Healing our Soul Through Helping Others (31st Sunday Ordinary Time - Year B)

 

**Homily for Mark 12: 28-34** (Deacon Pat)

31st Sunday Ordinary Time (Year B)

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today we gather to reflect on a profound exchange between Jesus and a scribe in the Gospel of Mark.

This passage speaks to the heart of our faith—the greatest commandment.

As we explore this dialogue, let us open our hearts to the wisdom that Jesus offers us and consider how it applies to our lives today.

In this passage, the scribe asks Jesus which commandment is the most important.

Jesus responds with the Shema: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.”

He then adds, “The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself.”

This beautiful teaching captures the essence of our faith.

We are called to love God fully and to express that love in our relationships with others.

Let me share a story that illustrates this commandment in action.

A few years ago, I met a woman named Maria at a community service event.

Maria had recently lost her husband, and her heart was heavy with grief.

Despite her pain, she had chosen to volunteer at a local shelter that served homeless families.

I asked her why she decided to help others when she was facing such a difficult time herself.

With tears in her eyes, Maria shared, “I felt so lost after my husband passed away.

But when I came here, I saw families who had nothing.

It reminded me of how blessed I was to have had love in my life.

I realized that in my sorrow, I could still share that love with others.”

Maria poured her heart and soul into her work at the shelter.

She not only provided meals but also listened to stories, offered comfort, and extended her hand to those in need.

Her love for God transformed into love for her neighbors, fulfilling the greatest commandment Jesus spoke of.

Maria’s story reminds us that love is not just an emotion; it is a choice we make daily.

Loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength means prioritizing our relationship with Him, seeking His presence in prayer, worship, and service.

But loving our neighbors as ourselves challenges us to step outside of our comfort zones and extend compassion, especially to those who may be suffering.

In our busy lives, it is easy to forget this call to love.

We can get caught up in our routines and neglect the needs of those around us.

However, Jesus invites us to reflect on our priorities.

Are we loving God with our whole being?

Are we seeing Christ in those we encounter each day?

To live out these commandments, we can start small.

A smile to a stranger, a kind word to a coworker, or reaching out to someone in distress can be powerful acts of love.

When we show love to others, we are not only obeying Jesus’ command but also allowing His love to flow through us.

Maria taught me that our love can be a healing balm for others. Just as she found strength in giving, we too can discover that in our acts of love, our own burdens can become lighter.

As we reflect on this passage from Mark, let us remember that the greatest commandments are not just rules to follow; they are a way of life that can transform our hearts and the world around us.

Let us strive to love God passionately and to love our neighbors generously.

In doing so, we fulfill the very essence of our faith and live out the Gospel message.

May we leave here today with a renewed commitment to love, inspired by the words of our Lord and the example of those like Maria who embody this love in action.

Amen.

The End Times (33rd Sunday Ordinary Time - Year B)

**Homily for Mark 13:24-32** (Deacon Pat)

33rd Sunday Ordinary Time (Year B)

 

Today’s Gospel invites us to contemplate the end times and the promise of Christ's return.

Jesus speaks of cosmic upheaval, the darkening of the sun and the moon, and the falling of the stars.

It can sound overwhelming, perhaps even frightening. Yet, in these words lies a profound hope and assurance for us as believers.

In this passage, Jesus encourages us to remain vigilant and steadfast.

He reminds us that though the world may seem chaotic, we are called to look beyond the present moment, to hold fast to our faith and trust in God’s ultimate plan.

Let me share a story that captures this spirit of hope amidst uncertainty.

There was once a small village nestled in a valley.

This village was known for its beautiful gardens, lush with flowers of every color.

The villagers took great pride in their gardens, nurturing them with love and care.

But one year, a terrible drought struck the region.

The sun blazed down mercilessly, and the gardens began to wilt.

As the days turned into weeks without rain, the villagers became despondent.

They gathered to discuss their situation, expressing fears that they would lose their beloved gardens forever.

Amid the despair, an elderly woman named Clara stood up.

She was known for her deep faith and unwavering optimism.

“Dear friends,” she said, “we have tended these gardens with love, and they have brought us joy.

But remember, even in drought, the roots are still alive beneath the surface.

The rain will come again; we must trust in the promise of renewal.”

Inspired by her words, the villagers decided to do something unusual.

Instead of surrendering to despair, they began to gather each evening at the community square, sharing stories and singing songs of hope.

They painted murals of vibrant flowers on the walls, reminding themselves of the beauty that awaited them.

Then, one day, as if in response to their faith and community spirit, dark clouds gathered above.

The long-awaited rain began to fall.

The villagers rejoiced, and soon their gardens blossomed anew, more beautiful than ever.

The story of Clara and her village is a powerful reminder of the importance of hope and community in times of trial.

Just as the villagers chose to nurture their spirits rather than succumb to fear, we, too, are called to maintain our hope in Christ, especially when the world around us seems chaotic.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us that “the heavens will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”

His words remind us that while the trials of this world may be temporary, His promises are eternal.

We are invited to remain vigilant, to keep our hearts open, and to live our faith actively in every moment.

