Homily Cycle B - 10/03/2021

Homily Cycle B - 10/03/2021

Did you receive the Holy E-Mail or Holy Text Message this morning? 

Don’t feel badly, neither did I, But we got something better this morning – we received THE WORD OF GOD, THAT MESSAGE IS MOST IMPORTANT!

The author of Genesis reminds us of two things: 1. humans are social beings, and 2. ideally in a marriage the husband and wife promote the goodness of each other which enables them to become one. 

Our culture bombards us with messages that devalue life and married life [in particular]; these messages are delivered in many ways.  It tells us that “… love is mostly about feeling good, but true love is about wanting the absolute best for the person we love.” [USCCB.org, 10 Surprising Tips For Love The Culture Won’t Tell You.”]

Those called to married life are called to nurture the goodness of their spouse, the gift of Matrimony as a Sacrament reflects God’s Plan.  Today’s Readings tell us that God’s Plan for marriage is for one woman and one man committing to help each other grow in goodness. 

Pope Francis offered some simply yet profound insight for holy and happy marriage.  He recommended “little things”, simple things, signs of affection, compassion and tenderness like a warm supper, … a blessing before bed, a hug.  The Holy Father said, “Love is shown by these little things.”

The little things offered with love to the one loved build a strong foundation for the married couple and for the family.  Our society and our culture ridicule our belief in the permanence of the marriage.  Of the many human relationships God gives us to help us, be all that we can be, none can be more beautiful or more pain-filled than marriage.

Maybe this story can help us, “Tom Coughlin’s new playbook” [Connections Sunday 10/03/2021]

Tom is the two-time Super Bowl-winning head coach with the New York Giants …. [today he is at] the bedside of his beloved wife, Judy.  She was diagnosed with a progressive brain disorder that has left her unable to walk, speak, think [or] control her body, and her condition is incurable….

In a heart-breaking essay in The New York Times [August 24, 2021], Coughlin writes candidly about taking on the role of caregiver: ‘The first year I was home was frustrating… I was lousy at my new job.  I would constantly tell myself, I shouldn’t be here.  But now, even though I am still lousy at being at home, I know there is no other place I could ever be . . .  When Judy is having a good day, then my day is good.  But then there are dark days — those days that are so full of frustration and anger, they have me feeling like a failure and pondering the unfairness of the disease.

I’ve spent my entire life preparing for some of the biggest games a person could play, but nothing can prepare you to be a caregiver who has to watch a loved one slip away.  

[That is when we are called to walk with faith, courage and trust.]

Taking care of Judy is a promise I made 54 years ago … A friend said we don’t get to choose our sunset, and that’s true, but I am so blessed to get to hold Judy’s hand through hers . . ..’  The only constant is the faithfulness of two hearts … joined by God into a single heart that loves, lifts up, mends and heals.

That’s the mystery and wonder of the marriage covenant.  Marriage does not demand perfection it calls us to commitment, patience, understanding and humility.  In such a marriage, Christ is the ever-present ….”

For a few minutes, in silence, offer a prayer for married couples and ask God to bless them with His Grace.

St. Joseph, pray for us.

St. Andre Bessette, intercede for us. 

St. Francis de Sales, pray for us.

“Tune my spirit to the music of heaven.”  [St. Brendan the Navigator]

 

May God Be Praised your day be Blessed.