Deacon Larry

 

Thursday of 9th Week in Ordinary Time

Tob 6:10-11; 7: 1bcde, 9-17; 8: 4-9a; Mark 12: 28-34

Dc. Larry Brockman

How does one Love God with his whole heart, soul, mind, and strength?  For although we are taught that this is the greatest commandment, this reading doesn’t tell us how to do it. 

Perhaps the second greatest commandment is easier to understand- Loving our neighbor as ourselves.  All of us understand love of self.  We love ourselves when we show respect for the dignity of our bodies and minds by refraining from doing ourselves harm, but only doing what is good for us.  And we understand how we might apply that to our neighbor.  We can see, touch, and communicate easily with our “neighbor” and so we can show them respect, honor, affection, and do a host of other things that are intended to be good for them, and not bear any evil.  I think it is fair to say that love of the kind I’m talking about involves patience, kindness, forgiveness, and the other things St. John talks about in his famous epistle. 

But loving God- just how do we do that?  Loving God is the reflection back to God of how He loves us.  To be sure, he loves us the way we are supposed to love our neighbor- with patience and kindness and forgiveness.  But it is much deeper- because God gave the life of his only son for us- the ultimate sacrifice. 

Can we love God that way- are we patient with God, or do we expect an answer to our prayer immediately?  Are we kind to God, or do we give him only the minimum of attention to get by?  Do we forgive God, or to put another way, do we always blame Him for our problems?  And are we willing to give the ultimate sacrifice for God?  That means following his will no matter what.  Discerning God’s will means knowing God- by being familiar with His Word, and following our consciences, that little voice inside that tells us what’s right.  Any way you look at it, loving God is a commitment for life. 

  Thursday of 7th Week of Easter

Acts 22: 30, 23: 6-11; John 17: 20-26

Dc. Larry Brockman

The Apostles were truly a chosen people.  For, as we have just heard Jesus say in the Gospel,  “They are your gift to me”; and “I have given them the glory you gave me”.  Wow!  How special is that. 

But you know, it occurs to me that the words in the Gospel are not just directed to the Apostles.  That’s a very narrow way of taking this Gospel.  Indeed, let’s ponder for a moment what this Gospel means if all of us, yes you and I, are the gift of which Jesus speaks.  After all, Jesus says he is praying not only for these, meaning the Apostles, but also, and I quote,   for “those who will believe in me through their word”.  That is us- all of us here today who are believers.  And so, all of us can take great comfort in the prayer that Jesus says for his people-  first, that we may all be one.  Yes, all of us are one, and just as you would want to be included in that number so are all those other brothers who are believers who are different from us.  They are all part of the one.  Second, that he has given us the glory he has- everlasting life.  We may not know what it is like, but we can take great joy knowing that it is certain for those who believe.  Third, that Jesus wants us to be where he is.  This is also a great comfort, knowing that Jesus wants us in Heaven with him.  And lastly, and certainly not the least- that, and I quote, “the love with which you loved me may be in them, and I in them”.  And considering that God is Love.  That is quite something. 

Thursday of 5th Week of Easter

Feast of St. Matthias

Acts 1: 515-17, 20-26; John 15: 9-17

Dc. Larry Brockman

 

“It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you”.  Have you ever thought about it that way? 

I often preach about having Faith and choosing to do God’s will.  But this morning’s readings put an entirely different light on our salvation journey.  Because both readings point to the fact that we have been chosen, not just in a generic sense, as the Jews were the chosen people.  But in a specific way.  We have all been chosen for a particular time and place and mission.  Most likely it is the one you find yourself in at this moment, whatever it is; married, single or religious; or student or boss, or worker, or stay-at home caregiver;  Whatever it is, you have been chosen for it. 

The apostles were told that in the Gospel.  Of all the people Jesus could have chosen, these 11 men were it-   And they were an unlikely group of fisherman and common folk chosen to build the Church.  Likewise Matthias was chosen by lot, not by the discretion of his associates, in Acts- a clear symbol that God had directed the choice.  Matthias is a prototype of all of us in that sense.  Because our roles in life, when you think about it, largely seem dictated by circumstances beyond our control. 

It seems to me that this is something we can all rejoice over.  Because if we do our best and trust in God, as we live our lives, then we can be assured that we will be chosen for the mission in life into which we find ourselves.  Sometimes we have a tendency to worry too much about where we end up.  We wonder whether we would be better off doing something else; we think the grass may be greener in another occupation of life.  But if we have trusted in God, and tried to follow his will, then most likely we have been chosen to do precisely what we are doing. 

And our attention now should center on just one two things:  Loving as best as we can, thereby giving Glory to God by doing it as best as we can; and Bearing the fruit he intends for us. 

  Thursday of 4th Week of Easter

Acts 12: 24, 13: 5a; John 13: 16-20

Dc. Larry Brockman

Jesus says “Blessed are you if you do it”.  Do what?  I puzzled much over that as I heard this Gospel.  True, Jesus was referring to the washing of feet.  But there’s so much more implied. 

