Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Pilgrimages have been an essential part of the religious lives of people for a very long time. From ancient times up to the present day men and women have chosen to travel to special “holy” sites whether it be Jerusalem or Rome, Fatima or Lourdes, Mexico City or Santiago de Compostela in Spain --- men and women have been spending both time and treasure seeking out these unique places. Yet, while on the surface it might seem that these holy pilgrimages are all about the “destination” --- all about the final goal --- true pilgrims know this is not really true, not really an accurate reflection of the true purpose of such an endeavor. Rather, the true purpose is the journey itself, the path --- and the transformation that often takes place in the process. Pilgrims often tell story after story about the journey itself, story after story about the towns along the way, or the places they stayed at, or most importantly, the people they met along the way. Put another way --- the God they hoped to encounter, the God they hoped to grow closer to, was not found just at the end of the pilgrimage, but rather was encountered countless times along the way. The divine was not limited to a few select places, but was all around them --- and the pilgrimage itself helped create a spiritual space in which they could see God in their midst.  If only we could do the same. We just heard two Scripture stories in which the people in the story have a divine encounter. In our First Reading from Genesis we find Abraham and Sarah having probably an ordinary day when Abraham suddenly sees three strangers standing nearby. And instead of waiting for them to approach him he rushes out to them and goes above and beyond what would have been expected. Why was he so excited to see them? We don’t really know. But it seems pretty clear that he was open to something, open to someone, open to a true spirit of care and concern and generosity. He later finds out (as we did at the start of the passage) that these were no ordinary men. Rather, this was a visit from God (accompanied by angels). And the “reward” for his actions is that they tell him that Sarah will conceive in her old age. And in the Gospel passage from Luke we hear the famous story of Martha and Mary, a story in which two sisters welcome Jesus into their home. One sister, Martha, presumes that the best thing to do is show him hospitality (similar to what Abraham and Sarah did in our First Reading). The other sister, Mary, does something much different. She sits at his feet excited to listen to his every word. And while both sisters are doing something “good” for Jesus, it is Mary’s behavior that gets affirmed. In a certain sense, Mary was aware that something holy was about to happen, something (or someone divine) was in their midst, while Martha was focused on doing what she probably would have done for any visitor. These stories can be a little difficult to understand in that we aren’t immersed in the same culture as the characters in the story were, don’t live in a world with the same societal demands and expectations. And we can get bogged down in all the details of the stories, trying to figure out how Abraham’s behavior and Martha’s behavior seem to be the same, and yet are treated differently in each story. But what strikes me is that these types of situations, at least at first, seemed ordinary and commonplace. Yet, for Abraham and Mary something told them that these situations only appeared to be “normal” and that something “extraordinary” might be taking place. It was as if they were “seeing” differently from most people, seeing in such a way that they were open to a moment of grace, open to an encounter, a visit from God. If only we could do the same. Sometimes we approach life as if it is a kind of journey in which the only thing that matters is the final destination. “Am I doing the right things and living the right way so that I will arrive at the place I want someday,” we often think to ourselves. And if God is only found in heaven, then our lives become a long stretch without much to look forward to, an endless string of days filled with often difficult, burdensome situations and circumstances. But maybe it’s not that kind of trip at all. Maybe it’s more like a pilgrimage --- a holy journey pointed in the direction of heaven, yet filled with encounter after encounter after encounter with the living God. And these kinds of encounters will be found not just in out-of-this-world moments, but most often in the common, ordinary moments that don’t require much travel, time or money. It takes real faith to see every moment and every encounter as an opportunity of grace, a chance for us to encounter the divine, a chance for us to experience our God in the places and people we least expect. This is not always an easy thing --- for potential holy moments don’t always appear so. It takes an open heart, an expectant heart, a hopeful heart. We set our sights on heaven, but are ready to encounter God numerous times before that and just moments away in the Eucharist.

