27th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C
Immaculate Heart of Mary
October 3, 2010
Faith: Of Visions and Mustard Seeds
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
SENECA
Seneca the Roman philosopher and dramatist once said, “For a ship without a port, any wind is an ill wind.”
That is, unless you have a goal or a vision of where you’re headed, you will surely flounder.
In such situations, opportunities are not utilized; stepping-stones are not realized.
However, with a port in mind, with a destination to which you are clearly heading, you have something beckoning you, and you can pick out and select what contributes to your getting there.
You have something that inspires, something that motivates, and something that gives your efforts meaning and purpose.
HABAKKUK
Habakkuk saw the importance of such a vision or goal.
He speaks of “committing the vision to writing,” for in Habakkuk’s time, as well as in our own, writing something out is to give it permanence.
And to writing it out he adds, “Write it large” which is to say, “Make it public for all to see as they walk by.”
A bit about Habakkuk: Here is a prophet who is burdened with preaching an unpopular message to a “stiff-necked” people.
He was a contemporary of Jeremiah and what has prompted his lament we just heard is the destruction of the Northern Kingdom, Judah, by Nebuchadnezzar and the Assyrians to the north.
His people are giving up hope of things every returning to normal and Habakkuk wants to address the situation quickly. He is eminently clear: no matter how things appear or how hopeless they seem, God does indeed see, God does indeed care, and God will indeed act.
It’s just what the people need to hear and their spirits are buoyed up.
JESUS
A vision or goal, with the faith to get us there, is what’s at stake for the disciples of Jesus as well. They plead with him, “Lord, increase our faith.”
Just before this passage, Jesus has been warning them of the danger involved in leading others astray or the importance of forgiving someone we’ve wronged “seventy times seven times” – meaning there should be no limit to our forgiveness.
So they recognize the need for such an increase in faith, if they are to accomplish these mandates. And what Jesus tells them is that it’s not the quantity of their faith that is important, but it is its quality.
He assures them that with only a miniscule amount of faith, folks who (1) Listen to his Word and (2) Commit themselves to him can do things impossible to unaided human nature.
APPLICATION
Two questions arise for us as we hear God’s word: (1) “What is my vision for my life?” and, (2) “What is the mustard-seed faith I have that I bring to that vision?”
For starters let’s look at your marriage. Think back to your wedding day. What was your vision of where you wanted your marriage to be after 10, 20, or 30 years?
Or look at the birth of your first child. What were your aspirations for becoming a father to that son or daughter?
Or think back to the exhilaration or joy you experienced over being offered the job you now hold. What happened to the excitement and the promise your new position held out to you then?
Where have all those visions gone?
Habakkuk would suggest that you dust off those visions and polish up those goals you once had, in fact rewrite them large so all whom you love can see them. Affirm them; speak them out loud to your loved ones.
And know this, Jesus assures us that with only the tiniest amount of faith you can get back on the path to the joy and happiness of your marriage, your children, or your job can bring you.
Take Habakkuk at his word; Trust in God. No matter how things appear or how hopeless they seem, God does indeed see; does indeed care; and God will indeed act.
CONCLUSION
With a vision of how things can be, coupled with even the smallest amount of honest, sincere faith, we can achieve great results.
We have the Prophet Habakkuk and Jesus’ word for it.
And it’s not just their word; it’s how things actually work in our world – how things work with faith and with a plan.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Weekly HOMILY for September 26, 2010: How Much Is Enough?
26th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle C
St. Mark Church, Fallston
September 26, 2010
Focus: Responding to the Lazaruses in our day
Function: To give people ways that empower them to respond to the needs of the poor
How Much Is Enough?
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
WHAT IS ENOUGH?
Several years ago, I was leading a men’s Scripture group and we were talking about this Gospel that we just heard.
One of the men in the group – Rob – asked: “Just what is enough? How do you know when you have enough?”
Rob has a good job. He and his wife are working hard to put some money away for the college education of their two children and, more long range, for their own retirement.
They live in a very nice home, but by no means opulent. They take vacations each summer as a family.
And Rob asks: “How much is enough?” In other words, when do you know that you have enough and ought to be giving some, or more, away to help those in need?
That Scripture group wrestled with the questions and we never did come up with answers for it is a difficult question.
Now years later, I’m confronted with the same Gospel. I have thought and prayed over the question and, while I do not have a simple answer, I do have some guidelines that might help.
These are guidelines, not for knowing when we have enough, but rather for responding to the Lazaruses of our own day.
1. NEVER FORGET WHERE YOU CAME FROM
First, whenever my brother, sister or I would be crying or whining over not having something a friend had, my father always used the occasion to say, “Never forget where you came from.”
For him it meant being looked down upon because he and my mother were Sicilian immigrants; it meant the depression when food was scarce and pasta and beans was a frequent dish on the table; it meant not owning a home or a car of their own for several years into their marriage; it meant walking the 20 blocks to work in order to save the $.15 bus fare.
Of course my dad’s thought was that the three of us would never know the hard times that he had known, but he did not want us to take what we had for granted. He wanted us to appreciate what we had and to be sensitive to those who did not have enough.
“Never forget where you came from” or “Remember your roots” – was his guiding principle to us then, and it remains one for me today. It could serve you as well.
2. KEEP YOUR EYES OPENED
A second guideline for responding to the Lazaruses of our day is to keep our eyes opened. Keyword: “eyes.”
