, when caring for others, we free them from the leprosy of loneliness and give them genuine connectedness, for we visit them with their King and His Father.

Let’s close with words from our King’s lips that sum up all of this. Close your eyes and echo this prayer in your heart. Make it personal. Jesus, my King, in me may “thy kingdom come and thy will be done on earth as in heaven.” Amen.

Live With Readiness

Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
November 17, 2024 — Year B
Readings: Dn 12:1-3 / Ps 16 / Heb 10:11-14, 18 / Mk 13:24-32
by Rev. Nixon Negparanon, Pastor

Today’s readings are filled with powerful imagery and words about the End.  We hear a familiar message running deep in today’s readings: the reality of the End Times and the call to live in hope while awaiting God’s promise fulfillment.

We are approaching the culmination of the liturgical year, and the Church calls us to reflect on the End of Time and history.  On the 24th of November, which is next Sunday, we will be celebrating the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.  This is a reminder that Christ is to reign over all creation.  Soon after this is Advent, which is a time of expectation of Christ’s coming.

In our readings today, the prophet Daniel talks of “a time unsurpassed in distress,” but at the same time, the hope for deliverance of those “written in the book.”  The Letter to the Hebrews reminds us of the uniqueness and completeness of the sacrifice of Christ for salvation and forgiveness, once for all.  In St. Mark’s gospel, Jesus speaks about the sun and the moon being upset and a new world order, ultimately God’s plan.  Let us consider, as we face today’s challenging readings, three messages they offer us:  hope, readiness, and trust in God’s sovereignty.

In the book of Daniel, we hear about a time of suffering; however, it also promises that “the wise shall shine brightly,” and that those who lead others to righteousness are “like the stars forever.”  The merit of hope carries deep conviction in the words that no matter how much chaos exists, the justice and mercy of God will always prevail. As Pope John Paul II said, “Do not abandon yourselves to despair.  We are the Easter people, and Hallelujah is our song.”  This is an invitation for us to have hope, even in the face of adversity or suffering.  This is essential to our faith.  The promise is that, for those who remain faithful, the darkness of distress will give way to the light of God’s presence.  As Easter people, we are called to carry this hope, not only for ourselves but to light the way for others.

The Letter to the Hebrews brings us back to the reminder that through Christ’s one perfect sacrifice, we are forgiven and set free from sin.  Jesus’ sacrifice has already secured our salvation.  This is something in which we should have immense confidence and peace, as we await the culmination of God’s Kingdom.  Although we may not know the day or the hour, we do know God’s plan is one of love, mercy, and salvation.

The world we live in today is usually distinguished by political, environmental, and social confusion.  Many are uncertain about, or anxious for, their future.  Yet today, we are called upon to put our trust in God’s sovereignty.  As Pope John Paul II said, “Have no fear of moving into the unknown.  Simply step out fearlessly, knowing that I am with you.  Therefore, no harm can befall you.  All is very, very well.  Do this in complete faith and confidence.”

In the gospel reading from Mark, we hear Jesus speak of signs in the heavens, and He assures His disciples that His words will not pass away.  This can seem unsettling, yet Jesus intends to wake us up from complacency, reminding us to be vigilant and ready for His return.

In the next few weeks, we will start Advent.  Advent is a season of preparation, not only for the celebration of Christ’s birth, but also for His Second Coming. The season reminds us to live in readiness with hearts open to God’s grace.

C.S. Lewis, in his book, The World’s Last Night and Other Essays, says, “Precisely because we can’t predict the moment, we must be ready at all moments.” No one actually knows the day or the hour except God. The quote from C. S. Lewis captures the essence of Christ’s call to readiness, urging us to live faithfully every day knowing that Christ’s return will come unexpectedly.  This thought encourages us to view each day as an opportunity to prepare our hearts for the fullness of God’s kingdom.

It is so easy to focus on the temporary: our daily routines, our immediate goals, the here and now.  But these readings challenge us to live our days, every day, asking ourselves if we are spiritually prepared for Christ’s coming.  Are we aligning our lives with His teachings, living every day as if it may be our last?  God invites us to re-center our lives on Him, to live each day with purpose, and to nurture a readiness that is grounded in trust and faith.

