Homily Cycle C 11-03-19

Readings: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/110319.cfm

MERCY!  How often do you think about or reflect on God’s Mercy? How often do you think about or reflect on THANKING God for the mercy He has shown to you or to others?

We heard in today’s first reading, “… you spare all things, because they are yours, O Lord and lover of souls.”  St. Paul in his letter to the believers in Thessalonia, is attempting to reduce their anxiety regarding the Lord’s return.  He reminds them to focus on living [and us] a life of faith and not worrying about when the Lord will return, that will take care of itself. 

Zacchaeus was a well-known sinner who was gouging his own people for the Romans.  The Gospel has two outstanding features: first, Zacchaeus admits he needs God’s help! And, second, Jesus offers Zacchaeus an invitation to change and improve his life.

God’s mercy is at work in today’s Gospel & in today’s world.

Jesus told Zacchaeus “… salvation has come to this house ….”

“C.S. Lewis once observed that the greatest sinners and the greatest saints are made of the same stuff.”  St. Luke shows us something similar here.  Zacchaeus … because of a kind gesture from Jesus, … turns….”  His life around.  “Luke makes is clear … that the Gospel has an effect.” [America, The Word 10-28-19]

     The Gospel does effect us if we allow it to penetrate and guide out heart, our thoughts and our actions.

During the month of November, we take time to remember our relatives and friends who have gone before us to “the land of the living”, as we remember them it may serve us well to review our own lives.  Let’s take a moment to think about “Writing a ‘last letter’”

A Marine combat veteran a proud, quiet & stoic man was admitted to the hospital with cancer, he had never been much of a talker in his 50-plus years of marriage.  He was forthcoming with his doctor, especially when it became clear that he didn’t long to live.

He spoke of his deep regret for not having spent enough time with his wife, whom he loved very much, and of his great pride in his son, who had joined the Marines.  The doctor mentioned this in passing to his wife and son.

They were incredulous and didn't believe him.  The doctor did not want this moment to be missed.  So, the next morning, he asked his patient if he could record an open letter from him to his family.

He agreed!  When the doctor gave the recording to his wife & son, they were moved to tears.  The experience inspired the Stanford Friends & Family Letter Project; it has developed a template for writing "last letters" around 7 items:

1.   acknowledging important people in our lives;

2.   remembering treasured moments;

3.   apologizing to those we may have hurt;

4.   forgiving those who have hurt us;

5.   saying "Thank you,"

6.   "I love you," and

     7. "Goodbye." (Connections, 11-13-16)

Today or sometime during November take the time to write a last letter and share it.  For a few minutes, in silence, think about what you would write in your last letter!

May God Be Blessed!