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Ref.: Deut. 30:10-14 , Ps.69; Lk 10:25-37 . Be a good neighbor. Dcn. Bill K. July 12/13-2025 Driving along the expressway you may see a sign, “Speed limit 70” – pretty straightforward, easy to understand. It’s the law. You’ve been use to these your whole driving career. Your spouse, however, may think it’s your first time, or that you forgot how to read, and have no idea what it means! He or she gives you a gentle and kind reminder. We are taught to obey the law, whether it be laws to maintain order in a civilized society, or Church Canon Law, or Catechism moral law in how we treat other people. Most of these laws are understood with little confusion. It is more a matter of us and our ability and conviction to internalize and take action to carry out the law in our lives. Moses, in our first reading from the book of Deuteronomy, tells his people, to, “…heed the voice of the Lord, your God, and keep his commandments and statutes that are written in this book of the law.” Throughout their exodus, sojourning through years in the desert, the law became he says, “…something very near to you, already in your mouths and in your hearts. You have only to carry it out." There’s the rub. It’s easy to understand and value a law’s truth and necessity, but it’s another thing to make the choice to take action and trust in the Lord to help us obey his law. Is that too hard to do? In our Gospel reading from Luke, we hear the Greatest Commandment and the Parable of the Good Samaritan. This Greatest Commandment is found in Deuteronomy, with Jesus adding a second that is like it: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself”. All three of the synoptic Gospels convey this message. It is an important foundational tenet of our faith to abide with and obey as disciples of Christ. The Parable is found only in Luke given by Jesus as further clarification to the scholar and listening bystanders. The scholar correctly answers Jesus’ question on what the law says to do to inherit eternal life. In a twist of pride, to further prove his smarts, he asks, “And who is my neighbor?” This leads to a remarkable parable helping us visualize and understand the definitive message of what Jesus says about “…who is my neighbor?” As we hear in Luke, a priest and a Levite, scholars and men of position, notice and pass by a beaten, half-dead robbery victim on the opposite side of the road. They took the side of the road that distanced them from any perceived trouble or inconvenience. They chose by their pride, prejudice, and fear the opposite side, opposite the law of God. The Samaritan traveler, a person from a sect of religion contrary to Jewish law and practice, had pity for the victim, and took care of his needs- going above and beyond. Like a State Farm Agent, he was the good neighbor, the one who treated the victim, his neighbor, with mercy. It’s interesting that the victim remains anonymous throughout the parable. His identity is not important to Jesus’ message. He wasn’t a person of power and influence that commanded help. Being any man among all mankind, he is a type of us. His anonymity points to the fact that as God’s beloved children, we are all fallen neighbors. Jesus uses the Parable of the Good Samaritan as an example of loving those who may not be our friends. He taught his disciples to love your neighbor as yourself, sharing charity and mercy to everyone in need. He calls them and us today to “go and do likewise.” And how do we do likewise? I’m a firm believer that God puts into our pathways opportunities to be good Samaritans, to live out our faith and do God’s will. We need only open our eyes and hearts to those who cross our paths. Perhaps there’s a reason for that encounter; an opportunity to make a difference for the better in someone’s life. As witnesses of Christ, we take the same side of the road, to walk with and meet the needs of others. This most readily happens with our spouse and children and other close family members. For others, it may be as simple as linking to an intercessory prayer chain for those grieving, hurting, or making big decisions. It may take your time and effort by doing volunteer work or donating to charitable causes. As a good neighbor, you may be called to lead others to Christ through the OCIA Program. As Danny Gokey sings, “Keep it real simple- Love God and Love People.” Keep this simple mantra close to your heart- in your thoughts and actions when you encounter others- that it may guide you to walk the same side of the road they’re traveling. Love of neighbor is not unlike our encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist. We meet him at the altar of sacrifice. From our broken nature we offer humble gifts to our victim Savior, who, out of great love, gives us his mystical body which is lifted up to the Father to give us eternal life. He is the epitome of love of neighbor. Through the varied paths of our lives, may we obey and carry out the law of the Lord in love and mercy for our neighbor. “Do this and you will live” while giving all praise and glory to God.

