Invite God Into Your Relationships

Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
October 6, 2024 — Year B
Readings: Gn 2:18-24 / Ps 128 / Heb 2:9-11 / Mk 10:2-16
by Rev. Nixon Negparanon, Pastor

Today’s readings show us a common theme, which is the sanctity and unity of marriage rooted in God’s divine plan for humanity.  They also highlight the importance of relationships, God’s original plan for marriage, particularly the covenant of marriage, and how God is central to forming and sustaining those bonds.

The first reading, from the book of Genesis, helps to recall the main idea that marriage is the creation of God.  When God was forming man, He said, “It is not good for man to be alone.”  So, He made a woman to be with him and join him.  This is not an affiliation or mutual understanding between individuals.  It is a sacred covenant, established by God Himself.  Marital affection is supposed to resemble the love of God toward humanity:  loyal, productive, and eternal.

Today we have a culture that does not sanctify marriage and often questions its indissolubility.  The divorce rates are high, and the culture is learning to shift towards the thought of marriage as something that can be undone if it becomes uncomfortable.  This is far from what Jesus expects from all of us.  Jesus calls us to a higher standard.  He reminds us that marriage is a reflection of God’s covenant, which is unbreakable.

Venerable Fulton Sheen, in his wisdom once said, “It takes three to make love, not two:  you, your spouse, and God. Without God, people only succeed in bringing out the worst in one another.  Lovers with nothing else to do but love each other soon find there is nothing else.  Without a central loyalty, life is unfinished.”

Sheen’s statement is a powerful reminder that true love is not just a bond between two people, but a bond that includes God.  When we place God in the center of our lives and in the center of our marriage, He sustains it, nurtures it, and strengthens it.  If God is absent, however, marriage becomes fragile and can easily fracture under the pressures of life.  As Sheen points out, without God the relationship becomes empty, and people begin to bring out the worst in each other rather than the best.

This is why it is so essential for couples to keep God at the center of their lives, not just at the wedding ceremony, but throughout their marriage.   Praying together, seeking God’s guidance, and entrusting the relationship to His care, make all the difference.  The sacrament of marriage is not just about romantic love, but about a shared mission to reflect God’s love to each other and to the world.

In the second reading, we hear that Jesus was made a little lower than the angels and became like us in all things, suffered with us and triumphed over death to bring us salvation.  The best form of love is when one is willing to give himself over to protecting, providing, and caring for another person.  That is Jesus’ act of self-giving on behalf of humanity.  Marriage, also, requires such a love:  the love that is self-giving, the love which seeks the good of the other.  This is the love required from us in regard to our marriages, families, and friendships.  It is a love that follows the example of Christ, the greatest love that was ever demonstrated.

In order to understand the relationship between marriage and divorce, Jesus talks about it in today’s gospel.  Pharisees approach Jesus to test Him, by asking what He says about the matter of divorce between a man and his wife.  Jesus, however, does not just answer the question on the surface.  Instead, He drills down to the fundamentals, to the basic plan of creation, to the institution of marriage.

He says, “From the beginning of creation, God made them male and female.  The two shall become one flesh.  Hence, they are no more two, but one and the same.  What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate” (Mk 10:6-9).  This teaching may not be easy to comprehend in the world we live in now that presents relationships based on conditions that are temporary.  Still, Jesus invites us to look at marriage with faith, as a joining in God’s creative act.  In marriage, two people merge into one, and therefore reflect unity, vowed commitment, and reciprocal self-giving.

Just as God loved us first with an unconditional, full, and lifelong love, so too is marriage intended to be an unswerving love.  But Jesus doesn’t stop with the ideal.  He acknowledges human weakness and the brokenness that can enter into relationships.  The law of Moses allowed for divorce because of the hardness of hearts, but Jesus invites us to a higher calling, one rooted in forgiveness, patience, and the healing grace of God.

We are reminded that, while God’s design for marriage is beautiful, living it requires grace.  It is not easy, but with God’s help, married couples can live their vocation with joy and fidelity, even in the face of difficulties.

After this challenging discourse, the gospel takes on a new subject, which is children.  Jesus says, “Let the little children come to Me.  Do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs” (Mark 10:14).  This passage is a word of comfort to those who have childlike faith, faith being that which is simple and innocent, without doubt.  The combination of marriage and children in this gospel is not accidental.  It serves as a reminder that the values of humility, trust, and innocence are essential in all relationships.  Like the child who needs the parents, we too, are called to go to God to offer our struggles, our brokenness, and our hopes.

Let us remember, whether we are married or not, that we are called to live out the same principles of love and self-sacrifice in our relationships.  We must continually invite God into our relationships.  Take time to pray together as a couple or as a family, asking for His grace and guidance.

For those who are married, today’s gospel is a call to reflect on the gift of your marriage.  Are you nurturing the love and unity between you and your spouse?  How can you invite Christ into the heart of your relationship to strengthen and sustain it?

For those who are not married, this is an opportunity to consider how you are living out your relationships with your family, friends, and community.  Do you approach them with the faithfulness and love that Jesus calls us to?

Finally, the image of a child is a reminder to all of us to approach God with humility and trust, recognizing that in Him we can find the strength to live out the radical call to love in both marriage and all other aspects of life.  Let us pray for the grace to model our lives on Christ’s example of love, faithfulness, and mercy, in marriage and every other relationship we hold dear.  May we always remain like children before God, open to His will and eager to receive His blessing.

