Horizons Filled with Possibilities–the Feast of the Ascension–Year A

My Sisters and Brothers:

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Ascension of our Lord.  I find it very interesting Jesus ascended into heaven from the Mount of Olives, part of modern-day “East Jerusalem” overlooking Mount Zion, the former site of the Second Jewish Temple (destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD).  To this day, and for many reasons, these “mountains” dominating the City of Jerusalem are profoundly sacred places within Judaism, Islam, and Christianity.  And like them, and as we ascend the lofty heights of other “mountains” on the earth, we might actually feel “closer to heaven, and nearer to God.”  Such places also give us glimpses into “horizons filled with possibilities!”  So I think there’s no coincidence Jesus told his disciples from the perspective of a mountain top “to go and make disciples of all nations” (see today’s Gospel, Matthew 28:16-20).

If you like me love to travel to the top of mountains, you know how enjoyable it is to visit beautiful scenic overlooks found at such “heights.”  In those places, it’s easy for us to experience a sense of majesty, awe, and sanctity!  When I was a college student at Mount Saint Mary’s in Emmitsburg, Maryland, I would often take peaceful and inspiring hikes up to the top of the adjoining mountain; of course those trips always included reflective stops at the Mount’s “National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes.”  At an overlook, adjacent to the grotto, there’s a posted plaque with the following exuberant words from the writings of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton: “We are half in the sky; the height of our situation is incredible.”  Seton wrote the words while living at that very site after first arriving in Emmitsburg in 1809.  When I’ve been there, and when I’ve reflected on her words, it’s been easy for me to understand the lofty sentiments she expressed!  Somehow up in the altitudes it seems we are closer to God!  And somehow from those heights, the world seems like a place of endless possibilities!  Oh how Scriptural such sentiments can be!

The Bible is certainly filled with many examples of sacred heights.  In it there are many stories involving mountains (the several listed below are not all in chronological order).  On Mount Sinai Moses received the Ten Commandments (see Exodus 19-20, 24).  On Mount Zion King David established the City of David, where eventually the Solomon's Temple would be built (see 2 Samuel 5:1-10 and 1 Kings 8:1.  This is the site of the modern day “Temple Mount” where the al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock stand today).  On Mount Carmel Elijah invoked God’s power and miraculously started a fire of sacrifice in opposition to the prophets of the false god Baal (see 1 Kings 18).  From New Testament accounts, King David’s Mount Zion is also believed to have been the location of the “Upper Room” where Jesus celebrated the “Last Supper” and instituted the Eucharist (cf., 1 Corinthians 11:23-25); it’s believed it was also the location where Jesus dramatically appeared to the Apostles after the Resurrection (cf. John 20:19-23), and it’s likewise thought to be the location where the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples at Pentecost (cf. Acts 2:1–6).  On the Mount of the Beatitudes Jesus delivered the “Sermon on the Mount” (see Matthew 5, 6,7); this same place is also thought to be the “mountain in Galilee” where Jesus also appeared to the disciples after the Resurrection (see Matthew 28:16-20).  On Mount Tabor Jesus was transfigured into glory, and he was seen with Moses and Elijah by the apostles Peter, James and John (see Matthew 17:1-9, Mark 9:2-8 and Luke 9:28-36).  On the Mount of Olives Jesus experienced the Agony in the Garden (see Luke 22:39-49 and Acts 1:9-12).  On Mount Calvary Jesus was crucified, died, was buried, and then rose from the dead.  Subsequently, and returning to the Mount of Olives, Jesus Ascended into heaven, the Feast we celebrate today!

And so as we recall the Ascension, and Jesus’ command to his disciples “to go and make disciples of all nations,” let’s respond faithfully!  As the disciples went up to the “mountain in Galilee,” and then again up the Mount of Olives with the Lord, and in those places and without doubt felt “closer to heaven, and nearer to God,” they also understood the great earthly responsibilities charged to them by Jesus on those mountains.  As heirs to those disciples, we share their vocations to venture out into those same “horizons filled with possibilities,” and we’re called make a difference in our world today!  My friends, let’s respond to this charge of Jesus with enthusiasm and with joy!

Praise God!  Friar Timothy


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Do's, Don'ts and Godly Love–the Sixth Sunday of Easter–Year A

My Sisters and Brothers:

In today’s Gospel, Jesus said “those who love me will keep my commandments . . . and those who love me will be loved by my Father” (see John 14:15-21). When we hear the word “commandment,” even within the context of Jesus’ teaching on love, we might immediately and only think of the “do’s” and the “don’ts” usually perceived as imposed upon “religious people.”