Sometimes we ask ourselves:  Will I see the end of this world?  It would be rather interesting if that happens.  Yet, our readings today do not give us the answer to that question.  They do tell us, however, what the end will be like, even though we may not live to see it.  They tell us that many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awaken.  Some shall live forever, and others will be condemned and cast into everlasting horror and eternal disgrace.

We should not fear the End of Times.  The important thing for us to remember is that God is our Father, and that Jesus, His Son, came to save us.  This is a reality that no one should be able to hide from us.  Each human being, while he or she is here on earth, should try to be more perfect every day.  This earthly life is a preparation for the kingdom that God has prepared for us.  We should ask to see God, to see His face, and for Him to show us His glory.  This is the destiny that God wants for you and that He wants for me.  That is why He has given us the Holy Spirit, so that we can actually one day see Him.  I hope that day comes for all of us.

Today’s readings remind us of the certainty of Christ’s victory over darkness, sin, and death.  The End Times Jesus speaks of should not fill us with fear, but rather a sense of anticipation and purpose.  We are called to live in the light of the Resurrection, and to share this hope with a world often overshadowed by despair.  As we move closer to the Solemnity of Christ the King, let us see Jesus as our king, not only in words, but in the way we live our lives.  His kingdom is one of truth, mercy, and justice, and by following His ways, we prepare our hearts for Advent and His eventual return.  Let us hold onto hope, live with readiness, and trust deeply in God’s sovereignty.  In doing so, we will stand ready, as people of the promise, confident in God’s enduring love and mercy.

As we await the great day of the Lord, let us remember Pope John Paul II’s words, “We are not the sum of our weaknesses and failures; we are the sum of our Father’s love for us.”  With that truth, we can face any future, whether in this world or the next.  May we live this hope, confident in Christ’s promise, as we journey together toward the coming of the Advent season, and prepare our hearts for the coming of our Savior.

Giving From the Heart

Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
November 10, 2024 — Year B
Readings: 1 Kgs 17:10-16 / Ps 146 / Heb 9:24-28 / Mk 12:38-44
by Rev. Nixon Negparanon, Pastor

Our readings today call every one of us to think about and reflect on genuine generosity, trust, and humility.  The Church shows us that authentic giving is not a matter of abundance and high status, but a heart surrendered to God.  The poor widow in the first reading, the teachings from the letter to the Hebrews, and the praise of Jesus towards the widow’s action in the gospel, encourage us to ask ourselves about the meaning of true and genuine giving from the heart.

In today’s first reading, we have the story of the widow from Zarephath, a woman who humanly speaking, literally has almost nothing in this world.  Then she receives a visit from the prophet Elijah.  She is in the process of gathering her last bit of food to eat with her son, when Elijah approaches her and asks for some food.  This becomes a response of faith and obedience on her part, whereby God proceeds to bless her with an inexhaustible fountain of flour and oil.  She shows trust.  This act of kindness surely will bring even greater blessings, and so it does.

Most of the time we find ourselves in the same situation as the widow of Zarephath.  We often think that we only have enough for ourselves.  This could be true in our human world, as most of our priorities revolve around jobs, seeking wealth, entertainment, or leisure activities.  Elijah shows us a different picture.  The first thing in our lives must be faithfulness to God.  We might say, “No.  I must be busy with other things like feeding my family, educating my children, and allowing time for pleasurable activities.”  Elijah might agree with us but would probably begin the conversation by saying that those activities are fine and should be part of our lives, but first we should make our God “a little cake” and bring it to Him.

Paul’s letter to the Hebrews reminds us of the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who gave not only from His earthly life, but also from His very being.  Christ’s offering was perfect and complete in that He did not stop at public display of duty but showed selflessness rooted in love.  This text points to the deepest part of generosity wherein heart and soul are fully committed toward service to others.

