Good Friday

Is Jesus still feeding the five thousand? We believe that he did long ago. Even as children we were probably amazed by the Gospel story we just heard. Jesus did what? That’s unbelievable! And the Miracle of the Feeding of the Five Thousand (the only miracle appearing in all four Gospels --- except for the Resurrection) shows many sides of Jesus. His compassion. His generous heart. His Divine power over nature and creation. And we would have seen none of that in this circumstance had he listened to the Twelve, his inner-circle. They wanted him to dismiss the crowds so they (the people gathered) could get for themselves what they needed for the night. Jesus could have agreed with them and told the crowds to go and find their own food. But he didn’t. Instead, he told his friends to, “Give them some food yourselves.” They didn’t see how that was possible. And we know the rest of the story. Is Jesus STILL feeding the five thousand? It’s a very important question. [It should be the reason we are here!] After all, hunger didn’t just exist two millennia ago and then disappear. Much of the world hungers for physical and spiritual food each and every day.  Is Jesus still feeding the five thousand, still filling men and women with every good thing --- everything they hunger for? And if so, how come the whole world isn’t “satisfied”? The “answer” of course, is right in front of us. We just heard it from the mouth of Jesus. If we see hunger around us (in any of its forms) we’re not supposed to simply wash our hands of the whole matter and expect people (or tell them) to go figure it out themselves. Rather, WE are commanded to feed them, care for them, provide for them, love them. And like the Apostles long ago, maybe we just don’t see how that is possible. I said earlier that we know the rest of the story. But Matthew, Mark, and Luke (not John) include one detail that is important. You see, this “miracle” of Jesus is not a miracle in which the followers of Jesus just simply “watch” Jesus do something amazing. They actually participate in the miracle. Just as we are called, not to just sit in the pews and watch, but rather actively participate in the Miracle of the Mass, through our prayer, our song, our worship. The people gathered around Jesus recognized the need (as we are expected to do). They offered themselves and what little they had (just as we are invited to provide the “little” we have --- our flawed, weak, sinful selves - represented in the basket of offering placed before the altar). After Jesus transforms what looks like not enough into more than enough, he hands it to the Twelve - to then hand it to the people. This is just as every good thing we do originates from what we have been handed from the Altar, namely Jesus who has loved us first, and calls us to be channels through which he pours out his abundant love. Of course, God doesn’t have to do it this way. Yet, he chooses to because he loves us and wants our lives to reflect his, wants us to be his hands and feet, wants us to be the holy, generous, loving creatures he created us to be. What a privilege this is! God asks for our help even though he doesn’t need it. Will we help, will we participate not only for ourselves but for others? The idea that each of us is “enough” in his or her own way is not just an important one, it is also a profound one. The five loaves and two fish that often seem to be all WE are, are actually a kind of illusion, a kind a lie. The truth is, whatever God is asking of us is possible for one reason only --- because God, being divine, will make sure we have enough. The real question is --- will we cooperate and participate so as to allow God to “feed” us so we can, in turn, feed the “five thousand.” the hungers of others? Or will we continue to send them away? Today, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, we gather to give thanks to Jesus for the gift of his very life --- poured out for us and for the whole world --- and miraculously present to us in the Eucharist. The nourishment we are invited to receive from the holy altar is Jesus himself --- a food unlike any other, and a reminder to us of the countless ways God provides for us each and every day. But make no mistake about it --- this holy meal is not simply a moment between ourselves and our Lord and Savior, a private encounter meant for each of us alone. Rather, it is meant to be transformative, a means to become people more configured to Jesus --- in how we see the world, how we speak about the world, and how we act in the world. In other words, it’s so we can do what Jesus did that incredible day two thousand years ago, do what seems utterly impossible, do what seems completely beyond our ability or understanding --- feed more people than we can even imagine. The “miracle” we just heard proclaimed has actually been passed on to us at every Mass. We participate by being open to the incredible gift we are about to receive, trusting that God’s grace is always enough for what God asks of us. We just have to be ready for each moment he shares with us some divine nourishment --- and invites us to feed the crowds around us. Our bold and reverent “Amen,” to our reception of Holy Communion, is our acceptance of the mission Jesus has entrusted to us. This is why we are sent out from every Mass with words like, “Go forth, Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord...” Our participation in this miracle continues as we offer ourselves out in the world.

