540-586-8988
[email protected]
Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
August 11, 2024 — Year B
Readings: 1 Kgs 19:4-8 / Ps 34 / Eph 4:30-5:2 / Jn 6:41-51
by Rev. Mr. Mark De La Hunt, Permanent Deacon
Here we are in week three of our personal Eucharistic Revival on John Chapter 6. The Eucharist, Holy Communion, Bread of Angels is the source of Christian faith and unity. In honor of this, Father Nixon and I have been alternating preaching. Father preaches on John 6 again on the 18th, and then I will preach on the last passage on August 25.
Remember that we are doing this as our little part of the three-year-long Revival in the United States. As part of your personal Eucharistic Revival, you can go to YouTube and type in EWTN Eucharistic Congress and listen to all the great Catholic speakers that were there. Keep reading and reflecting on John Chapter 6 and try to spend some time in Adoration before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.
Today I will focus on how Jesus responds to His followers’ disbelief in the Eucharist by using even stronger words, “I AM the living bread…whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh (Jn 6: 51).” Next week, Fr. Nixon will preach on how Jesus’ followers began to argue among themselves over this teaching. His disciples asked, “How can this man give us His flesh to eat (Jn 6:52)?” Jesus answered them, “…my flesh is true food and, my blood is true drink (Jn 6:55).” And keep in mind that when families and Christians reject Jesus’ teaching on the Eucharist because it does not align with their personal beliefs, unity is lost. On Sunday, August 25, I will preach on the sad news that because of this teaching, “many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him (Jn 6:66).”
The Eucharistic Congress’s invitation had these words, “Come and find Joy, Healing, Hope, Peace, Unity, Meaning, Revival.” Those gifts have been true for me personally, and I know from conversations with some of you, they have been true for others too. However, globally, we do not experience unity as Christians. Here is a story about the Eucharist that a parishioner from Holy Name of Mary shared with my wife and me over dinner one evening and that illustrates the rift in Christian unity around the Eucharist. That lack of unity is why Christians, who are not in full communion with the Church Jesus Christ founded, cannot receive the Eucharist.
She grew up in a rural evangelical faith community, learned about the Lord, and was given the gift of faith. However, the children at that church were taught from an infamous tract called the “Death Cookie” that mocks the Catholic belief in the Eucharist. They were also taught to not associate with Catholics and to avoid their teachings.
One of the teachings they rejected was baptism by sprinkling of water on the head. They believed it had to be only by full immersion. This woman’s grandmother, due to her great fear of water, was never baptized. The leaders of this small rural church were not aware that the first Christians, during the time of the apostles, wrote about the acceptable practice of baptism by sprinkling, in a writing called the Didache. As God would have it, our friend began to date a Catholic boy in high school who told her and her grandmother about baptism by sprinkling water on the head.
Later, her grandmother became ill and was close to death in a hospital. She asked for a Catholic priest to baptize her. However, her family could not bring themselves to let the priest in the room, and the grandmother died without being baptized. This traumatized our friend, and she began to question what she had been taught. She loved her grandmother so much. She told us, “Whenever I went to visit Grandma, she always had non-paraffin candles burning, and she would envelope me in a hug. I always felt safe at Grandma’s.” More on this story later. And, yes, it has a Eucharistically-remarkable ending.
I want to take a moment to explain the lack of Christian unity around the Eucharist. Not to disparage other Christian churches, but to help us to avoid teaching that does not come from the apostles, and to better understand why non-Catholic Christians cannot receive Holy Communion in a Catholic church.
Many non-Catholic Christians have communion services in obedience to Jesus’ command to “[d]o this in memory of me (Lk 22:19-20).” But to my knowledge none believes in Jesus’ substantive presence in the bread (His flesh) and wine (His blood), what the Church calls transubstantiation, except for the Eastern Orthodox who have unbroken apostolic succession, same as the Roman Catholic Church.
Some of you may think the Anglican/Episcopalian Church teaches transubstantiation, but it does not. From their Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion, Article 28 reads, “Transubstantiation (or the change of the substance of bread and wine) in the Supper of the Lord, cannot be proved by Holy Writ, but is repugnant to the plain words of Scripture…and hath given occasion to many superstitions. The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was not by Christ’s ordinance reserved, carried about, lifted up, or worshipped.”
Anglicans/Episcopalians, Lutherans, and Presbyterians have similar beliefs about the Eucharist, namely what is called consubstantiation. That is, they believe the presence of Christ is “with, in, or under” the bread and wine. Methodists might say it is a spiritual presence. All four of those Protestant traditions use the term “real presence,” but they mean spiritual. Some Christians believe Eucharist is simply a fellowship meal to thank God, and some think the bread and wine are purely symbols of Christ’s body and blood. And there are still more variations of Eucharistic beliefs. However, only one of these beliefs can be the truth. The truth is not a something, it is a Someone, Jesus. He said, “I am the truth.” He said the bread is His flesh, and He is God, and what God says is (Barron 503).
Back to the gospel, what did Jesus say? “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever, and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world (John 6: 51). One Presbyterian apologist (someone who is defending their beliefs) wrote that Jesus couldn’t be speaking literally because the Last Supper had not yet happened. Notice Jesus’ verb tense though, “The bread that I WILL give…” It is future tense. Jesus was telling the crowd what he was GOING to do at the Last Supper.
Many of you may have discussed your faith with Protestant family and friends, and that is a wonderful thing. Keep doing this, and remember that you are on sacred ground when you do so. These conversations should be approached with love, patience, and humility.
If you have done this, then you have likely heard them start the conversation with, “We can only discuss this from scripture.” Why do they say this? After all, the New Testament was not definitively declared until the year 382. A lot of history occurred before that time. What were the Christians doing during those nearly four hundred years? They were passing on what the apostles taught them, and what they passed on regarding the Eucharist is exactly what we believe. Here are three quotes during those 382 years from Bishop Barron’s Word on Fire Bible on the Gospels.
St. Ignatius of Antioch was born two years after Jesus was crucified, and he was taught by the Apostle John who wrote John Chapter 6. Ignatius wrote, “Come together in common through grace, individually, in one faith, and in Jesus Christ…In this way you will obey the bishop and the presbytery (priesthood) with an undivided mind, breaking one and the same bread, which is the medicine of immortality and the antidote to prevent us from dying, enabling us to live forever in Jesus Christ (Ignatius’s Epistle to Ephesians / Jn 6:50-53).”
St. Justin Martyr was eight years old when St. Ignatius died. In his defense of the faith, he wrote, “We call this food Eucharist…Not as common bread nor common drink do we receive these; but since Jesus Christ our Savior was made incarnate by the word of God and had both flesh and blood for our salvation, so too…the food which has been made into the Eucharist…is both the flesh and the blood of that incarnated Jesus (Justin’s First Apology / Jn 6:55).”
The teaching that Jesus gave to John that was passed on to Ignatius and Justin did not die with them. St. Gregory of Nyssa, a bishop, was alive in 382 when the twenty-seven books of the New Testament were confirmed by a gathering of Catholic bishops. He wrote, “The bread again is at first common bread; but when the mystery sanctifies it, it is called and actually becomes the Body of Christ (Gregory On the Baptism of Christ / Jn 6:55).”
Brothers and sisters, our belief in the Eucharist can be proven from scripture AND history, so be at peace about it and give thanks for it. And by the way, studying the writings of the early Church Fathers is what led the great Anglican priest and theologian, John Henry Newman into full communion with the Catholic Church. He is now called St. John Henry Newman.