Finally, in the gospel, Jesus contrasts the conduct of the scribes with that of the poor widow who, without any show, drops two copper coins in the temple treasury.  The rich are giving out of their plenty, but this woman gives all she has for her livelihood.  Jesus sees her act as a profound witness of faith and love, not because of the amount she gives, but because of the heart with which it is given.  The poor widow received the praise of Jesus because she put in her last money, though she was poor.  As Jesus said, she gave all she had to live on.  The message of Jesus is very clear.  Every person is capable of sharing, no matter how poor or needy he or she is.

Some people give because they want something in return.  Jesus tells us today that genuine giving must be sincere.  It must come from the heart.  If we expect something in return, it is no longer considered giving, but rather a transaction.  If we think of helping a person now, while in the future expect that person to return the favor, it is not helping or giving, but rather a debt.  The real value of giving is not measured by the amount given.  If this is the case, then everyone can afford to do this.  But real giving is the generous giving of oneself, a sort of sacrifice on the part of the giver.

The readings today share a common message of sacrificial giving and trust in God.  It is a trust by which our authenticity leads to generosity.  We give, not from our surplus, but from the sincerity of our hearts.  In fact, Saint Ignatius of Loyola once said that love is shown more in deeds than in words.  Deeply inherent in today’s readings, each character shows faith and love in their actions, not merely with words.

Sacrificial giving generally runs counter to the culture of material wealth, social status, and appearance in this world.  The accumulation and guarding of resources are usually rewarded by society, while true acts of love and trust are mostly ignored.  This gospel reminds us, however, that God sees and values those acts of the heart.  The widow’s offering, indeed, had a small monetary value but was great in its spiritual value.

We are called beyond surface level generosity into the understanding of what it means to give in a way honoring God.  In financial resources, time, or love, each one of us has something we can give, even if it feels small or insignificant.  As we look at these examples of trust and selflessness, our own lives have to be considered.  Is our giving sacrificial, or do we simply give when it’s convenient?  Do we give only when it is easy, or are we willing to give when it requires faith?

Such trust and sacrificial giving are exemplified in the life of Saint Teresa of Calcutta, who is known for her service to the poorest of the poor.  Perhaps the following story about her is most fitting in reflecting on today’s gospel message. The story goes that one day, a woman came to her with a small bundle of rice, her only food for the day, and offered it to help the needy.  Mother Teresa was deeply moved, seeing in this woman’s gift the same spirit as the gospel’s widow: to give, not from her abundance, but from her very sustenance.  As Mother Teresa once said, it is not how much we give that is important, but how much love we put into giving.  Like the widow in today’s gospel, so too, this woman’s offering in material terms was trifling, but was great in faith and love.  Mother Teresa knew that it was in such little offerings of self that God’s love is most deeply revealed.  She often exhorted her sisters to give until it hurts, not because pain is the end, but because true giving often requires a willingness to go beyond what is comfortable or convenient.

As we continue to reflect today, we are called to consider our own generosity.  Are we like the wealthy in the gospel who give only what doesn’t disrupt their comfort?  Or is there courage deep within us to give in ways that require trust in God’s provision for us?  Today’s message is not only about money, but about all kinds of giving:  the giving of our time, attention, and kindness.  In this busy world, sometimes the best thing we can give is the gift of our presence.  Like the insignificant two coins of the widow, time spent comforting a friend or helping a stranger may be unimportant, but for God these are priceless.

Let us pray that we may obtain a heart similar to that of the widow, to trust, to give liberally no matter how humble our offerings may seem.  Let this example teach us that acts of love serve to display God to the world.  May the teaching of Saint Ignatius be remembered, to manifest our love by deeds rather than words.

Live What You Believe

Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time
November 3, 2024 — Year B
Readings: Dt 6:2-6 / Ps 18 / Heb 7:23-28 / Mk 12:28b-34
by Rev. Nixon Negparanon, Pastor

Brothers and sisters, our readings today show us a common theme of wholehearted love for God and neighbor. They highlight that true faith is rooted in all-encompassing love. True faith directs both our devotion to God and our relationship with our neighbors.