Ref.: John 16:12-15. Baby steps to the Truth Dcn. Bill Kenney June 14/15, 2025 Most babies will take their first steps at around one year old. They do this with encouragement, direction, and example from their parents and older siblings. They stumble and fall but eventually get the hang of it. Before long, before you know it, they learn to hop, skip, jump, and run their way through life. But they start with baby steps. Our Gospel reading from John highlights the sharing, cooperative, and collaborative relationship between the three persons of the Holy Trinity: the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. They are united as One to bring us to salvation in Christ. The reality of the Holy Trinity is a mystery, that is, a matter of faith. It is difficult for us to completely express our understanding. It is a truth to be reverenced with surrender. The Catechism says, the Most Holy Trinity “…is the mystery of God in himself.” It is therefore the source of all other mysteries of faith, the light that enlightens them.” The Holy Trinity is three distinct persons, distinguished in their relationship to one another, yet they are one God in divine being. Jesus speaks to his disciples in the context of the days before his final hour. They accompanied Jesus for three years witnessing his parables, miracles, new teachings, commandments, and prophesies. Their minds and spirits are swimming with perplexities and fear, yet also with hope. Indeed, as Jesus said, he has “much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now.” Were they experiencing a sort of “Jesus overload”? The Church, established by Christ, would take centuries to develop through the workings of the Holy Spirit. She grows as she continues even today with baby steps- sometimes stumbling and falling, but getting back up and, as we know, “…the gates of hell shall not prevail against it [her].” The Holy Spirit, the promised Spirit of Truth who we’ve heard so much about in recent weeks, guides us, the Church, with encouragement, direction, and example. The Spirit hears, proclaims, and glorifies the Father and the Son in all things. The Father and his Word, the Son, together possess everything and share everything with each other “…in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit…” Together they guide the Church, teaching her to walk in the light of Christ. Jesus says, “...the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth.” How are we guided to all truth by the Spirit of Truth? First, what is “ all truth ”? There is really only one definitive umbrella of ever-lasting truth of all : that is, the love between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. G.K. Chesterton said, “Trinitarian language is the theologically precise way of saying, ‘God is love’. The love they share is the Holy Spirit.” St. Augustine says, “… the Holy Spirit is the self-love between the Father and the Son.” As God’s children, we are blessed to take share of this love and are called to hear, proclaim, and glorify the Father and the Son in all things. We are guided to all truth by our faith and obedience to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and as witnesses to the truth of Christ to others. We acknowledge the presence of the Holy Trinity: When we sign ourselves in the nam e , not the name s , plural, of the Father, and of Son, and of the Holy Spirit, in all reverence and grace. When we are validly baptized in the Trinitarian formula to become children of God. When, as the Body of Christ, we pray in unison our Profession of Faith recognizing what we believe constitutes each person of the Most Holy Trinity. We acknowledge the presence of the Holy Trinity at the consecration of the Eucharist. We offer to the Father the sacrifice of the Son through the love and power of the Holy Spirit. When we take in the Body of Christ, we share in the love of the Trinity; we become what we eat. How is the presence of the Holy Trinity empowering your life, your faith? Understanding the mystery of the Holy Trinity is a matter of faith and reverence for the truth. Perhaps we will not have a perfect understanding of it until we reach our salvation where we will then know all truth. In the meantime, like a one-year-old, we take baby steps. We try our best to learn God’s will from his Word and those significant others placed in our lives. We entrust our hearts and prayers to the cooperative, collaborative efforts of our Triune God to fulfill our needs. As the Body of Christ, may we be united, share, and profess the Holy Trinity’s bond of love in our lives. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever.