The rich man in today’s parable apparently did not really see the poor man Lazarus. Oh, yes, he may have seen him with these (point to eyes), but not with the eyes of his heart. The eyes of his heart would have seen the reality of Lazarus’ hunger and misery.
We need to be sure that we see the Lazaruses’ of our day.
Perhaps it is the widowed man or woman next door who just needs someone to talk with for a few minutes,
Or maybe it is the 41,000+ children who are dying in our world each day just from starvation; 41,000 yesterday, 41,000 today and every day.
Or perhaps the teenage son or daughter we don’t have time for.
We need to keep our eyes opened to all in need of our presence, love, and support.
3. DO NOT JUDGE
A third guideline for responding is simply to refrain from judging or stereotyping.
In today’s gospel parable, the only thing that Jesus says about Lazarus is that he was poor, not that he was virtuous or not virtuous. And the only thing he says about the rich man is that he was rich, not that he was good or bad.
In the afterlife, the life beyond physical death, the rich man does not fare well for one reason and one reason only. He failed to assist Lazarus in his plight.
So, we need to respond with appropriate assistance to the Lazaruses of our day. We need to refrain from judging and especially from using our judgment as an excuse not to come to their aid.
CONCLUSION
So, how much is enough? When do I know I have enough? The answer: I don’t know.
But I do know that living with certain guidelines or mindsets will steer us in the right direction: (1) ROOTS: Remember where you came from, (2) EYES: Keep them wide open, (3) JUDGLING: Do not, and (4) COMMON GOOD: Promote it
Trust me, these guidelines will help us in sensing when we have enough and in moving us to share what we have with those in need.
Unlike the rich man in the gospel, it will assure us one day of a merciful judgment.
St. Mark Church, Fallston
September 26, 2010
Focus: Responding to the Lazaruses in our day
Function: To give people ways that empower them to respond to the needs of the poor
How Much Is Enough?
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
WHAT IS ENOUGH?
Several years ago, I was leading a men’s Scripture group and we were talking about this Gospel that we just heard.
One of the men in the group – Rob – asked: “Just what is enough? How do you know when you have enough?”
Rob has a good job. He and his wife are working hard to put some money away for the college education of their two children and, more long range, for their own retirement.
They live in a very nice home, but by no means opulent. They take vacations each summer as a family.
And Rob asks: “How much is enough?” In other words, when do you know that you have enough and ought to be giving some, or more, away to help those in need?
That Scripture group wrestled with the questions and we never did come up with answers for it is a difficult question.
Now years later, I’m confronted with the same Gospel. I have thought and prayed over the question and, while I do not have a simple answer, I do have some guidelines that might help.
These are guidelines, not for knowing when we have enough, but rather for responding to the Lazaruses of our own day.
1. NEVER FORGET WHERE YOU CAME FROM
First, whenever my brother, sister or I would be crying or whining over not having something a friend had, my father always used the occasion to say, “Never forget where you came from.”
For him it meant being looked down upon because he and my mother were Sicilian immigrants; it meant the depression when food was scarce and pasta and beans was a frequent dish on the table; it meant not owning a home or a car of their own for several years into their marriage; it meant walking the 20 blocks to work in order to save the $.15 bus fare.
Of course my dad’s thought was that the three of us would never know the hard times that he had known, but he did not want us to take what we had for granted. He wanted us to appreciate what we had and to be sensitive to those who did not have enough.
“Never forget where you came from” or “Remember your roots” – was his guiding principle to us then, and it remains one for me today. It could serve you as well.
2. KEEP YOUR EYES OPENED
A second guideline for responding to the Lazaruses of our day is to keep our eyes opened. Keyword: “eyes.”
The rich man in today’s parable apparently did not really see the poor man Lazarus. Oh, yes, he may have seen him with these (point to eyes), but not with the eyes of his heart. The eyes of his heart would have seen the reality of Lazarus’ hunger and misery.
We need to be sure that we see the Lazaruses’ of our day.
Perhaps it is the widowed man or woman next door who just needs someone to talk with for a few minutes,
Or maybe it is the 41,000+ children who are dying in our world each day just from starvation; 41,000 yesterday, 41,000 today and every day.
Or perhaps the teenage son or daughter we don’t have time for.
We need to keep our eyes opened to all in need of our presence, love, and support.
3. DO NOT JUDGE
A third guideline for responding is simply to refrain from judging or stereotyping.
In today’s gospel parable, the only thing that Jesus says about Lazarus is that he was poor, not that he was virtuous or not virtuous. And the only thing he says about the rich man is that he was rich, not that he was good or bad.
In the afterlife, the life beyond physical death, the rich man does not fare well for one reason and one reason only. He failed to assist Lazarus in his plight.
So, we need to respond with appropriate assistance to the Lazaruses of our day. We need to refrain from judging and especially from using our judgment as an excuse not to come to their aid.
CONCLUSION
So, how much is enough? When do I know I have enough? The answer: I don’t know.
But I do know that living with certain guidelines or mindsets will steer us in the right direction: (1) ROOTS: Remember where you came from, (2) EYES: Keep them wide open, (3) JUDGLING: Do not, and (4) COMMON GOOD: Promote it
Trust me, these guidelines will help us in sensing when we have enough and in moving us to share what we have with those in need.
Unlike the rich man in the gospel, it will assure us one day of a merciful judgment.
Monday, September 20, 2010
DAY OF RECOLLECTION for September 24, 2010: "But Who Do You Say I Am?"
