St Joseph Homily May 14th, 2023
Introduction:
From the Everlasting Man:
The human story began in a cave, the cave which popular science associates with the cave-man and in which practical discovery has really found archaic drawings of animals. The second half of human history, which was like the new creation of the world, also begins in a cave…
It was here that a homeless couple had crept underground with the cattle when the doors of the crowded inns had been shut in their faces; and it was here beneath the very feet of the passers-by, in a cellar under the very floor of the world, that Jesus Christ was born…
God also was a Cave-Man, and had also traced strange shapes of creatures, curiously colored, upon the wall of the world, but the pictures that he made had to come to life.
In this homily let us apply the title of a book we are going through as a community called, ‘Ruthless Elimination of Hurry.’ Is anyone in a hurry now? In other words, let’s slowdown in our minds, hearts, and spirits. We are going to hear again the Word of God that was already proclaimed to us and ask ourselves, ‘what does God want to tell me?’ And then at the same time we must be committed to God as we offer him our week.
Is he asking you to be humbler spouse?
Is he asking you to be more kind to your siblings?
Is he asking you to slow down and pray more for gift of gratitude?
Is he asking you to sit down with your parents and tell them what’s really going on?
To our Confirmation students I would like to say a word of encouragement to you: Confirmation signifies the dwelling of the Spirit of love in the spirit of the person. You will not be alone to face the world, but rather infused with strength from God – not the phony strength of worldliness or brutality, but the strength of that unconquerable faith that filled the saints.
As we go over the readings ask God for this new-found strength in Jesus.
And he will give you another Advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of Truth:
My dear young people of St Joseph’s it seems to me that we are living in times that the Holy Spirit is going to show you in no uncertain terms he has your back, and he is going to tell you everything you need to know. Us ‘oldies’ know how difficult it is to be young today. There are many voices calling out to you and luring you into their traps. They will say that if you follow them, you will have all the riches of the world, but they will leave you alone and sad.
Can you remember the temptations in the desert that Our Lord underwent? It almost seems like such a long time ago when we began Lent, doesn’t it? Perhaps it helps to remember that Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert. As you mature you too will be led by the Spirit and you will bring the light of Jesus into the darkness. Glorify him by your lives.
Remember this my dear young people, Jesus came to bring us salvation and to save us from being less Christ-like. Our world needs us to be more Christ-like than ever, and you are going to be just like those first saints, who were joy-filled and sunrise people who sang a new song called: Alleluia.
Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope.
It goes without saying that one of the most precious gifts you will bring to our world is a reason for your hope. Always do this with gentleness and reverence, keeping your conscience clear, so that when you are maligned, those who defame your good conduct in Christ may themselves be put to shame.
In other words, my friends this all comes with price tag. You are going to do so much good in this world, but you will face opposition. And that’s ok, iron sharpens iron. What’s important is that you keep your peace. Have you ever noticed how many times we say the word peace after the Our Father in Mass. It’s many times, and I think it’s to remind us that true peace comes from the Lord, not the world.
And to those of you who have been Confirmed a long time ago, to you I say, don’t forget, you are sealed by the Holy Spirit too. God needs your hands and your feet and your mind and your heart. Don’t grow old in the spirit but rather grow young. In the end God isn’t looking at our age, or our experience of life, or what kind of family I come from. He is looking at how much we want to love. Divine Love is a force that comes to us when we are humble and small but unafraid of being Jesus’ friends. I will share with you something that really touched me this week. I hope it helps you to realize something new. Let’s pause for a moment and ask the Holy Spirit for an open heart. Perhaps these words from scripture will help: If today you hear his voice harden not your hearts.
For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that be the will of God, than for doing evil. I think these words St Paul will shed light on this experience. The example of this living saint whose name is Elizabeth and who is a confirmed member of this community will help us see just how blest we can become when we are united to Jesus.
I was asked to go to visit Elizabeth this week on her 40th birthday. For 40yrs Elizabeth has been taken care of by her parents. Elizabeth is unable to eat by herself, she cannot talk and can walk only with a great deal of difficulty. Elizabeth can see you and hear you, but that’s it. As her sister said that day, ‘she has very little human satisfaction.’ And we could expand that and say, ‘Elizabeth has suffered for 40yrs.’ She has done no evil; no sin has entered her heart. She belongs to God.
Her mother was in adoration a few months ago praying for her daughter who was going through a particularly hard time health wise. The mother said, ‘God, how much more can this little one take?’ The response from God was short and clear, ‘I am sustaining her.’
My dear friends, in fact, God is sustaining all of us. Amid our own trials and tribulations God is right there in the middle.
The Holy Spirit, the Advocate, the Consoler, the Paraclete, he is coming.
“Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle them the fire of your love.”
I would like to finish by inviting everyone to find a cave this week. A cave where you and the Holy Spirit can communicate with each other. This is a place and it’s sacred. It may be your bedroom, it might be outside under tree, it might be when you go swimming, it might even be the adoration chapel at Our Lady of Lourdes. Wherever it is, spend time there this week in preparation for the coming of the Holy Spirit. This is our one and only take-away today. If you show up, so will he.