Does your faith excite you? We Catholics, in the minds of many, are not exactly known for our “excitement” about our faith. I guess you could say that many of us take a more sobering, workman-like approach to our faith. We, for the most part, just do what the Church expects us to do. Come to Mass. Say our prayers in private. Avail ourselves of the Sacraments. Give monetary support to the Church and other charities. Stay out of trouble. Hang a crucifix in our house or keep a rosary in our car or purse. Do a few special things during Lent (and sometimes during Advent). Those sorts of things. And so, while we certainly “embrace” our faith at some level, most of us probably would not consider what we do (or how we express our beliefs) as being very “exciting”. But shouldn’t we be excited? Don’t we believe in a God who made us out of love and in his image? Don’t we believe, therefore, that we are truly “good” --- and that God cherishes us even more than a parent cherishes his or her own child? Or do we only see the bad, the flawed, the failings --- in ourselves and one another? Don’t we believe in a God who has been communicating with his creation from the very beginning, revealing himself continually --- not just in the past, but to this very day? Or do we believe in a God who is distant and silent? Don’t we believe in a God who refused to stay apart from his creation, but rather entered into it completely in the person of Jesus? Or do we believe that Jesus (while inspiring and loving and powerful) is still just a man? Don’t we believe in a God who makes himself present to us in Sacred Scripture, in the silence of our hearts and minds and conscience, in each other, and in the most sacred meal imaginable? Or do we believe that we basically have to do everything “right”, or jump through hoop after hoop to get his attention or his favor? Don’t we believe in a God who reached out in the most dramatic, loving way possible, thereby repairing a relationship damaged by our own disobedience? That is, don’t we believe in a God who gave absolutely everything to “save” us --- for eternity and in every moment of every day? Or do we believe that we are on our own --- at the mercy of our own devices and sin? And don’t we believe in a God who is closer to us than we are to ourselves, our God who isn’t dwelling apart from us, but who dwells within us through the power of his Spirit? Or do we believe that we have to make our way in life on our own --- sure to fail and disappoint --- not just God, but also fail to become the beautiful person we always hoped we would be? How we answer those questions has profound implications for the way we experience life, and therefore might determine whether or not we are “excited” about our faith. And if there is any day to be “excited” about our faith it is today --- Pentecost --- a celebration of the God within and God’s enduring (and relentless) love for us. There is a fire within each of us. And that fire is sometimes just a glowing ember, just waiting for us to allow our loving God to fan those flames and erupt into a fire that has the unbelievable power to change not just us, but the world. But like any other fire, the conditions need to be “right” --- need to be such that we don’t suppress the flame, but actually help it grow, help it become the warm, bright, life-giving force that reflects precisely who God is and who we are called to be. What are those conditions? One is simply belief. Do we believe that God dwells in us? Or is God somewhere else? One is the realization that we can be more than we were yesterday. Is a better you and a better me in our future? One is the acknowledgment that we are precious in God’s eyes --- not because of what we do or don’t do --- but because God made us and loves us --- for all time, and without condition. Do we buy that? One is a positive outlook --- a sincere hope and confidence that a better world is not a pipe-dream, but rather is a divinely-ordained possibility --- a desire by God that we (through the graciousness of God) can help bring about. Or do we think a worse tomorrow is a foregone conclusion? And one is simply an openness to grace --- an open mind and heart that desires nothing more than to pursue God’s will above our own, cooperate with God’s plan before pursuing our own --- that is, one willing to trust in God’s ways rather than spend our lives embracing what we want, what works for us. Or are we unwilling to surrender in such a way, refusing to “die to self” in imitation of Jesus?  The reality is that this Pentecost will only truly be Pentecost when we let God do what God wants to do --- create a fire within each of us that might surprise us and lead to one thing --- excitement. For if we believe what we say we believe, then our lives --- our very beings --- will never be ordinary. They will be loving reflections of the incredible God we have --- the God within. Come Holy Spirit! Come!

