3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle B - January 24, 2021

 3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Cycle B

January 24, 2021

Saint Mary Parish, Pylesville   8am

Our Lady of Grace Parish, Parkton   11am

 

The Power of Words

 

Our words are important.

 

In fact, they are powerful. We need to be aware of this and be careful in our choice of words.

 

For example, the words that we speak to our children can have a great effect on how they feel about themselves. The words that we speak to other adults can have a great effect on what they end up doing. 

 

In today’s gospel passage, we hear Jesus calling the first apostles. We see accounts of this in all four gospels, and Jesus sends the apostles out to do two things. 

 

They are to preach the good news and to cast out demons. Those two dimensions of their ministry go together.

 

By their preaching, by the words they use, they can cast out demons that are destructive, life-taking. Or, they can stir up and give free rein to these very same demons.

 

Six Rules for Words

 

In a similar way, Jesus also sends us to preach the good news and to cast out demons.

 

So again, our words are important, and we need to be aware of that. I have been thinking about this for a long time and have come up with six rules for our choice of words.

 

There may be more, but these are the six that I have. So, here goes.  

 

Rule 1

 

Rule 1: Use words that respect and that do not belittle.

 

Respect others as persons with feelings and needs like our own. Speak to them as we ourselves want to be spoken to.

 

Do not use words that belittle and make others seem stupid or of no consequence. Chances are we would only do this because we ourselves feel diminished in some way and we should deal with that inner personal issue. 

 

Rule 2

 

Rule 2: Use words that are unitive and not divisive.

 

Speak of something that we have in common with the other person. Try to identify and accent the common ground that we share.

 

Do not use words that divide or make divisions worse. Especially don’t draw rigid lines of good versus bad or right versus wrong that may demonize others and separate us from them.

 

Rule 3 

 

Rule 3: Use words that are reconciling and not hurtful.

 

Be humble enough to ask for forgiveness if you have fouled up. And be willing to grant forgiveness or at least remain silent if you have been offended.

 

Do not retaliate with words that are even more hurtful than what was said or done to you. Don’t feel that you have to get even to save face.

 

Rule 4

 

Rule 4: Use words that are persuasive and not coercive.

 

Treat others as reasonable persons like yourself. Try to share your point of view and invite them to look at it.

 

Don’t try to coerce or force others into seeing things your way. Don’t manipulate others especially with guilt or any kind of threat.

 

Rule 5

 

Rule 5: Use words that bring out the best and not the worst in others.

 

Use words that affirm a child’s gifts and encourage a child to develop their own unique talents. Use words that motivate other adults to be giving of themselves in kind and constructive ways. 

 

Do not use words that discourage a teen and make them feel that they are a failure. And do not use words that incite other adults to act out of anger or vengeance.

 

Rule 6

 

Finally, Rule 6: Use words that are truthful and not untruthful.

 

Say things that you know to be true, even if they are not in your best interest. Be willing to admit if you are not sure whether something you are saying is really based in fact. 

 

Don’t say things that are untrue or lies. This will only weave a web of dysfunctional and hurtful relationships.

 

Conclusion

 

I hope these rules are helpful.

 

With them, I believe that we will be able to do as Jesus commissions the apostles: to preach the good news and cast out demons.    

 

 

 

 

2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle B - January 17, 2021

 2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Cycle B

January 17, 2021

 

A New Beginning

 

A New Beginning – that’s the message I am seeing today.

 

In our Old Testament passage, a young man named Samuel experiences God calling him to take a leadership role. This marks a new beginning in his life.

 

In the gospel, three men experience Jesus drawing them to become disciples.

This marks a new beginning in their lives.

 

I am thinking that we as a Church need a new beginning right now. Our country is in a real crisis. 

 

I believe that religion can play a role in transforming this into a moment of healing and hope. As our churches can eventually reopen fully, we need to review how we are presenting God and faith. 

 

And we may need to revise how we are doing that. Maybe we need a new beginning. 

 

1.    A Lens of Oneness

 

The first thing I believe we need to do is to look at all people through a lens of oneness – a lens of oneness.

 

We – all Americans, in fact, all human beings – we are all one. We are all sons and daughters of God.

 

Now, right now, we need to become who we really are. We need to look at each other through a lens of oneness. 

 

I have had an experience that, at least for me, really illustrates what I am saying. About a year and a half ago, I was offering Mass one Sunday at Saint Matthew’s Parish in Baltimore.

 

Saint Matthew’s is a multi-cultural parish – about 35% white and 65% persons of color from 60 different countries of origin. It is a vibrant community of faith.

 

This one Sunday was right after a terrorist attack on two Catholic churches and one Evangelical church in Sri Lanka. People were killed.

