HOMILY for December 30, 2018: Feast of the Holy Family, Cycle C

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Feast of the Holy Family, Cycle C

Church of the Nativity

December 30, 2018

Frontiers of S-P-A-C-E 

By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato 

The Developing Need for Space

We’re all familiar with a simple fact about childhood growth. An infant begins life in his mother’s arms and immediately begins to wiggle out of those arms. Soon he crawls, then toddles or waddles, walks, and eventually runs.

The movement from arms to running is a trajectory from the isolation of self out into ever broadening circles of space. And space — first physical space that broadens into emotional space, and psychological space, — moving into space is something we all crave, creating larger and larger circles of interaction with the wider world around us.

Families help us do that. Being raised in a family takes much of the danger and risk out of this moving forward in space and relationships. It allows us to become more of who we are through relationships with others, but it does take space. 

In today’s Gospel we see the desire of Jesus reaching out to ever widening circles of space and we see how two parents deal with it.

How theydeal with it can help us, who are parents and teachers, coaches and ministers in our parish, give others the space theyneed to reach theirpotential  

Jesus’ Need for Space

Let’s look at Jesus’ need for space and his parents’ responses. 

Last Tuesday we celebrated Jesus coming as an infant, and in just five days he’s moved through babe-in-arms, to wiggler, crawler, toddler, walker, and runner to the 12-year old we see him as in today’s Gospel account.

The Gospel tells us that the Holy Family is on their way home from the celebration of the Passover in the temple of Jerusalem.

Jerusalem in the south of Palestine to Nazareth in the north, a hefty journey on donkey and foot — 30 hours without a pitstop — and they’re travelling with relatives, neighbors, and friends in a caravan.

Jesus, we hear, hangs back, but his folks are thinking he’s somewhere in the caravan behind them. Not so, we quickly learn, for when they look for him, he’s nowhere to be found. Panic stricken, the two of them leave the protection of the caravan and hurry back to Jerusalem on their own.

After 3 days of worry and frantic searching — imagine 3 days looking for your lost son or daughter — they find him in the temple in the midst of rabbis, listening to them and asking them questions.

This young man of 12 years has moved through lots of space — physical, emotional, and faith development — if you will!

The dialogue is deeply felt: “Why have you done this to us,” sobs Mary.“Your father and I have been worried sick!” Jesus’ reply? “Didn’t you know I must be in my father’s house?” 

It’s all about space and relationships, how our family helps us move beyond ourselves and how eventually the space beckons us to move even beyond our family.

However you define your own family, be it traditional, single parent, extended, blended or a couple without children, the idea of space and moving beyond ourselves with the help of our family can help us be more effective family members.

My remarks regarding space are also an acronym — S-P-A-C-E — that makes it easy to remember what your family provides you or you can provide your family as a way of growing in your faith. 

Our Need for S-P-A-C-E

“S” is for Structure: The Holy Family travels in a caravan with family, friends and neighbors. They share their food and supplies. They have a common hope to get to Jerusalem and to return home safely. There’s a timetable with stops for water and rest. Your family also needs structure.

“P” if for Pray:Joseph, Mary and Jesus are attending the Passover in Jerusalem in order to pray and worship. They’re doing it together as a family. In making this pilgrimage, they are acknowledging a love they have for God. Once in the temple, they will purchase a pair of pigeons as their offering to God. The prayer, hugging, and hubbub in the outer court of the temple would be like interacting on our own concourse or in the Vision Café before and after Mass.

“A” is for Affirm: Notice Mary, in speaking with Jesus, affirms both her and Joseph’s concern. She might also have said, “We gave you the freedom to wander; we just assumed you’d leave the temple when we all did.” 

It is important to affirm our children’s freedom, as well as their responsibilities. Mary, by the way, doesn’t harp on Jesus’ choice to remain back in the temple. My guess is there had to be a hug or two amidst the dialogue for having found him after 3 days of frantic searching. Kids and parents also need to  affirm members of their family.