Back to our Eucharist story. The whole situation around her grandmother’s not being baptized caused her to question what her church taught. Still, she had no intention of becoming Catholic. But she did pepper her boyfriend’s priest with questions about Catholic teachings. Father patiently answered these questions over the course of a year, but she made it clear she had no intention of becoming Catholic. One evening Father asked her, “What exactly is it you want?” Still, she was non-committal.
That evening, however, Father felt moved to do something new. He said, “Follow me,” and he led her through the parish hallways to the narthex. She could see people inside the nave, kneeling in prayer and a decorative gold stand on an altar with the Eucharist held in it. She had never stepped foot inside a Catholic Church. And yet, here she was with a Catholic priest, about to lead her in there while people prayed before the “death cookie.” From Father’s year of teaching, she knew Catholics believed that the bread was truly Jesus in the flesh, so she knew why people were kneeling in prayer, but this went against everything she had been taught growing up. You can imagine how uncomfortable she was feeling.
Still, she followed Father inside and accepted his invitation to kneel and pray. It was then that she came to believe in Jesus in the Eucharist as taught by Him, John, Ignatius, Justin, and Gregory! The Holy Spirit moved in a powerful way.
The smell of the candles burning before the monstrance brought her back to her grandmother’s home, where she smelled Grandma’s candles burning, felt again her grandmother’s hug, and was overcome by the feeling of safety she always felt there. This is grace, but Jesus is so generous. Not only did she experience these comforting things, but she said the feelings were even more intense than they were when Grandma was alive.
Her grandmother, with her desire for baptism, had led her granddaughter to adoration that night. I can just imagine Grandma, baptized by desire (a Catholic teaching), adoring Christ before the heavenly altar, a vision John wrote about in the book of Revelation, and her granddaughter adoring Him before that Catholic altar where heaven and earth touch (CCC 1259; Rev 8). God is so good.
I thought about our friend when I prayed over today’s Psalm 34, “When the afflicted [woman] cried out, the Lord heard, and from all [her] distress He saved [her] (Ps 34: 6).” He does the same for each of us every Eucharist. We bring all this baggage and sin to the altar with us, and, in the Eucharist, Jesus takes it away. *
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning with Jesus, John, Ignatius, Justin, and Gregory, and is now with you and me and Father, and ever shall be world without end. Amen.
*The Eucharist removes venial sins, but mortal sin must be removed through the sacrament of Confession.
Citations
Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
July 28, 2024 — Year B
Readings: 2 Kgs 4:42-44 / Ps 145 / Eph 4: 1-6 / Jn 6: 1-15
by Rev. Mr. Mark De La Hunt, Permanent Deacon
Today is the first of five Sundays dedicated to the sixth chapter of John’s gospel, which is Jesus’ teaching on the Eucharist. To place a greater emphasis on the Eucharist, which is the source and summit of the Catholic faith, Father Nixon and I will alternate preaching over these five Sundays. This is our way of participating in the Eucharistic Revival that the United States Catholic Church is in the midst of.
The big moment of the Eucharistic Revival occurred July 17-21, in Indianapolis, Indiana, the first National Eucharistic Congress in eighty-three years. Tens of thousands of on-fire Catholics gathered there to “encounter the living Jesus Christ, be healed and unified by His Real Presence, and to be sent out “for the life of the world (Revival).”
The prophets of our time gathered with them, Bishop Barron, Fr. Mike Schmitz, Sr. Miriam, James Heidland, Fr. Josh Johnson, Matt Maher, Bishop Andrew Cozzens, Jackie Angel, Sr. Josephine Garrett, Fr. Boniface Hicks, Jonathan Roumie, and Deacon Larry Oney and Fr. Dave Pivonka who led tent revivals at HNM, and many of your other favorites. Leading up to the Eucharistic Congress, four Eucharistic processions, walking with Jesus in the Eucharist from the north, south, east, and west collectively processed 6,500 miles to Indianapolis. Their procession paths formed the shape of a cross, blessing our entire nation.
I am challenging all of you to make this Sunday and the next four a personal Eucharistic Revival. Read and pray over John 6 while asking the Holy Spirit to reveal what the Eucharist means for your life. My license plate, by the way, is John6, because it is so essential to our faith, to bringing people to Jesus in His Catholic Church, and to His making all Christians one in His body again, as He intended from the beginning and as it was for over 1,500 years. Here is a trailer for John 6.
Ok, you have seen the trailer, now you are ready to start streaming Episode One, today’s gospel. Once I have spoken about the theology, I will share a local Eucharist story related to today’s gospel and wrap up with how to apply the theology and the story to your life.
Notice what Jesus did with the five barley loaves that the boy had. John wrote, “Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them (Jn 6:11).” Matthew recalled the same miracle this way, “Taking the five loaves…and looking up to heaven, [Jesus] gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then He gave them to His disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people (Mt 14: 19).”
Matthew emphasized the priesthood with the disciples distributing the bread to the people. By the way, Luke and Mark also emphasized the priesthood. However, John, in his profoundly Eucharistic chapter 6, emphasizes that the bread comes from Jesus by having Him give it to the people.
One more detail that ties the passage to the Eucharist when we look at the spiritual meaning. What did Jesus ask them to do when all had eaten? “Gather the fragments left over, so that nothing will be wasted (Jn 6:12).” What does Father have me do after all of you have eaten the Bread of Life? He has me gather all the leftover Eucharist and place it in the Tabernacle to feed others during the week. And as for the fragments and crumbs, I meticulously wipe them out of the bowls, into the chalice with water and any drops of Jesus’ precious blood that are left as well. Then I consume them “so that nothing [sacred] will be wasted.”
By the way, when the deacon is doing this, the priest quietly prays, “What has passed our lips as food, O Lord, may we possess in purity of heart, that what has been given to us in time may be our healing for eternity.”
That wraps up the theology of today’s gospel; here is the Eucharist story. As I reflected on the left-over fragments in the gospel, it evoked a memory of First Holy Communion at Holy Name of Mary this year. Father became ill during Mass, before consecrating the bread and wine. While he was being cared for, I led the congregation in praying the rosary. Once Father was safely on his way to the hospital, I went to the tabernacle and opened the ciborium while a parishioner finished leading the congregation in praying the rosary. The ciborium was about half full, and it is a small ciborium.
The church was beyond capacity with all the families, extended families, and friends of the First Holy Communicants. Accordingly, we told the congregation there was not enough Eucharist for everyone, and in my mind, I imagined that only the children, their immediate family and a few others would receive until we ran out. I gave the children and their families the Eucharistic bread and then began to give it to others, breaking the Eucharist to feed as many His Body as I could. It bears repeating that every pew was packed. The narthex and the cry room were full. People were standing, because all the extra chairs were used. Yet, after everyone was fed His body, like the scripture says, “some [was] left over (2 Kgs 4:44).” God is good.
Please don’t leave here and email the bishop that Deacon Mark said he multiplied the Eucharist like Elisha and Jesus multiplied bread. 😉 My point in sharing that story is that when we give what we have been given by Jesus, especially when we take a leap of childlike faith and give without prior warning and with no preparation, there is always enough of whatever we are giving. Jesus told St. Paul His grace is always enough. That is why he sent out his disciples with no money, no food, nor extra tunic (Mk 6:8-9).