In the first reading, from Deuteronomy, Moses reminds the Israelites to love God completely. This love isn’t a mere feeling. It is a command to orient our lives toward God. This teaching underlines that our love for God isn’t just an aspect of our life. It is our life. When Jesus calls us to love with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, He is calling us to a love that pervades every part of our being, guiding our thoughts, actions, and interactions with others.

Moses calls Israel to love God “with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” This love is a foundational command, intended to guide the entire life of the people. It is not a selective or partial love. It is a love that integrates all aspects of one’s life, reminding us that our relationship with God demands every part of who we are.

In the second reading, from the letter to the Hebrews, we see Jesus as the perfect high priest. Unlike the priests of old, who are limited by sin and death, Jesus’ priesthood is eternal. He mediates for us not with offerings of animals but with His own life, showing us the ultimate example of love. In this sacrificial love, we glimpse the fullness of what it means to love God with all we have. Through Christ, we are given not only the command to love, but also the means to love, drawing from His example and grace.

This passage builds on this theme, showing Jesus as eternal high priest, who embodies the perfect love for God and humanity. Through His sacrifice, Jesus displays love in its fullest form, bridging the gap between God and humanity. His example demonstrates that love is willing to sacrifice for the beloved, underscoring the depth and constancy of divine love.

In the gospel, Jesus is approached by a scribe who asked, “Which commandment is the first of all?”  Jesus responds by quoting the Shema of Deuteronomy: “Hear, O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” He then adds, “The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Here, Jesus weaves together love for God and love for neighbor, teaching us that the heart of our faith is love.

Most of us create or interpret laws in a complicated and sometimes funny way. Some of these laws are as follows:

• In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, it is against the law to sleep in a refrigerator.
• In Gary, Indiana, you’re breaking the law if you attend a theater within four hours of eating garlic.
• In Pocatello, Idaho, it is illegal to look unhappy.
• If you snore loud enough to disturb your neighbors, you can spend a night or two in jail in North
• It is illegal for chickens to cross the road in Whitman, Georgia.
• Lastly, it is against the law in Alabama to wear a false mustache to church such that it makes people laugh.

Some of these laws likely originated as humorous exaggerations or myths that have since been debunked or repealed, while others were real but are now outdated or barely enforced.

In our gospel, Jesus simplifies and unites the Ten Commandments by declaring the two greatest commandments: to love God fully and to love one’s neighbor as oneself. Jesus highlights that authentic love for God naturally extends to others. Thus, the theme of wholehearted love is complete when it flows outward, encompassing not just our relationship with God but also our commitment to caring for others.

Reflecting on these words, we find a timeless call to deepen our love for God and for others. Bishop Fulton Sheen once said, “If you do not live what you believe, you will end up believing what you live.” This statement captures the heart of our readings today. When we live in a way that truly reflects love for God and neighbor, our faith becomes not just something we believe but something we live. It transforms us and those around us.

Jesus’ words in the gospel offer us a practical and profound way to live out this command: to love God with our whole being is to bring every aspect of our life in harmony to His will. This means that our thoughts, our words, our actions, and even our ambitions are all shaped by our desire to serve God. And the second commandment, to love our neighbor as ourselves, flows naturally from the first. We cannot claim to love God if we are indifferent to the needs of others.

Brothers and sisters, our readings call us today to begin each day by asking God to open our heart to His love. Before we can love others, we must receive love from God. Take time to pray. Read the scriptures in order for us to encounter God’s love, allowing it to shape your heart and actions. Let our love for Him flow into every aspect of our lives: relationships, work, and even leisure. As Bishop Sheen implied, when we let faith influence our actions, we are actively living what we believe.

In every encounter, let us remind ourselves that each person we meet bears God’s image. This may be especially challenging with difficult relationships, but Jesus calls us to a love that goes beyond convenience and comfort. Look for ways to serve. Listen and care for others as you would want others to care for you.

Let us also integrate love into our actions. Love is more than words. It is shown in what we do. This can be as simple as offering a kind word or lending a helping hand. It can also mean dedicating time to those in need; offering compassion to the suffering; listening to the lonely; or praying for those who are struggling.

