1st Sunday of Advent, Cycle C - November 28, 2021

 1st Sunday of Advent

Cycle C

November 28, 2021   8:30 and 11am

Our Lady of Grace Parish, Parkton 

 

3 Habits for Advent 

 

I imagine that many of us have heard of the book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

 

Steven Covey wrote this, and it has sold over twenty-five million copies. On one level, this is a book to help those in business to become effective and successful. 

 

But on another level, Steven Covey also says that this is a character-ethic book. It is intended to help any person to develop character – to live out of one’s inner values or principles.

 

Covey cites seven habits as crucial. The first three of these deal with our inner dispositions.  

 

Covey says that highly effective people are, first of all, proactive. Second, they live with the end in mind.  

 

And third, they put first things first. It strikes me that these three habits express well what today’s Advent readings are saying.  

 

1. Be Proactive

 

First, highly effective people are proactive.

 

They take the initiative.  For example, in the business world, a dry cleaner might open a second location as a way of being proactive and growing their business. 

 

In today’s New Testament reading, Saint Paul expresses his pleasure with the way the people are living their faith. But, he wants them to do even more, to be proactive.

 

For us, this may mean that we pray not just when we really need something. Instead, being proactive means that we pray every day so that we have a real inner communion with Christ that will help us on both the good days and the challenging days. 

 

2. Live with the End in Mind 

 

Then second, Steven Covey says that highly effective people live with the end in mind.

 

They are goal-oriented. For example, I imagine that McDonald’s has a goal of a high market share, and so they are always trying new things like salads and specialty coffees.

 

In today’s gospel, Jesus speaks of omens in the universe and disasters that will threaten us. These words are not to be taken literally, but rather as more of a scare tactic to get us to live with the end in mind.

 

For us, this may mean that we not get swallowed up in the consumer culture of just having to get the latest iPhone or whatever it is. Instead, living with the end in mind means that we stay aware that someday we will meet God and what will be important will be how well we have lived and who we have become as persons.

 

3. Put First Things First

 

And third, Covey says that highly effective people put first things first.

 

They live with a sense of priorities. For example, some car dealerships know that quality service and repair is crucial if they are going to get repeat customers, and so  they make this a priority in their operation.  

 

In today’s gospel Jesus is also calling us to live whatever my state-of-life is in the way God wants me to live it. We are to make this our priority above anything else.  

 

This may mean that, if you are a parent, you give priority to your family. Putting first things first may mean that you aim to have dinner together as many evenings as possible, because it is right there, in those minutes eating together, that valuable communication often happens.

 

Conclusion

 

So, I am saying that these three habits really express what Advent invites us to do.

 

And, this is important, all three of these habits are connected. If I am proactive but don’t have the end in mind, I will probably be going in many directions at once.

 

If I have the end in mind but am not proactive, I will be going nowhere. And if I have both of those habits but don’t put first things first, I will easily get caught up in unimportant things.

 

We need all three habits to prepare for the coming of the Lord. That is the message that I see on this First Sunday of Advent.   

Monday of 33rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle B - November 15, 2021

 Solemnity of Christ the King 

Cycle B

November 21, 2021

(This weekend, the deacon is giving the homily at the Masses. Therefore, I am sending you a recent weekday homily.)

 

Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time

November 15, 2021   8:30am

Our Lady of Grace Parish, Parkton

 

We have to listen to see.

This idea may sound strange, but I think it is true.

 

In today’s gospel, the blind man sitting by the side of the road listens.

He apparently has listened to others talking about Jesus.

Then he listens to Jesus who asks him what he wants.

The result is that this blind man now sees.

He sees physically – his eyes are literally opened.

And he also sees spiritually – he actually addresses Jesus as Lord – a title that is close if not equivalent to God.   

He comes to see Jesus for who he really is.

 

In contrast, some others around Jesus see physically but do not see spiritually.

And why? Because they do not listen.

They are closed to the new ideas or new ways that Jesus proposes.

They are upset with his acceptance and inclusion of others, especially with those whom they deem to be sinful.

They do not like his humility and lack of self-righteousness.

They cannot accept Jesus’ placing the care of persons above the literal prescriptions of their law.

So, they do not listen and therefore do not see who Jesus really is.

We have to listen to see.

 

Saint Ignatius once said: “Speak little, listen much.”

One commentator on Ignatius’ statement says that sadly, listening has become a lost art in our culture.

Sometimes we are so preoccupied with what we are going to say or so satisfied with our own understanding of things or so resistant to dealing with something new or different that we do not listen.

And the result is that we do not see.

We do not see the life experience or viewpoint of another.

We do not see the value of an idea that is new or a way that is different from what we are used to.

Why? Because we do not listen.

We must listen to see.

 

 

Father Michael Schleupner

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B - November 14, 2021

 33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Cycle B

November 14, 2021   5pm and 8:30am

Our Lady of Grace Parish, Parkton 

 

Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge 

 

There is a rather famous American short story written over a hundred years ago.

 

The story is titled Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge. Maybe you have heard of it or even read it.