The Essence of True Faith

Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
September 1, 2024 — Year B
Readings: Dt 4:1-2, 6-8 / Ps 15 / Jas 1:17-18, 21b-22, 27 / Mk 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
by Rev. Nixon Negparanon, Pastor

In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on the essence of true faith and how we live it out in our daily lives.  The common thread running through these scriptures is the call to authenticity: living out our faith not merely through external observances but from a place of deep inner conviction and transformation.

In our first reading, we embrace the wisdom of God’s law. Moses emphasizes the importance of observing God’s commandments. These laws are not just rules to follow. They are a source of wisdom and a means of maintaining a close relationship with God. Moses reminds the Israelites that, by living according to God’s statutes, they demonstrate their closeness to God and their wisdom to the nations.

We can observe that nowadays secular values often dominate. We are called to uphold the wisdom of God’s teachings. These commandments are not burdens but guides to living a life that reflects God’s love and justice. We must ask ourselves: Do we see God’s laws as mere restrictions, or do we recognize them as a pathway to true freedom and wisdom? By living according to these teachings, we become witnesses to God’s presence in the world. Showing others the beauty of a life lived in harmony with divine wisdom.

James, in our second reading, reminds us that every good gift comes from God and that we are to respond to these gifts by being doers of the word.  It is not enough to listen to the teachings of Christ. We must put them into practice. James gives us a clear image of what this looks like: caring for those in need and keeping ourselves pure from the corrupting influences of the world.

In a world where it is easy to hear the word without allowing it to transform our lives, James challenges us to live out our faith in concrete actions. Being Christians is not about what we say or even what we believe in our hearts. It is about what we do. How do we care for the marginalized, the vulnerable, and those in need? Are we willing to live out our faith in ways that might be uncomfortable or challenging? This reading encourages us to look at our lives and ask, are we truly living as doers of the word? Or have we become complacent, content with merely hearing and not acting?

In today’s gospel, we see a confrontation between Jesus and the Pharisees over the issue of ritual purity. The Pharisees, along with some Scribes, questioned Jesus why His disciples eat with unwashed hands, which, according to Jewish tradition made them unclean.

Jesus’ response goes beyond the surface of the ritual and delves into the heart of what true purity and holiness are about. His words challenge us to reflect on the authenticity of our faith and the motivations behind our religious practices.

There is a story about an old Jewish rabbi who was in a Roman prison. Rabbi Akiba was on a minimal ration of good and water. It was just enough for him to survive. One of the rabbi’s students asked the warden if he could bring in more water for the rabbi. The warden agreed. As time passed, the rabbi grew weaker and weaker. Finally, it became necessary to call a doctor. The old man’s problem was diagnosed as dehydration.

The doctor’s report confused prison officials. They could not understand how the rabbi could be dehydrated. He already had enough supply of water to drink. The guard was told to watch the old man closely to see what he was doing with his water. It was then that the mystery was solved. The guards discovered that the rabbi was using almost all his water to perform religious ritual washings before he prayed and before he ate. As a result, he had little water left to drink.

In the heart of the matter, in the gospel, Jesus challenges the Pharisees and Scribes who focus on external rituals while neglecting the more important matters of the heart. Jesus makes it clear that true defilement not from external sources but from within, from the evil thoughts and desires that reside in the heart. This teaching cuts to the core of what it means to live a life of faith. It is not about appearances but about the purity of our intentions and actions.

Rabbi Akiba’s story helps us to understand today’s gospel. It helps us to understand also why the Jewish leaders are surprised when they see Jesus’ disciples eat without performing the ritual of washing, which they are accustomed to do before eating their meal. The Lord uses their criticism to point out what is essential, and this essential is the heart of morality. The heart of morality is no other than the heart of a person.

The Pharisees and Scribes were known for their strict observance of the law, particularly the external rituals that were meant to signify cleanliness and holiness. However, Jesus exposes the danger of adhering to rituals without understanding their true purpose. The problem wasn’t the washing of hands itself but the elevation of the tradition above the commandment of God. Jesus quotes Isaiah saying, “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. In vain do they worship me, teaching human precepts as doctrines.”

This warning is not just for the Pharisees but for all of us. We must ask ourselves, are our religious practices, our prayers, our Mass attendance, our acts of charity done out of genuine love for God and neighbor? Or have they become mere routine, empty of meaning? We need to be vigilant that our external expressions of faith are always rooted in a heart that seeks to love and serve God.

Jesus’ message in today’s gospel calls us to authentic faith and worship. God desires a relationship with us that goes beyond mere observance of the rules. He wants our hearts. Authentic worship is not just about what we do or say but about who we are in the depths of our being. It’s about the heart transformed by God’s love, a heart that seeks to love God and neighbor with sincerity and humility.

The readings for this Sunday challenge us to move beyond superficial expressions of faith and to embrace a deeper, more authentic relationship with God. By observing God’s commandments, being doers of the word, and focusing on the purity of our hearts, we can live out our faith in a way that truly honors God and reflects His love to the world.

As we go about our lives, let us remember that true faith is lived out in actions that flow from a heart transformed by God’s love. Let us commit to being people who not only hear the word, but embody it, allowing our faith to be a source of life, wisdom, and grace in a world that so desperately needs it.