“C” if for Communicate:Both Mary and Jesus express themselves with feelings, as well as with words. Mary does not speak out of anger for having been disobeyed, but out of love and concern. So too does Jesus in his response of having to be about his Father’s business. It’s truly heartfelt. We have to assert ourselves as parents and kids must do the same.

Finally, “E” is for Elevate:Both Jesus and Mary, as a result of their heartfelt dialog, seem to have moved to a higher ground where it hasn’t been a win/lose situation for either of them. It is an outcome that is peaceful and serene, and existing on an elevated plain. The same needs to be practiced in your family.

Jesus has widened his circle of space to respond to the Father’s will. Mary has stepped aside to see here 12-year old do what he must do.

Conclusion

So, SPACE: Structure – Pray – Affirm – Communicate – Elevate.

Five actions that create SPACE for us to grow within our family as kids, spouses and parents. And however we define our family, in the process your family becomes still another holy family.

HOMILY for December 25, 2018: Christmas, Cycle A

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Christmas, Cycle A

Our Lady of Grace

December 25, 2018

 

It’s a Wonderful Life

By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato 

The Movie 

I begin with a question for you: Over the years, how many of us have seen the movie It’s A Wonderful Life? I just want to get an idea of how many of us have seen it. (Pause)

It has been the focus of discussion in a men’s faith sharing group I belong to. It’s A Wonderful Lifewas originally made in 1946.

Since the 1970’s, it has often been shown at Christmas time, even though it is not explicitly a Christmas story. In the movie, Jimmy Stewart plays a young man named George Bailey.

George grows up in the small town of Bedford Falls, in upstate New York. He has two big dreams for his life: traveling and becoming a great architect.  

Unfortunately, George’s father dies very suddenly and George becomes the President of his father’s Savings and Loan. Faithful son that he is, he delays his own goals for a career in order to save the Savings and Loan and to help the townspeople of Bedford Falls.

George is good, honest and always helping the little guy. One time after another he lets go of his own dreams for the sake of doing what is right and helpful to others.  

When a mistake he makes threatens the very existence of the Savings and Loan, George becomes despondent. He begins thinking that his whole life has been for nothing and he even considers suicide.

At this point in the story, an angel appears and helps George to experience how fortunate he actually has been and how many lives he has touched. 

This empowering insight turns him around; he realizes how worthwhile and meaningful his life really is.  

Yes, George realizes that all things considered, It’s A Wonderful Life.

The Christmas Story and Us 

Obviously, the movie is not literally the story of Bethlehem, but, it is no less a Christmas story because it expresses some of the important messages that underlie Jesus’ birth and how his birth impacts us to this very day. 

There are 3 clear and distinct messages regarding the film, Jesus’ birth, and each of us.

Message 1: God Is With Us

For starters, in the movie, George’s guardian angel appears and stays with him and gets him through a very dark and lonely emotional period.

In much the same way, Christmas proclaims the name of the infant savior to be Emmanuel, literally meaning “God is with us.”  What we celebrate, then, is that God is not in some far off heaven, but instead he’s at the core of our life, and present whether we are up or down.  

We always have this communion, this connection with God.  It’s no wonder that we call the Eucharist “Holy Communion”or to make it a verb form: “Holy Communing.”

The Eucharist or “Holy Communion”brings to life or quickens, if you will, the communion we already have with God who is with us always, so much so that we become what we eat — that is, the very flesh and blood of Jesus Christ. Now that’s something!  

    

Message 2: Each Person Is Significant

Second, the angel helps George realize how significant his life really is.

The angel’s point is that even the most ordinary life can have a powerful impact.  And it is this that Christmas proclaims.

Let’s look at it more closely: God becomes human, as a vulnerable, dependent infant. Christmas says that, if God can come to us in this way, then the life of each person is valuable, no matter how small, insignificant, vulnerable, dependent, needy that life may seem.  

This revelation gives each of us a source of self-worth, that you and I and everyone without exception needs to hear. Say good-by to thoughts such as: “I’m not worthy! I’m not good enough! I’m a sinner! and I’ll never get better!” 

