Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Just when we thought that the world cannot get any worse, we were shocked by the awfully gruesome killing of the Jordanian pilot by ISIS militants. They put him in a cage and burnt him alive. We have seen brutality, but acts like these defy our imagination. Or, take for instance, the indiscriminate killing of about two thousand men, women and children by Boko Haram militants in Nigeria. They simply invaded a village and killed them all. Besides these world tragedies, a plane went down in Taiwan killing over thirty people, last year 2.6 million children died of hunger related causes, and last week someone you know was diagnosed with cancer. There is no dearth of bad news. There is much suffering in the world.
Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
At every visit home, one of the greatest edification I receive is from my parent’s spirituality. First of all, they are two very genuine people. So I believe that their spiritual life is also genuine. Their hour-long morning and evening prayer, their selfless intercession for every need of the world, their participation in daily mass, their devotional practices and corporal works of mercy are truly inspirational. Not once have I felt that my priestly holiness and spirituality is superior to theirs. In fact, I have felt that the opposite is true. I know that my parent’s holiness far exceeds mine. And I know this to be true about them not only as retired people but even when I was a child. For that matter, there are many people in this congregation of whom I would say the same thing.
Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
I am sure I have shared the heartache I experience every time I leave home to come back to Dayton. Let me also say this. It is easier to come back when I know I am coming back to you! Of course the last day, the last hours, and the last moments are intensely emotional. Just before I leave, mom and dad always pray over me and give me their blessings. As they blessed me this time I realized how much it hurt all of us to part from each other. For some reason, my mother always surprises me with her prayers over me. She prayed something like, “Loving God, bless the people of my son’s parish whom you have called him to serve. Bless them and let them know your love through him.” This is what is surprising about my mother – she is always able to rise above the immediate situation and find the bigger meaning and purpose. She did this when I left home at 16 and she does it even now when I am 48. In her simple prayer, my mother, had lifted us all from our gloom and given meaning. We still wept as we parted but there was hope.
Second Sunday of Ordinary Time
I was watching a show on the Hadron collider, the most expensive scientific experiment ever done. The collider conducts experiments in particle physics to recreate the same condition that existed when the Big Bang occurred. How much do you think has been spent on this experiment? Thus far $ 6 billion has been spent and another 5 billion has been dedicated to it. This makes experiment controversial. Is this experiment really worth it? Should we not be spending this money on other urgent human needs? Particle physicists justify the experiment by saying that the more we discover about the origin of the world the more we can say about ourselves and build a better future. I personally think that it is important that we know about ourselves, but there is another significant question. If our experimentation is only going to tell us about the origin of the world and how the world is held together, how much should we spend for knowing the meaning of life? If we take today’s scripture seriously the most significant question about the meaning of life does not cost us money, but rather, it sets us on a life-long quest.
The Baptism of the Lord
Most of you know that I am home in India this week. When I first told my parents about my trip, my only intention was to spend time with them. But then, they had begun to make plans to visit even the pets of my relatives. I even said to my self that if my parents were not so dear to me there would be some not so nice conversations. Because my parents mean so much to me I would to do anything for them. But when I got home and I saw how proud they were of me, and when I realized why they wanted to show me off to the entire nation, I gave in. The real question I said to myself was not what my parents mean to me. The real question was what I mean to my parents. What does it mean for me to be a son? That was the real question.
The Epiphany of the Lord
“Where is God?” Perhaps you have heard this question numerous times. It is not a faithless question. It is a question that people with faith ask when life becomes extraordinarily burdensome - a child’s death, a horrible accident, devastating natural disasters, poverty and suffering. People have tried to answer the question in many ways. Fredrich Nietzsche, the famous philosopher said, “God is dead.” Others are unsure. And then there are the crazy Catholics. We say, “God is here!” We point toward a child in a manger or a mangled body on a cross and say, “God is here!”
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Since the Synod on the family convened by Pope Francis was held this October, I have to admit that the conversation about the family has changed dramatically. Not that the Synod changed our understanding of families but there is a greater acknowledgement of the challenges that families face. The greater contribution of the synod was to look at these challenges more pastorally and compassionately rather than legalistically. The work of the Synod is not over. It will meet again in Oct 2015 not only to complete its work but also to provide a cohesive teaching on the family that is acceptable to all sides in the conversation.
The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)
I am an idealist. I am for most part also an optimist. You see, when I was younger, I always looked at the world around me and believed that in twenty-five thirty years the world would be a far better place. I dreamt that one day there would not be wars or nuclear weapons, that there that the poor would see their lot improve, that there would be no economic and racial inequality, that we would have found a cure for cancer, and that the world will be more godly. I really did! Those twenty-five thirty years have passed. I am not sure if it is because I am approaching fifty or because I am finally coming to grip with reality, my idealism and my optimism are both waning. My hopes of seeing a more egalitarian, peaceful, prosperous, just and godly world is looking increasingly remote. Violence, religious and state sponsored terrorism, the threat of wars, racial tension, sexual discrimination, disparity between super-rich and the poor, economic injustice that hard-working middle class endure, bigotry, xenophobia and atheism are as rampant today as in the past, if not, increased.