Here is some guidance on what you can do with what the Holy Spirit has placed on your heart this morning. We go to Mass to receive the Eucharist, yes, but Mass isn’t just about getting. It is also about giving (Sri Podcast). During my training to be a deacon, it was made crystal clear that as wonderful as the grace is of preaching from the altar, it is what we do after we leave the altar that makes our preaching effective.
Dr. Sri, in his Revival podcast said it this way. Jesus didn’t hold anything back on the Cross. We are to be like Him. Don’t hold back in giving of yourself. Peter Kreeft, in his reflection on this gospel, wrote that “All spiritual goods…multiply when shared (Kreeft 606).” Love, hope, and joy come to mind. My personal experience is that material goods also tend to be enough when shared.
So, after coming to the altar to receive Jesus’s body and blood, you must go out into the world and give away whatever Jesus has given you. No matter how meager it is, be confident in giving it to whomever He asks. In doing so, you will know the joy and strengthening of your faith that comes from experiencing firsthand Jesus’ abundant grace. Amen.
Citations
Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
July 21, 2024 — Year B
Readings: Jer 23:1-6 / Ps 23 / Eph 2:13-18 / Mk 6:30-34
by Rev. Nixon Negparanon, Pastor
We find a common theme of leadership, compassion, and unity in our readings today. Each passage presents a different aspect of God’s relationship with His people, highlighting the desire for their care, peace and guidance.
Our first reading gives a stern warning to the shepherds who failed in their duties. The leaders of Israel tasked with guiding and protecting the people have instead led them astray, yet this passage is also filled with hope. God promises to gather His scattered flock and raise up new shepherds who will care for them. This prophecy ultimately points to the coming of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd who will lead His people with justice and righteousness.
Paul speaks of the profound unity brought about by Christ in his letter to the Ephesians. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus has reconciled humanity with God and with each other. He has broken down the barriers that once separated Jews and Gentiles, creating one new humanity. This message is especially relevant today as we continue to face divisions within our own communities and the world at large. Those words remind us that true peace and unity can only be found in Christ.
In today’s gospel, we see Jesus welcoming back the apostles, who have been sent out on their mission. They were tired, having worked hard, and Jesus recognizes their need for rest. “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while,” He tells them. However, when they arrive at the deserted place, they find a large crowd waiting.
Despite His own need for rest, and the disciples’ weariness, Jesus is moved with compassion for the crowd. Because they were like sheep without a shepherd, He begins to teach them many things, attending to their spiritual hunger before anything else.
This scene highlights Jesus’ profound compassion and His role as the Good Shepherd, echoing the imagery from Jeremiah, where God promises to raise up a shepherd who will lead with justice and righteousness. Jesus exemplifies this shepherding by putting the needs of the people before His own, demonstrating the sacrificial love and care that characterizes His ministry. The rest and nourishment He offers are not just physical, but deeply spiritual, addressing the core needs of the human heart.
The connection to the second reading from Ephesians is also significant. Paul speaks of Jesus breaking down the dividing wall of hostility and making peace through His sacrifice. This peace is not just the absence of conflict, but a deep abiding presence of God’s love and grace, uniting us with God and with each other. Jesus as the Good Shepherd invites us into this peace, guiding us towards unity and reconciliation.
There was once a small town known for its high school basketball team. The team had an exceptional coach, Coach Thompson, who was deeply committed to his players. He wasn’t just concerned with their performance on the court, but also their well-being off it. He would often stay late to help them with their homework, listen to their personal struggles and offer guidance and support.
One season the team had a particularly grueling schedule. They practiced hard and played intense games almost every week. By mid-season, the players were exhausted. Coach Thompson decided to give them a break. “Let’s take a weekend off,” he said. “Rest, spend time with your families, and recharge.”
However, that weekend Coach Thompson received a call from one of his players, Jake, who was going through a tough time at home. His parents were fighting, and he felt lost and alone. Despite the need for his own rest, Coach Thompson didn’t hesitate. He drove to Jake’s house, took him out for a meal, and spent the day with him, listening and offering words of comfort.
Coach Thompson’s actions resonated deeply with the entire team. They saw how he lived out his commitment to their well-being, even at the expense of his own comfort. This compassion and selflessness not only strengthened their bond, but also inspired them to look out for each other, both on and off the court.
This story mirrors Jesus’ response to the crowd in today’s gospel. Just as Coach Thompson put his players’ needs before his own, Jesus prioritized the spiritual and emotional needs of the people, exemplifying the true Shepherd’s heart. Both coach Thompson and Jesus demonstrate the transformative power of compassion and sacrificial love, reminding us of our call to care for one another in our journeys.
Reflecting on these readings, we are called to examine our own roles as shepherds in our families, communities, and workplaces. How are we guiding those entrusted to our care? Are we living in compassion, justice, and righteousness as Christ exemplified?
In a world often marked with division and hostility, Paul’s message in Ephesians challenges us to be instruments of peace and reconciliation. We must strive to break down the walls that divide us, fostering unity through our common faith in Christ.
Finally, we learn from Jesus’ example in the gospel: Even in times of weariness, He prioritized the needs of others, teaching us the importance of compassion and selflessness. As followers of Christ, we are called to be attentive to the needs around us, offering guidance, support, and love, even when it demands personal sacrifice. May we take these lessons to heart, embodying the qualities of good shepherds in our daily lives and striving for the peace and unity that Christ has won for us.
May Jesus Christ be praised.
KEEP READINGFifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
July 14, 2024 — Year B
Readings: Am 7:12-15 / Ps 85 / Eph 1:3-14 / Mk 6:7-13
by Rev. Nixon Negparanon, Pastor
In today’s readings, we encounter themes of divine calling, mission, and the power of God’s grace working through us. Each passage invites us to reflect on how we are called and sent forth as disciples in the modern world.
The prophet Amos is confronted by the priest of Bethel, who tells him to stop prophesying in Israel and to go back to Judah. Amos responds by affirming that he did not choose this path for himself but was called by God.
“I was no prophet, nor a prophet’s son, but I was a herdsman, a dresser of sycamore trees. And the Lord took me from following the flock, and the Lord said to me ‘Go. Prophesy to my people of Israel.’”
This passage reminds us that God calls ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Saint Therese of Lisieux summarized this beautifully when she said, “The Lord needs from us neither great deeds nor profound thoughts, neither intelligence nor talents. He cherishes simplicity.” Amos’s call from a humble background reflects the simplicity and obedience that God cherishes.
In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul writes about our spiritual blessings in Christ, emphasizing that God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in love. He speaks of our adoption as God’s children through Jesus Christ, the redemption through His blood, and the inheritance we have obtained. Paul highlights the mystery of God’s will, revealed in Christ, and the sealing of believers with the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of our inheritance.
In today’s gospel, we read about Jesus sending out the twelve apostles, two by two, giving them authority over unclean spirits, and instructing them to take nothing for their journey except a staff: no bread, no bag, no money in their belts. They were to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. He also told them, “Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that place. If any place will not welcome you, and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.” The apostles went out and told the people they should repent. They cast out many demons, anointed with oil many who were sick, and cured them.
Jesus’ instructions to the apostles are strikingly simple and direct. He emphasizes the need for trust in God’s providence and the importance of humility and detachment from material possessions. The mission of the apostles was to proclaim the Kingdom of God, call for repentance, and bring healing, both physical and spiritual.