This season, as we reflect on the message of hope, let us also consider how we can embody this hope in our own lives and in our communities.

How can we support one another through challenges?

How can we be like Clara, encouraging those around us to see the beauty that lies beneath the surface?

As we move forward, let us hold onto the promise that God is with us through every storm.

His love is a constant light, guiding us through darkness, reminding us that renewal is always possible.

May we embrace our call to be vigilant, living in hope and faith, trusting that God’s plan for us is greater than we can imagine.

Let us be a community that lifts each other up, nurturing hope like a garden that blooms even in the hardest of times.

Amen.

Advent - Hope and Love (1st Sunday of Advent)

 

Homily – 1^st Sunday of Advent Year C – Presentation Parish
Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

Today we enter the sacred season of Advent, a time of waiting and preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ.

The Gospel from Luke today can feel unsettling, with its imagery of signs in the heavens, distress on earth, and people fainting from fear.

But at the heart of these words is a message of profound hope:

“Stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

To help us grasp this, let me share the story of John, a man I had the privilege of knowing some years ago.

John was a husband and father who loved his family dearly.

But one day, everything changed.

A tragic car accident claimed the life of his youngest daughter, Emily, a bright and joyful 10-year-old.

The family was shattered.

In his grief, John became consumed by despair.

He questioned God and withdrew from his family and friends.

Life felt like a storm without end, much like the chaos Jesus describes in today’s Gospel.

One cold December evening, John found himself sitting alone on a park bench.

It was Advent, but the joy and light of the season felt far away.

He closed his eyes, overwhelmed by pain, and prayed the only words he could muster:

“God, help me. Show me a sign that You’re here.”

When he opened his eyes, he noticed a family nearby.

They were laughing and playing, the children decorating a small pine tree with simple ornaments.

Among their decorations was a star made of twigs and string.

John watched as the father knelt to place the star at the very top.

For reasons John couldn’t explain, that moment touched something deep within him.

The star reminded him of the Star of Bethlehem, the light that guided the wise men to Jesus.

He thought of Emily and how she had once asked him why they placed a star atop their Christmas tree every year.

“Because it reminds us that God is always with us,” he had told her.

In that moment, John realized he had forgotten his own words.

He remembered that God’s promise of redemption doesn’t erase suffering but transforms it.

It gives us hope, even in the darkest nights.

John began to heal.

He reconnected with his family and slowly opened his heart to the love of Christ again.

That Advent became a turning point in his life, a season where he learned to “stand up and raise his head,” trusting that redemption was drawing near.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us to “be on guard” and “be alert at all times.”

This isn’t about living in fear but about living with purpose and attentiveness.

Like John, we are called to keep watch—not just for the signs of the end times but for the signs of Christ’s presence here and now.

Advent is an invitation to hope.

Yes, we face storms—grief, illness, uncertainty—but we also await the One who calms the seas.

Christ comes into the chaos of our world not to condemn us, but to redeem us.

He invites us to lift our heads and see the light breaking through the darkness.

This Advent, I encourage each of you to find moments to pause and reflect.

Where are the signs of Christ’s presence in your life?

It might be in the kindness of a stranger, the beauty of creation, or the quiet assurance of prayer.

Advent calls us to open our eyes, lift our heads, and trust that redemption is near.

As we light the first candle of the Advent wreath today, let it remind us of this promise: the light of Christ is coming, and it cannot be overcome.

Let us prepare our hearts with prayer, stay vigilant in faith, and embrace the hope that redemption is near.

May this Advent season be a time for all of us to stand up, raise our heads, and welcome the Redeemer who brings light to our darkness.

Amen.

The True Nature of Greatness

 

Homily: The True Nature of Greatness (Mark 10: 35-45)

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today’s Gospel presents us with a striking interaction between Jesus and His disciples.

James and John, seeking positions of honor in the Kingdom, approached Jesus with a bold request:

“Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.”

Their desire for status reflects a common human aspiration, one we often see in our own lives.

Jesus responds with a gentle yet firm reminder:

“You do not know what you are asking.”

He asks them if they can drink the cup He will drink, highlighting the suffering that comes with true discipleship.

Jesus then turns the idea of greatness on its head, teaching that “whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant.”

This message challenges us to examine our own understanding of greatness.

Often, in our world, greatness is equated with power, prestige, or recognition.

We admire those who climb the ranks, who achieve accolades, or who stand at the forefront of influence.

But Jesus invites us to reconsider this notion, pointing us toward a different path—one marked by humility and service.

Let me share a story that beautifully illustrates this teaching.

In a quaint little village, there lived an elderly woman named Maria.

Known for her kindness, Maria dedicated her life to helping others.

She cooked meals for the sick, tended to the children, and comforted those in sorrow.

Though she was not wealthy, her heart overflowed with love.

One winter, a fierce snowstorm hit the village.

Roads were blocked, and many families found themselves trapped at home without enough food.

While others sheltered in their homes, fearful of the storm, Maria felt a deep concern for her neighbors.

Instead of waiting for help, she bundled up and ventured out into the blizzard, determined to bring warmth and sustenance to those in need.

As she trudged through the snow, her heart was filled with purpose.