May Jesus Christ be praised.

The Qualities of Good Shepherds

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.

Living the Values of the Eucharist

The 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.

Mothers are Like Jesus

Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord
May 12, 2024 — Year B
Readings: Acts 1:1-11 / Ps 47 / Eph 1:17-23 / Mk 16:15-20
by Rev. Nixon Negparanon, Pastor

A story is told about a priest, who in talking about heaven in his homily said, “We bring nothing with us when we die; there is no money in heaven. People in heaven have no money.” The whole congregation was quiet until a little girl whispered to her mother loud enough for all to hear, “Mama, Mama, we’re already in heaven!”

As we come together to celebrate the Solemnity of the Lord’s Ascension, coinciding with Mother’s Day, we are presented with a unique opportunity to reflect on the profound love and sacrifice embodied in both events. Just as Jesus ascended into heaven, entrusting His disciples with the mission to spread the Gospel. mothers exemplify selfless love and nurturing care in guiding their children towards their purpose in life.

In the passage from Acts, we witness the disciples gazing upward as Jesus ascends into Heaven, leaving them with a profound sense of awe and wonder. Similarly, mothers often look upon their children with a sense of awe, marveling at their growth and potential. Just as Jesus entrusted His disciples with the mission to spread the Gospel, mothers nurture and empower their children to fulfill their God-given potential, instilling in them values of love, compassion, and faith.

In the letter of Paul to the Ephesians (Eph 1:17-23), we are reminded of the immeasurable power of God at work within us. Through the ascension of Christ, He is exalted above all things and His authority transcends earthly limitations. Mothers, too, embody a divine strength and resilience as they navigate the challenges of motherhood, drawing upon faith and inner grace to guide their children towards the path of righteousness. The prayer of Saint Paul echoes our longing for spiritual enlightenment and wisdom. Reflecting the aspirations of mothers, they impart wisdom and guidance to their children as they embark on their journey of faith.

The gospel reading from Mark encapsulates the Great Commission, in which Jesus instructs His disciples to go forth and proclaim the Gospel to all creation. This was not merely a suggestion, but a mandate for all believers to actively participate in the mission of evangelization. Similarly, mothers play a vital role in nurturing the faith of their children, serving as primary witnesses and teachers of God’s love and truth in the home.

What is the command of Jesus for us today? The first is that we should preach. What are those things that we should preach to others? The good news of salvation, that we are loved by God. Even if we are sinners, that we are brothers and sisters to each other, that life has dignity and meaning, and we too have dignity. That is the only way to eternal life. That is why all of us are called in order to preach and to teach. Busy people are not exempted from this mission. Let us not be afraid to tell the truth. Preaching is not only to be done within the church, but also in the office, in the workplace, in homes and many more.

Let me share with you a story about Radell Norris. He was a conscientious young man, but he was also a shy young man. He found it hard just to talk to people, much less to discuss religion with them. Then one day he got an idea. Radell did a lot of reading, and he was aware of the many pamphlets about the Catholic faith. So, he decided to set aside part of his weekly allowance to buy pamphlets. Radell placed his pamphlets in places where he thought people would pick them up and read them. For example, he placed them in waiting rooms and in reception areas.

One day, a young woman who was a friend of his family told his parents how she became a convert and how her husband returned to the Church. It all started with a pamphlet. She said, “I found it in the hospital waiting room.” You can imagine the boy’s excitement when he learned of the impact of just one of his pamphlets.

The story of Radell Norris points to an important point about proclaiming the Good News; there are many ways to do it. We can proclaim it directly as Radell did. Today, many people use the new technology of the internet, Facebook, websites, and cell phones to spread the Good News. Or we can proclaim it less directly. For example, by praying and giving financial support to the missionary activity of the Church.

The second is, we should heal. All of us are called to become healers. Not only as physical healers, but also as psychological and spiritual healers. Not tomorrow, but today.

Lastly, we should be witnesses, not just in words, but also most especially in action. As Saint Augustine had said, “Believe what you preach, teach what you believe, and live it.”

Brothers and sisters, as we reflect on the Solemnity of the Lord’s Ascension and celebrate Mother’s Day, let us express gratitude for the mothers in our lives who have guided us with unwavering love and sacrifice. May we honor their legacy, embracing our mission with courage and zeal, knowing that Christ’s Ascension marks the beginning of a new chapter in salvation history. Just as mothers selflessly devote themselves to the well-being of their children, let us strive to live in accordance with God, guided by the wisdom and grace bestowed upon us through Christ’s exaltation.

As we continue to celebrate our Mass today, may we ascend towards our true purpose, united with Christ in mission and empowered by the Holy Spirit to be instruments of His peace and love in the world.

May Jesus Christ be praised.

Love Without Condition

Sixth Sunday of Easter
May 5, 2024 — Year B
Readings: Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48 / Ps 98 / 1 Jn 4:7-10 / Jn 15:9-17
by Rev. Nixon Negparanon, Pastor

There is a story told about a devastating famine in Russia that had brought great misery.  A beggar had become weak and emaciated and almost starved to death.  He approached the novelist Leo Tolstoy and asked him for assistance.

Tolstoy searched his pockets for money but discovered that he didn’t even have as much as a single coin.  However, he took the beggar’s worn hand between his own and said, “Don’t be angry with me, my brother.  I have nothing with me.”

