Daily HOMILY for July 25, 2014: Feast of James the Apostle

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In 2014, I am facilitating a 12-week interactive online course in contemplative prayer and action for priests with Saint Luke Institute.  Please visit SLIconnect.org to learn more:  https://www.sliconnect.org/product/living-god-program-contemplative-life-2/

Friday 16^th Week OT/Feast of James the Apostle

Cape May Retreat

July 25, 2014

DESIRE FOR GREATNESS ++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  It’s a bit like having your friends recall every year the time you backed into and destroyed that parking meter

Ø  The Gospel chosen for this feast of St. James does not celebrate his most flattering moment

Ø  It tells of the time his mother, with the connivance of ser sons, approaches Jesus to ask preferential treatment for James and his brother John in the coming Kingdom

Ø  If, on the other hand, Mark 1:19-20 had been chosen for today’s Gospel, we would have seen James and John leaving their nets to immediately follow Jesus at his call

Ø  A bit more flattering!

Ø  But, once again, a less favorable incident from the life of a person we call a saint seems to be more useful to us than recounting how he rose off the ground while praying

TRUE GREATNESS ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  We all have embarrassing moments, whether it’s backing into that parking meter or something more devastating or shaming, something sexual or flagrantly dishonest

Ø  Our healing and moving on to better things, have followed from listening to R consciences & asking forgiveness, much as the brothers were brought down to reality by Jesus’ question to them

OUR GREATNESS ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  The Gospel is full of fruitful things to ponder

Ø  One of them for us 2 think about & apply 2 ourselves is oft-repeated lesson of Js’ words & life

Ø  “Whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant”

Ø  Exaltation and position, poor human words for what God intends for us, are in God’s gift

Ø  Our part & R joy 2 will B found in loving service & concern 4 R neighbors & all those we meet

CONCLUSION +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  We have learned in our reading from Corinthians,

Ø  “We too believe … knowing that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and place us with you in his presence”

Ø  There is no other way to a place in the kingdom and it’s the greatness James & John sought!

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