Homily
Cycle C 05/26/19
Fr. Brennan Manning
tells the story of an Irish priest who, on a walking tour of a rural parish,
sees an old peasant kneeling by the side of the road, praying. Impressed, the priest says to the man,
"You must be very close to God."
The peasant looks up from
his prayers, thinks a moment, and then
smiles, "Yes, he's
very fond of me."
[Sermon
Resources for May Brett Blair, www.Sermons.com Adapted from Phillip Yancey,
What's So Amazing about Grace? pp.
68-69]
God is very fond and you and me; in fact God loves you and me. In today’s
first reading St. Luke gives us a synopsis of the first debate in the
Church. The Council of Jerusalem used a
process of listening, praying, and responding to the guidance of the Holy
Spirit, in making their decisions.
When the
Council concluded the apostles and elders announced: “It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us …”
The Council of Jerusalem decided WHAT the Church would teach & require of Gentile converts. The Apostles depended on the Holy Spirit; the Holy Spirit that Jesus and the Father sent to them. Jesus gives us the gift of His peace; a peace that is profound.
If we allow God’s grace to form us Jesus’ peace will strengthen our faith and our faith provides a foundation of trust that in the end God will triumph.
As disciples of Jesus we are beneficiaries of
His peace therefore we can live in HOPE & OPTIMISM.
In today’s Gospel we hear, “Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.”
Abiding in Jesus’ peace and sharing that peace
with one another will enable us live without fear or anxiety.
When we breathe the Holy Spirit the gift of
Jesus’ peace is in our hearts.
“The peace of God is given on our God’s terms, not ours. Peace, as given by Christ, is a perspective
that shapes all our actions, behavior and values; it is peace that is centered
in our selfless love for others … in realizing God’s presence ….” [Connections,
May 26, 2019]
How can we allow the Holy Spirit to breathe our breath?
Maybe this story can help us understand. The rabbi asked his students: “How can we
determine the hour of dawn, when the night ends and the day begins?”
One of the rabbi’s
students suggested: “When from a
distance you can distinguish between a dog and a sheep?” “No,”” was the answer from the rabbi.
“It is when one can
distinguish between a fig tree and a grapevine?” asked a second student. “No,” said the rabbi. The students said, “Please tell us the answer
then.”
The Rabbi said, “It is when
you can look into the face of another human being and you have enough light in
you to recognize your brother or your sister.
Until then it is night,
and darkness is still with us.”
As Christians - when we see the face of God in each face we look into - then the darkness of sin will fade and the light of Christ will direct our actions, will direct our lives and the Holy Spirit will breathe the peace of God upon the world.
For a few minutes, in silence, think about how
you can shine the light of Christ upon a world mired in darkness, hatred and
selfishness.
May God Be Praised!
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