 

Well, eleven Muslims, six men and five women, attended this Sunday Mass at Saint Matthew’s. They did this in solidarity with us, their Catholic brothers and sisters.

 

I should add that the pastor of Saint Matthew’s and the Imam of the nearby mosque and their leaders had developed a good relationship over recent years. Well, just think about the image I am portraying for you.

 

That’s what I mean by seeing through a lens of oneness. I and, I believe, we as a Church, we need to begin to see everyone, no exceptions, through this lens of oneness. 

 

2.    Words of Oneness 

 

The other thing I believe we all need to do is to speak words of oneness.

 

This should really flow from seeing through a lens of oneness. We need to do this both within the Church and in the public forum.

 

We especially need to use respectful words for those who disagree with us. There are both progressives and traditionalists within our Church, but we are all part of this faith community.

 

There are Democrats and Republicans, liberals and conservatives in our country, but we are all Americans. We need to use words that lift up what we believe or think, but without putting down others; we can disagree but we cannot demonize.

 

This is an issue in our Church, and we need to get a handle on it. For example, in recent months, surrounding the election, some American priests and bishops have spoken some harsh, alienating, and divisive words directly and publicly aimed at others in our Church and in our country. 

 

Sadly, these talks got picked up and spread rather widely by some in our Catholic community. I believe that this has contributed to the violent tone in our country.

 

You know, we need to light lights and refrain from cursing darkness. In a way, it’s simple.

 

If you go into a dark room in your home on one of these January nights, you don’t curse the darkness and try to chase it out. Instead, you flip on a light switch. 

 

That’s how we are to live our faith. Jesus never said: “I am the curser of darkness.”

 

He said: “I am the light of the world.” So, in the same way, we need to use words of oneness and be the light that Jesus wants us to be. 

 

Conclusion

 

These are some of my thoughts at this moment.

 

Seeing through a lens of oneness and using words of oneness – both of these resolves need to be part of a new beginning for us as Catholics. If we do that, we will make a very helpful contribution to our Church and to our country at the same time. 

 

 

Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Cycle B - January 10, 2021

 Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

 Cycle B

January 10, 2021

Saint Mary Parish, Pylesville 8am 

Our Lady of Grace Parish, Parkton 11:00am 

 

Jesus’ Baptism/Our Baptism 

 

The baptism of Jesus is an important moment in his life.

 

It marks the beginning of his public ministry. He has grown up, left home, and now begins his work of teaching, healing, and proclaiming the kingdom of God.

 

Jesus’ baptism is also significant for us. It opens up the richness and impact of our own baptism. 

 

“You Are My Beloved Son”

 

First, the passage says that a voice comes from the heavens: “You are my beloved Son.”

 

The voice seems to say that Jesus is God’s Son in a special way. He is the Son of God.

 

In a similar way, those same words are intended for us in our baptism. “You are my beloved daughter. You are my beloved son.”

 

With these words, baptism states God’s unconditional love for us. This may sound so simple, but I am afraid that in practice, we may forget it or believe differently. 

 

One of our Catholic authors says: “We don’t have to earn God’s love; we just have to accept it.” That’s the impact of these words: “You are my beloved daughter. You are my beloved son.”

 

This means that no matter what we have done, we are still beloved to God. Maybe we, as children, have told a lie to our parents, or we, as adults. have been unfaithful to our life commitment.

 

No matter what, we can be forgiven and restored if we want it – that’s all it takes. No matter what we have done, we are still beloved to God.

 

And, no matter what has been done to us, we are still God’s beloved. Maybe we were put down by a parent, teacher, or coach and made to feel less than others. 

 

Maybe we got repeated messages that we didn’t fit in as a teen. Or maybe we have been subject to sexual abuse or domestic violence. 

 

These and other life experiences can tear us down and lead to self-doubt and feelings of worthlessness. Well, no matter what’s been done to us, we are still God’s beloved.

 

Our being aware of this can be the foundation for healing our self-esteem and re-building our sense of self-worth. All of this is wrapped up in the gift of our baptism.

 

The Heavens Were Torn Open

 

There is one more thing about Jesus’ baptism and our own baptism that I want to highlight.

 

The passage says that “the heavens were torn open.” The symbolism or significance of this is that there is no longer a separation between heaven and earth, between God and us. 

 

God is present in Jesus, and through Jesus, God is present to us and in us. This is what baptism proclaims and activates.

 

And this is why Jesus is so central and pivotal to our faith. Because of this, I recommend that the gospels must be at the center of our personal spirituality and prayer life.