Most of us probably don’t feel too comfortable sharing our faith in a bold way. That’s just the honest truth. Depending on the setting, there can be a certain amount of discomfort in continually interjecting religious-type comments into everyday conversations and situations. After all, many of us don’t like it when people do it aggressively in our presence --- so much so that the topic itself is usually “off-limits”. Some of it has to do with not wanting to sound too pushy. Some of it has to do with not being that good at articulating what we believe. Some of it has to do with not wanting to look like we are some kind of know-it-all in matters of faith. And some of it has to do with not wanting to look uninformed about such important (and often difficult to understand) matters. When it comes to religion and faith and the “big questions” of life most of us probably prefer to remain somewhat silent. And all of that makes today’s Gospel passage from Luke a little unsettling. In the story, Jesus sends out seventy-two of his disciples to go into towns and homes proclaiming peace to households, curing the sick, and announcing that the kingdom of God is at hand. Of course, Jesus doesn’t say that’s ALL they’re supposed to say or do. We can assume that they are also telling the people they meet about this man named Jesus --- a friend of theirs who is remarkable in all sorts of ways. Of course, Jesus knows that some of what they say won’t be received, and so he gives them some instructions on what do if that is the case. In any event, it seems clear that he wants his disciples to start spreading the message he has shared with them, and even start doing some of the things he has done for them. Are we ready to do that? Here comes that unsettling feeling again. After all, most of us look with a certain amount of suspicion at people who knock on doors to “talk religion” with people, or who come up to random people in coffeehouses and hand out pamphlets and such. I’m guessing that for the most part we act politely, and give a simple “No thank you” --- when what we really want to say is, “I just want to be left alone to finish my bagel and check out my social media.” We feel this way because we know that often these types of conversations are not received well, and therefore, if not handled skillfully, might actually push someone away rather than draw them in. And we certainly don’t want that. So it seems ok to be careful and thoughtful and prudent when deciding exactly when and how to share our faith and our spiritual journey. But that doesn’t get us off the hook. Jesus still wants us to get the message out, still wants us to proclaim the kingdom, wants us to share the Good News. He wants his message to be loud and clear and permeate every corner of every town of every nation. So how do we actually do that? How do we bring peace and every other good thing to strangers without moving far from our home? …It’s not that hard. At least in theory. You see, each of our days is filled with all sorts of unexpected encounters, all sorts of random meetings, with people we don’t know and who we probably will never see again. And, in a sense, each of these persons is a kind of town, a kind of household that we have entered --- even for a brief moment. These are opportunities for grace --- opportunities to “say something” to another person through the very way we act, the very way we talk, the very way we handle the situation in which we find ourselves. These are opportunities to offer to pray for and with others. And these countless opportunities are not only a chance for US to bring a little peace, prayer, and goodness into someone’s life, but also a chance for the other person (or persons) to do the same. In other words, we can show them a little bit of God (or not), and they can show us the same (or not). So what does this look like? Well, if someone hears us gossiping and saying bad things about others are we really proclaiming the kingdom, or something else? Or if someone sees us mistreat someone in a store or restaurant are we really proclaiming the kingdom, or something else? If someone sees us driving angrily and aggressively on the road are we really proclaiming the kingdom, or something else? Or if someone hears us mocking a particular group are we really proclaiming the kingdom, or something else? If someone hears us talking about wanting to get back at somebody, or about how we never give to charity, or that kindness is really weakness, or that others are stupid --- or whatever --- are we really proclaiming the kingdom, or something else? The truth is, we are already “going house to house” whether we like it or not. The real question is, “What will we say when we walk through that door?” And we don’t have to wait to find out. These “visits” are happening many times every day.  These encounters can be sinful or saintly. These encounters can be worldly or heavenly. When others encounter us - may they encounter the Good News.