The thin, lined face of the beggar lit up as if from some inner light.  The beggar whispered in reply, “But sir, you called me ‘brother.’  That was the greatest gift that you could give me.”

Jesus said in our gospel today, “This is my commandment:  Love one another as I have loved you.”

As we gather on this Sixth Sunday of Easter, the readings invite us into a deeper understanding of love, unity, and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.  The Easter season is drawing to a close, yet the spirit of renewal and hope remains vibrant within us.  This Sunday offers a moment for reflection on the journey we’ve undertaken since Easter Sunday and the profound teachings shared during this sacred time.

In the reading from the Acts of the Apostles, we witness the radical inclusivity of God’s love, as Peter proclaims to Cornelius and his household that God shows no partiality.  This passage challenges us to expand our understanding of community and embrace the diversity of God’s creation.  It reminds us that the love of God knows no boundaries, and extends to all people regardless of race, ethnicity, or background.

The passage from the First Letter of John reinforces this message of love, emphasizing that love is not merely a human emotion, but the very essence of God’s being.  As beloved children of God, we are called to love one another for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.  This love is not based on merit or worthiness but is freely given to all who open their hearts to receive it.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus speaks to His disciples about the profound nature of love, and the call to abide in His love.  He reminds them that they are not merely servants but friends, chosen and appointed to bear fruit that will last.  This passage challenges us to deepen our relationship with Christ and to live lives rooted in love, compassion, and service to others.

The gospel also brings us into the intimate discourse between Jesus and His disciples, a conversation rich with profound meaning and enduring relevance.  In these verses, Jesus speaks of love, friendship, and the essence of discipleship.

Jesus begins by commanding His disciples to abide in His love, just as He abides in the love of the Father.  This call to abide in love is not passive; it requires an active commitment to remain connected to the source of all love, which is God.  Through this connection, we find our strength, our purpose, and our identity as followers of Christ.

The depth of Jesus’ love for us is revealed in His willingness to lay down His life for our sins, a sacrifice that exemplifies the greatest expression of love.  In this act of selflessness, we see the true nature of love – love that is sacrificial, unconditional, and boundless.

As Jesus continues, He invites His disciples into a deeper relationship with Him, calling them friends, rather than servants.  This shift in language underscores the intimacy of their connection and the trust that exists between them.  It is a relationship built, not on fear or obligation, but on mutual love and respect.

Central to Jesus’ message is the commandment to love one another as He has loved us.  This commandment is not merely a suggestion or a request; it is a mandate that lies at the heart of Christian discipleship.  To love as Jesus loves is to embody the very essence of His teachings, to extend compassion, forgiveness, and grace to all those we encounter.

There was a story about two little boys who were brothers and went to school for enrollment.  The teacher asked these little brothers about their age and birthdays, so she could place them in the registration form.

The older of the two replied, “We’re both seven.  My birthday is April 8 and my brother’s birthday is April 20.”  The teacher replied, “But that’s not possible, boys.”

The quieter brother spoke up.  “No, it’s true.  One of us is adopted.”

“Oh!” said the teacher, “Which one is adopted?”

The two brothers looked at each other and smiled.  The older brother said, “We asked Dad that same question a while ago, but he just looked at us and said he loved us both equally and he couldn’t remember anymore which one of us is adopted.”  What a wonderful analogy of God’s love for us.  It is a love without condition; it does not discriminate.

Finally, Jesus reminds His disciples that they did not choose Him, but He chose them, and appointed them to go and bear fruit that will last.  This commissioning is both a privilege and a responsibility, calling us to live lives that reflect the love and grace we have received.

As we reflect on these words of Jesus, may we be inspired to abide in His love, to embrace our identity as His friends and disciples, and bear fruit that will bring glory to God.

May we strive to love one another with the same selfless love that Jesus has shown us, and may our lives be a testament to the transformative power of God’s love at work in the world.

May Jesus Christ be praised.

Abide in Him

Fifth Sunday of Easter
April 28, 2024 — Year B
Readings: Acts 9:26-31 / Ps 22 / 1 Jn 3:18-24 / Jn 15:1-8
by Rev. Nixon Negparanon, Pastor

As we come to the Fifth Sunday of Easter, we find ourselves immersed in a season of renewal and growth.  The readings for this Sunday offer profound insights into the themes of love, unity, and the transformative power of faith.

The first reading, from the Acts of the Apostles, offers a powerful example of the transformative power of faith.  We witness the conversion of Saul, who after encountering the risen Christ on the road to Damascus, undergoes a profound spiritual transformation.  Formerly a persecutor of Christians, Saul becomes Paul, one of the greatest apostles of the early Church.  His conversion serves as a reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace and mercy.  It is never too late for redemption, and God can work miracles in the most unlikely of circumstances.

In the second reading, from the first letter of John, we are reminded of the centrality of love in the Christian life.  Love is not merely a sentiment or emotion, but a concrete expression of our commitment to God and one another.  As followers of Christ, we are called to love, not only in word or speech, but in deed and truth.  Our love for others becomes a tangible sign of our discipleship and a reflection of God’s love for us.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus presents the metaphor of the vine and the branches, illustrating the intimate relationship between Himself and His disciples.  Just as branches draw nourishment and life from the vine, so we too draw our strength and vitality from our connection to Christ.  This imagery reminds us of the importance of remaining rooted in Christ, for apart from Him, we can do nothing.