 

The setting is the Civil War, and it is about a Confederate sympathizer who is about to be hanged by some Union soldiers. The soldiers march this man out to the bridge over Owl Creek.  

 

The man’s wrists and ankles are tied, and a noose is put around his neck. The commanding officer barks the order, and the condemned man falls.  

 

But then, the rope breaks, and the man goes into the river below. He sinks down into the water and miraculously frees his hands and feet.  

 

He realizes that he now has a second chance at life. As he swims or floats down the river, he is struck by the beauty of the leaves on the trees.  

 

He notices the blueness of the sky. Never has the world looked so beautiful, and he senses how great it is to be alive.  

 

Finally, he swims ashore and starts to walk. Soon he comes to a house, and he can’t believe his eyes because he is back home.  

 

His wife comes running out to greet him. But then, just as they are embracing, the story flips back to Owl Creek Bridge.  

 

Shockingly, the body of this same man is hanging there. The man had only imagined in the split second that he fell to his death that he had gotten a second chance at life.  

 

In that split second, he had seen life for what it is – as a precious gift to be appreciated. He had realized how differently he would have lived if only he had been given a second chance. 

 

A Second Chance 

 

That is the story of Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge.

 

It seems to me that the author has the same lesson in mind that the Scriptures are conveying today. He is saying that the condemned man did not get a second chance at life but we, the readers of the short story, we are given a second chance.

 

In the same way, the Prophet Daniel in the first reading and Jesus in the gospel focus our attention on the end of our life on earth. Jesus wants us to live with an awareness of this.

 

And with this awareness, he wants us to appreciate life right now for the precious gift that it is. In effect, he gives us a second chance.

 

Our Second Chance 

 

When I think about this, these are some of the things that come up for me.

 

We have a second chance to make God the center of our lives…

to live everyday with an awareness that we come from God and someday will return to God.   

 

A second chance to develop an inner, personal relationship with Jesus…

to read, really read the gospels, and realize that we are loved by God and close to God.

 

We have a second chance to use the gifts and potentials God has given us…

to become the full person God has made us to be.

 

 

A second chance to smell the roses…

just to appreciate this day of life or the beauty of this season of the year.

 

We have a second chance to appreciate family and friends…

to express our love for them and to give time and a listening ear to them.

 

A second chance to appreciate the story of those we don’t understand or don’t like…

to take in their experience and see them as persons much like ourselves.

 

We have  a second chance to look at the light that is around us…

to see light and point it out.

 

And a second chance to be positive…

to think and speak and do good, constructive, life-enhancing things.

 

Conclusion

 

So, unlike the man in the short story, but like the readers of the short story and of today’s gospel, we have a second chance to prepare for that hour which Jesus talks about. 

 

Let’s make sure we use it well. 

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B - November 7, 2021

 32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Cycle B

November 7, 2021     

Our Lady of Grace Parish, Parkton 5pm and 8:30am 

 

Introduction

 

This morning, I want to speak with you on two matters. 

 

First, I want to reflect on today’s gospel and our financial support of the parish. And second, I want to talk about something that Pope Francis is spearheading and how this involves us right now.

 

Parish Finances

 

So, first, our financial support.

 

Since becoming Administrator on September 20, it has taken me a while to wrap my head around the parish financial position. The Finance Committee, the corporators, the President of the Pastoral Council, the parish Business Manager, and others have all been a big help to me.

 

I think I now have a pretty good understanding of where we are. The bottom line is that we are operating this year on a budget that is not balanced.

 

We are projecting a deficit at the end of the fiscal year of $137,000 – a deficit of $137,000. We need to address this for the present and the future well-being of the parish.

 

So, we will continue to review our expenses to see if any reductions can be made. If we can reduce expenses, we will.

 

At this point, I am also asking each parish family to look at your financial giving. We do many wonderful things as a parish, and there is more to do.

 

We as Christians and as Catholics have a rich spiritual tradition. We want to offer this in ways that touch the lives of each person here at Our Lady of Grace. 

 

As I said several weeks ago, our parish has a plan for doing this. Father Jim and the Pastoral Council developed this for the parish and our ministry is based on this. 

 

Your support is needed for this. Today I am talking about financial support.

 

Before long, we will also talk about support for this through your time and talent. But for today, I am asking us to review our financial giving. 

 

I am addressing this to all families or persons who are here this weekend and to those watching our Masses being live-streamed. I will also be sending a letter to all registered families about this, including those of you who are already giving generously. 

 

I thank you for your present giving to Our Lady of Grace. I have gotten to meet many of you and I find your faith inspiring. 

 

Our financial giving is one very concrete expression of our faith. So, I ask you to take a look at this and, if possible, consider an increase of 5% or even more. 

 

The truth is that our offertory giving is under budget by 15%. I know that you will do what you can.

 

The letter that will come within ten days, will repeat this request and also show you the ways you can give. Now, I say all of this mindful of today’s gospel. 

 

Jesus praises the poor, widowed woman who drops two small coins into the temple treasury. His wonderful point is that each of us is to give to God’s work according to our means. 

 

So, I want you to know that this is also my mindset. We, and that includes me, we are to give in proportion to our personal resources. 

