Thursday, January 28, 2016

Daily HOMILY for January 27, 2015: Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Ordinary Time

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Wednesday 3rd Week OT
The Institute
January 27, 2016
NOT ENOUGH DEPTH! ++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø  Sometimes you will hear even bright people dismiss Jesus’ teachings and the images he uses as “too simple and not having depth”
Ø  They would rather read something with more “meat,” taking longer to digest
Ø  Well, Jesus’ simple teaching carries the punch that can make us breathless
Ø  His words are deceptively simple so that he can reach anyone who is reading them, whether that be a child or a multiple PhD who knows many languages  
THE CHALLENGE +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø  The challenge comes not in the simple image of a “sower and seed” but with the meaning and application of those simple images
Ø  See — the word of God — is sown in our hearts
Ø  But translating the significance of the kind of heart the person has will, in large measure, account for whether the words have any effect
Ø  The issue is not simply about reading scripture or the words
Ø  It is also taking and giving the time and attention to reflect on exactly what Jesus is saying
Ø  What kind of heart I have will determine whether I accept Jesus’ teaching or merely rush over it
APPLICATION TO PRIEST & RELIGIOUS +++++++++++++
Ø  If you take the question of vows of religious or annual promises of diocesan clergy, how we listen to one another in community or as a presbyterate around our bishop …
Ø  How we take the time to understand where the other is coming from will determine if we actually hear what is being said and the message given
CONCLUSION +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø  We’ve heard it said: “You’ve been through the Gospel, but the Gospel hasn’t been through you”
Ø  And this is one reason why the Gospel can never become “old news”
Ø  If it has become “old news” or “we’ve heard this same parable before” we have either not been truly listening or “It hasn’t been applied well to our own lives!”

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Daily HOMILY for January 26, 2015: Timothy & Titus

PODCAST - Press sideways triangle below to listen 

Tuesday 3rd Week OT
The Institute
January 26, 2016
GOD’S WIL ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø  At times we all struggle w/ knowing “God’s will”
Ø  Throughout history the misappropriation of “God’s will” has led to some ugly results  
Ø  Religious wars, colonization, slavery, subjugation of women, & terrorism stem from the misuse of religion & a mistaken interpretation of what it means 2 do G’s will
Ø  Readings remind us, we cannot run from notion, that there is a will of G & we’re called 2 do it! 
Ø  But what is it? Where do we find it? 
JESUS & GOD’S WILL ++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø  J himself didn’t fully comprehend what G had in store 4 his own life until after his baptism
Ø  & we witness J’s struggle w/ G’s will in Gethsemane, when it was clear he’d B betrayed
Ø  J — fully human & divine — experienced difficulty of both knowing G’s will & needing 2 execute it as a limited person
Ø  J’s life & death give us a glimpse at both attentiveness we need 2 understand G’s will & the extraordinary strength & courage 2 do it
US & GOD’S WILL +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø  G’s will = still a mystery 2 me.  I don’t know what G wants from me, & we may never know God’s plan for the world
Ø  But that doesn’t mean we are not responsible for listening 2 God w/ an open heart like Jesus
Ø  We must cultivate an attentiveness & a stillness that allow us 2 communicate w/ G in midst of R daily chaos
Ø  And in those moments of prayerful reflection when we do perceive God’s will, it might require immense fortitude to carry it out
CONCLUSION ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø  On the heels of the Baptism of Lord & in light of readings, we commit ourselves 2 contemplating what it means to “come to do the Lord’s will”
Ø  As we’re called 2 do in sacrament of Baptism & commit 2 do each day in Eucharist
Ø  Specific answers may prove elusive, but we’re assured that the spiritual process will bear great fruit.
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