This passage invites us to reflect on the nature of our own relationship with Christ.  Are we actively abiding in Him, allowing His love to flow through us and bear fruit in our lives?  Do we seek to cultivate a deep and abiding faith that sustains us through life’s trials and challenges?  As we ponder these questions, we are called to recommit ourselves to the journey of discipleship, continually striving to deepen our connection with Christ and bear witness to His love in the world.

Somebody once compared a Christian to a basketball player.  He said that to be a good player, it is not enough that you know how to dribble or avoid getting fouls.  What matters most is to be able to shoot, to make points, and to be productive.  We are called to not only observe and learn about Jesus, but also to allow Jesus and His presence, His message, His attitudes to become so much a part of us that Jesus lives in us, and we live in God and abide in each other.  Further, we gain our source, our meaning, and our fruitfulness from that connection to Christ.  Without Jesus, our efforts are misdirected and fruitless.  Connected to Jesus, our actions and efforts can bear much fruit by God working in and through our lives.

The great saint Thomas Aquinas contended that we could have an idea of religion through the meaning of the three etymologies of the Latin word religio:  to bind—religare, to read—legere, to choose— eligere.  We are by nature religious beings.  We come from God, and we’ll return to God.  We can lead the fullness of human life if we fully bind ourselves with God.  We read our life’s situation in the light of God’s kingdom, and we choose to love God above all things.  Real happiness results when there is communion with God in our lives.

Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches.  Whoever remains in Me and I in him, will bear much fruit.”  The connection to this image of the vine and branches can’t help but highlight the importance of the Eucharist.  In the Eucharist, Jesus comes to us in the form of food and drink.  We take Jesus in, and He becomes part of us so that we may become more like Christ in our words, actions, and lives.  The gospel you heard today is very special, because it shows us that we are all connected to our Lord.  We are friends and members of Jesus.

What Jesus wants to teach us in today’s gospel is the extreme necessity for us to remain.  What does to remain in Christ mean?  To remain in Christ means first, to listen to Him and keep His words.  Actually, we can refuse to listen to Him at all or we can listen to Him and then render Him lip service unsupported by any good deeds.  We can accept Him as Lord and then abandon Him in the midst of difficulties and temptations or attribute all of our difficulties and temptations to Him.

Second, is to recognize that Christ alone is the real vine, and that without Him we can do nothing of value to God.

Third, is to live in the Church, which is the mystical body of Christ.  (One of the popes appropriately said that one who does not have the Church as his or her mother cannot have God as his or her Father.)

Fourth, is to see God in all persons and things, even in our enemies and those things we do not like.

Fifth, is to have an active sacramental and prayer life.  Do we always pray?  Do we regularly attend Mass on Sundays?  Do we avail ourselves of the sacrament of confession?  How about if we spend just a few minutes talking about the word of God instead of talking about nothing?

Lastly, is to be convinced that there is a need to prune the structures, methods, approaches, and other things that have become old and obsolete in order to give way to new ones and to remain always with Christ, the everlasting, who Himself is the vine.

As we meditate on the readings this Sunday, may we be inspired to deepen our relationship with Christ, to bear fruit in our lives, and to love one another as He has loved us.  May we, like the early disciples, be empowered by the Holy Spirit to proclaim the good news of salvation and to be agents of transformation in the world.

Family Love

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
December 31, 2023 — Year B
Readings: Sir 3:2-6, 12-14 / Ps 128 / Col 3:12-21 / Lk 2:22-40
by Rev. Nixon Negparanon, Pastor

Our readings today from Sirach, Colossians, and Luke present a harmonious theme that revolves around the dynamics of family, relationships, and the virtues that foster a harmonious and godly life.

In Sirach, we are reminded of the honor and respect due to parents. The call to honor your father and mother is not just a cultural or societal norm but is deeply embedded in the divine order. It reflects a recognition of the role parents play in our lives and the wisdom they can impart. The passage also emphasizes the importance of kindness, which extends beyond familial relationships to the broader community.

The letter of Saint Paul to the Colossians provides a practical guide for Christian living within the context of family and community. The virtues of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness are highlighted as essential for maintaining the unity and peace of the Christian community. Above all, the apostle Paul underscores the central role of love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. The passage challenges us to live out our faith not only in public worship, but also in the intimate spaces of our homes and relationships.

The gospel reading from Luke introduces the presentation of Jesus in the temple and the devout figures of Simeon and Anna. Simeon, filled with the Holy Spirit, recognizes Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promise and a light for all nations. Anna the prophetess adds her voice to the praise and thanksgiving. This encounter in the temple symbolizes the dedication of the Holy Family to God’s plan and the broader significance of Jesus’ mission for all people.

As we continue our journey through Christmas season, this feast of the Holy Family is an important celebration straight after the feast of the Nativity of the Lord and within the octave of Christmas.

There is a story of a man who tried to follow in the footsteps of Santa Claus by giving out gifts to strangers every Christmas. When asked why he wanted to be like Santa, he said, “I grew up in an orphanage. Every Christmas I visit homes and hand out gifts to children and adults alike with the hope that I would eventually find my parents, meet my family, or at least touch the hearts of other families.”