The theme of trust and reliance on God is a timeless message that resonates deeply in our contemporary world, where self-reliance and material security are often prioritized. This gospel passage challenges us to reflect on our own dependencies and consider how we might deepen our trust in God’s providence. In a world where success is often measured by wealth, power, and self-sufficiency, the gospel invites us to reassess our priorities. How often do we rely on our resources, rather than on God’s guidance? The call to take nothing for the journey is a powerful reminder that our true security lies in God alone.
Moreover, the mission of the apostles to bring healing and proclaim repentance is as relevant today as it was in Jesus’ time. We are surrounded by spiritual and physical suffering, and the need for repentance and transformation is ever present. By living out our faith through acts of love, service, and healing, we become instruments of God’s grace in the world.
There are four things that Jesus reminds us of today.
First: Trust in God’s providence. Just as the apostles were called to trust in God’s provision, we, too, are invited to place our trust in Him, especially in uncertain times. This trust can manifest in various ways, such as relying on God’s guidance in making decisions or believing that He will provide for our needs when we are in distress.
Second: Simplicity and detachment. The apostles’ journey with only a staff calls us to reflect on our own attachment to material possessions. In a society driven by consumerism, this message encourages us to find contentment in simplicity and to prioritize spiritual wealth over material wealth.
Third: Community and hospitality. Jesus instructs the apostles to depend on the hospitality of others, highlighting the importance of community. In a more modern context, we are reminded to be open to giving and receiving help within our communities. This fosters a spirit of solidarity and mutual support, which is vital in a world where many feel isolated and disconnected.
Fourth: Mission and weakness. The apostles were sent out to preach repentance, cast out demons, and heal the sick. We are called to continue this mission by being witnesses of Christ’s love and mercy in our daily lives. Whether through acts of kindness, advocating for justice, or sharing our faith, we participate in God’s mission to bring hope and healing to the world.
In embracing these lessons, we echo the words of St. Francis of Assisi: “Start by doing what is necessary, then do what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” By responding to God’s call with trust, simplicity, and a commitment to community, we become instruments of His grace, capable of transforming the world around us. As we reflect on these readings, let us be inspired by the faith and trust of Amos, the assurance of our blessings in Ephesians, and the mission of the apostles. May we, too, become bearers of God’s kingdom in our world today.
KEEP READING
Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
June 30, 2024 — Year B
Readings: Wis 1:13-15; 2:23-24 / Ps 30 / 2 Cor 8:7, 9, 13-15 / Mk 5:21-43
by Rev. Nixon Negparanon, Pastor
Our readings today collectively highlight God’s life-giving nature and His desire for us to live in fullness and health.
The Book of Wisdom tells us that God did not create death, and that all creation is wholesome. These foundational truths set the stage for understanding the miracles in the gospel reading. Jesus’ actions in healing the woman and raising Jairus’s daughter from death to life are manifestations of God’s will to restore life and wholeness. The readings also show Jesus’ immeasurable compassion.
In the first reading we are reminded that God did not create death, nor does He rejoice in the destruction of the living. God’s creation is fundamentally good and destined for immortality, reflecting His own nature. The passage underscores that death entered the world through the envy of the devil, highlighting the contrast between God’s life-giving nature and the destructive forces of evil.
The second reading, from Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, emphasizes generosity and equality within the Christian community. Paul encourages the Corinthians to excel in the grace of giving, just as they excel in faith, speech, knowledge, and love. He points to the example of Jesus Christ who, though rich, became poor for our sake, so that through His poverty, we might become rich. Paul’s message is one of mutual support and sharing, ensuring that no one is in need while others have abundance.
Generosity doesn’t always have to involve money. In Father Mike Schmidt’s Catechism in a Year podcast, at Day 255, addresses how to engage in acts of solidarity and generosity beyond just giving money: spending time with those in need, listening to their stories, providing companionship. Sometimes a listening ear can be more valuable than money. We can also get involved with local charities or community organizations. Volunteering can address broader issues and provide structured support to those in need. Spiritual support can be powerful. Pray for those in need and let them know that we are praying for them. This can provide comfort and hope. By engaging in these actions, we can embody the true spirit of solidarity and generosity, providing meaningful support that goes beyond financial aid.
In the gospel, we encountered intertwined stories of Jairus’s daughter and the woman with a hemorrhage. These narratives highlight Jesus’ power over sickness and death and the transformative impact of faith and compassion.
When Jesus was carrying the cross, Veronica stood out for her unwavering compassion. As Jesus stumbled under the weight of the cross, bloodied and exhausted, Veronica pushed her way through the hostile crowd, and in a moment of pure, selfless love, she removed her veil and gently wiped the sweat and blood from his brow. To our amazement, the image of His sacred face was miraculously imprinted on the cloth. This act of kindness in the midst of such suffering was a testament to her deep faith and compassion. Veronica’s gesture, though small, had a profound impact. It was a beacon of humanity and love, shining brightly in the darkness of that day. Her bravery and empathy have inspired countless generations to show kindness, even in the face of adversity. Saint Veronica’s story reminds us that true compassion requires courage, and that even the smallest acts of love can leave a lasting impression, much like the image of Christ’s face on her veil. She’s celebrated not just for her miraculous cloak, but for the profound compassion that drove her to comfort Jesus in His hour of need.
In the gospel reading, the woman with a hemorrhage had suffered for twelve years, enduring much at the hands of many doctors and spending all she had. Despite her suffering, she clung to a glimmer of hope. She believed that simply touching Jesus’ cloth would heal her. Her faith, born out of desperation, propelled her to act. Jesus acknowledges her faith saying, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace and be healed of your disease” (Mk 5:34). This encounter underscores that, even in our darkest moments, faith can lead to healing and restoration. Some have also claimed that Saint Veronica is the same as the biblical woman who suffered from twelve years of hemorrhages. While these traditions and assertions cannot be proven, we do know that the bleeding woman displayed great faith in the Lord and was healed.
Meanwhile, Jairus, a synagogue leader, showed remarkable faith and patience. Despite being informed that his daughter had died, he trusted Jesus’ assurance, “Do not fear, only believe” (Mk 5:36). Jairus’s faith was tested by the delay caused by Jesus’ interaction with the woman, yet his belief remained steadfast. Jesus’ response to Jairus’s situation demonstrates that delays do not diminish divine power. God’s timing, though often mysterious, is always perfect. Jesus’ words to the girl, “Talitha koum, little girl, I say to you, get up” remind us of His authority over life and death.
Both stories intertwine to show how faith in Jesus connects and uplifts. The woman’s bold faith and Jairus’s patient faith exemplify different aspects of trusting in God. Their stories teach us that faith is not a one-size-fits-all experience, but a deeply personal journey. Whether we approach Jesus in desperation or impatience, what matters is the trust we place in Him.
Jesus’ actions highlight His boundless compassion. He stops to address the woman suffering despite being on a mission to save Jairus’s daughter. His willingness to be interrupted for the sake of showing love and mercy calls us to examine our own priorities and attitudes. Are we willing to pause and show compassion even when it disrupts our plans? We are challenged today to reflect on how we live out our faith and compassion in everyday life. Are we willing to reach out in faith like the woman? Or wait patiently, like Jairus, trusting in God’s timing? Are we generous with our resources, ensuring that our abundance helps those in need? These stories of healing and restoration challenge us to trust in Jesus’ power to transform our lives and situations.
The exhortation to generosity in the second reading calls us to act with compassion, ensuring that we support and uplift one another. In our lives we might face situations where our faith is tested, and where the needs of others intersect with our own journeys. Let us remember that Jesus’ power to heal and restore is ever present. As we navigate our faith journeys, we will draw strength from the examples of the woman and Jairus, trusting in Jesus and showing compassion to those around us.