Day of Recollection
St. Margaret's Faculty, Bel Air, Maryland
September 24, 2010
But Who Do You Say I Am? (Lk 9:18-22)
By Nicholas Amato
SHALEM’S TRAINING
I was to an intense training earlier this month as a faculty member of the Shalem Institute for Spirituality
As a teacher you have this experience often
It’s sometimes called Teach the Teacher or Train the Trainer
My week was comprised of Morning: the program was as follows:
Mornings: The program itself
Afternoons: Leadership questions
Evening: Reflection
JESUS’ TRAINING
Jesus is doing some of the same with his apostles
They’ve been part of the crowds who’ve heard his teaching so they’ve been through the program
Beyond that, they’ve been singled out to be associate faculty
With the group of these specially selected, he’s been raising leadership issues for example when James and John are quarreling over who is greater
Sometimes they get it; sometimes they don’t
He will soon empower them to do what he does and eventually he’ll send them out two-by-two
TWO CRITICAL QUESTIONS
But let’s stay focused on the two questions that are part of his “Teach the Teachers” program that he’s raising in today’s gospel:
“Who do people say I am?” and more importantly, “Who do you say I am?”
The first, “Who do people say I am?” is to ask them, “What’s going on in the program I’m delivering? How’s it being received by the students in the class?”
The second question: “And what about you? Have you be moved? Been touched? Been transformed by what I’ve been telling them.”
In other words, “Are you ready for leadership in touching the hearts of others?”
WHAT TO TEACH THE TEACHER
A very serious question
As teachers we understand the difference between knowing the information and being able to teach it effectively
If you don’t know, live and breathe the lesson, you’re not a credible or effective teacher of the material
We all know what’s to go on in the classrooms of a Catholic School in terms of our youths’ love of Jesus Christ
How well they will know him through our words, deeds, or values will in large measure depend on our own relationship with Christ and whether that intimacy, union, friendship empower us to have our students want it
“Who do you say Jesus is for you?”
St. Margaret's Faculty, Bel Air, Maryland
September 24, 2010
But Who Do You Say I Am? (Lk 9:18-22)
By Nicholas Amato
SHALEM’S TRAINING
I was to an intense training earlier this month as a faculty member of the Shalem Institute for Spirituality
As a teacher you have this experience often
It’s sometimes called Teach the Teacher or Train the Trainer
My week was comprised of Morning: the program was as follows:
Mornings: The program itself
Afternoons: Leadership questions
Evening: Reflection
JESUS’ TRAINING
Jesus is doing some of the same with his apostles
They’ve been part of the crowds who’ve heard his teaching so they’ve been through the program
Beyond that, they’ve been singled out to be associate faculty
With the group of these specially selected, he’s been raising leadership issues for example when James and John are quarreling over who is greater
Sometimes they get it; sometimes they don’t
He will soon empower them to do what he does and eventually he’ll send them out two-by-two
TWO CRITICAL QUESTIONS
But let’s stay focused on the two questions that are part of his “Teach the Teachers” program that he’s raising in today’s gospel:
“Who do people say I am?” and more importantly, “Who do you say I am?”
The first, “Who do people say I am?” is to ask them, “What’s going on in the program I’m delivering? How’s it being received by the students in the class?”
The second question: “And what about you? Have you be moved? Been touched? Been transformed by what I’ve been telling them.”
In other words, “Are you ready for leadership in touching the hearts of others?”
WHAT TO TEACH THE TEACHER
A very serious question
As teachers we understand the difference between knowing the information and being able to teach it effectively
If you don’t know, live and breathe the lesson, you’re not a credible or effective teacher of the material
We all know what’s to go on in the classrooms of a Catholic School in terms of our youths’ love of Jesus Christ
How well they will know him through our words, deeds, or values will in large measure depend on our own relationship with Christ and whether that intimacy, union, friendship empower us to have our students want it
“Who do you say Jesus is for you?”
Friday, September 17, 2010
Weekly HOMILY for September 19, 2010: Warnings About Money
25th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle C
St. Patrick Church, Havre de Grace
September 19, 2010
Warnings About Money
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
JUNO MONETA
Back in the days of the ancient Roman Empire, people believed in many gods and goddesses.
For example, we know they believed that Juno was the goddess of warning. It was her role to protect the empire by warning its people about any impending threat.
Because of this, the Romans installed their mint for making coins in Juno’s temple. The idea was that Juno, as the goddess of warning, would warn against any impending threat to the wealth of the Empire.
The Romans even gave Juno the title of Juno Moneta. The word moneta comes from the Latin word monere – to warn – so Juno Moneta means “Juno, the One Who Warns.”
Interestingly, that word – moneta, as in Juno Moneta – eventually became part of the English language as the word money.
Thus, the word money is derived from the Latin word which means to warn.
WARNING -- MONERE -- ABOUT MONEY
I found this little tidbit of etymology interesting because the Scripture readings often warn us about money.
Money, as a medium of exchange, does call for our attention. No matter who we are, we have to earn it, exchange for goods and services, save it for a rainy day – maybe in an IRA or a 401K plan or even stocks.
Jesus and the prophets before him are not saying that our getting involved in the exchange of money or even our enjoying it is bad – Not at all!
But they are giving us some “warnings” – remember it’s the root meaning of the word money. They are giving us warnings about our attitude toward money and our handling of it. I see three warnings in today’s Scripture readings.
WARNING #1: SERVE GOD
The first warning comes from Jesus’ own lips: we are not to become a servant or slave of money. Money should not be my ego self-image.
He says, “No servant can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or be attentive to one and despise the other.