At this time of the year, we give sincere thanks for the love, nurturing, and support that our family can give us, and the love, example, and intersection that the Holy Family gives us on our journey through life. We think of our parents’ and family’s countless acts of kindness, love, and sacrifices. When we were young, we probably didn’t appreciate the scale of it all. When we get older and have our own families or watch with admiration our brothers and sisters and friends raising their own families, we start to appreciate what our parents must have given and sacrificed out of love, and we are truly grateful for this.

We are also very mindful of people whose family life has been extremely difficult, and who did not have that support that others take for granted. That is, not everyone in this world has been blessed with an unconditionally loving and accepting family who support one another.

We give thanks to mentors and all people who have been good role models and sources of care and protection for the young. These people have been family to others, beyond the ties of blood. We keep in mind currently families worldwide who’ve had it really tough this year, perhaps due to illness, distance, separation, financial hardship, and worries.

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph are the patron saints supporting each other and sticking together when everything is going wrong around them. For example, when we look closely at the very first Christmas, we quickly see that life for the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph was anything but smooth sailing.

The joy and hope of this celebration comes from the fact that God came into our world and made a home with us when everything was going badly for the world. The first Christmas came at a time of incredible unrest for the people of Israel who were suffering under the foreign domination of a pagan empire. They had values quite opposed to and different from many of the sacred religious values of the Jewish people.

Mary and Joseph are forced to take a terribly difficult trip to Bethlehem when Mary is imminently due to give birth. This would have been a difficult trip at the best of times, but it must have been extremely difficult for an expectant mother at the end of her term. They arrive at their ancestral hometown, and there is nowhere to stay. They are forced to sleep in a barn, and Mary gives birth to a baby surrounded by animals. The baby is placed in a food trough where the animals normally eat. The shepherds, some of the poorest and lowest outcasts in society, are the first to hear about the birth and come to pay their respects.

Mary and Joseph also had countless incidents when they had just to trust in what God was doing and all the while were plunged into confusion about what it all meant. They trusted in God and supported each other especially when things were unclear and did not make any sense to them, and this made all the difference.

The celebration of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph offers a poignant moment to reflect on the significance of family life and the virtues exemplified by the Holy Family. In contemplating the life of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, we find a model for love, unity, and faithfulness that resonates across the ages. At the heart of the Holy Family is a profound sense of love and sacrificial service.

Joseph’s unwavering commitment to Mary and Jesus, even in the face of uncertainty and challenges, speaks to the strength that comes from selfless love. In Mary, we see a mother who treasured and pondered the mysteries of her son’s life, embodying the qualities of contemplation and deep faith. Jesus, the son of God, chose to enter the human experience, growing up within the embrace of a human family.

This feast invites us to consider the sacredness of our own families and the responsibilities that come with it. In a world that sometimes seems to devalue the institution of the family, the Holy Family stands as a beacon of hope, and a reminder of the importance of cultivating love, respect, and unity within our own home.

As we reflect on the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph we are called to strengthen the bonds of love within our families, to prioritize faith in the face of challenges, and to embrace the sacredness of the family unit. Whether our families are nuclear or extended, biological or spiritual, the virtues embodied by the Holy Family of love, trust, and faithfulness, serve as a timeless guide for building strong and resilient families that reflect the love of God in our world.

May the Holy Family inspire us to cultivate holiness within our homes and to be a source of light and love for others. In a world often marked by division and discord, these readings offer a counter narrative of unity, love, and mutual support within the family and the Christian community. They challenge us to embody the virtues of Christ in our daily interactions, extending compassion and forgiveness to those closest to us and to the wider circle of humanity. As we celebrate the Holy Family, we strive to emulate their virtues, creating homes and communities that reflect the love and harmony of God’s Kingdom. The Holy Family is our inspiration and prayerful support.

At this fifth day within the Christmas season, we give sincere and heartfelt thanks for family, and the support and strength we can give each other along life’s long journey with all these joys and sorrows, graces, and temptations. Holy Family of Jesus and Mary and Joseph, pray for us. May Jesus Christ be praised.

Charity Does Not Sin

The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
November 26, 2023 — Year A
Readings: Ez 34:11-12, 15-17 / Ps 23 / 1 Cor 15:20-26, 28 / Mt 25:31-46
by Rev. Mr. Mark De La Hunt, Permanent Deacon

Here, on the doorstep of the season of Advent, we pause and meditate on the solemnity of “Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.” He has absolute sovereignty over all creation, for He created it.  And yet, in four weeks we enter the mystery of His becoming man, born in a stable, no crib for a bed, His dad a blue-collar worker and His mom a teenage girl.  From now until Christmas, we walk from today’s discomfort at the foot of His judgment seat to the joy and peace of His manger in Bethlehem. These are the poles of our spiritual journey and the religious road between them is called Advent.

I encourage you to make a resolution for Advent that will be your gift for Jesus at Christmas. Consider making a different holy resolution each day or week of Advent.  One I recommend is to find a quiet time to listen to St. Mother Teresa’s Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech on YouTube and ponder it in prayer. Hearing the voice of a great saint is a precious gift.