First, there are the two analogies Jesus mentioned: one about masters and servants; the other about messengers and the one that sent them.  The disciples were cast into those roles.  They didn’t catch on at the time, but after the resurrection they did.  They recognized Jesus as the master; they recognized they were being sent by Jesus.  We, too, are cast into these roles no matter how much authority we seem to have- authority as a boss; as a mom or dad; or a teacher, or any of the other roles we might have in authority.  Because when it comes to our relationship with God, we are the messenger, not the one who sends him; and we are the servant, not the master. 

This is the Easter season, and we are constantly being reminded that we are all being sent forth, sent forth to share the Good news of the death and resurrection of Jesus; sent forth to share the joy and the faith that goes with it.  But, we are not sent forth as persons set apart from the people we come in contact with.  That means we are not sent forth to form clichés; nor are we sent forth in a spirit of superiority.  Rather, we are sent forth to show our faith to the world in a way that will attract others.  And we are called forth to serve these others even when they are unbelievers- difficult; skeptic, and seemingly undeserving. 

This service is characterized by a humble heart punctuated by a spirit of joy- joy that we recognize our salvation, and that it is Jesus Christ.  That can be hard.  But as Jesus said, “Blessed are you if you do it.” 

  April 16, 2009

Thursday in Octave of Easter

Acts 3: 11-26; Luke 24: 35-48

Dc. Larry Brockman

Lot’s of people, even so-called Christians, Deny Christ. 

Both readings today give us a glimpse of that.  Peter tells how the people were blind to the Old Testament prophesies.  They were blind to Christ when he came.  And even the Gospel story hints at denial.  The Apostles couldn’t believe their eyes when Jesus stood before them in a resurrected state.  Reading their minds and hearts, Jesus told them they were not seeing a ghost.  And if they had believed in Christ, then they would have expected his resurrection, because of all the scriptures that pointed to the events that led up to and happened during Holy Week. 

We can be the same way.  We can believe, but not really believe.  We recite our creeds, and we can celebrate the cycle of the death and resurrection of Jesus each year in the Church’s liturgies.  We can pray constantly to the Lord in an apparent act of Faith.  But do we really believe all that we profess?  And, do we recognize that whatever comes, is God’s answer to those prayers? 

God’s ways are not our ways.  They are different and can be very hard to imagine.  And yet, our all loving God means the best for us who believe. 

So, in this season of Easter, make your best effort to recognize the risen Christ.  Make your best effort to recognize that God does answer your prayers.  Try to see God’s will for you in all the clutter and difficulties of life.  Sometimes it’s hard.  But when you believe, you know that God is there with you every step of the way. 

April 9, 2009

Good Friday Morning Prayer

Isaiah 52:13-15

Ponder it!  All of us gathered today are called to ponder it.  The prophesy Isaiah foretells in this reading will be played out in the next 3 days. 

And what are we asked to ponder?  First, that God became man.  No other faith believes that the transcendent God shares his Divinity so intimately with humanity.  But God so loved us that He did send his Son, fully human and fully divine.  And so, we can ponder how God sees human life lived to the fullest, and consistent with His divine will. 

Second, that Jesus, and hence God, humbled himself by accepting humiliation and suffering.  Even to the point of a horrible death on a cross.  We have all been exposed to the reality of that- the passion story read just last weekend.  And it will be repeated again today.  The total humiliation of Jesus- and yet done with love, all to fulfill Jesus commitment to His father’s will.  So, we can all ponder whether we are willing to bear humiliation for God’s sake. 

And thirdly, that Jesus rose from the dead on the third day, in a glorified state.  A glorified state that God said he will share with all of us who believe.  Yes, rulers and common folk alike need to ponder what it means to be in a glorified state like Jesus. 

Ponder that and you will experience the coming Joy of Easter. 

April 9, 2009

Holy Thursday Morning Prayer

Hebrews 2:9b-10

Suffering!  It’s something that we all try to avoid.  And yet, Holy Week Liturgies constantly remind us of the suffering endured by our Savior for us.  There is something very sobering in the message, that, as Paul says:   “God, for whom and through whom all things exist, should make their leader in the work of salvation perfect through suffering”. 

And yet, right up until the very end of his life Jesus was a very happy person, just living life to the fullest.  He is depicted as very social, and part of a crowd.  He accepted everyone, loved greatly, and was loved by his disciples. 

It’s just that Jesus got it- the need to do the Father’s will, even when the going got tough.  So Jesus preached repentence, and the Kingdom of God.  We are all called to do the same, live the life we’ve been given- happily, but hang in there when the going gets tough and shoulder our share of the sufferings that entails. 

In today’s world, a world of economic uncertainty, with many folks out of a job, many losing financial security, illnesses, older parents, and all kinds of trials that’s what our lives entail- living cheerfully and accepting the cross we’ve been given, whatever it is.  Why?  So that we are made perfect through suffering, and brought to glory through Jesus Christ. 