May Jesus Christ be praised, now and forever.
KEEP READINGTwelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time
June 23, 2024 — Year B
Readings: Jb 38:1, 8-11 / Ps 107 / 2 Cor 5:14-17 / Mk 4:35-41
by Rev. Louis Benoit, Guest Celebrant
Today’s gospel has a few meanings. One meaning is that Jesus is the fulfillment of God in the Old Testament. In the Old Testament, especially in the book of Psalms, like the psalm we just heard, we hear how God is over all creation and over the storms and the winds, with God having domination over all those things. So, we see Jesus fulfilling these Old Testament aspects of God, being creator and domineering over all.
Also, at the beginning of Mark’s gospel, we are told who Jesus is. However, for Jesus’ followers, that gradually unfolds as the gospel goes on. As they see Jesus doing various things, it deepens their faith in who Jesus is.
And so, we have, at the last line of today’s gospel, “Who then is this, whom even the wind and sea obey?” It’s the deeper knowledge of who Jesus is, as they come to a deeper faith in Him. For the apostles, it’s a deepening of faith. And it’s a faith that needs to be deepened. He asked them, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” And that’s not just an admonition, but it’s calling them into deeper faith in who Jesus is, and of course, they are questioning it.
Who then is this, whom even the winds and sea obey? Now, for us, it’s a very good gospel. How many times in your life have you felt you were in your own little boat on rough seas and by yourself, and you don’t know where to turn? I think anyone who has logged in some adult years can identify times when that has happened. And yet, do you doubt that Jesus is in the boat with you? I think we do doubt when we are being tossed about by the waves of life, and wondering where God is, but Jesus is with you.
You know, the apostles weren’t too keen on that, but although He was asleep on a cushion, He was with them, and that’s for us to see that Jesus is with us. And we have things that keep us from that. We have a peculiar situation in our country that militates against that, that we so over-emphasize independence. We tend to ignore our dependence on God and others. And we are very dependent on people. This over-emphasis on independence is not a good thing, because we are extremely dependent.
You’re dependent on dozens of people every day. We can’t live alone; it’s impossible. And so, we have to get that sense of dependence, and many times in a sense of dependence, we find the presence of Jesus in other people around us. If we get too much into our own independence, we don’t see it. But Jesus is with us, and many times it’s with the people who are surrounding us. We’re not as independent as we think.
Years ago, I was chaplain of a Youth Development Center. It’s kind of a reform school for young men, and many of them were extremely belligerent and believed that they didn’t need anybody and could get by on their own. So, I played a little game with them. I said, “Well, if you are so independent, what would you do if you were out in the woods alone? How would you survive?” A response might be, “Well, I’d get an axe and I’d chop down some trees.” I would respond, “Wait, wait, where did you get that axe? Didn’t somebody provide that for you?” And as I played that game and kept pushing it, and they realized that if they were totally independent, they’d be standing naked in the woods.
We’re terribly dependent, and we really need Jesus, and we really need each other, and sometimes “each other” is the presence of Jesus. That’s the way it is, and we have to realize our dependence on Jesus, and that Jesus is with us to calm the storms of life.
The other aspect of this, a totally different aspect but a very important one, is that it’s God’s creation, not ours. We have a terrible time with this. But God is the one who is running the show, not us. And we have to learn to be able to discern God’s action in our lives and what that action is calling us to.
I know that almost any of you my age or even a bit younger can recall times in your life when things happened that you hadn’t planned, but it worked out for the best. You know, God was working, and it was God’s plan, not yours. And so, it’s for us to see that no, we’re not running the show, and when we try to run the show, we can end up feeling very alone, swamped by the waves of life. We are trying to run everything ourselves, and we do the best we can with life, but always with an openness to God’s presence, God’s plan, and God’s direction. It’s God’s, not ours.
I love an old spiritual that the gospel choir at St. Gerard’s used to sing. The chorus of the song says, “He ain’t always there when you want Him, but He’s always right on time.” That’s a bit humorous, but it’s quite profound. You know, He ain’t always there when you want Him, but He’s always right on time.
KEEP READINGEleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
June 16, 2024 — Year B
Readings: Ez 17:22-24 / Ps 92 / 2 Cor 5:6-10 / Mk 4:26-34
by Rev. Nixon Negparanon, Pastor
This Sunday, we celebrate the liturgy with hearts open to the word of God, which reveals the mysteries of faith and the kingdom of heaven. Today’s readings, filled with imagery of growth and cultivation, invite us to reflect on the role of fathers, both earthly and heavenly, in nurturing and guiding the growth of their families and communities.
In the first reading, from Ezekial, God promises to take a tender shoot from the top of a cedar and plant it on a high and lofty mountain. This tender shoot will grow into a majestic cedar, providing shelter and shade for all creatures.
This image is a powerful reminder of the role of parents as planters and nurturers. Fathers are called to plant seeds of faith, love, and virtue in the hearts of their children, trusting that God will bring these seeds into fruition. Just as the cedar grows strong and tall, so too do the seeds of guidance and example provided by fathers help their children grow in strength and character.
The psalm speaks of the righteous flourishing, like a palm tree and growing like a cedar of Lebanon, planted in the house of the Lord. This flourishing is not just physical, but spiritual and moral. On Father’s Day we honor the fathers who, through their steadfast love and dedication, have created environments where their children can thrive. Their commitment and sacrifices are akin to the nurturing environment provided by fertile soil, allowing their children to grow deep roots in faith and moral integrity.
Karol Wojtyla Sr., father of the future Pope John Paul II, played a pivotal role in shaping his son’s spiritual life, as detailed in the book, John Paul II: Man of Prayer. Widowed when his son was just nine, Karol, known as “the captain,” was a quiet, upright, retired soldier and former tailor, who took on the roles of cooking, cleaning, and making his son’s clothes. He encouraged his son in his friendships, studies, and sports.
But most importantly, he instilled a deep faith in him. Their modest apartment in Wadowice, Poland was described by John Paul II as a domestic seminary. The elder Wojtyla set an example through his own deep and unselfconscious piety, praying often on his knees and making prayer a constant in their lives. The two would read the Bible and pray the rosary together.
One significant detail from the book highlights this devotion. Sometimes, young Karol would wake in the night to find his father kneeling in the dark, praying silently. This profound example of faith and integrity greatly influenced the spiritual formation of the future Pope.
Paul reminds us in the second reading that we walk by faith, not by sight. Fathers often embody this principle in their role as providers and protectors, making countless decisions and sacrifices, motivated by love and faith, even when the outcomes are uncertain. Paul’s message encourages fathers to persevere in their mission, trusting that their efforts, guided by faith, will be pleasing to the Lord.
Finally. in the gospel of Mark, Jesus uses the parables of growing seed and the mustard seed to illustrate the kingdom of God. These parables highlight the mysterious and gradual growth of the kingdom, often unnoticed, but unstoppable. Fathers can draw inspiration from these parables, understanding that their efforts, even the smallest acts of love and guidance, are like seeds planted in the hearts of their children. Though the growth may be slow and imperceptible at times, the impact is profound and enduring.
A man was visiting a farmer and saw him planting his field. “What are you sowing?” he asked. “Wheat” was the answer. “And what do you expect to reap from it?” he asked. “Wheat, of course,” said the farmer.