“As he blessed them he parted from them . . .” Breakups are hard. Even the ones that come about because of mistrust or betrayal or disagreements or resentment or hostility or any other negative thing. Even those types of breakups can be really difficult --- those painful times when we reflect on what once was --- the love and affection and kindness that attracted us to another person in the first place. What went wrong? Why couldn’t things have stayed the same? Why couldn’t it just be “happily ever after”? Yes, the wounds that come about from breakups can be some of the most painful things we experience in life. But all breakups aren’t like that. Some don’t arise because of a pattern of hurtful things or bad behavior. Some come about for a much different reason altogether. And what is that reason? It’s those times when one or both of the parties involved realize that a breakup --- a parting --- is actually the best thing, the kind thing, the loving thing. And those are the breakups that don’t really feel like true breakups. In fact, sometimes they feel more like a kind of transition, a change, the start of a journey down a somewhat different path. And while those types of breakups can (and do) still feel painful, they rarely cause long-term harm. In reality, they can often be the necessary thing, the life-giving thing. Sometimes it just takes a while to realize it. “As he blessed them he parted from them . . .” I wonder what Jesus’ disciples felt in those few moments in which everything changed. And while their relationships with him were not of a romantic nature, they weren’t run-of-the-mill friendships either. They had developed into something much more over the past few years. They came to admire him. They came to trust him and respect him. They came to pay attention to his every word. They came to rely on him for help and turn to him for advice and believe in what he said --- even when it was confusing or hard to grasp. And, most importantly, they came to love him --- not just for what he did or said, but for who he was --- both as the most special person they had ever known, and something more than that --- someone very Holy and Heaven sent. And then he was gone. And they didn’t get a say in the matter. They didn’t get a vote. They didn’t have a chance to “change his mind”. They didn’t have an opportunity to plead with him or to lay out a convincing argument as to why they needed him to stick around. No, this decision was not theirs to make --- for if it were up to them, they would have decided differently. Many of us probably feel (in a certain way) like the disciples that day. Even though not one of us had a chance to get to know the Divine Person Jesus while he walked this earth. No, we didn’t have that privilege. But we probably wish he was still here with us. Wish we could turn to him for advice for every problem we are facing. Turn to him to heal us when we are sick, or better yet, when we or one of our loved ones is dying. Turn to him when we are frightened. Turn to him when a storm is approaching. Turn to him for a good story or some wise words or the answer to a moral dilemma. Yes, it sure would be easier if he were still here. Well, isn’t he? You see, the Lord Jesus may have parted from his disciples that day, but it certainly wasn’t any sort of breakup, wasn’t any sort of ending of a relationship. In reality, it was much the opposite --- a step taken by Jesus to ensure that their (and our) relationship with him became what he hoped it would become --- something more than spiritual “children” following him around like puppies fawning all over their master. No, Jesus seems to have wanted his relationship with his disciples to mature into something new, something more meaningful, maybe even something more powerful. From this moment on, the work of our Lord would no longer just be his. He was now sharing his mission with us. His work would be our work. His attitudes our attitudes. His priorities our priorities. His words our motivation. His death and resurrection the meaning (and power) behind it all. And it’s likely that none of that would have (or could have) happened had he remained walking on this earth --- drawing all the disciples attention away from the place he wanted it to be --- on the needs of every single person who could use a little kindness, a little mercy, a little love. Jesus was leaving this earth in appearance only. He would live on (through the Spirit) in the hearts and minds and hands of every person open to God’s grace. And so, this “parting” was the very best type --- brought about because one of the parties knew what was best, knew what needed to be done, knew that the pain of the moment would eventually dissipate --- and something more beautiful would grow in its place. Deep Faith & Courageous Action!  And so, let’s not lament what might have been. Let’s rejoice in what is --- not the absence of our God, but the intense presence of our God --- our Lord and Savior who is closer to us than he’s ever been. May we not look for him just in the heavens --- but in His living Word, in the Holy Eucharist, in ourselves and in one another. And may our relationship with Jesus who reigns from Heaven, become everything he dreams it can be.

Sixth Sunday of Easter -Yr. C. May 24,25-2025 Dcn. Bill Kenney Ref. Jn. 14:23-29 Choose love and obedience to the Word. If you touch a hot stove, then you’ll get burned. If you have your head down looking at your phone while crossing the street, then you might get hit by a car. If you read and study well, train and practice diligently, then you’ll be on the right path to accomplish your life’s goals. If you love one another, then you will be a disciple of Christ. If you love Jesus and keep his Word, then he will come and make his dwelling within you. From our youth we learn the “if/then” alternatives of our choices to teach and remind us of life lessons. We come to understand and develop the virtues of obedience and love through our choices. We continue throughout our lives to realize the benefits and consequences of following or not following the rules of societal living, the doctrine of the church, or the precepts of God. Our Gospel reading from John today is a continuation of the Last Supper discourse whereby Jesus assures us, his followers, of his leaving, yet promises his ever-present dwelling in our hearts and his eventual second coming. The context is such that these are the last moments of his life with his disciples. The shepherd shall be struck down and the sheep scattered, but by the power of the Holy Spirit, those obedient to his Word will live on in his love. Nearing the end of the Easter season, why are we back-tracking and revisiting this discourse? It’s because Jesus said, the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, “…will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.” Through the author’s inspired pen, we have the Gospels to remind us of Jesus’ Word. Like the early disciples, we too need these constant reminders of Christ’s presence in our lives through the gift of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. We learn from our choices; the alternatives we face to drive home these important reminders. If you love Jesus, then you will keep , and be obedient to, his Word. “ If you loved me, [ then ] you would rejoice that I am going to the Father…” Author and philosopher, Peter Kreeft, like a good disciple of the Holy Spirit, wonders, “Wouldn’t it be better if Jesus was still here on earth, if he never ascended? No. Because it is his Spirit we have, so we have Jesus more fully, more interiorly, more intimately than before the Spirit came [at Pentecost]”. His indwelling gives us new life in the Spirit, for our eternal salvation. The Magisterium, the teaching arm of the Church, derives its authority by the power of the Holy Spirit. We are, therefore, reminded of Jesus Christ and his Word through the Church. The Holy Spirit will guide and empower our faith to love and follow Jesus' teachings. In what ways do you sense the Holy Spirit guiding your faith? By the exchange of our love and the love of the Father through the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, the Holy Spirit of God the Father and the Son dwells in us and gives us peace. Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you.” Christ’s gift of peace is echoed in our liturgy at every Mass because it is an important reminder that we are not alone and that we are to focus on the love and peace of Jesus within us as we go about our daily lives in faith and hope. We hear of peace negotiations throughout the world: Israel and Hamas, Ukraine and Russia, Pakistan and India, and others. This worldly peace is often conditional and fleeting, subject to the whims of sin and hatred of fallible humans. Christ’s peace is founded on love, hope, justice, and forgiveness, in opposition to any pride and selfishness within us. As much as we offer each other the sign of peace, may Christ’s peace reign in our hearts. Lord Jesus, give us hearts full of love and obedience to your Word, that through your Holy Spirit you may dwell in us. As we surrender ourselves to your holy will, help us to grow in faith, peace, and love, for the glory of God.