Message 3: Peace Comes From Doing Good

Finally, George Bailey realizes that personal fulfillment and inner peace do not come from material things or financial success.

On the contrary, genuine fulfillment and lasting peace come from doing what is right and good.  Faithfulness, sacrifice, truthfulness, honesty and caring for others – these are the things that bring the deepest and most lasting fulfillment and peace.

And this is the very peace the angels announce at Jesus’ birth: “Peace on earth to those on whom his favor rests.” 

Notice, peace comes not so much from something outside of ourselves, but on the actions of those “on whom God’s favor rests.” 

It is more the result of doing the right and good thing each day, of living out our inner communion with Jesus. The very act of doing the right and good thing stirs up that presence and that communion we with God goes out to draw others in.

Conclusion

It’s A Wonderful Lifeis not just a memorable movie and great to watch at Christmastime.

It contains the core message of Christmas, a message that you are living out today. 

(1) God is with us.

(2) Each person is significant.

(3) Inner peace comes from doing what is right and good.  

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We are gifts to each other. Merry Christmas!

HOMILY for December 23, 2018: 4th Sunday of Advent, Cycle C

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4^thSunday of Advent, Cycle C 

Terranova Hermitage

December 23, 2018         

 

The Birthing of a Savior

By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato

A Soldier and a Woman

  

Several years ago, the Boston Globe carried a memorable story.

It takes place at the Denver airport.  A forty-six-year-old woman is sitting near the gate where she is waiting to board her plane.

She glances up and sees a young man, probably in his early twenties, standing in front of her.  There are a number of empty seats in the waiting area, but he nods his head at the seat next to her.

This woman’s suitcase is blocking that seat.  She is mildly annoyed, but she moves the suitcase.

The young man sits down and drops his duffel bag at his feet. He is wearing a U.S. Army camouflage uniform.

He asks, “Where you headed?”  She responds, “Home.”

He then tells her that he has just returned from Afghanistan and is heading to Florida to surprise his mother.  He hasn’t seen her for five years.

The woman notices that when he looks at her, his eyes show need. He wants something from her, but at first, she doesn’t know what.      

She also notices that he keeps scanning the terminal.  Eventually, he says that it’s hard to stop scanning for danger.

Yesterday he was in the desert.  Some fellow soldiers had been killed.

Today, he is in an airport where the biggest issues are waiting for a latte or being upset over a flight delay.  He admits that he doesn’t know how to be here in this place.

The woman now wisely senses what he may want from her.  So, she opens her heart a bit and tells him that just last week, her friend’s teenage son had died suddenly.

She shares that she is a mother and she has felt disoriented and distant from the everyday world.  And with that, the soldier seems to relax.

They had made a connection.  The woman writes: “This young man had seen the raw and the unbearable.

“He knew that it was not the time of the flight, or a latte that was his concern.  But he did not know how to tell me.

“This was what he needed from me – what we all need.  He did not want the seat beside mine.   

“He wanted to sit with me. He needed to feel safe and understood for a while.”

Mary and Elizabeth 

That soldier and that woman and their visit together, and the visit of Mary and Elizabeth in today’s gospel have an important lesson.

Mary travels to visit Elizabeth.  She knows that she, still very young, needs time with this older woman – for Elizabeth’s sake, and for her own sake too.

Elizabeth is surprised by Mary’ unexpected visit.  But she welcomes it and gives herself to it.

In a similar way, the soldier seeks out this woman, old enough to be his mother.  He knows that he needs someone at that moment and senses that he will feel safe with her.

The woman is a bit annoyed at first.  But, very quickly, she is there for him in a remarkable way.

Remember What Is Important 

I see a simple, but important lesson here, especially at this time of year.

Let’s be aware of the persons in our lives.  Let’s take the initiative to be with them and to share what is really going on with us.

In turn, let’s be open to the family member or friend or anyone who reaches out to us.  Let’s be alert and give that person some attention.

Maybe some very needed personal support will occur. Or maybe a relationship will get enriched or reconciled.  