Ref.: Acts 12:1-11, 2 Tim. 4:6-8, 17-18, Mt 16:13-19. Models of faith and mission. Dcn. Bill K. June 29-2025 Jesus said, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” The answer to this question is given by two prominent founding apostles of the Catholic Church whom we celebrate today, Saints Peter and Paul. Their answer is proclaimed in the storied lives of these Saints with their shortcomings, miraculous conversions, repentance, and undaunting faith.- lives serving as witnesses to Jesus Christ. Their lives are not unlike the lives we hope to lead through our pilgrimage of faith. The question is therefore, turned to us, - Who do YOU say the Son of Man is? In our first reading from Acts the faithful’s fervent prayers for Peter’s deliverance from prison are answered. God does hear and answer our prayers! We are given a vivid description of God’s holy angels rescuing a bewildered Peter from certain death at the hands of Herod. Peter’s confinement in prison, is a type of our own chains of sin that bind us to this world and constrain us from the next. - Chains that fall from our souls when we are rescued with the Sacrament of Reconciliation. To our bewilderment, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is a mystery that leads us to forgiveness, freedom, and a change of heart by the power and love of God. Receive this free and liberating gift often. St. Peter was one of the early apostles called by Christ from his blue-collar fishing job. He was, in many ways, a type of us and is a model of faith for us. He struggled with his faith, belief, and understanding of Jesus’ message. He had his doubts and fears even after answering Jesus with the inspired words of the Holy Spirit, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God”. Later, at the Passion, he denied even knowing Jesus. He sorrowfully repented and was reconciled to the good graces of Jesus to, “feed my lambs and tend my sheep” as leader of the Church. Jesus changed Simon’s name to Cephas or Peter, meaning, the “rock”. He would be the sound foundation upon which Jesus’ Church would be built. The chair of St. Peter is a symbolic representation of the authority of the papacy and the role of St. Peter as the first Pope and leader of the Catholic Church. He is given the keys to the Kingdom of heaven with the authority to bind or loosen us from our shortcomings. As the first pope, he gave order and direction to the Church. His ministry focused on preaching the Gospel, baptizing believers, healing the sick, and organizing Christian worship. Like St. Paul, St. Peter traveled extensively, taking the Gospel to Jews and Gentiles alike. St. Paul tells us in 2nd Timothy that he has given his all to the Lord. He is resigned to finish the race having been rescued from a self-made prison of hate and evil persecuting Christians, even witnessing the stoning of St. Stephen. He receives a miraculous conversion of faith leading him to a missionary ministry to the far-reaches of the Gentile world. St. Paul and his close companions wrote nearly half the books of the New Testament. As with St. Peter’s rescue, St. Paul says, “The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat and will bring me safe to his heavenly Kingdom”. It is a promise the Lord also makes to each of us as his disciples- so long as we repent of our sinfulness and return to the open, loving arms of Christ. Together, the lives of Sts. Peter and Paul teach and guide us to the love of God and his kingdom. They opened their hearts and surrendered to God’s will to establish and grow the Church throughout the known world. Sts. Peter and Paul are missionary models for us to “Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord”. They were great men of action for us to emulate. St. Josemaria Escriva said, “Don’t let your life be sterile. Be useful. Blaze a trail. Shine forth with the light of your faith and your love.” By our actions, by our prayers, works, joys, and sufferings we follow in the footsteps of the great Apostles Sts. Peter and Paul. We seek to answer the fundamental question we started with, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” It’s not only an identity we’re after but also what that identity means, does, and IS in our life. We answer him especially by receiving the body and blood of Jesus in the Eucharist. Through that reception, we shine forth our light of faith and give witness to the life of the “Son of Man” within us. Through our repentance, our binding chains of sin are thrown down. We are rescued and restored by the grace and love of the Lord through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Sts. Peter and Paul teach us this through their holy lives and example. With faith and confidence and in all humility may the Lord ready our hearts and strengthen our faith to proclaim with the Saints, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God”. May God bless us with the inspiration of Saints Peter and Paul to live holy lives, for our salvation and for the glory of God.

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.