I listened to her speech early one morning, and it cast a familiar Bible verse in a different light for me. In morning prayer that day, I read this beatitude: “Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God (Mt 5:8).”  I always interpreted this as meaning something along the lines of, “If you live a holy life with Jesus, you will go to heaven and see God.” In her speech Mother Teresa shared stories of the poor in an intimate and tender way, and as I listened, that beatitude led me from the foot of Jesus’ judgment seat to the side of His manger. You might say I had an epiphany.

We will come back to Mother Teresa’s speech in a bit, but now let’s meditate on the scriptures.  Just as there is a dichotomy between Christ King of the Universe and Christ in a manger, there is one between the Old Testament readings where Jesus is a good shepherd and the last two where He is a king and judge (Kreeft 778).  How are they connected? As our shepherd, He leads us in how to live for the day we will be judged.

In Ezekiel 34, God says, “I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep…I will seek the lost, bind up the crippled, and I will strengthen the weak (Ez 34:16).” Jesus is judge, but He does not sit back and wait for us to succeed or to fail, relishing the day He will judge us. On the contrary, in Psalm 23 He says He will “lead [us] in paths of righteousness (3).”  Why? In the verse before that He says He desires to “lead [us] beside still waters, [to] restore [our] soul (Ps 23:2).” One could say that He leads us in how to do good things that restore our soul for our day of judgment, but how is that related to still waters?

Ever look at a pond or lake in the stillness of the early morning, when the water is perfectly flat? It acts as a mirror, reflecting the trees and the sky, and somehow that reflection is more beautiful to us than if we simply looked directly at the trees and sky. So it is when He “restores our soul.” When we take up our cross and follow Him, loving our neighbor, we are at peace, and He restores our soul. It is then that our restored soul becomes like still waters, reflecting Jesus’ love. Others can read about His love directly, but it is more impactful when they see it reflected in us.

Leaving the comfort of the first reading and psalm, we move to the discomfort of the second reading: “Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power…until He has put all His enemies under His feet (1 Cor 15:24-25).”  Who is under His feet?  His enemies, yes, but in today’s gospel we are; everyone is.

In the gospel He is sitting up high on His throne which is also the judgment seat (Mt 25:31-32).  He moves one hand and many are moved to His left. He moves His other hand and some are moved to His right (Mt 15:33).  Those on the right to eternal life in the kingdom prepared for them and those on the left to eternal punishment (Mt 15:34, 46).

How will He judge us? If there is a judge, then there must be a law to judge by. Jesus said, “I give you a new commandment; love one another (Jn 13:34).”  May God have mercy on those who say we do not need works to get into heaven and then cherry pick verses, out of context, to support their wishful thinking. St. Paul called Jesus’ new commandment a law writing “…love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law (Rom 13:8).” Jesus gives us the consequences of breaking that law. In Matthew 7 He said, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven (21-23).”

Those words made some uncomfortable, so they tried to negotiate with the King of the Universe. Here is how that went. “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name? Did we not drive out demons in Your name? Did we not do mighty deeds (miracles) in Your name?” Jesus responded, “I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers (Mt 7:22-23).”  Prophecies, exorcisms, and miracles are all good things, and God allows even sinners to perform them, for they are good for His people. But if one does those things without love for their neighbor, then doing those things does not fulfill the law.

That leads us to today’s gospel, which is the conclusion of several Sundays of warnings from Jesus about the end of time. The last two weeks we heard about the virgins running out oil for their lamps and being locked out of the wedding banquet. And about the servant who did not give his master a return on his talents and so was cast out into darkness weeping (Mt 25:1-30).  Jesus saved the most disturbing warning for last. Disturbing, because He spells it out for us today. He clarifies what the symbolism was for the oil in the virgins’ lamps and the servants’ talents.  He points out those ever so serious sins that lie hidden in our conscience like a copperhead snake amidst some leaves.

The sins I speak of lead us to another good Advent resolution.  Examine our conscience for sins of omission, those acts of love we failed to do. Jesus gives us an examination of conscience in today’s gospel. “When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you (Mt 25:38-39)?”  And the King of the Universe replied, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me (40).”

A good examination of conscience is free of excuses. Excuses did not work well for the miracle workers who were without love. Here are some questions you can turn into Advent resolutions. Have I introduced myself to a new parishioner or to a new neighbor and welcomed them? Have I gathered up the extra coats, shoes, and clothes in my home and given them away?  Have I helped feed the hungry? Is prison ministry on my heart, and if so, how can I act on it?  Could you bring your children or a friend to visit a nursing home?  Is there someone who is sick that you can go and pray with or help with their chores that are going undone?

If you are still feeling comfortable because judgment day sounds so far off, then listen to these somber words from the Church.

“The New Testament speaks of judgment primarily in its aspect of the final encounter with Christ in His second coming, but also repeatedly affirms that each will be rewarded immediately after death in accordance with his works and faith. The parable of the poor man Lazarus and the words of Christ on the cross to the good thief, as well as other New Testament texts speak of a final destiny of the soul—a destiny which can be different for some and for others (CCC 1021).”

“Each man receives his eternal retribution in his immortal soul at the very moment of his death, in a particular judgment that refers his life to Christ [King of the Universe]: either entrance into the blessedness of heaven — through a purification or immediately — or immediate and everlasting damnation (CCC 1022).”

So when will you die? I have been surprised at how many of my high school classmates I have outlived. They were so much healthier than me. Our particular judgment can come at any time. In the first verse of the gospel next week, Jesus says, “Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come (Mk 13:33).”