The scribe’s response in today’s gospel reminds us that understanding God’s commandments is only part of the journey. Living them is the goal. Jesus commends him, saying, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” For us, too, the kingdom is close whenever we choose to love, whenever we respond with a yes to God’s call, both in our devotion to Him and in our care for our neighbors.

Our readings this Sunday remind us that love is the essence of faith. A love that involves the entirety of one’s heart, mind, and actions, transforming our relationship with God and the way we treat others. As we go forth, may we not only believe in the love of God but live it fully, becoming living witnesses to the greatest commandments, and in doing so, draw closer to God and His kingdom.

May Jesus Christ be praised.

Bartimaeus Begins to See and Follows Jesus

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
October 27, 2024 — Year B
Readings: Jer 31:7-9 / Ps 126 / Heb 5:1-6 / Mk 10:46-52
by Rev. Mr. Mark De La Hunt, Permanent Deacon

Today I will continue to preach on the theme of evangelization in accord with the third year of the Eucharistic Revival, which is focused on mission. And since part of our mission is to vote in harmony with our Heavenly Father’s will and purpose, I will take some time to look at the upcoming elections through God’s eyes.

In today’s gospel, “Jesus stopped and said, ‘Call him.’” (Mk 10:49) Jesus is ever on the move, but He stops when someone calls out to Him in humility: “Have pity on me.”  He also commands us to bring those people to Him: “Call him.”  Is Jesus commanding you to call someone to Him? If so, will you “spring up” and follow Jesus that way?

Your answer to these questions has much to do with whether or not you are aware of the Holy Spirit in you, whom you received at your baptism and to the degree that you have intentionally opened the Holy Spirit’s gifts that were given to you in Confirmation. Let’s start with the gift of Knowledge.

The gift of Knowledge is to truly know God. Jeremiah reveals God’s heart to us in today’s first reading. God speaks tenderly to His people, whose country has fallen into ruin. “I will gather them from the ends of the world…They departed in tears, but I will console them…I will lead them to brooks of water, on a level road… (and those astonishing words) for I am a father.” (Jer 31:8-9) As Chris Tomlin’s song says, “You’re a good, good Father. It’s who You are.”  Knowing this is true and remains true even when we have messed up terribly, enables us to emulate Bartimaeus, to hear Jesus’ call and to spring up and follow Him when we do.

Two other gifts of the Holy Spirit can be seen in Psalm 126, Wisdom and Fortitude. Psalm 126 speaks of God’s people, “Although they go forth weeping, carrying the seed to be sown, they shall come back rejoicing.” (Ps 126:8) Through the Holy Spirit, we can persevere through difficulties, tiredness, and fears that can bring us to tears. This is Fortitude.

Fortitude enables us, in trying situations, to hang in there, so that we can use the gift of Wisdom. Wisdom helps us to see others as God the Father sees them. We see this playing out in the gospel. Jesus told his followers to call Bartimaeus. But they were only able to do so, because Jesus removed their blindness first, so that they could see Bartimaeus as God does, not as an annoying blind beggar on the side of the road, but (gift of Wisdom) as a beloved child. And because they evangelized as Jesus commanded, God opened Bartimaeus’s eyes, and he began to follow Jesus too.  In the Spirit, we sow the seed of the good news of the gospel. And when those people who hear us, like Bartimaeus, join our faith family here, that is a great day! This Psalm shows the hope of us as evangelists, carrying God’s Word to a hurting and lost world.

When evangelizing, as Jesus commanded his followers to do in the gospel saying, “Call him,” we should combine the Spirit’s gifts of Wisdom and Understanding. Understanding helps us to share the Faith’s truths with confidence and humility. The reading from Hebrews says, “He is able to deal patiently with the ignorant and erring, for he himself is beset by weakness…No one takes this honor upon himself but only when called by God.” (Heb 5:2) This is not written only for deacons, priests, and bishops, but for all the baptized.