The very same day, some little thing provoked the farmer to go into cursing and swearing. The visitor asked, “What are you sowing now?” The farmer said, “What? Do you take such serious views of every mood, word, and action?” The visitor replied, “Yes. For every word helps to form a permanent temper. And for every word we must give account, and every act aids to form a habit. And habits are to the soul what the veins and arteries are to the blood, the courses in which it moves and will move forever. By all these little words and actions, we are forming character, and the character will go with us to eternity, and according to it will be our destiny and the destiny of others forever.”
Jesus’ parable emphasizes the natural and gradual process of growth. The seed grows night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up. This underscores the idea that spiritual growth and the advancement of God’s kingdom are often not immediately visible but occur continuously and inevitably over time. It reassures believers that God is at work, even when we do not see immediate results. Our role is to plant the seed and trust in God’s timing for the growth and fruition.
The transformation from a tiny seed to a large plant signifies the profound impact the kingdom of God can have on the world and on individuals’ lives. The mustard plant becomes large enough that the birds of the air can perch in its shade.
This highlights the inclusive and expansive nature of God’s kingdom, providing shelter, refuge, and community. It challenges believers to consider how their faith and actions can contribute to creating a welcoming and nurturing environment for others.
The parable encourages us and those who may feel that their efforts are too small to make a difference. It reassures us that God values and can use even the smallest acts of faith and kindness in a world that often celebrates immediate success and grand gestures. This parable invites us to appreciate the humble beginnings and trust in the long-term impact of our faithfulness.
This Sunday, the Church calls us to trust in the power of small beginnings and our role in enhancing the growth of the kingdom of God. It encourages us to nurture our faith; be patient with the process; and contribute to a community where all can find refuge and support. This reflection invites us to embrace the mystery of God’s work in the world and our lives, holding onto the hope that even the small seeds of faith can grow into something magnificent.
Today, brothers and sisters, as we reflect on the readings and celebrate Father’s Day, let us give thanks for the fathers and father figures in our lives. Let us recognize the vital role they play in nurturing, guiding, and supporting their families. Their love and dedication reflect God’s love for us: a love that is patient, steadfast, and ever-present.
As we honor our fathers, let us also pray for them, that they may continue to be strong and faithful stewards of their families, and that they may be blessed with wisdom and grace to lead their children towards life rooted in faith and love. May all fathers find joy in their vocation, and may their children grow to be the living testimony to their tireless love and devotion.
May Jesus Christ be praised.
KEEP READING
Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
June 9, 2024 — Year B
Readings: Gn 3:9-15 / Ps 130 / 2 Cor 4:13-5:1 / Mk 3:20-35
by Rev. Nixon Negparanon, Pastor
Reflecting on our readings today, we recognize a profound journey that mirrors our own spiritual lives. We start with the awareness of our brokenness and sin, much like Adam and Eve hiding from God. Yet, even in our deepest despair, we cry out for God’s mercy, trusting in His unfailing love.
In our first reading, we encounter the aftermath of the fall. Adam and Eve have eaten from the forbidden tree, and God is seeking them out. Adam admits his fear and shame, having realized his nakedness. God then pronounces judgement upon the serpent, promising enmity between the serpent and the woman’s offspring, hinting at the future defeat of evil.
The first reading introduces the theme of human frailty and the resulting consequences of sin. Adam and Eve’s disobedience leads to a rupture in the relationship with God, marked by fear and shame. Yet, amid the judgement, there is a promise of redemption. The offspring of the woman will crush the serpent’s head.
St. Paul, in our second reading, reflects on the trials and tribulations faced by the apostles, yet emphasizes the spirit of faith that sustains them. Despite the suffering and decay of their outer bodies, they are renewed inwardly. All this speaks of the eternal glory that far outweighs their temporary struggles, focusing on the unseen, eternal life promised by God. It also connects to today’s theme by highlighting the transient nature of suffering and the promise of eternal reward. Paul’s message emphasizes that, although we experience hardship and our bodies waste away, our spirits are being renewed daily. This reflects the ongoing journey from sin and suffering towards redemption and glory.
Today, we witness a powerful narrative that brings to light themes of misunderstanding, accusations, and ultimately the redefinition of what it means to be part of the family of God. Jesus finds Himself surrounded by crowds so large that He and His disciples cannot even eat. Amidst this, His family comes to take charge of Him, convinced that He is out of His mind. The scribes from Jerusalem, witnessing His miraculous works, accuse Him of being possessed by Beelzebul, and driving out demons by the power of the prince of demons.
Jesus’ response is both profound and instructive. He challenges the logic of the scribes by pointing out the absurdity of Satan casting out Satan. He uses parables to illustrate that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. Furthermore, He emphasizes that those who do the will of God are His true family.
Let me share a story about a man named Thomas. Thomas was known throughout the village for his hardened heart and bitter disposition. Life had not been kind to him, and he had grown cynical and distrustful of others. He felt abandoned by God and believed that his life was beyond redemption.
One day, an elderly priest named Father Michael visited Thomas, asking for help repairing the church. Reluctantly, Thomas agreed. Over the next few weeks, as Thomas worked at the church, Father Michael shared stories of faith and redemption, particularly the story of Peter, who found forgiveness after denying Jesus three times but was forgiven and went on to lead the early Church. Peter’s story, Father Michael said, is a testament to God’s boundless mercy and the power of redemption.
These stories stirred something in Thomas, and he began to see a glimmer of hope. One stormy night, the church’s roof was damaged, and Father Michael called on Thomas for help. Despite the treacherous weather, Thomas rushed to the church. While repairing the roof, Thomas slipped and injured his leg. Father Michael tended to him and prayed for his recovery. As Thomas lay there, he felt an overwhelming sense of peace wash over him. For the first time in years, he prayed. He asked God for forgiveness and thanked Him for sending Father Michael into his life. From then on, Thomas’s life changed. He attended Mass, helped others, and became an integral part of the community, and treated them as his family.
Years later, as Thomas stood in the church he’d helped restore, he reflected on his journey. He realized that God had never abandoned him. Rather, He had been gently guiding him back to the path of redemption.
Just as in the readings, Thomas’s life parallels our own spiritual journey. We may feel broken and beyond hope, much like Adam and Eve after the fall, or the psalmist crying out from the depths. However, through faith and the loving actions of others, much like Father Michael’s gentle guidance, we can find our way back to God.
Thomas’s transformation echoes Paul’s message in 2 Corinthians about inner renewal despite outward suffering and exemplifies the redefinition of family and community through faith, as Jesus teaches in Mark’s gospel. This story reminds us that no matter how lost we feel, God’s mercy is always within reach, leading us to redemption and new life. Paul’s words also remind us that our sufferings are temporary and serve greater purpose in God’s eternal plan. They encourage us to look beyond our present struggles to the unseen glory that awaits us, renewing our spirits daily through faith.
Finally, Jesus’ teaching in Mark challenges us to redefine our understanding of family and belonging. It invites us to find our true kinship in those who do the will of God, creating a community bound, not by blood, but by shared faith and obedience to God’s will. The gospel presents Jesus’ redefining family ties, just as Genesis shows the destruction of the original family due to sin. Jesus reestablishes a new family bond based on a spiritual kinship with those who do the will of God. This redefinition aligns with the promise of redemption, highlighting the true faith and obedience to God. We become part of God’s family. Our Church offers a powerful message of hope and redemption. Jesus calls us to acknowledge our sins, seek God’s mercy, endure our trials with faith, and embrace our true identity as members of God’s family. In this journey, we find assurance in God’s promise that, though we may face suffering and misunderstanding, His eternal glory and redemption await us.