“You cannot serve God and money.” To appreciate what Jesus is saying here, we have to remember that back in Jesus’ day, slavery was legal albeit a dreadful institution.
A master literally owned a slave and a slave could serve only one master. Jesus wants our relationship with him to be something like that.
Specifically, he is saying that no matter how much money we make, we are to see our relationship with God as the number one, the most important dimension of life.
And with him as absolutely front and center, we are to let this personal relationship with Jesus Christ color everything we do.
We are to let this influence even how we make our money, what we do with our money, and how we save our money.
That is the first warning about money and it leads to the other two.
WARNING #2: BE HONEST AND JUST
The second warning: we are not to cheat or steal or acquire our money in unjust ways.
In the first reading, the prophet Amos is so clear on this. He condemns those who shortchange customers or who charge more than they should.
In the gospel, Jesus says, “If you trust others in little things, you can also trust them in with greater things. If you cannot be trusted with elusive wealth, who will trust you with lasting wealth?”
From these passages, my take on them is that we should not focus only on the latest incident of corporate cheating.
Instead, we need to start with our own behavior – like plagiarizing term papers, or burning CDs of copyrighted music, or under-reporting our income on our tax returns.
The big problems in any society begin with these small, individual actions.
Jesus warns us to be honest and just in the way we acquire our money.
WARNING #3: CARE FOR THE POOR
The third and final warning: do not disregard or take advantage of the poor.
Again, the prophet Amos in the first reading is consumed with this injustice. He sternly warns those who have enough money about taking advantage of the poor and not caring for them.
Again, I think it is more effective not to focus on those pharmaceutical or insurance companies that seem to make profit their god at the expense of the well-being of the sick and needy.
Instead, let’s begin with ourselves and our own behavior.
We need to let our hearts be touched by those in our own community who are unemployed or those suffering in Haiti and other countries that are absolutely destitute.
The warning from sacred scripture is not to be so taken up with our own money to the point of not sharing with those in need.
CONCLUSION
So, Juno moneta – Juno the One Who Warns – and our money.
1) Serve God first not money
2) Be honest and just in the way we acquire money
3) Share with those who lack money and the basics of life.
Three warnings against which to check our attitude and handling of money.
St. Patrick Church, Havre de Grace
September 19, 2010
Warnings About Money
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
JUNO MONETA
Back in the days of the ancient Roman Empire, people believed in many gods and goddesses.
For example, we know they believed that Juno was the goddess of warning. It was her role to protect the empire by warning its people about any impending threat.
Because of this, the Romans installed their mint for making coins in Juno’s temple. The idea was that Juno, as the goddess of warning, would warn against any impending threat to the wealth of the Empire.
The Romans even gave Juno the title of Juno Moneta. The word moneta comes from the Latin word monere – to warn – so Juno Moneta means “Juno, the One Who Warns.”
Interestingly, that word – moneta, as in Juno Moneta – eventually became part of the English language as the word money.
Thus, the word money is derived from the Latin word which means to warn.
WARNING -- MONERE -- ABOUT MONEY
I found this little tidbit of etymology interesting because the Scripture readings often warn us about money.
Money, as a medium of exchange, does call for our attention. No matter who we are, we have to earn it, exchange for goods and services, save it for a rainy day – maybe in an IRA or a 401K plan or even stocks.
Jesus and the prophets before him are not saying that our getting involved in the exchange of money or even our enjoying it is bad – Not at all!
But they are giving us some “warnings” – remember it’s the root meaning of the word money. They are giving us warnings about our attitude toward money and our handling of it. I see three warnings in today’s Scripture readings.
WARNING #1: SERVE GOD
The first warning comes from Jesus’ own lips: we are not to become a servant or slave of money. Money should not be my ego self-image.
He says, “No servant can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or be attentive to one and despise the other.
“You cannot serve God and money.” To appreciate what Jesus is saying here, we have to remember that back in Jesus’ day, slavery was legal albeit a dreadful institution.
A master literally owned a slave and a slave could serve only one master. Jesus wants our relationship with him to be something like that.
Specifically, he is saying that no matter how much money we make, we are to see our relationship with God as the number one, the most important dimension of life.
And with him as absolutely front and center, we are to let this personal relationship with Jesus Christ color everything we do.
We are to let this influence even how we make our money, what we do with our money, and how we save our money.
That is the first warning about money and it leads to the other two.
WARNING #2: BE HONEST AND JUST
The second warning: we are not to cheat or steal or acquire our money in unjust ways.
In the first reading, the prophet Amos is so clear on this. He condemns those who shortchange customers or who charge more than they should.
In the gospel, Jesus says, “If you trust others in little things, you can also trust them in with greater things. If you cannot be trusted with elusive wealth, who will trust you with lasting wealth?”
From these passages, my take on them is that we should not focus only on the latest incident of corporate cheating.
Instead, we need to start with our own behavior – like plagiarizing term papers, or burning CDs of copyrighted music, or under-reporting our income on our tax returns.
The big problems in any society begin with these small, individual actions.
Jesus warns us to be honest and just in the way we acquire our money.
WARNING #3: CARE FOR THE POOR
The third and final warning: do not disregard or take advantage of the poor.
Again, the prophet Amos in the first reading is consumed with this injustice. He sternly warns those who have enough money about taking advantage of the poor and not caring for them.
Again, I think it is more effective not to focus on those pharmaceutical or insurance companies that seem to make profit their god at the expense of the well-being of the sick and needy.