The Ten Commandments, believed to have been given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai, are of course the most obvious example of this (often, when thinking of that Biblical story, I’ll recall Charlton Heston as Moses, and how he angrily hurled stone tablets at an idol the Israelites had created; the image is seared into my mind). These Commandments have in fact been very important to us, and so as small children we studied them in our catechism classes, and as adults we’ve continued to observe them throughout our lives. As such, I believe we’ve carefully striven to esteem and to honor God and our fellow human beings. On this point, it’s interesting to note how most of the Commandments (seven, to be exact) speak of how people are to treat, to respect, and even “to love” each other. Consequently, and as we’ve related to others, things like “honoring our fathers and mothers,” and prohibitions against “killing” and “stealing” (just to name some), have been ingrained into our moral and “religious” consciences.

Because Jesus was born into a very good and holy Jewish family, we can be sure he too observed the Ten Commandments as he was raised in Nazareth, and as he later preached and performed miracles during his public ministry. Indeed, there are several Gospel references to Jesus’ affirmation of them (e.g., see Matthew 5:17-19 and 19:18-19). But while this is all certain, the focus of the message in today’s Gospel seems to place exceptional emphasis on the virtue of love as a prerequisite to observance of the Commandments. This is a very serious teaching!

We’re supposed to understand if we love Jesus, and we’re loved by the Father, then we’ll also “love our neighbors as ourselves” (see Mark 12:31). Jesus certainly modeled this throughout his entire earthly life. But as we seek to follow him, to observe the Commandments, and to remain always faithful, it can get a little challenging for those of us who are sinners! Frankly, it might just be easier not to love others as we are called to do . . . Let’s be honest and admit we might’ve harbored inordinate resentments, angers, hatreds, and the like towards others, especially those who’ve “done us wrong” (and this is probably true in things both great and small). It’s not that such people shouldn’t take responsibility for their poor behaviors and actions when they’ve caused us harm, but Jesus teaches us to replace all of our possible reactionary negative sentiments with “Godly love.” No doubt this is probably one of the most challenging “commandments” placed upon us, but it’s what Jesus calls us to do.

Oh yes, certainly there are “do’s” and “don’ts” imposed upon “religious people,” but Jesus reminds us love is the starting point for observing all the rules. Therefore, as people who constantly seek to love Jesus, and who desire to be loved by the Father, we know that same love must motivate every single Commandment we observe. As such, and as people enveloped in this “Godly love,” we are truly called “to love our neighbors as ourselves!” My friends, without doing so, I believe it’s just about impossible for us really to love God. And so, as those who do and don’t, let’s first be people motivated by supreme virtue of love! Let’s encourage each other with this message!

Praise God! Friar Timothy


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Do Not Let Your Heart Be Troubled!–the Fifth Sunday of Easter–Year A

My Sisters and Brothers:

In today’s Gospel Jesus encouraged his followers not to “let their hearts be troubled.”  He also told them he would “take them to himself,” and that he was “the way, the truth, and the life” (see John 14:1-12).  It’s significant he spoke these words at the “Last Supper,” just before the punishing trials to which they would be subjected the very next day.  Jesus wanted them to know and to have faith in God, a loving Father who would provide for all their needs, especially when things got difficult!  And about the Father, Jesus also told his disciples he coexisted within him (he said: “I am in the Father and the Father is in me”).  By explaining these realities, Jesus promised to take care of any of the stresses, great or small, that threatened joy within their lives.  And he assured them this power came from God the Father himself!

When the disciples first heard these teachings, they didn’t fully understand what Jesus had told them.  They didn’t comprehend his explanation of his own divinity, his all-embracing “unity” with the Father, his promise of complete protection in the face of trials, and about the total joy to be found in their future heavenly homes.  When Jesus taught these things, they definitely didn’t know in their near futures they would be called upon to endure his passion, his crucifixion, and his death.  They also didn’t grasp how much suffering they themselves would have to endure.  The truth was, the difficulties they would encounter would be tremendous, and for those things Jesus wanted to prepare them!  And so he told them not to be troubled, that he would care for them, and the Father would provide for all their needs.  Unlike those disciples at that moment, we have the benefit of being “Easter Christians.”  We have full understanding of the purpose of Jesus’ sufferings, his death, his resurrection from the dead, and his ascension into heaven.  We believe in the divinity of Jesus, we recognize him as our Messiah and our Lord, and we know he’s prepared a place for us in heaven.  We also acknowledge the strength Jesus gives us when we face our own trials.  And so perhaps even more poignantly, the very same message taught to those first disciples is given to us as well!  There’s no need for us to have troubled hearts!