  March 12, 2009

Homily

Thursday of Second Week of Lent

Jer 17: 5-10; Lk 16: 19-31

Dc. Larry Brockman

Once a year I like to visit my son in Seattle.  And in the 5 or so years I have done that, I can’t remember a single time I wasn’t approached by a homeless person on the streets of Seattle.  It is usually close to the waterfront, shortly after I have dined in a fine seafood restaurant.  And so, this gospel reading often comes to mind.  The homeless person always shakes me out of a sense of contentment.  I have just reached my destination- ready for a nice vacation, and good times with my son and his family.  Aren’t I entitled to a fine meal while I am on vacation without having to be accosted by these people on the street?  Why are these people always there- every year?  And how is it they always seem to know who the visitors are?  Why can’t they just go away?   

One way of looking at it is that I have worked hard for my retirement.  Indeed, I worked for 40 years, saved, and was able to retire.  Now, I am entitled to a life of relative leisure, especially when I am on vacation.  Or am I. 

Jeremiah says “Cursed is the man who trusts in human beings, who seeks his strength in the flesh…”  And if I set my agenda, if I am always in control, then isn’t that seeking strength in the flesh?  So, maybe there is another way to look at it.  And that is that I have been truly blessed by God.  I was fortunate to have been able to work 40 years and earned a safe retirement.  But the challenge of life does not end with attainment of success, or for that matter even with retirement.  Rather, the challenge of life continues, no matter what your status in life is.  That challenge is to trust in the Lord, as Jeremiah advises rather than in yourself.   

When you are approached by a homeless person on the street, begging for food, you have some options.  You can ignore him, and just walk away; or you can listen patiently to his plight, and then admonish him to get a job like you did; or you can give him some money; or you can take him somewhere and buy him a meal  The question is:  What will you do? 

  August 15, 2008

Assumption

Rev 11: 19a; 12, 1-6a, 10ab; 1 Cor 15: 20-27; Luke1: 39-56

Dc. Larry Brockman

Filled with the Holy Spirit!  Today’s gospel speaks of two women filled with the Holy Spirit-  Mary and Elizabeth.  What does that mean?  Does it just mean an exuberance of spirit, an enthusiastic spirit?  For surely, Elizabeth and Mary seemed exuberant over their meeting. 

No, there is much more to being filled with the Holy Spirit than exuberance as both women demonstrate in the gospel.  Clearly, both women are filled with Wisdom, that special feeling of knowledge and focus that only the Spirit of God can provide.  That’s why Elizabeth could recognize Mary as the mother of her Lord; that’s why Mary could foresee her role in salvation history as she proclaims the wonderful words of the Magnificat, because both of these women were filled with the Holy Spirit. 

That’s what the Holy Spirit can do for you, too.  When you are filled with God’s Spirit, you will be filled with a spirit of knowing, of discernment; of energy, and of focus.  It’s the thing that really gives meaning to your life, to actually be moved by the will of God for you. 

Now even though you may be filled with the Spirit, and you will feel joy, you will also face a battle, just like the battle described in Revelation this morning.  Because the thing the devil abhors the most is when God’s people are filled with the Spirit, and moved to do God’s will.  Surely, you will be tested, and could be swept away- a third of the stars.  But hold firm; because the reward is everlasting happiness.  Paul describes that reward- the resurrection from the dead for all of us and a life forever free from all enemies and evil. 

When we celebrate the feast of the Assumption, we are celebrating what the future holds for us.  Mary was the first of humanity to experience the kingdom of Heaven, body and soul intact.  For the rest of us who fight the good fight, it is our hope and our calling. 

April 26, 2007

Thursday, Third Week of Easter

“Are You an Evangelist?”

Acts 8: 26-40; John 6: 44-51

Dc. Larry Brockman

Are you an evangelist? 

My bet is that most of you would say no.  Now I’m not talking about the group of Christians called Evangelists.  And I’m not talking about TV Evangelists.  But just a plain ordinary Evangelist, like Philip in the first reading.  Philip heard the promptings of the spirit- fruits of his own Baptism and Faith, and played the role of an Evangelist.  Still fresh from the Euphoria of Jesus’ Resurrection, Philip echoed what he knew about the scriptures and Jesus.  And so, he converted and baptized the Ethiopian Eunuch. 

Each of you is in contact every day with people like the Ethiopian Eunuch: people who are seeking the truth; people who read about their faith, and don’t understand; and people who ask questions- maybe not with their lips, but with their eyes, their attitude, or their body language.  All of us, by virtue of our Baptisms are called to be evangelists in words and deeds. 

At this special time of the Church Year when the Resurrection is fresh in our minds, we have an opportunity to spread our Easter Joy to others.  If you hear a little voice inside prompting you to be a Philip to a friend, coworker, or relative, try to respond to the urgings of the spirit.  The Gospel tells us that no one can come to the Father except through Jesus.  Jesus is the word of God.  You all can carry the word of God to others. 

So, what about you?  Are you an Evangelist?