Instead, let’s begin with ourselves and our own behavior.
We need to let our hearts be touched by those in our own community who are unemployed or those suffering in Haiti and other countries that are absolutely destitute.
The warning from sacred scripture is not to be so taken up with our own money to the point of not sharing with those in need.
CONCLUSION
So, Juno moneta – Juno the One Who Warns – and our money.
1) Serve God first not money
2) Be honest and just in the way we acquire money
3) Share with those who lack money and the basics of life.
Three warnings against which to check our attitude and handling of money.
FUNERAL Mass for September 17, 2010: Death, the Ultimate Act of Giving Oneself
Funeral Mass for Douglas Flemming
Shrine of the Sacred Heart
September 17, 2010
Death, the Ultimate Act of Giving Oneself
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
CONDOLENCES
To his daughters Leslie and Laurie and their husbands Tom and Bob,
To his grandchildren Rachael and Christen and her husband Zach, and Ian and Andrew,
To his great granddaughter Zoe, we offer you our heartfelt condolences over the death of your father, grandfather, and great grandfather.
When I asked Laurie to whom should I offer condolences this morning, she quickly responded, “Everyone in the church; he had a bazillion friends.”
As we talked earlier in the week about Douglas’ life, I began to see why. So I extend to each of you our heartfelt condolences over your loss.
THE TWO "FALLINGS TO THE GROUND"
In today’s gospel, which the family chose, Jesus sums up (1) The secret of living and (2) The secret of dying and Douglass’ life confirms that reality in his own living and dying.
In the gospel Jesus’ words are simple enough to understand; it’s only when you see them lived out in the life of someone you love, that they reveal several mysteries.
To reiterate Jesus’ words, “I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.”
It would appear that the grain of wheat can fall to the ground and (1) Either be crushed by the millstone and made into flour or (2) It can fall to the ground and be planted in the earth to give birth to new life.
In either “falling,” there is a kind of dying of the seed to itself.
In the first instance, it is ground into flour, baked into bread and becomes a source of life to others. In the second, it is planted and becomes many new grains.
I would like to suggest that Douglas’ life, as I heard it described to me, contained both of those “fallings to the ground.” (1) He nourished people in his living and I would hold that (2) He has nourished people in his dying.
A word on each reality.
WHEAT BECOMING BREAD
Douglas’ living as a husband, father, and grandfather was one of nurturing and feeding of others.
He was raised an Episcopalian and was very faithful to living a life committed to the Lord. In 1990 he was brought into full communion with the Catholic Church and his faith continued to grow through his regular reception of the Eucharist and attentiveness to Scripture.
I would say that he lived life with gusto and a sense of celebration. To have him dancing on a table with a lampshade on his head was not too far fetched a reality.
He loved ballroom dancing, the company of friends, trips, cruises, and socials – he thrived on them and through them gave life to others.
To use Jesus’ analogy, the secret of a good life is: “Falling to the ground, being milled into flour and baked into bread for others.” Such feeding of others fulfills our deepest desire to give of ourselves.
WHEAT BECOMING A NEW HARVEST
The second way wheat can die is to be buried in the earth.
If our deepest human desire is to give ourselves to others in our living, then we can make our death into a final gift. As a man of faith, I believe that is what Douglas was able to do.
From Jesus, we know that the love between two people is stronger than death and that death has the potential to deepen and strengthen that bond of love.
Remember, it was only after Jesus had died that his disciples were able to grasp what he really meant to them. And isn’t that true for all who die in love?
For it is only when we have died, that our spirits can completely reveal themselves to our loved ones.
The needs and wounds that have kept our spirits captive no longer inhibit us from giving our full selves to those he love.
Douglas knew he was dying as a result of his pancreatic cancer and heart attacks, but his faith convinced him that he was going on to something greater.
At the age of 83 and after 8 weeks of hospitals and rehabilitation he finally arrived at Stella Maris where he really wanted to be. He thanked Laurie for getting him there.
What is very significant is what he said to the nurse when he arrived at the facility: “I’m ready to die, just give me something to not make me nervous.”
And it was after only one day there that at 6:30 Saturday evening he gave up his spirit to pass quietly over to the other side of life.
And now he free of all the encumbrances of his body, free in choosing to die, he can now send you his loved ones his spirit, and you can live in a new communion with him.
CONCLUSION
Douglas’ legacy to us all is clear: we are called to give ourselves, not only in life, but in death as well.
And it is in our dying that we are called to make our greatest gift to God and to those we love.
You are all the recipients of his spirit.
Shrine of the Sacred Heart
September 17, 2010
Death, the Ultimate Act of Giving Oneself
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
CONDOLENCES
To his daughters Leslie and Laurie and their husbands Tom and Bob,
To his grandchildren Rachael and Christen and her husband Zach, and Ian and Andrew,
To his great granddaughter Zoe, we offer you our heartfelt condolences over the death of your father, grandfather, and great grandfather.
When I asked Laurie to whom should I offer condolences this morning, she quickly responded, “Everyone in the church; he had a bazillion friends.”
As we talked earlier in the week about Douglas’ life, I began to see why. So I extend to each of you our heartfelt condolences over your loss.
THE TWO "FALLINGS TO THE GROUND"
In today’s gospel, which the family chose, Jesus sums up (1) The secret of living and (2) The secret of dying and Douglass’ life confirms that reality in his own living and dying.
In the gospel Jesus’ words are simple enough to understand; it’s only when you see them lived out in the life of someone you love, that they reveal several mysteries.