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Today’s readings present us with two stories. The first story is the story of David, only the second King of Israel. He had just given the kingdom some stability. The borders were secure and David had built himself a new palace. The Ark of the Covenant, however, was in a mere tent. David felt troubled by this fact. How can the Ark be in a tent while he lives in a palace? He decides to build a temple for God. Normally, one would admire David for his desire to do something good for God. But if we go a little deeper, does it not seem ridiculous that a mere human being could think that he could build a dwelling place for a God who created the universe? As if the most magnificent structure we build could hold the power and majesty of God! I do not want to be unfair to David because David’s intention was good and holy. But God wanted David to learn that he must live by God’s will rather than the opposite. And so God’s action is meant to put David’s thinking in line with God’s will. God tells David that God would build a house for David instead.
Third Sunday of Advent
Do you remember Bobby McFerrin? And do you remember his song “Don’t Worry, be happy?” It was the No. 1 song in 1982. The lyrics to the song go:
Here's a little song I wrote
You might want to sing it note for note
Don't worry, be happy
In every life we have some trouble
When you worry you make it double
Don't worry, be happy
Don't worry, be happy now.
Every time I read Paul’s words in today’s second reading “Rejoice Always!” I am reminded of Bobby McFerrin’s song. In another letter Paul becomes even more emphatic. He says, “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice.” (Phil 4:4) The strange thing is that Paul’s had an intensely rough life after his conversion. The early Christians too were also in constant danger. Perhaps that is the reason that after asking the Thessalonians to “Rejoice always,” he also adds, “Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” Is Paul’s invitation to Rejoice is the same as Bobby McFerrin’s call to “Don’t worry, be happy?”
Second Sunday of Advent
This last Tuesday, Barry and I happened to be here in church with another musician. The back of the church was very dimly lit. I saw the inside door of the church open ever so slightly and then close and then open again. And then I saw figure walk very hesitatingly into the church and slowly slip into the very last pew. Just to make sure that everything was fine, I decided to walk up to the person. Meanwhile, I saw this person walk toward me. When I could actually see more clearly I saw a young woman and she was clearly distraught. I introduced myself and asked what I could do for her. She said that her grandmother has just passed away and before she could finish the sentence she was sobbing heavily. As I hugged her, she simply broke down and cried uncontrollably. Barry will tell you that she was loud. For a moment I felt her body just go limp in my arms. After she recovered, I took her aside and spoke with her. Her name was Andrea. She told me she had gotten away from her faith and that when she heard her grandmother passed away she was hoping that some church would be open for her to come and pray. I prayed with her for her grandma, invited her to light a candle, gave her the prayer to the Holy Spirit and left her alone to pray. I am not sure how long stayed but here is the kicker. Normally, this church is never open on a Tuesday at 6:30 pm and I am never in the church at that time. I was in utter amazement as I headed back to the rectory. Now hear these words from today’s first reading: “Comfort, give comfort to my people,” says your God. “ I know that God was reaching out to Andrea and comforting her in her despair. I am not sure what this moment meant for Andrea and if I will ever see her again to know that. For me this was a God moment. I kept saying to myself under my breath, “God is real, Satish, God is real."
First Sunday of Advent
Thanksgiving is over. Perhaps many of you also used the holiday to put up your Christmas tree and get a jump start on Christmas shopping. I know some very wise people who began their Christmas shopping on the 26th of December last year. In many ways our Christmas preparations have begun. Isn’t that what Advent is all about? What are you expecting to get out of Advent? How is this Advent going to be a preparation for Jesus? This is my hope – that as we prepare for the holiday, that we are also preparing on a much deeper level; that this Christmas is a real encounter with Christ.
The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
Dr. Martin Salia is the latest victim of the Ebola virus in the United States. He along with his family lived in Maryland. He was flown back from Sierra Leone in a critical condition and died thirty-six hours after he was admitted to the hospital in Nebraska. So what was he doing in Sierra Leone? Dr. Salia was a native of Sierra Leone and as his friend Patricia Mustapha said, "He was back in his country, helping his people." He was only 44 years old. In many ways, this is such a tragedy. The world needs more people like Dr. Salia. On the other hand, Dr. Salia died saving lives. Our gospel reading on the feast of Christ the King celebrates people like him. Jesus said, “Whatever you did for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for me.”
Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
One of the most interesting part of my ministry as a priest is being in conversations with people. Very often these conversations are with parishioners who recognize that it is time to change course in life. And I understand that. Even though I am a priest, twice in my life I have had to take a hard look at my life and seek conversion. In my conversations, my main question to the person is: “What do you think is the meaning and purpose of your life?” And then I clarify the question by asking, “If today you were standing before God, how can you look back at your life and be proud of yourself? Nine out of ten peoples answer is “I’ve never looked at it that way.” Once in a way, it is good to lift up our head out of the daily grind of life and look at our life from the big-picture perspective. It should not take a life-crisis to do this. Living our lives with our destiny in focus is a Christian virtue.
Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome
Here is another one of these feast days that because it falls on a Sunday takes precedence over the readings for the 32nd Sunday of the Liturgical year. Today the Church celebrates the feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome. Perhaps you are wondering what a basilica in Rome has anything to do with us. The Basilica of St. John Lateran is the cathedral of Rome. It is the Pope's cathedral. It was built in the time of Constantine and was consecrated by Pope Sylvester in 324. This is the church where popes were consecrated. Because John Lateran is the Pope’s Cathedral, celebrating the dedication of this cathedral is symbolic of the unity of the Catholic Church. This is the relevance of the feast – that we believe that we here in Dayton are called to the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ who chose Peter as its shepherd. To everyone who loves the church, this is the feast of the people of God.
The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls)
Every priest has his favorite ministry. Some priests like weddings, some like preaching, others like visiting the sick and still others teaching. I am among those priests whose favorite ministry is funerals. Last year, we had about 40 funerals here at IC. And If I add the funerals I had at St. Helen and at funeral homes, I had a funeral a week. I had funeral services of elderly and young people, people I knew well and those that I did not, those who died of natural causes and those who took their own life, those who believed and those who gave up their faith, and I also buried a little baby. The one thing that was common to these funerals was the each one of them was unfailingly was a deep experience of God. Not that the other aspects of my ministry are not divine encounters, but at a funeral, I cannot but confront the God who loves us beyond death.
Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
(My homily today is disconnected from the scripture readings. I have chosen to offer a reflection on the just concluded Synod on the Family instead).
The two-week long Synod on the family, convened by Pope Francis last year, ended last Sunday (Oct 19, 2014). The Synod was convened to discuss the "the pastoral challenges of the family in the context of evangelization." The Preparatory Document described the purpose of the Synod “to define the current situation and to collect the bishops' experiences and proposals in proclaiming and living the Gospel of the Family in a credible manner." The working document also invited ordinary Catholics in the pew to send in their reflections and assured them that the Synod “will thoroughly examine and analyze the information, testimonies and recommendations received [from them] to respond to the new challenges of the family."
Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
I find today’s first reading about Cyrus the Persian king and gospel story about ‘giving to God what belongs to God,’ very intriguing. In a strange way, these stories - separated by more than six hundred years - are integrally connected. Cyrus defeated the Babylonians and after ascending the throne he ended the Babylonian exile of the people of Israel. He set them free to go back to Judah. However, it is the way that Isaiah reflects upon this event that should draw our attention. Isaiah calls Cyrus (even though Cyrus is not a Hebrew), God’s “anointed one.” He is the only one outside the Hebrew people that is considered anointed by God. Moreover, God says to Cyrus, “I have called you by your name, giving you a title, though you knew me not” (Is 45). The impression we get is of a God who directs history. Yes, there are human beings invested with power and authority but is God who ultimately directs the events of the world. It is here that we find our connection with the gospel reading. Caesar may be the Roman Emperor and what is due to him is his petty little coin. So give to Caesar what belong to him. But the human person, human life, human history, human destiny, belongs to God. So give to God what belong to God, which includes the world and all in it, including Caesar. In the strangest way, in the death of Jesus even the mighty Roman Empire would be accomplishing God’s plan of salvation.
Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
I call myself a ‘foodie.’ Besides theology, I understand food. I love good food and I love trying out new food. I cook my food with passion. I am not a big eater but whatever I eat needs to excite my palette. For me, food is not just about the body; it is also about the soul. And that is why there is nothing I detest more than fast food or eating alone. Food is meant to be shared. If I get time, I cook for the staff the best part of it is sharing it with them.
Because I am a foodie, I totally get today’s scripture readings. Hear this from Isaiah: “On this mountain the LORD of hosts will provide for all peoples a feast of rich food and choice wines; juicy, rich food and pure, choice wines.” I totally get the reason why life at God’s mountain is compared to a great feast with juicy, rich food and pure, choice wines. Jesus continues this theme in today’s gospel reading as he uses the analogy of a wedding feast to teach important lessons about the kingdom of God.
Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Every so often, I take the time to evaluate my life from the ‘big-picture’ perspective. This year, for example, I have been a priest for twenty years. Prior to that, I was in the seminary for twelve years. I have spent thirty-two of my forty-eight years in religious life. For most part, I am very content with where I am today. I feel exhausted with daily labor on most days, but inside, I feel I am in a good place with God and my communities. My faith in God has never been stronger. My life-vision is discipleship. But, life has not been a cake walk. I am not a man without sins, failures, numerous vocation crises, and some regrets. As I am approaching fifty, I think of the last 48 years as a gift from God. But then, as a disciple of Jesus Christ, how should I plan my life ahead? It is going to take some ‘big-picture’ prayer, reflection, and planning.