She visited the home of a single mother with three young children.

Upon entering, she found them shivering and hungry.

Without hesitation, Maria shared her own limited supplies, providing them not only with warm meals but also with the comfort of her presence.

Days later, when the storm had passed, the villagers emerged to find that Maria had been their silent guardian.

They discovered she had visited multiple homes, bringing food and warmth to those who needed it most.

When they gathered to express their gratitude, it was clear:

Maria was not seeking recognition or reward;

she had simply acted out of love and compassion.

In that moment, the villagers recognized that true greatness isn’t found in titles or accolades.

It lies in selfless acts of service, just as Jesus taught us.

Maria, with her humble heart, became a powerful example of what it means to live the Gospel.

Jesus’ own life epitomized this teaching.

He, the Son of God, chose to serve rather than be served.

He washed the feet of His disciples, healed the sick, and ultimately laid down His life for us.

This radical love and humility redefine greatness.

As we reflect on our own lives, let’s ask ourselves:

Are we, like James and John, caught up in the pursuit of status?

Are we striving for recognition in our families, workplaces, or communities?

Or can we embrace the call to serve, to lift others up, and to put their needs before our own?

The world often tells us that success is about climbing higher, but Jesus shows us that true fulfillment comes from bending lower, from extending a hand to those in need.

In our daily interactions, let’s look for opportunities to serve—

whether it’s a kind word to a struggling friend,

a meal shared with a neighbor,

or simply listening to someone who feels alone.

In embracing a spirit of service, we not only reflect the love of Christ but also discover the joy that comes from putting others first.

Let us commit to following Jesus’ example, recognizing that in serving others, we find our true purpose and identity as His disciples.

May God bless us as we strive to embody this message of love and humility in our lives.

Amen.

The Unbreakable Cord of Marriage and God's Original Design

 

Today, we reflect on a profound teaching from our Lord Jesus about marriage.

But before we delve into the scripture, I'd like to share a story with you – a story of love, struggle, and unwavering commitment.

I once knew a couple, let's call them John and Mary.

They were high school sweethearts who married young, full of dreams and love for each other.

In the early years, their life seemed perfect – they had good jobs, a beautiful home, and were blessed with two children.

But as we know, life often has unexpected turns.

When their youngest child was diagnosed with a severe illness, their world was turned upside down.

The stress of hospital visits, mounting medical bills, and the constant worry began to take its toll.

John and Mary found themselves arguing more, drifting apart, each dealing with their pain in isolation.

One evening, after a particularly heated argument, John stormed out of the house.

As he drove around aimlessly, he found himself at my church.

The doors were open, and he walked in, collapsing into a pew, his head in his hands.

That's where I found him, and he poured out his heart to me.

He said, "I don't know if I can do this anymore.

It's too hard.

Maybe we'd all be better off if Mary and I just went our separate ways."

It was at this moment that the words of Jesus from today's Gospel reading came to my mind.

I said, “do you remember when the Pharisees ask Jesus, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?"

And Jesus responds by reminding them of God's original design:

"From the beginning of creation, God made them male and female.

For this reason, a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh."

And then Jesus adds these powerful words:

"Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate."

I shared these verses with John that night, reminding him that in marriage, God creates something new – a union so profound that it's described as "one flesh."

This bond isn't just a feeling or a legal contract; it's a spiritual reality.

"John," I said, "when you and Mary took your vows, you didn't just make a promise to each other.

You entered into a covenant with God.

And God is with you in this struggle."

We prayed together, and John left with a renewed sense of purpose.

It wasn't an instant fix – John and Mary had a long road ahead.

They sought counseling, both individually and as a couple.

They learned to communicate better, to lean on each other, and to seek support from their faith community during hard times.

Years later, I watched with joy as John and Mary renewed their vows on their 25th anniversary.

Their faces revealed the lines of the struggles they'd been through, but their eyes beamed with a deep love that had been tested and proven true.

As they stood before the altar, Mary turned to the congregation and said,

"There were times when it would have been easier to walk away.

But we chose to walk together, and God walked with us."

Brothers and sisters, this is the kind of commitment Jesus speaks of in today's Gospel.

When the Pharisees tried to trap Jesus with legal arguments about divorce, Jesus pointed them back to God's original design – a union so sacred that it reflects Christ's own unbreakable love for the Church.

Jesus says, "What God has joined together, let no one separate."

This isn't just a prohibition against divorce; it's an invitation to discover the deep, transformative power of committed love.

For those of you who are married, I encourage you to see your spouse through God's eyes today.

Remember that your marriage is not just about your happiness, but about your holiness – it's a path God has given you to grow in love, patience, and selflessness.

For those who are single or in other vocations, this teaching reminds us of the sacredness of all human relationships and the call to fidelity in our commitments.

And for those struggling in your marriages, like John and Mary were, remember that you are not alone.

Reach out for help – to God, to your church community, to professional counselors if needed.

Your marriage is worth fighting for.

Let us pray for all marriages, that they may be strengthened and renewed.

And may we all, whatever our state in life, strive to reflect God's faithful, unbreakable love,

in our relationships,

and with one another.

Amen