 

The gospels are the Good News – that’s what the word Gospel means. They are the Good News of Jesus and his saving presence. 

 

This is why we stand here at Mass for the reading of the gospel as opposed to sitting for the other two readings. We honor the gospel as the summit, the high point, the apex of God’s gift of himself to us.  

 

So, whatever kind of personal prayer you do is fine. I am sure it is good.

 

But, it is important that we read some of the gospel as part of our regular prayer – at least once a week, preferably every day. Our spirituality and prayer life are lacking without this. 

 

So, if you don’t have a Bible, but one or even download one on your Smartphone or computer. Make the reading of a passage from the gospels part of your personal prayer life. 

 

It will nourish our faith and help us to grow in our relationship with God. It will bring us more and more alive as baptized persons – as God’s beloved sons and daughters. 

 

 

 

 

 

Feast of the Epiphany, Cycle B - January 3, 2021

 Feast of the Epiphany

 Cycle B

January 3, 2021

Our Lady of Grace Parish, Parkton   8:30am

Saint Mary Parish, Pylesville   11:30am

 

Lights of the Heavens

 

I imagine we have all had the experience of just gazing at the moon.

 

I have done this sometimes, especially when there is a full moon. On a clear night, the moon is beautiful and bright, as it is surrounded by the darkness of space.  

 

It is amazing how much it can light up a dark night. And besides the moon, aren’t the stars amazing? 

 

Isn’t it a special treat to be in the countryside or the mountains or on the beach at the ocean on a clear night? Then we can look up and really see countless stars shining in the midst of the darkness. 

 

Both Light and Darkness

 

In todays’ gospel, the magi look up into the dark sky and see a bright star. 

 

They follow that star, and it brings them to the newborn Jesus. Have you ever reflected that stars, like the one the magi saw, can only be seen against a backdrop of darkness? 

 

This is a simple, obvious fact, but it is good to remember it. I say that because sometimes we are tempted to want to have stars or light without darkness. 

 

Like right now, in the Christmas season, aren’t we tempted to say: wouldn’t it be nice if every day were like Christmas? Wouldn’t it be nice if each day were full of such a joyful spirit? 

 

Wouldn’t it be nice if there were no darkness in life? But of course, deep down, we all know that in real life, there is good news and bad news, joy and sadness, light and darkness.

 

Accepting the darkness that we cannot change is often very difficult, but it is a sign of wisdom. And, besides accepting it, there is one other thing we can do.

 

Control our Focus

 

We also have the ability to choose what we look at.

 

We can decide to look at the light or at the darkness. I mean, with our family members or friends, we can choose to focus on their faults or on their good qualities – we can choose our focus. 

 

Most people whom we would regard as effective or successful have their share of sorrows and setbacks like anyone else. What makes the difference is that they generally concentrate on the light rather than on the darkness. 

 

If we just keep thinking about all the bad things that happen, we will soon feel down. But if we focus on the good, we will feel uplifted. 

 

So, Look at the Stars

 

So, inner peace and joy often depend on little more than a shift in focus. 

 

We don’t pretend that the darkness isn’t there. But like the magi, we can choose to concentrate on the stars instead of the darkness.

 

I had an experience of this on Christmas Eve in another parish. I and several others after one of the Masses started to bemoan the pandemic and express sadness that so few people were coming to Christmas Mass.

 

But then something hit me. And frankly, it wasn’t me; it had to be God speaking through me.

 

I found myself saying: “But just think. At Easter, we were closed, and none of us was here.

 

At least some of us are here now and we’re on the way back.” I think that’s an example of looking at the light instead of the darkness!

 

So, yes, we can choose what we focus on. And above all, we can choose to follow the stars – holy persons, inspiring writers, and especially, the Gospels – we can choose to follow the stars that shed light and not darkness.

 

If we do this, like the magi, we will eventually come to the one who is “God from God, light from light.” We will be with the light, in the light, and maybe even become the light for one another.

Christmas, Cycle B - December 25, 2020

 Christmas

Cycle B

December 25, 2020

St. Mary Parish, Pylesville 4, 6, and 8pm

Bon Secours Retreat and Conference Center        11am

 

I Heard the Bells 

 

One hundred and fifty-seven years ago, Christmas of 1863, our nation was deeply divided by the Civil War.

 

On that Christmas, the American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was feeling very down. He was worried about our country and about his son who had been wounded in battle.

 

Feeling so down, Longfellow scribbled these words: “In despair I bowed my head; `There is no peace on earth,’ I said.  `For hate is strong and mocks the song Of peace on earth, good will to all.’”

 

Very soon after writing these words, again, on Christmas Day 1863, Longfellow heard the sound of bells from a nearby church. The peeling of those bells lifted him out of his downcast spirit and awakened his faith and hope.