To reiterate Jesus’ words, “I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.”
It would appear that the grain of wheat can fall to the ground and (1) Either be crushed by the millstone and made into flour or (2) It can fall to the ground and be planted in the earth to give birth to new life.
In either “falling,” there is a kind of dying of the seed to itself.
In the first instance, it is ground into flour, baked into bread and becomes a source of life to others. In the second, it is planted and becomes many new grains.
I would like to suggest that Douglas’ life, as I heard it described to me, contained both of those “fallings to the ground.” (1) He nourished people in his living and I would hold that (2) He has nourished people in his dying.
A word on each reality.
WHEAT BECOMING BREAD
Douglas’ living as a husband, father, and grandfather was one of nurturing and feeding of others.
He was raised an Episcopalian and was very faithful to living a life committed to the Lord. In 1990 he was brought into full communion with the Catholic Church and his faith continued to grow through his regular reception of the Eucharist and attentiveness to Scripture.
I would say that he lived life with gusto and a sense of celebration. To have him dancing on a table with a lampshade on his head was not too far fetched a reality.
He loved ballroom dancing, the company of friends, trips, cruises, and socials – he thrived on them and through them gave life to others.
To use Jesus’ analogy, the secret of a good life is: “Falling to the ground, being milled into flour and baked into bread for others.” Such feeding of others fulfills our deepest desire to give of ourselves.
WHEAT BECOMING A NEW HARVEST
The second way wheat can die is to be buried in the earth.
If our deepest human desire is to give ourselves to others in our living, then we can make our death into a final gift. As a man of faith, I believe that is what Douglas was able to do.
From Jesus, we know that the love between two people is stronger than death and that death has the potential to deepen and strengthen that bond of love.
Remember, it was only after Jesus had died that his disciples were able to grasp what he really meant to them. And isn’t that true for all who die in love?
For it is only when we have died, that our spirits can completely reveal themselves to our loved ones.
The needs and wounds that have kept our spirits captive no longer inhibit us from giving our full selves to those he love.
Douglas knew he was dying as a result of his pancreatic cancer and heart attacks, but his faith convinced him that he was going on to something greater.
At the age of 83 and after 8 weeks of hospitals and rehabilitation he finally arrived at Stella Maris where he really wanted to be. He thanked Laurie for getting him there.
What is very significant is what he said to the nurse when he arrived at the facility: “I’m ready to die, just give me something to not make me nervous.”
And it was after only one day there that at 6:30 Saturday evening he gave up his spirit to pass quietly over to the other side of life.
And now he free of all the encumbrances of his body, free in choosing to die, he can now send you his loved ones his spirit, and you can live in a new communion with him.
CONCLUSION
Douglas’ legacy to us all is clear: we are called to give ourselves, not only in life, but in death as well.
And it is in our dying that we are called to make our greatest gift to God and to those we love.
You are all the recipients of his spirit.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Weekly HOMILY for September 12, 2010: Themes for Faith Formation
24th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle C
Terranuova Hermitage
September 12, 2010
Themes for Faith Formation
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
CHILDREN
One day a father was on the beach at the ocean with his children. His little six-year-old Tommy ran up him, grabbed his hand, and led him to where a seagull lay dead in the sand.
Tommy asked, “Daddy, what happened to him?” The father replied, “Well Tommy, he died and went to heaven.”
Tommy just starred and thought for a moment. Finally, he asked, “So did God throw him back down?”
There is another story about a family who had invited a number of relatives over to dinner. They were gathering around the table and the mother asked seven-year-old Brianna to say the grace before dinner.
Brianna said, “Mommy, I wouldn’t know what to say.” Her mother responded, “Just say what you hear mommy say.”
Brianna looked a bit confused but then she bowed her head and prayed. “Lord, why on earth did I invite all these people to dinner?”
FAITH FORMATION
These humorous anecdotes highlight the beauty of children and the importance of their faith formation.
And that, in a very special way, is what we celebrate each year as we begin a new year of Religious Education and Catholic School.
Immediately after a community begins worshipping in a common space, the first question that is asked is, “What of the children? Let’s begin a Sunday School.”
Then, as the Mass attendance grows so too does the number of children receiving religious education.
Today, as we begin a new year of faith formation in the parishes throughout the Archdiocese, let us recognize the importance of bringing our children to the Lord for them to hear his voice.
What is primary is what we are imparting to the children, namely, a relationship with Christ that once formed will continue to grow and flower as the child grows. What a gift it is for them to know Christ in an experiential way and from within our Catholic tradition!
Today, I would like to mention four main areas for this formation. I see these rooted right in the Scripture readings that we have for this Sunday.
THEMES OF FORMATION
First, the gospel images of the shepherd looking for one lost sheep and the woman looking for one lost coin show God’s great love for us. God’s love in unconditional and we are valuable in God’s eyes. Note also that it is God’s initiative – God looking for us!
This is the foundation of our faith formation and it gives the children a healthy sense of themselves in relation to God. We see this as leading them to becoming whole, holy and loving persons in return.
Next, in our first reading we hear of God’s forgiveness of his people at the time of the Exodus. With this as a basis, we try to impart a strong moral code to the children.
We give them a sense of right and wrong, a knowledge of the commandments of God and the teachings of the Church, and an understanding of our capacity to do good and also to sin. We are clear that God will forgive and gives us the chance to start all over again.