And what are those things that might stress us and cause “our hearts to be troubled?”  It’s likely we won’t have to face the same kind of difficulties endured by those first disciples, many of whom later suffered and were martyred because of their Christian faith.  But unless we’ve been blessed with “perfect lives” (and I’d bet none of us have been so fortunate), then we’re likely faced with situations, challenges, and trials that might just cause some amount of unrest in our lives. Isn’t this especially true when we have health issues, or when facing major life changes (such as moving to a new home or taking a new job), or when there are conflicts in our relationships, or when there are problems in our work places, or when our finances are faltering, or when we are mourning the loss of a loved one (just to name of few).  These kinds of things usually “trouble my heart,” and I’d bet others, even the best of Christians, would say the same.

However, Jesus’ lesson for us in today’s Gospel is precisely “to the point.”  And it’s certainly as relevant for us as it was for those first disciples.  He simply tells us to look beyond the trials, the stresses, and difficulties of our lives, and to trust God our Father will give us hope, and will provide for all our needs.  To that end, Jesus proclaims he is “the way, the truth, and the life,” something said literally “in the shadow of the cross.”  And so, my friends, let’s do the best we can to trust the words of Jesus.  And may our troubled hearts be soothed, strengthened, and healed!

Praise God!  Friar Timothy

 

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"But Who Can We Trust?" -- the Fourth Sunday of Easter–Year A

My Sisters and Brothers: 

In today’s Gospel Jesus called himself “the gate for the sheep,” and he said whoever entered “through him” (i.e., through the gate), “would be saved.”  In contrast, and with some very direct criticism of the Pharisees, he said “those who did not enter the sheepfold through the gate, but climbed over elsewhere, were thieves and robbers” (see John 10:1-10).  I believe Jesus wants us to make these very same distinctions!

The Pharisees were the “religious leaders” of Jesus’ time who claimed to have knowledge of God, but who in fact led people away from understandings of true spiritual realities; consequently, they had prevented others from being “saved.”  Through his “sheep-gate” analogy, Jesus asserted the Pharisees sought “to enter the sheepfold elsewhere, and over the fence.” Of course, they did so with malice, and apart from God’s will.  He said the Pharisees “came only to steal, to slaughter, and to destroy.”  In this teaching, Jesus therefore warned others about such “thieves,” and instead encouraged his disciples to trust only in him, and in those faithful to him.  This was because, as “thieves and robbers,” the Pharisees were “strangers” to the “sheepfold” (i.e., aliens to God and his people); thus they were “religious interlopers,” and so were a genuine threat to Jesus’ wholesome and all-embracing promise of “salvation” and the fullness of life for all.  Jesus said: “Those saved would come in through the gate, and they would go out and find pasture.”  As such, they would “have life and have it more abundantly.”  I believe the promise of “abundant lives” made to the disciples would have included both those lives lived within the “pasture” of earth, as well as those enjoyed in the future heavenly glory.  Because of their corruption, the Pharisees couldn’t deliver on either.

As we contemplate the message of this Gospel, we may wonder if there are contemporary “religious leaders” who might have as much malice as those Pharisees of old.  And so, even in our own time, we might then question those “leaders” who seem to threaten the mission and the good works of our own churches and of our faith communities.  Might such “leaders” be present even in our own parishes (and God forbid, even at higher levels of our Church’s authority structures)?  And if so, how might we avoid their negativity and their destructive influences upon us?  Although these are not easy questions to ponder, I believe doing so may help us to hold steadfast as faithful followers of the Lord Jesus!  Shouldn’t we therefore remain “on guard” against false teachings and those “leaders” who promote them?  After all, don’t we always desire to enter through “the gate to the sheepfold” Jesus promises to be for us?

But who can we trust?  In answer to this, it seems to me the part I mentioned about remaining “on guard” requires a great deal of diligent prayer, study of the Scriptures and Church teachings, discernment of “the times,” and responsible confidence in those chosen to lead our contemporary Church (on this point, I’d like to say thank God for Pope Francis!).  If we persevere in these things, and at all times remain vigilant, then I believe we’ll certainly be able to recognize Jesus clearly as “the sheep-gate.”  In this way, we’ll also receive all the guidance we need in order to enter the “pastures of abundant life.”

My friends, let’s always strive to live the Christian faith with true devotion!  Let’s avoid those “thieves and robbers” who would desire to lead us astray; instead, let’s constantly strive to pass correctly through Jesus, because he is our “sheep-gate,” and he is our true Savior!  And as faithful members of “the flock,” may the promised “salvation” be ours forever!

Praise God!  Friar Timothy

 

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