Underneath all the glitz and rush of these December days, this is what’s really important. These connections with one another are Godly moments. 

The younger Mary and older Elizabeth sit with each other and end up seeing the hand of God at work.  The younger soldier and middle-aged woman sit with each other and a God-filled experience happens for both of them.  

So maybe the question for this Sunday before Christmas is this: With whom do I need to sit? Or, to put it differently, who needs to sit with me today?

HOMILY for December 16, 2018: 3rd Sunday of Advent, Cycle C

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3^rd Sunday of Advent, Cycle C

Terranova Hermitage

December 16, 2018

 

The Heart of Christmas

By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato 

 

Theme Christmas Trees 

In more recent years, theme Christmas trees have become rather popular.

Years ago, most Christmas trees would have a variety of ornaments, lights, tinsel, and garland – but not usually have a theme. Today, there are many theme trees. Valley View Farms has tons of them.

There you’ll see Christmas trees with an NFL theme – with Ravens logos, helmets and footballs. There are trees with a gingerbread theme.

There are trees decorated with a variety of animals and some with all dogs or all cats. And there are trees with a Nascar theme or a Star Wars theme.

And, of course, there are trees for coffee lovers – with a Dunkin’ Donuts or Starbucks theme. Name the theme and you can find the appropriately decorated tree.

All Good, But…

Now, these Christmas trees can be enjoyable, but I’ve got one caution. 

Christmas is not just about my favorite style of decorations or my favorite interest. Instead, every year in Advent, including today’s Advent Gospel, John the Baptist proclaims the true meaning of what we are celebrating.

He calls us to center and focus on something, or really Someone, new. He reminds us that this Season really celebrates Someone – spelled with a capital S – Someone who is far greater than any of us. 

So, Reclaim These Customs 

And so, what I suggest is that in these days of Advent, we try to reclaim what Christmas is really all about.

Many of our customs are good. And I believe that we can allow them to speak of what Christmas really means.

For example, let’s send Christmas cards that speak of the “good news.”This is the heart of John the Baptists’s message in today’s Gospel.

The passage says, “[John] preached good news to the people,”the news that “one mightier than I is coming.”I find it important that our Christmas cards proclaim this good news and then some of our other customs can define this.

So, let’s understand the lights on our Christmas trees or in our windows as speaking of the light and presence of Jesus. The prophet Zephaniah in the first reading says: “The Lord is in your midst; you have nothing to fear.”

Saint Paul in the second reading repeats the same idea: “The Lord is near.”So, let’s understand our lights as proclaiming the presence of the One who is the light.

And then, let’s allow our Christmas carols speak of our joy in the birth of Christ.  Once again, the prophet says today: “Shout for joy, O daughter Zion!  Sing joyfully, O Israel!”

And Saint Paul says: “Rejoice in the Lord always.  I say it again: Rejoice.”  We sing carols and are joyful because the Lord is in our midst.

And then, let’s allow our hospitality in this season speak of peace. Saint Paul says it so well today.

If we realize that the Lord is with us, then “the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds.”  So, the way we greet one another and the way we show hospitality toward others in our homes or workplaces or schools will not be superficial, but will speak of the peace that is possible through Christ.

The Conclusion: Gift-Giving

Finally, let’s allow any gift-giving that we do to express what this Season is really all about. 

We could give an Amazon Alexa – a remote and instant connection for music and news and other things – or a PlayStation game console or an American Eagle shirt or a Michael Kors handbag – at least I am told that’s a hot item for women this year. There are so many thingswe can give, but what is important to give?

That’s really what all the people in today’s gospel are asking John the Baptist, when they ask: “What are we to do?”

And John’s answer, to each group, is the same: be fair, just, compassionate, and charitable. That is the real gift we are to give to each other.

Because being fair, just, compassionate or charitable is really the gift of self and, when we give ourselves, then we are doing exactly what God does for us at Christmas in giving us his Son.

Then we have captured the real meaning of this season. Then we are really living Christmas.