That takes me to the understanding of sacrament that we try to give the children – an understanding of God acting in our lives right now. We introduce the children to the Sacrament of Reconciliation – what we used to call First Confession – and to First Eucharist in the second grade.
We enrich the understanding of these sacraments in all the years following that. We want the children to enjoy coming to Mass every week and we teach them how to pray and to see their faith as a friendship with God.
Finally, the images in today’s gospel picture God as reaching out to all persons, especially those in need. We want our children to have a respect and care for others, beyond themselves.
Children in catechetical programs and Catholic Schools work on special service projects to help meet the needs of the less fortunate.
CONCLUSION
So, as we begin a new school year, we have much to celebrate.
We celebrate our programs in Religious Education and Catholic Schools, all faith formation programs that feed and nurture our children.
We celebrate, we thank God, and we as a parish ask God’s continued guidance and blessing for the programs we offer our children.
Terranuova Hermitage
September 12, 2010
Themes for Faith Formation
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
CHILDREN
One day a father was on the beach at the ocean with his children. His little six-year-old Tommy ran up him, grabbed his hand, and led him to where a seagull lay dead in the sand.
Tommy asked, “Daddy, what happened to him?” The father replied, “Well Tommy, he died and went to heaven.”
Tommy just starred and thought for a moment. Finally, he asked, “So did God throw him back down?”
There is another story about a family who had invited a number of relatives over to dinner. They were gathering around the table and the mother asked seven-year-old Brianna to say the grace before dinner.
Brianna said, “Mommy, I wouldn’t know what to say.” Her mother responded, “Just say what you hear mommy say.”
Brianna looked a bit confused but then she bowed her head and prayed. “Lord, why on earth did I invite all these people to dinner?”
FAITH FORMATION
These humorous anecdotes highlight the beauty of children and the importance of their faith formation.
And that, in a very special way, is what we celebrate each year as we begin a new year of Religious Education and Catholic School.
Immediately after a community begins worshipping in a common space, the first question that is asked is, “What of the children? Let’s begin a Sunday School.”
Then, as the Mass attendance grows so too does the number of children receiving religious education.
Today, as we begin a new year of faith formation in the parishes throughout the Archdiocese, let us recognize the importance of bringing our children to the Lord for them to hear his voice.
What is primary is what we are imparting to the children, namely, a relationship with Christ that once formed will continue to grow and flower as the child grows. What a gift it is for them to know Christ in an experiential way and from within our Catholic tradition!
Today, I would like to mention four main areas for this formation. I see these rooted right in the Scripture readings that we have for this Sunday.
THEMES OF FORMATION
First, the gospel images of the shepherd looking for one lost sheep and the woman looking for one lost coin show God’s great love for us. God’s love in unconditional and we are valuable in God’s eyes. Note also that it is God’s initiative – God looking for us!
This is the foundation of our faith formation and it gives the children a healthy sense of themselves in relation to God. We see this as leading them to becoming whole, holy and loving persons in return.
Next, in our first reading we hear of God’s forgiveness of his people at the time of the Exodus. With this as a basis, we try to impart a strong moral code to the children.
We give them a sense of right and wrong, a knowledge of the commandments of God and the teachings of the Church, and an understanding of our capacity to do good and also to sin. We are clear that God will forgive and gives us the chance to start all over again.
That takes me to the understanding of sacrament that we try to give the children – an understanding of God acting in our lives right now. We introduce the children to the Sacrament of Reconciliation – what we used to call First Confession – and to First Eucharist in the second grade.
We enrich the understanding of these sacraments in all the years following that. We want the children to enjoy coming to Mass every week and we teach them how to pray and to see their faith as a friendship with God.
Finally, the images in today’s gospel picture God as reaching out to all persons, especially those in need. We want our children to have a respect and care for others, beyond themselves.
Children in catechetical programs and Catholic Schools work on special service projects to help meet the needs of the less fortunate.
CONCLUSION
So, as we begin a new school year, we have much to celebrate.
We celebrate our programs in Religious Education and Catholic Schools, all faith formation programs that feed and nurture our children.
We celebrate, we thank God, and we as a parish ask God’s continued guidance and blessing for the programs we offer our children.
Saturday, September 04, 2010
Weekly HOMILY for September 5, 2010: Becoming a Disciple
23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C
St. Mark, Fallston
September 5, 2010
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
THE GULL
Recently I read of an incident of a family visiting Niagara Falls. It was late March, and blocks of ice were rushing down the river.
“I could see that there were carcasses of dead fish embedded in some of the ice blocks. On some you could see Sea Gulls actually riding down the river on the blocks of ice, feeding on the fish.
“As they came to the brink of the falls, their wings would fan out, and they would fly away and escape.
“At one point my eyes became fixed on one solitary Gull that seemed to delay its escape at the precipice.
“It seemed so engrossed in the carcass of the fish, that when it finally came to the brink of the falls, out went its powerful wings.
“The bird flapped and flapped and tried to lift the chunk of ice out of the buoyant water, but it had delayed too long. Its claws had become frozen into the ice.
“The weight of the ice was too great and the Gull plunged into the abyss below.”
JESUS AND LETTING GO
In today’s Gospel, Jesus calls us to do what the Gull failed to do.
He calls us to let go of, to “turn our back on … self, family, and possessions.” At first hearing, this sounds like an outlandish idea, and so we may discount it as mere overstatement or hyperbole.
We need to understand Jesus’ words carefully and the story of the unfortunate Sea Gull can be an aid in doing so.