The gospel too speaks of being called. Mary Healy describes chapter 10 of Mark’s gospel as being “all about Jesus opening the eyes of His disciples to His messianic mission and their call to follow Him.” (Healy 210) Bartimaeus shows us how to hear Jesus’ call in five steps:

1) Hang out where Jesus will be (Mass & Bible).

2) Call out to Him with humility as a beggar (Prayer).

3) Seek the help of His followers (Parishioners).

4) Repent and let Him change you (Confession & Eucharist).

5) Spring up and follow Him (Care for those in need and call them to Jesus…words are necessary).

The purpose of our Catholic faith is mission: a mission to evangelize, empowered by the Holy Spirit. He has given the baptized and confirmed seven gifts that enable us to share our faith effectively. (Is 11:1-2) However, for us to effectively evangelize inside and outside these walls, we must be free, which brings me to the upcoming elections.

They are important, because our freedom to follow our God-given conscience is being eroded (Little Sisters of the Poor vs. State of New York). I am not going to tell you who to vote for, but I am going to speak from the wisdom and heart of the Church, so that our votes are informed by our conscience, where the Holy Spirit speaks to us.

It is said that we should not vote on a single issue. Using the Holy Spirit’s gift of Understanding, which enables us to see through falsehoods, I would call that a false teaching. Here is one way to think about it. If a doctor discovers you have cancer, does that doctor dilute their treatment of it so that they can also focus on your bunions and allergies? No. They focus everything on that cancer, because they know it can spread and damage organs and bones and eventually bring death. So too, there is a single issue that spreads like cancer in our society. It is secular humanism.

Secular humanism is a deadly belief that we can solve all our problems, that there is no God, that we are accidents of evolution. This means there is no absolute moral standard and that human beings are not made for an amazing purpose by a loving God. Laws have been passed, are being passed, and are being proposed that impose this falsehood on our society.

Within secular humanism, humans, like gods, decide who lives and who dies…when people are too weak to defend themselves. The list of these defenseless people includes babies, prisoners, the elderly, the sick, and the despairing. These unjust laws communicate that human life is not sacred, that people are tools to be used as long as they are productive and can give us what we want, and that some people cannot be redeemed from the wrongs they have committed.

This secular-humanistic belief spreads from legalizing the taking of human life to other parts of society like cancer spreads to other organs and the bones. Secular humanists say, “If we can take human life like God, then we, like God, can define marriage. It can be between two men or two women.”  They are blind to how all of creation cries out that is false.

Marriage is to society what bones are to the human body. It gives society a foundation upon which communities grow strong and thrive. In marriage between one man and one woman, society becomes life giving (children), and within a family people learn to serve out of love for one another.

When secular humanists define marriage as being two people of the same sex, they open the door to redefining what a man or woman is. They say to themselves, “If we can define marriage to be between two people of the same sex, then why not choose our sex?” Thus, this cancerous belief spreads through laws that support this choice. Maybe no other choice more explicitly declares that God does not exist, and that if He does, He makes mistakes. And, not only can a person choose their sex, but they can punish those who follow their God-given conscience and refuse to recognize and celebrate that lie. Again, all of creation cries out that the ability to choose your sex is a false teaching.

Our votes need to support those who will best protect the truth that God is God, and we are not, that He alone decides when a person’s life is over, that He alone decides if we are male or female, that He alone defines marriage, and that He defined it as between one man and one woman.  We see these truths throughout creation. We do not need a bible to know they are true. (Rom 1:20)

We can kind of sum this up like this: God is a good, good Father. And His children vote for life not death, for fruitful love not sterility, and for the wonderful gift of our manhood and womanhood, not confusion and despair.

You see, cancerous beliefs like secular humanism are not the only thing that spreads. Where sin abounds, grace abounds much more. (Rom 5:20) Love, life, and truth spread so much more effectively than falsehoods, for all people are made for Jesus, who is the way and the truth and the life. (John 14:6) So be bold in hope and share your faith and vote for the truth. We were made by God and for God, and it is only in our relationship with Him that we find true joy and peace. Amen.

Citations

1. Mary Healy STD. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture, The Gospel of Mark. Baker Academic 2008.