So, brothers and sisters, as we continue our Mass today, let us strengthen our faith as we endure life’s trials, renewing us inwardly day by day. Let us pray for our Lord to help us see our struggles in light of the eternal glory He has prepared for us. And may we live as true members of God’s family, doing His will and reflecting His love.
KEEP READINGThe Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
June 2, 2024 — Year B
Readings: Ex 24:3-8 / Ps 116 / Heb 9:11-15 / Mk 14:12-16, 22-26
by Rev. Nixon Negparanon, Pastor
The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, also known as Corpus Christi, is a profound celebration in the liturgical calendar that invites us to reflect deeply on the mystery of the Eucharist. This feast reminds us of the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Sacrament of the Eucharist, a mystery that is central to the Catholic faith. As we contemplate this Solemnity, several key reflections emerge.
At the heart of Corpus Christi is the belief in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. This doctrine teaches that in the consecrated elements of bread and wine, Jesus Christ is truly present: body, blood, soul, and divinity. This mystery transcends human understanding, inviting us to approach it with faith and reverence. The Eucharist is not a symbol, but a profound encounter with the living Christ who comes to nourish us and transform us. The Eucharist is a manifestation of Jesus’ immense love and His ultimate sacrifice for humanity.
At the Last Supper, Jesus instituted the Eucharist as a perpetual memorial of His passion, death, and resurrection. Each time we celebrate the Eucharist, we are invited to enter into the mystery of Christ’s sacrifice, to remember His love for us and to respond with our own love and gratitude. The Eucharist is a call to live a life of self-giving love, mirroring the example of Jesus.
The celebration of the Eucharist also underscores the unity of the Church. In receiving the Body and Blood of Christ, we are united not only with Jesus, but also with one another. The Eucharist is the sacrament of unity, drawing us together as the body of Christ. It challenges us to overcome divisions, to live in harmony, and to work for the common good. In a world often marked by fragmentation and discord, the Eucharist calls us to be instruments of peace and reconciliation. As we receive Communion, we are united with Christ and with one another. We become His body, His Church, His presence in the world. We are called to be broken and poured out for others, just as Jesus was.
The second Vatican Council described the Eucharist as the source and summit of the Christian life. This means that all other sacraments and works of the Church are oriented towards the Eucharist, and from it they draw their meaning. The Eucharist is the high point of our spiritual life, where we encounter Christ most intimately. It nourishes us spiritually, strengthens us in our journey of faith, and sends us forth to live out the Gospel in our daily lives.
As we reflect on the Eucharist, let us ask ourselves, do we receive Communion with reverence and gratitude? Do we recognize the presence of Christ in those around us? Do we share our own lives, like the Bread of Life, to nourish others?
There is a story of a young woman who took care of her elderly aunt. The aunt had inherited a fair amount of money from her deceased brother, but never mentioned it to anyone. On her deathbed, she summoned her niece and said, “You have been so good to me, I want to reward you. Take this frayed sweater of mine and wear it until you become rich.” The niece expressed gratitude but was disappointed. She felt her aunt could have at least left her a watch or a ring. She buried the sweater in the bottom drawer of her bureau. The aunt died. A year later, the niece put on the sweater while she did some yard work. She felt something in the sweater pocket. She found a key wrapped in a note. In the box unlocked by the key, she found that her aunt had given her legal title to a fortune of three hundred million dollars.
The moral of the story is that we often miss the treasures that are passed on to us, because we do not take time to look. The application of this story to the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ is the same. We may miss the treasure of the Eucharist, because we do not take the time to look or reflect on this mystery.
Each year, the Church pauses to meditate on the Eucharist itself. Though we celebrate the Eucharist each Lord’s Day, on this day we are drawn to ponder events and teachings about Christ. We may not always pay attention sufficiently to the Sacrament dwelling at the core of our weekly experience.
Finally, the celebration of Corpus Christi is a call to live “Eucharistic-ly.” This means that our lives should reflect the values of the Eucharist: gratitude, self-giving, unity, and love. We are called to be a Eucharistic people, living in constant thanksgiving for the gift of Christ and striving to embody His love in our interactions with others. Our participation in the Eucharist should inspire us to be more Christ-like, to serve those in need, and to build a more just and compassionate world.
The Solemnity of the Holy Body and Blood of Christ invites us to a deep reflection on the mystery of the Eucharist. It is a celebration that renews our faith, strengthens our unity, and inspires us to live more fully in the love of Christ. As we partake in the Eucharist, let us do so with reverence and gratitude, allowing this profound sacrament to transform us and guide us in our Christian journey.
KEEP READINGThe Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity
May 26, 2024 — Year B
Readings: Dt 4:32-34, 39-40 / Ps 33 / Rom 8:14-17 / Mt 28:16-20
by Rev. Mr. Mark De La Hunt, Permanent Deacon
Before there was YouTube, Scott Hahn, and the Catechism, I was asked to teach 9th grade faith formation. It was a small college parish that had few resources and, accordingly, I wasn’t given a book to teach from. I knew very little about my faith like most 20-something Catholics in the early 1990s. One evening, one of the 9th grade boys told the class that the Trinity is nowhere in the Bible. In my ignorance, I was incapable of saying, “Yes, it is,” and then showing him, much less leading him to the joy of living in the Trinity. I pray in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit that I can do that for you now.
I am going to show you where the Trinity is in the Bible, and how the scriptures present the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as one God in three Persons, equal in power and knowledge, all existing for all time, uncreated with no beginning and no end. Once we have that firm footing, I will give some pastoral guidance on living in communion with the Trinity, especially for teenagers.
If I was teaching that 9th grade class today, I would show that teenage boy where the Trinity is in the Bible. Jesus’ use of the Trinity at the end of Matthew’s gospel, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit…” was not brought up out of the blue by Matthew (Mt 28:19). He reveals the Trinity at the baptism of Jesus in chapter 3:16-17, saying when Jesus (the second Person of the Trinity) came up out of the water, the Spirit of God (third Person of Trinity) descended upon Him in the shape of a dove, and then the voice of the Father (first Person) says He is well pleased in His Son (Mitch, pg. 371). Sooo, when someone says the Trinity is not in the Bible, you can show them Matthew 3 and 28.
I’m guessing, though, that teenage boy, in the annoying way teens can excel at, would say, “Hey Mr. De La Hunt, look at the first reading where Moses tells the people, ‘The Lord is God…and…there is no other (Dt 4:35).’ It doesn’t mention Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” Worshiping only one God, which is called monotheism, set Israel apart from all other nations in its day, and they fiercely defended this belief. To this day, the Jews’ belief that Father, Son, and Holy Spirit cannot be one God, is said by some to be the biggest stumbling block for their embracing Jesus Christ as the Messiah. The confusion and unbelief are understandable. The Trinity is not easy to wrap your head around. It took the Church over three hundred years to articulate the doctrine (Mitch, pg. 371).
Fortunately, one of the greatest biblical preachers on the Trinity was a fiercely devout and highly learned Jew, St. Paul. When he was still going by the name of Saul, he was persecuting Christians, because they were calling Jesus God. But when Jesus removed those scales from Paul’s eyes in Damascus, Paul saw Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as that one God of whom Moses spoke (Acts 9:18).
In today’s second reading from Paul’s letter to the Roman church, he tells the Christian community that they have received a “Spirit of adoption, through whom we cry, ‘Abba, Father!’ The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. (Rom 8:15-17).” This wasn’t the only place Paul invoked the Trinity while spreading the Good News.