To begin with Jesus is talking about what it means to be a disciple, a wholehearted follower of his. He is saying that self-image, family, or possessions can all be good, as the fish in the ice are good for the growth of the Gull.
But there comes a point in the flow of our own lives of faith that we need let go – not get frozen in the ice – of a lifestyle or frozen in the things that define us like self-image, family and possessions, and take a dramatic stand to let go if that is what moving forward demands.
And Jesus wants us to live with the expectation that this will indeed happen over and over.
THREE CASES OF LETTING GO
The letting go at the right time to be a true follower of Jesus can take many forms.
Sometimes we are called to let go from speaking and asserting ourselves. Voicing our opinions may be all well and good, but sometimes we need to let go of them so someone else can speak and be heard deeply.
Sometimes we may just need to take in another’s words and listen carefully for the frustration of a spouse or the loneliness of an aging parent and see things from their point of view.
Or right now in these very weeks many of our young adults are letting go of their families in a very real way as they leave the nest for college and they’re doing that as a way of taking the next stop in developing themselves as persons and more of the gifts God has given them.
Consciously or not they are following the Lord’s calling
Or parents might let go of going out to dinner to that expensive restaurant they’ve wanted to try.
No question it is good to get together and give this a try, but they may hold off doing this so then can buy the new jeans or sneakers for their daughter who has outgrown her present ones.
So they let it go for the wellbeing of their child.
Maybe we Americans in general need to let go of some of our expectations. Several authors are telling us that the world is shifting and we can no longer expect lifestyle we have been accustomed to.
So perhaps we let go of some of our expectations that were good and legitimate.
But we do this in the spirit of finding happiness and peace through more of an inner life and inner communion with God than in constantly having more and more.
CONCLUSION
All these examples are real life discipleship.
Jesus calls us not to be like that sea gull that just held on too long and got frozen in place.
He’s saying that sometimes we have to let go even of things that are good and we do this to respond to what he is calling us to do right now.
In our very hearing of this Gospel this morning, it is as if Jesus has placed us at the precipice (stand on tiptoe at the top step.)
Our time, like the Sea Gull’s, has run out. What is your decision?
Inaction will only take you over the Falls!
St. Mark, Fallston
September 5, 2010
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
THE GULL
Recently I read of an incident of a family visiting Niagara Falls. It was late March, and blocks of ice were rushing down the river.
“I could see that there were carcasses of dead fish embedded in some of the ice blocks. On some you could see Sea Gulls actually riding down the river on the blocks of ice, feeding on the fish.
“As they came to the brink of the falls, their wings would fan out, and they would fly away and escape.
“At one point my eyes became fixed on one solitary Gull that seemed to delay its escape at the precipice.
“It seemed so engrossed in the carcass of the fish, that when it finally came to the brink of the falls, out went its powerful wings.
“The bird flapped and flapped and tried to lift the chunk of ice out of the buoyant water, but it had delayed too long. Its claws had become frozen into the ice.
“The weight of the ice was too great and the Gull plunged into the abyss below.”
JESUS AND LETTING GO
In today’s Gospel, Jesus calls us to do what the Gull failed to do.
He calls us to let go of, to “turn our back on … self, family, and possessions.” At first hearing, this sounds like an outlandish idea, and so we may discount it as mere overstatement or hyperbole.
We need to understand Jesus’ words carefully and the story of the unfortunate Sea Gull can be an aid in doing so.
To begin with Jesus is talking about what it means to be a disciple, a wholehearted follower of his. He is saying that self-image, family, or possessions can all be good, as the fish in the ice are good for the growth of the Gull.
But there comes a point in the flow of our own lives of faith that we need let go – not get frozen in the ice – of a lifestyle or frozen in the things that define us like self-image, family and possessions, and take a dramatic stand to let go if that is what moving forward demands.
And Jesus wants us to live with the expectation that this will indeed happen over and over.
THREE CASES OF LETTING GO
The letting go at the right time to be a true follower of Jesus can take many forms.
Sometimes we are called to let go from speaking and asserting ourselves. Voicing our opinions may be all well and good, but sometimes we need to let go of them so someone else can speak and be heard deeply.
Sometimes we may just need to take in another’s words and listen carefully for the frustration of a spouse or the loneliness of an aging parent and see things from their point of view.
Or right now in these very weeks many of our young adults are letting go of their families in a very real way as they leave the nest for college and they’re doing that as a way of taking the next stop in developing themselves as persons and more of the gifts God has given them.
Consciously or not they are following the Lord’s calling
Or parents might let go of going out to dinner to that expensive restaurant they’ve wanted to try.
No question it is good to get together and give this a try, but they may hold off doing this so then can buy the new jeans or sneakers for their daughter who has outgrown her present ones.
So they let it go for the wellbeing of their child.
Maybe we Americans in general need to let go of some of our expectations. Several authors are telling us that the world is shifting and we can no longer expect lifestyle we have been accustomed to.
So perhaps we let go of some of our expectations that were good and legitimate.
But we do this in the spirit of finding happiness and peace through more of an inner life and inner communion with God than in constantly having more and more.
CONCLUSION
All these examples are real life discipleship.
Jesus calls us not to be like that sea gull that just held on too long and got frozen in place.
He’s saying that sometimes we have to let go even of things that are good and we do this to respond to what he is calling us to do right now.
In our very hearing of this Gospel this morning, it is as if Jesus has placed us at the precipice (stand on tiptoe at the top step.)
Our time, like the Sea Gull’s, has run out. What is your decision?
Inaction will only take you over the Falls!
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