Sunday, October 21, 2018



Georges Rouault, Christ en criox [1936]



Homily 10/21/18 Cycle B
George Burns said, “The secret of a good sermon is to have a good beginning & a good ending; And to have the two as close together as possible.”  I hope to follow his advice tonight.

How do you measure greatness?  Books have been written; research has been conducted on it.  Why do you think somebody or some team or something is great?

Superbowl Champs?
World Series Champs?
Richest person in the world?
Hollywood Stardom?
World Chess Champion?
Noble Prize Winner?

Jesus gives us the answer in TODAY’S GOSPEL – the one who serves.
Isaiah said, “… through his suffering, my servant shall justify many.

In our Responsorial Psalm we asked God for His mercy.  Then in the Letter to the Hebrews we are reminded to approach the throne of grace confidently searching for God’s mercy & grace.  And in the Gospel [today], James & John want not only big jobs, but the biggest & most prominent jobs in Jesus’ Kingdom!  Jesus tells them [& us] the big jobs, the most important jobs go those who serve.

Being a servant is hard work, demanding work & many times menial work, work that often receives no notice or reward.  St. Teresa of Calcutta, i.e. Mother Teresa became famous for caring for & loving the dying in Calcutta.

A less famous Saint who did menial work with great love, who prayed for people through the intercession of St. Joseph & is credited for hundreds of miracles – Brother Andre Bessette.  He scrubbed floors & was the door-keeper [porter for nearly 40 years] at an Oratory in Montreal, know as the Doorman of Montreal or Montreal’s Miracle Worker.  In 1937 over a million people attended his funeral [Google him to read more about his life].


Robert Frost wrote, “Two roads diverged in a wood, & I - I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.”  Being a Servant Disciple of Jesus can make all the difference!
What would you say to Jesus if He asked you, “What do you wish me to do for you?”  Would you ask for wealth, looks, fame, healing?  Would you ask to be a Servant?
Fr. John Kavanaugh, S.J. wrote, “Suffering can stretch & widen the human soul, making it large enough to know God.”  [Saint Louis University Sunday Web Site, 10-21-18]
Today’s Antiphon for Mass [10/21/18] asks God to “Guard me as the apple of your eye; in the shadow of your wings protect me.”  Fr. Ha prayed at the beginning of Mass, that God “… grant that we may always conform our will to yours & serve your majesty in sincerity of heart.” [Collect 10/21/18]
Jesus who is the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, “Who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped.
Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself ….” [Philippians 2: 6-8]
Jesus challenged James & John, “Can you drink of the cup that I drink ….”

He came to earth to serve, we are called by Him to do the same.

“Jesus’ humility was born of his love for His Father & for the world. 
Because he loves, Jesus is willing to endure anything – even death – in order to save the human race.”  [Sunday Salesian, 10/21/18]  This Sunday October 21 we (join with Catholics everywhere) to observe World Mission Sunday.
Pope Francis said, “Mission revitalizes faith” we are on a Mission here on earth. (Schlert Letter 10/21/18)  Prayers & gifts for the Missions are needed & graciously accepted.
For a few minutes, in silence, think about the servants you have been privilege to know – thank God for them & ask God for the grace to imitate them & Jesus!
May God Be Praised!


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