In chapter 13 of his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul greets the people with words that Father greeted you with at the beginning of the Mass. “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you (2 Cor 13:13).” Sounds pretty Trinitarian. I could also show that 9th grader 1 Corinthians 12, Galatians 4, and 1 Thessalonians 1. Oh, if only I had Curtis Mitch’s and Ed Sri’s Catholic bible commentary when I was in my twenties. Hopefully that young man kept pursuing the truth.
All I have proven, though, is that a devout, fiercely monotheistic Jew came to see a Father, a Son, and a Holy Spirit. But you are excellent at debating and call me on it. You rightly say, “Deacon Mark, you must prove all three are God.” Ok. Let’s start with the easiest one. God is God, creator of heaven and earth and all that is visible and invisible. The Old Testament, like today’s first reading with Moses and today’s Psalm speak to this.
You smile, confident you will disprove the second Person of the Trinity, asking, “What about Jesus? To be God, you must have existed for all time, be uncreated, no beginning, no end. But Jesus was born of a woman.” John’s gospel best speaks to Jesus being God. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…He was in the world, and the world came into being through Him…And the Word became flesh and lived among us. It is God the only Son (Jn 1:1, 10, 14, 18).”
At this point, I want to defend Our Lady, that “woman” who gave birth to Jesus. I would be remiss to not mention that Mary was declared the “Mother of God” at the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD. But it wasn’t only that gathering of bishops who believed that. A crowd of the faithful waited in the streets for them to affirm what they already believed. And they celebrated joyfully when Mary, mother of Jesus, was affirmed as Mary, mother of God the Son.
Your confident smile falters, but you recover and move on to the third Person of the Trinity. You, with noticeably less bravado, say, “Jesus says the Father will send the Holy Spirit, and He even breathes the Spirit onto the apostles (Jn 14:26; 15:26; 20:22). For all three to be God, they must all three be equal in power and knowledge, which is to say in omnipotence (all powerful) and omniscience (all knowing). Doesn’t sound like the Holy Spirt is equal, because He is always being sent.”
The Deacon smiles at you, so happy that you are seeking truth. He encourages you to open your Bible to 2 Corinthians, where Paul writes, “No one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God (2 Cor 2:11).” God’s thoughts are infinite, so for the Spirit to comprehend God’s thoughts, the Spirit must also have infinite knowledge or omniscience. Next, the Deacon shows you 1 Corinthians, where Paul calls our body a “temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19).” The Deacon says, “Only God can have a temple, so the Holy Spirit must be God (Tim Staples).” Finally, the Deacon turns to Acts 5 and reads, “But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back part of the proceeds of the land? . . . You have not lied to men but to God.” Like St. Paul, St. Peter, also a Jew, saw God and the Holy Spirit as the one true God of Israel. (A shoutout to Catholic Answers for this paragraph.)
Now we know some of the scriptural basis for the Most Holy Trinity, but how do we live this deep theological mystery? First, and foremost, we never, ever miss Mass. If we are healthy enough to go to the grocery store or out to eat, we are healthy enough to go to Mass. Dads and Moms, do not let any of your children miss Mass due to camping or beach trips, band, or dance, or soccer, or volleyball, or AP class projects. Why?
First, we have a desperate need to receive our Lord’s body and blood. But also, we should do so because it is the most powerful way in which we live within the communion of the Trinity. We worship God the Father, offering the one sacrifice of Christ the Son, through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Trinity makes our Catholic worship perfect. And remember that God is a communion of Persons in the Most Holy Trinity, so to worship in the Trinity, we need to do so in communion with others, the Trinity making us into a holy, mystical communion.
Let’s put some blue jeans on this. When we are baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, God makes us part of His family. Teenagers, since we started this homily with a teenager, I am coming back to you. Know that our family is where we discover who we are. There is a memory helper or pneumonic for this, RIM which stands for Relationship, Identity, Mission. This applies to your natural family, but also to your supernatural family, the Trinity.
Teens and twenty somethings too, I know you are in a very challenging time in life between becoming an adult and knowing the path God wants your life to take. This time brings to your mind heartfelt questions. Who am I? Where is my place in this world? What strengths, talents, and capabilities do I have? Should I go to college? If so, what should I study? Should I get a job instead, so I can receive training from my employer? If so, what type of job should I pursue? Am I to get married? If so, how will I find the right person? If not marriage, should I check out consecrated religious life? Holy Orders?
You will find the answers within your supernatural family of the Trinity. Back to RIM. Relationship: pursue your relationship with the Trinity in prayer (daily), the Mass (at least weekly), and Confession (often). Identity: Being close to the Trinity will help you to learn who you are and what gifts you have. Mission: Now that you know who you are, you can go on mission with the grace of Jesus Christ, the love of the Father, and your communion with them through the Holy Spirit. They will work with you and show you the way.
It is not as easy as it sounds, though. You will need patience and trust. God tends to show us one step at a time. Our job is to stay in Relationship with Him (prayer, Mass, Confession) so we can see that next step and trust Him by taking that step. Joseph is a helpful model here. He was given one step at a time, and he took them.
Remember how God came to Joseph and told him to take Mary as his wife, and oh by the way she is already pregnant, and the child is God. Wow. What does Joseph say, “Yes Lord.” Then, in the middle of the night, God wakes up Joseph and tells him to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt. No one wants to be woken up in the middle of the night, much less to drop your life and move to a new one in a strange place. Joseph, said, “Yes Lord.” And when God told him, a short while later, to move back to Israel, Joseph took that step too.
One could say this about Joseph. “By being united to Jesus and animated by the Spirit of love and obedience, [Joseph knew the] joy that is perfect and complete, a joy that comes only from participating in the divine communion (Jeff Cavins, Hallow).” Jeff Cavins spoke of this joy using the words of the prophet Nehemiah, “The joy of the Lord (Trinity) is your strength (Neh 8:10).” He went on to say, [our joy] is not just a fleeting emotion but a deep and abiding reality that comes from communion with the Trinity.
Final words. Whether we are born into an amazing family or a broken one, or in a place that is fantastic or one that is dark, or have built a successful life or made a hot mess of it, none of those things define us! What defines us is our baptism, for from that day onward, we call the most-high God Father, and Jesus who is the King of the Universe, brother, and the Holy Spirit, the love that flows between them, counselor, helper, and guide. The Psalm today, unbeknownst to the author, was written about us, the baptized. “Blessed the people the Lord (Trinity) has chosen to be His own. Our soul waits for the Lord, who is our help and our shield. May your kindness, O Lord, be upon us who have put our hope in you.” Lord, grant us the grace we need to order our lives to be in communion with You who are Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Citations
Jeff Cavins Daily Reflections on Hallow, May 11, 2024. He references the Catholic Commentary of Sacred Scripture which I used to describe Joseph’s living in the Trinity.
Tim Staples – Catholic Answers. Simply Google Catholic Answers on the Trinity. You will see “Explaining the Trinity” by Tim Staples dated June 20, 2014, at catholic.com.
Curtis Mitch and Edward Sri. “Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture, The Gospel of Matthew.” Baker Academic 2010.
KEEP READINGWednesday: 7:00 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM
First Saturdays: 9:30 AM
Please Consider Signing Up To Spend Time With Our Lord In Eucharistic Adoration
Confession: Wednesdays 5:45 PM to 6:45 PM