 

So, please take a look at this in the context of your faith and your relationship with God. 

 

Synod and Conversation

 

Now, a few words about Pope Francis.

 

The Pope is preparing the entire Church for a Synod in 2023. The word Synod comes from a Greek word that literally means journeying together.

 

The Synod in 2023 will be in Rome and will have bishops and others from around the world participating in it. To prepare for that, Pope Francis wants some input from the entire church. 

 

The document for the Synod, approved by Pope Francis, says: “The Spirit is moving in new ways. The synod is intended to inspire people to dream about the church we are called to be, to bind up wounds, to build bridges, to enlighten minds, and restore strength for our common mission.”

 

Each parish in every diocese is being asked to hold a listening session and offer input. We have been given several simple questions to guide us on this. 

 

These questions deal with what has encouraged and helped us and with what has discouraged and hurt us as persons of faith. Our responses to the questions can be based on our experience with the total or universal Church, and also on our experience with our own parish, Our Lady of Grace.

 

To respond to the Pope’s request, I am inviting all parishioners to a conversation and listening session. I will hold two of these, one next Sunday November 14 beginning by 9:45, after the 8:30 Mass, and the other on Monday evening November 15 at 7pm. 

 

These will be in the parish hall and there will be some refreshments. Obviously, you can pick the time that works better for you. 

 

I think that these sessions can be a valuable opportunity for us to express both hurts and hopes, to bind up any wounds that may be there and to build vision for a good future. I hope you will consider coming to one of them.

 

Let me conclude by thanking you for all of your time and attention this morning and for all that you are as persons of faith. It is a blessing for me to be here with you. 

 

31th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B - October 31, 2021

 31st Sunday of Ordinary Time

Cycle B

October 31, 2021       

Our Lady of Grace Parish, Parkton 5pm and 8:30am 

 

Doing What God Demanded 

 

In the 1820s, a woman named Harriet Tubman was born here in Maryland.

 

She was born into an enslaved family, and she herself was a slave. But, she became a hero.

 

Harriet Tubman escaped from slavery and then helped many others to do the same. She continued to work after the Civil War to improve the lives especially of the elderly and of women.  

 

Once, as she was growing older – she died in 1913 – she was asked about what she did. Her response was simple.

 

She said: “It was nothing special. It was just doing what God demanded.”

 

What Faith Demands 

 

Harriet Turman’s comment about what she did leads me to the question: what does faith in God demand? What does your or my faith demand of us? 

 

I think we all know that everything in life makes demands. If we want to graduate from high school or college, we’ve got to study and get passing grades.

 

If we want to succeed in a business or at our job, we’ve got to work hard. I think our Scripture readings today say that faith demands a lifestyle of love.

 

Jesus’ Demands 

 

The context of today’s gospel is that many religious leaders of Jesus’ day tried to legally define God’s demands.

 

They counted up the religious laws and clung to all 613 of them in the Old Testament. Unfortunately, while they did this, many of them were missing the demands of true faith or a real relationship with God.

 

So, in that context, one of the religious leaders asks Jesus: “What is the first of all the commandments?” And Jesus’ response is pivotal.

 

It is a pivotal moment in Jesus’ mission and for the entire Christian tradition. He quotes a commandment that is in one of the books of the Old Testament – we heard this in our first reading – and then he adds a second commandment from another book. 

 

In effect, Jesus makes the two commandments into one. He binds together love of God, love of others, and love of self. 

 

“Love the Lord your God” 

 

Jesus begins: “The first commandment is this: you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.”

 

Jesus knows that this commandment is sacred to his fellow Jews. They may wear what we might call a medal or scapular with these words inscribed on it.

 

So, the first demand of faith is a lifestyle ordered around God. It is making a commitment to God with our whole being.

 

Faith demands that we make God a priority in all that we do. Jesus wants us to be passionate and personal about our faith. 

 

“Love your neighbor” 

 

Then Jesus adds: “You shall love your neighbor.”

 

Faith demands that we are not just self-focused. It is not just a God-and-me or a Jesus-and-me thing. 

 

I think we can look at it this way. If “God is love,” as the New Testament says, then we need to allow God or love flow through us. 

 

We need to be thinking: what is the loving thing I can do in responding to my spouse or in correcting my child or in dealing with my anger toward someone? How can what I do be constructive and not destructive, be life-promoting and not life-diminishing?

 

“As yourself”

 

Finally, Jesus teaches: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

 

So, faith even demands that we realize our own dignity as God’s sons and daughters. It demands that we rest in the awareness that we are special and valuable in God’s eyes.

 

And with that, faith demands that we take care of ourselves. We don’t have to feel guilty about taking some time to read or pray or workout or watch a game. 

 

We don’t have to feel guilty about going out for an evening together without the kids. We are loved by God and we need to have appropriate love and care for ourselves also.

 

Conclusion 

 

So, Harriet Tubman saw it clearly and simply.

 

As she says, she only did what God demanded. Today the Scripture is equally clear about what faith demands, and now it is up to each one of us to apply this in our own lives.