 

So, in a matter of minutes, Longfellow rewrote his words: “Then peeled the bells more loud and deep: `God is not dead; nor doth he sleep! The wrong shall fail, The right prevail, With peace on earth, good will to all.’”

 

As we all know, Longfellow’s words became our popular carol, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.   

 

I Heard the Word 

 

Those bells reminded Longfellow of God and of what Christmas is all about.

 

They awakened his faith and hope. They helped him to see the possibilities that Christmas proclaims.

 

Tonight, the Scripture readings – like the bells – awaken our faith and hope in what the birth of Jesus is all about.

 

Awaken to Sacredness of Human Life

 

Most basic and most important of all, tonight’s gospel reveals that God has taken on our humanity in the birth of Jesus.  

 

God is one with us and is present in our humanity. What I see here is that the birth of Jesus awakens our faith in the sacredness of the life of each person.

 

Aren’t we seeing this reverence for life right now in the untiring commitment of our health care workers in caring for those with Covid? And doesn’t this call me and each of us to do every practical thing we can to protect one another from this virus?

 

And don’t we see this reverence for life in the hard work and thoughtful care of so many parents for their children? And doesn’t this call me and each of us to care for the life of unborn children and also of all children who are living with no hope?

 

So, Christmas, the birth of Christ in Bethlehem, awakens our faith in the sacredness of human life.        

    

Awaken to Respect for Differences 

 

And then, tonight’s gospel tells about shepherds coming to the manger in Bethlehem.

 

A few verses after this passage, we hear that wise men from the East also come to see the newborn Savior. These stories tell us that Jesus draws to himself the poor, uneducated shepherds from nearby, and the wealthy, educated wise men from a foreign land.

 

What I see here is that the birth of Jesus awakens us to a respect for differences. In fact, it awakens us even to a valuing of differences.

 

Don’t we see this already with our country accomplishing so much when we value both athletes and artists, computer techs and carpenters, delivery drivers and doctors, engineers and electricians, farmers and financial experts, mechanics and military officers, psychologists and plumbers, security guards and scientists, teachers and tailors? And doesn’t this call me and each of us to stop being afraid of differences in other realms of life and realize how enriching they can be?

 

So, Christmas, the birth of Christ in Bethlehem, awakens us to a respect and valuing of differences.

 

Conclusion

 

That’s what I am seeing, this Christmas of 2020.

 

May we allow the bells of Christmas and our Christmas gospel to awaken us in these ways. With that, we can have “peace on earth [and] good will to all.”   

4th Sunday of Advent, Cycle B - December 20, 2020

 4th Sunday of Advent

Cycle B

December 20, 2020       

Saint Mary Parish, Pylesville   8am

Our Lady of Grace Parish, Parkton   11am

 

The Annunciation 

 

Today’s gospel is one of the most well-known stories in the entire Bible.

 

It is called the Annunciation. The angel Gabriel announces something to Mary – the word Annunciation refers to this announcement. 

 

This passage is packed with details that are inspiring and enriching for our faith. I have chosen three of them for our reflection. 

 

1. Mary as Disciple

 

The number one thing to notice is that Saint Luke presents Mary as the first and model disciple.

 

Just look at what happens. At the beginning of the story, the angel Gabriel greets Mary and announces what is about to take place.

 

Then, at the very end of the passage, Mary responds. “I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to your word.”

 

So, Mary 1) listens and then 2) lives out God’s message. It is helpful to think about her response in the context of a story later in Luke’s gospel.  

 

Jesus is inside a house and someone says, “Your mother and family are outside wanting to talk with you.” And Jesus responds, “My mother and family are those who [1] listen to the Word of God and [2] live it.”  

 

So, Jesus defines what it means to be a member of his spiritual family or a disciple – 1) listening to and 2) living his word. The significant thing is that Mary has already done this before Jesus is even born.  

 

In fact, Mary becomes Jesus’ physical mother and forms his human family because she is the first member of his spiritual family. She is the first and model disciple.  

 

2. Jesus As God’s Son

 

The next thing that stands out for me is what the angel tells Mary about the child she will bear.

 

The angel says: “He will be called Son of the Most High.” And then, a few verses later, Gabriel explains to Mary how this will happen.

 

“The power of the Most High will overshadow you.” And it is this word “overshadow” that is significant. 

 

The Book of Genesis uses the same word “overshadow” to describe the work of the Holy Spirit in the act of creation. And, as I just said a minute ago, Mary responds to the angel: “Let it be done to me according to your word.”  

