Monday, November 23, 2015

Daily HOMILY for November 23, 2015: Monday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time


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Monday 34th Week OT
The Institute
November 23, 201
TAKING A STAND IN THE MOVIES +++++++++++++++++
Ø  In movies where there is a fight between good and evil, the main character normally must make a dramatic stand
Ø  The stand is about choosing to be good and avoiding wrong
Ø  In this heroic, saintly moment, the protagonist “draws a line in the sand” as it were
Ø  He or she stands up as a model of moral authority and valiant courage – someone respected, someone admired
TAKING A STAND IN OT +++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø  Daniel & his companions are heroic, saintly people
Ø  In the face of political persecution and social suicide, Daniel refuses to compromise these values
Ø  It would have been comfortable and convenient to succumb to the chamberlains’ and king’s request
Ø  Riches and power were to be gained, but
Ø  Daniel knew his resolve had 2B grounded in Lord
Ø  What he professed had to correspond to how he acted
Ø  Otherwise, it would be an empty profession
TAKING A STAND IN THERAPY +++++++++++++++++++
Ø  We, too, encounter moments where we must choose between doing good and doing evil
Ø  These times don’t need 2B grandiose as in movies
Ø  In reality, small instances present themselves
o   When gossip and slander are spoken
o   When negativity and rejection are projected
o   When embarrassing speech and harsh words may be spoken
Ø  In these moments – whether we are the offender or a bystander – a “line in the sand” presents itself
Ø  We can choose to succumb silently or boldly stand our ground and speak out
CONCLUSION +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø  At such times it’s important to remember that faith is not only professed,
Ø  It must also be lived out – even in very small ways
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Daily HOMILY for November 18, 2015: Wednesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time


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Wednesday 33rd Week OT
The Institute
November 18, 2015
AN ERROR RE THE K/G ++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø  The parable of the 10 talents -- an old familiar parable; let’s look at it in new way
Ø  J tells it as he’s approaching Jerusalem and the disciples are thinking that the K/G is going to show itself then and there
Ø  So one of Jesus’ reasons for telling it is to clarify this error on their part
3 SERVANTS +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø  In Parable, K calls 10 servants 2 whom he’s given each, 10 silver coins 2 C how much each gained
Ø  1st produces 10 more: “Well done, trustworthy in small things, you’ll govern 10 cities”
Ø  2nd produced 5 more talents 2 which king replies “And you shall be in charge of five cities”
Ø  3rd servant arrives & says, “Sir, here’s your talent I put it away safely, becz I was afraid, for you are an exacting man, you gather in what you have not laid out and reap what you have not sown.”
MISTAKEN IMAGE OF GOD  ++++++++++++++++++++
Ø  In this 3rd servant we have a mistaken idea of God which is criticized by Jesus
Ø  4 starters, servant considers God a severe master
Ø  Before such a God, one is afraid & hides behind the exact & poor observance of the law
Ø  Thinks acting in this way he’ll not be punished by the severity of the legislator
Ø  Such a person doesn’t believe or trust in God, but believes rather in self & his observance of the law
Ø  He’s closed himself up in self; drawn away from God, & is not able 2B concerned about others
Ø  Thus he’s incapable of growing as a free person
Ø  Notice it a false image of God that isolates the person, kills the community, extinguishes joy, and impoverishes life
Ø  The poor fellow is not condemned by God, but by the mistaken idea that he had conceived of God
Ø  His image of God renders him immature & fearful
AN ERROR CORRECTED ++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø  What the disciples have learned is R lesson as well
Ø  The K/G comes to those who have a proper image of God as a loving Father
Ø  & it comes risking use their talents 4 good of others

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