Now we are in the proper frame of mind to turn to Mother Teresa for guidance and hope. In her Nobel prize acceptance speech, her stories of seeing extraordinary goodness in the poor shed new light on Jesus’ words, “Blessed are the pure of heart, for they will see God.”  What does “pure of heart” mean? St. Angela Merci kept the answer simple, “Charity does not sin.”  When, with love, I welcome the stranger and visit the sick, my heart is pure in that moment. It is free of sin.

My epiphany while listening to Mother Teresa’s stories of the poor was that, when I am lovingly caring for the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick and the imprisoned, I am pure of heart and I…see…God.  I see the person, but in them the King of the Universe is looking back at me.  And in that sacred moment, I travel the Advent road from Jesus’ judgment seat in heaven to the manger in Bethlehem where our King joins us in all our suffering.

Have mercy on us, oh King of the Universe, and send us Your Spirit to lead us from the fear of Your judgment seat to the hope of Your manger. Amen.

CITATIONS

Kreeft, Peter. “Food for the Soul; Reflections on the Mass Readings, Cycle A.” Word on Fire 2022.

Mother Teresa. Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Speech. YouTube.

Catholic Church. “Catechism of the Catholic Church.” 2nd ed., Our Sunday Visitor, 2000.

God, Neighbor, Self

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
October 29, 2023 — Year A
Readings: Ex 22:20-26 / Ps 18 / 1 Thes 1:5c-10 / Mt 22:34-40
by Rev. Jay Biber, Guest Celebrant

We have this great commandment to love from Jesus.  At first it seems that there’s two commandments here, but in reality, there are three.  The second one has two parts. The first says to love the Lord with your whole heart and soul, and the second says to love your neighbor as yourself.  So, there’s the commandment to love the neighbor but also a commandment to love yourself.

These three commandments are very much interdependent with one another.   They’re like a tripod.  A tripod has three legs; if you remove one of the legs then the other two fall.   That’s the way it is with these commandments; they are interdependent.  They’re all intertwined with one another.

Think about the commandment for loving yourself, having a healthy self-love: Why shouldn’t you?   God created you in love, and you were conceived in love.   A healthy self-love is very important, because if you don’t have a healthy self-love, and you’re looking down on yourself, how can you really have a good relationship with other people?   If you don’t love others, you can’t very well love God.  Saint John, in his first letter, asks, how can say you love the God you can’t see if you don’t love the neighbor you can see?   And of course, if we don’t love others, we probably have a dim image of ourselves without the proper image of love of God.

Those are very important and of course, the love of God is all encompassing.   In the love of God there is a commandment to love God and all of God’s creation and all of God’s people. That’s important, because if we don’t have that overarching love of God, then our love of ourselves and our neighbors is too exclusive.  It’s not broad enough if we don’t have that love of God.

Seeing God reflected in all of creation, in all people, leaving none of them out, and realizing also that the love is not always easy.  It’s not always easy to love your neighbor – some of them aren’t very lovable, let’s be honest.  Of course, there are things to get in the way, like grudges that last for generations. Yes, it’s not always easy to love our neighbors, but it is our call to do that.   The overarching love of all creation calls us to love everyone and everybody – we don’t leave anyone or any groups of people out.

For love to be love it has to be active.  When there’s no activity, there is no love, and so our love has to be very active and involved.  If we don’t take time to treasure love ourselves, then everything’s going to falter.  Loving others meets an active love, going out of our way to love them.

Who’s the neighbor?  The neighbor is anyone God puts in your path.  That’s the neighbor, whether it’s your immediate family, your extended family, your workplace, your neighborhood, your church, people you meet in the street, anyone God puts in your path is your neighbor.  The thing is that God makes the choice – we don’t always have a choice about who our neighbor is.  We probably wish we did, but that’s whoever God manages to put in our path.  Sometimes that can be very difficult if you’ve got other agendas going and this person steps into your life and is demanding your attention right now, it’s not always easy.   But it’s a call to love your neighbor as yourself, whoever that neighbor may be.

Then this is really big today – loving God and all of God’s creation and all of God’s people.  We cannot exclude any groups of people, and there’s too much of that in the world today, and too much of that in our history.  We’ve excluded the Blacks and the Native Americans.  In the love of all creation, we’re not doing too good a job of loving all creation. We are destroying creation, and this is important as to whether or not we’re going to live, and not just for us but for the generations that come after us.

Loving God and all people and all creation – the Church is really calling us to this.  Eight years ago, Pope Francis put out an encyclical on the environment, calling us to honesty and calling us to respect the environment as God’s precious creation.  And in the last couple months he added an addendum to that where he’s bringing the process even further along.  I’d like to say this is important; this is whether or not we’re going to survive.

Love God with your whole heart and soul, and see God reflected in all people and in all creation.  That’s a pretty serious obligation.  One thing that I thought of being connected with this was an American Indian way of ending a prayer.  We say “amen,” but many of them say “all my relations.”  That doesn’t mean all their relatives; it means a relationship with all people and all creation –  all my relations.  And the significance of that is that if you’re not in all creation, there’s something dishonest about your prayer.   That’s pretty profound; that you can’t pray worthily unless you’re a in a relationship with all people and all creation. All my relations – could we honestly say that at the end of a prayer instead of amen?