4 Better, 4 Worse

Two little boys went to a wedding when one of them leaned over and asked, 

"How many wives can a man have?"

His friend answered, 

"Sixteen: four better, four worse, four richer and four poorer"

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time

For the past three Sunday’s we have heard Jesus describe the Kingdom of Heaven through various parables; the Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed, yeast, a treasure buried in a field, a magnificent pearl and a net full of fish. In today’s gospel, we have something different. Jesus presents us with the Kingdom of Heaven in action through the Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes (Matt 14:13-21). When Jesus began his ministry the message he preached was “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand” (Matt.4:17). It is here, now, among us. Working miracles was how Jesus demonstrated that the Kingdom of Heaven is here and how it works.

The thousands of people who followed Jesus were seeking more than a good meal. They wanted healing physically and spiritually. They wanted affirmation and they wanted a tangible sign that God loved them. St. Matthew tells us that when Jesus saw them “his heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured their sick.” After providing them with physical healing, he provided the people with the physical nourishment they needed.

In every interaction Jesus had, he affirmed people. Today’s second reading from St Paul’s letter to the Romans 8:35,37-39, is one of the most affirming passages in scripture. St Paul reminds us that nothing can “separate us from the love of Christ.” None of the things we fear; anguish; distress; persecution; famine; nakedness (poverty); or sword (death) can break God’s fierce and abiding love for us through Christ. Nor can the host of angels, anything happening today or tomorrow, people in power or distance come between the love of Christ and us. Nothing in the universe can “separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” All the miracles of Jesus were accomplished out of this enduring love.

Jesus did not feed the multitudes by himself. Jesus blessed the food; the disciples distributed it. This miracle was for the disciples as much as it was for the hungry crowds. And, this miracle is for us. It reminds us that God’s goodness, generosity, spiritual and physical nourishment and love go far beyond that deserted place by the Sea of Galilee it extends across the whole world, it is here in Peachtree City, Georgia.

God our Father,

Gifts without measure flow from your goodness

to bring us your peace.

Our life is your gift.

Guide our life’s journey,

For only your love makes us whole.

Keep us strong in your love.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen

Deuteronomy 31:6

 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. 

~ Deuteronomy 31:6

Kolbe -Truth

 "No one in the world can change Truth. What we can do and and should do is to seek truth and to serve it when we have found it. The real conflict is the inner conflict. Beyond armies of occupation and the hetacombs of extermination camps, there are two irreconcilable enemies in the depth of every soul: good and evil, sin and love. And what use are the victories on the battlefield if we are ourselves are defeated in our innermost personal selves?"

~ St. Maximilian Kolbe

Hanging On

You got out of a bad relationship because it was bad, but you are still resentful and angry.

You’re hanging on!

You got out of financial debt, but you still can’t control the desire to spend on frivolous things.
You’re hanging on!

You said, I forgive you, but you can’t seem to forget and have peace with that person.
You’re hanging on!

You told your ex- that it was over, but you still continue to call.
You’re hanging on!

You got out of that horribly oppressive job, but you are still trying to sabotage the company after you’ve left.
You’re hanging on!

You cut off the affair with that married man/woman, but you still lust after him/her.
You’re hanging on!

You broke off your relationship with that hurtful, abusive person, but you are suspicious and distrusting of every new person you meet.
You’re hanging on!

You decided to let go of the past hurts from growing up in an unstable environment, yet you believe you are unworthy of love from others and you refuse to get attached to anyone.
You’re hanging on!

You got out of a bad habit or addiction, but you still long to try it just one more time.
You’re hanging on!

You’re praying to have God help you, but you still try to manage everything yourself.
You’re hanging on!

~ Adapted from Carol J. Fitzgerald

Pope

There were two Catholic boys, Timothy Murphy and Antonio Secola, whose lives parallel each other in amazing ways. In the same year Timothy was born in Ireland, Antonio was born in Italy. Faithfully they attended parochial school from kindergarten through their senior year in high school. They took their vows to enter the priesthood early in college, and upon Graduation, became priests.

Their careers had come to amaze the world, but it was generally acknowledged that Antonio Secola was just a cut above Timothy Murphy in all respects. Their rise through the ranks of Bishop, Archbishop and finally Cardinal was swift to say the least, and the Catholic world knew that when the present Pope died, it would be one of the two who would become the next Pope.

In time the Pope did die, and the College of Cardinals went to work. In less time than anyone had expected, white smoke rose from the chimney and the world waited to see whom they had chosen.

The world, Catholic, Protestant, and secular, was surprised to learn that Timothy Murphy had been elected Pope! Antonio Secola was beyond surprise. He was devastated, because even with all of Timothy’s gifts, Antonio knew he was the better qualified.

With gall that shocked the Cardinals, Antonio Secola asked for a private session with them in which he candidly asked, “Why Timothy?!” After a long silence, an old Cardinal took pity on the bewildered man and rose to reply. “We knew you were the better of the two, but we just could not bear the thought of the leader of the Roman Catholic Church being called Pope Secola.”

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

This Sunday we read the final three parables about the Kingdom of Heaven found in Matthew 13. In these parables Jesus describes the Kingdom as a hidden treasure, a pearl of great price and a net full of fish. The parables are not really about treasures, jewels and fish. They are about what we are willing to sacrifice to enter the Kingdom.

There is a subtle difference between the parable of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price. In the parable of the hidden treasure, the man who found the treasure was not looking for it. He found it by luck and, probably, some good plowing. On the other hand, the man who found the pearl of great price was seeking pearls. The outcome of both parables is that each man found his treasure and each was willing to sacrifice everything (joyfully) to possess that treasure. They understood what the rich young man Jesus encountered in Matthew 19: 21 - 22 could not comprehend: "’If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to (the) poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’ When the young man heard this statement, he went away sad, for he had many possessions.”

This brings us to the parable of the fishing net. Like the parable of the wheat and weeds, Jesus reminds us once again that sorting out good from evil is not our responsibility. It is our responsibility to gather as many fish as possible into our net. It is up to God and only God to determine who is in the Kingdom and who is not.

The good news is that God wants all of us to be in the Kingdom. As Jesus told his followers in Luke 12: 31 – 34, “Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your belongings and give alms. Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven that no thief can reach nor moth destroy. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.”

God of eternal wisdom,

you alone impart the gift of discernment.

Grant us an understanding heart,

so we may value wisely the treasure of your kingdom,

gladly reject all lesser gifts,

and accept with gratitude the ones you alone can give.

We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God for ever and ever.

AMEN.