“I give you a new commandment: love one another.” Did Jesus just say what I think he said? Did I hear him right? Now, I’m not confused about the “love one another” part. I get that. I’m puzzled by his use of the word “new”. Would his disciples have considered this commandment to be new? I thought that was what all of God’s commandments were about. Honor your father and mother --- don’t kill --- don’t steal (property or spouses) --- don’t tell lies about others --- don’t wish you had the stuff that other people have --- isn’t that love? What’s so new about what Jesus was saying? And Jesus even goes further --- telling his disciples that “loving one another” would be the way others would know that they are disciples of him. In other words, Jesus seems to be saying that there’s this new commandment he’s giving them that will become the hallmark of who they are, will become their dominant trait, will be what will make them “different” from everyone else --- and thereby declare to others that they are followers of Jesus. Wasn’t that what everyone was supposed to be doing already? Well, yes and no. There is no question that the commandments (and the other 600+ Jewish laws) required people to behave a certain way. And they certainly served a worthwhile purpose --- keeping people from doing anything unjust or harmful. Yet, many of them set a kind of minimal standard for people to obey, but didn’t necessarily make the “ideal” the “norm”. And maybe most importantly, many of these laws and commandments didn’t really seem to address a person’s attitude at all, didn’t describe what was supposed to be going on within a person’s heart and soul as they obeyed what was prescribed. And so, one could (in a sense) harbor all sorts of bad feelings and attitudes on the inside, yet be fully compliant to what they believed God expected of them. And so some people might have been bitter about what the law required. Or maybe obeyed the law reluctantly. Or even resented the law. Or secretly wished harm on others. Or were jealous of others. Or whatever. And none of that is true love. Once we start “watering down” what we call love we start moving further and further from what it truly is. And if that “watering down” is drastic enough, we probably should stop calling it love at all. The reason is simple. Every ounce of love we show others does not originate in ourselves. Love has its origin in God. That’s who God is. And there are no conditions on it. And it isn’t given only once in a while. And it’s not given out in tiny parcels. No, God’s love is relentless and unconditional and unceasing. It is a force able to transform every person and every situation. And it’s what we are expected to share --- the love that comes to us from our God who has loved us first. And so, when Jesus tells his disciples to “love one another” --- he’s inviting them to love as his Father loves, as He loves, as the Holy Spirit loves. He’s asking them to not pick and choose who they’re going to love, but simply do it day-after-day, person after person. And it can’t be done begrudgingly. (Then it’s simply a chore.) And it can’t be because there is something in it for the giver. (That’s just another form of selfishness.) And it can’t be only toward those we like, or those who agree with us. (That’s more like a private club.) No, Jesus wants us to love in the fullest way possible, love in an extreme kind of way that is visible to all, in a way that shows that our faith actually makes a difference in how we live our lives. Jesus wants the love we say we have (for God and each other) to actually be that --- love --- and not something else. “This is how all will know that you are my disciples, . . .” It’s kind of amazing that, as Jesus neared the end of his time on earth, this is what he wanted to make sure his disciples understood. Remember, Jesus said lots of very profound truths --- told countless stories and made all sorts of inspiring speeches and authoritative pronouncements --- and yet, he doesn’t remind them of any of those things. Genuine Love - free, total, faithful, fruitful, and sacrificial Love is what’s on his mind. And he wants to make sure it stays on the minds of those who follow him. We see this love on the Cross, we receive this love in the Eucharist….Do other’s encounter this love in us? Is this God - Love on our minds and evidenced in our actions? Love that transforms, heals, saves.  May others know us for being a Eucharistic people who bring the love of Jesus to the world.

Fourth Sunday of Easter 5-11-25 Dcn. Bill Kenney

Do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife . . . .

Ref. Jn.20:19-31 Thomas' journey to belief is ours