 

Again, the Book of Genesis uses the same word or expression that Mary uses here – in Latin, “Fiat” – “Let it be done.” Genesis uses this same word to describe God’s action in creating the world.

 

So, the idea here with these words – “overshadow” and “Let it be done” – the idea is that God is doing a new creation – something radically new with Mary. And, of course, Gabriel gets very clear on what this newness is.  

 

The angel says: “The child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.” The newness is that this child is the Son of God, the very presence of God with us.  

 

3. Nothing Is Impossible 

 

My last reflection is on Gabriel’s concluding words to Mary: “Nothing will be impossible for God.”

 

We all know or have known relatives or friends who have been in situations that seem impossible. Maybe we ourselves have been in such situations: a serious case of cancer or Covid; an addiction or the loss of a job out; chronic anxiety or depression.

 

And I imagine that you have said as I have often said: “I will pray for you.” “I will remember you at Mass.”

 

Have you ever thought that our promise of prayer is based on what Gabriel tells Mary today? “Nothing will be impossible for God.”

 

Mary fully affirms Gabriel’s statement and, in doing this, is a great example of faith for us. She herself knows very well that with God, all things are possible.

 

She invites us to trust that God will care for us and for others for whom we pray. God can do what we cannot conceive of in our own minds.

 

And so, we promise to pray for one another. Because “Nothing will be impossible for God.”

 

 

3rd Sunday of Advent, Cycle B - December 13, 2020

 3rd Sunday of Advent 

Cycle B

December 13, 2020

Saint Mary Parish, Pylesville   8:00am       

Our Lady of Grace Parish, Parkton   11:00am 

 

John the Prophet

 

In the city of San Juan, Puerto Rico, there is a large sculpture of Saint John the Baptist.

 

The sculpture is located between the ocean and a main highway in San Juan. The interesting thing is how John is portrayed. 

 

He stands with his head tilted down and his eyes looking down at the highway. But his right arm is raised above his head – something like this – with his index finger pointing up to the heavens. 

 

This depiction says a lot about John the Baptist and other prophets.  

 

John and the Other Prophets

 

In today’s gospel, John is asked: “Are you the Prophet?” – spelled with a capital P. 

 

Here the word Prophet means the Messiah or Savior that God has promised. John replies that he is not the Prophet in that sense.

 

But, in truth, he is a prophet – spelled with a small c. He is the last of a long line of Old Testament prophets who were preparing the way for the Savior whom God promised.

 

As the sculpture in San Juan depicts, John and other prophets are looking closely at everyday life. But they are doing this from a heavenly perspective – with their finger or mind pointed up and focused on God. 

 

We as Prophets

 

Maybe we have never thought about it before, but we and all baptized persons are called to be prophets.

 

In the Rite of Baptism, we are anointed with consecrated oil with these words. “As Christ was anointed Priest, Prophet, and King, so may you live.”

 

So, we are to live as prophet. We will leave the Priest and King parts for another time. 

 

For today, the question is: what does it mean for us to be a prophet? Well, it definitely doesn’t mean living in a desert or dressing differently like John did.

 

In fact, being a prophet is to be part of ordinary, everyday life. I think we can summarize what it means in three statements: We are to 1) listen to God, 2) speak for God, and 3) work with God.

 

1.    Listen to God

 

First, we are to listen to God.

 

This can be a quiet five minutes early in the morning before the busyness of the day starts. Or it can be a quiet thirty to forty seconds at a stop light.

 

Or it can be reading and reflecting on a passage from the gospel. Making time to listen to God may be challenging, but it is important.

 

It is our way of having our arm above our head with our index finger pointed to God. It’s our way of inviting God to guide us in all the stuff we do in the course of a day.

 

2.    Speak for God  

 

So, 1) listen to God, and then 2) speak for God.

 

Today’s gospel says that “John was sent from God to testify to the light.” John’s role was positive – to testify to the light and not just curse the darkness.

 

And, as John says, the light is Jesus and his message. So, as prophets, we speak for God when we affirm the good behavior or accomplishments of our children. 

 

We speak for God when we assert or lift up something that we believe without putting down someonewho believes differently. Speaking for God like this is the way of the Christian prophet.

 

3.    Work with God

 

Finally, we are to work with God.

 

The idea is that God needs us to be his hands and feet in the world. So, following the images of Isaiah in the first reading, we work with God when we prepare a casserole for the Our Daily Bread program. 

 

We work with God when we comfort someone whose heart is broken by the death of a loved one. We work with God when we are with those imprisoned by depression or loneliness.

 

So, we are to 1) listen to, 2) speak for, and 3) work with God. That’s the way to be a prophet of the New Testament and to live out our baptism.