Solemnity of the Assumption of Our Lady

Tuesday, August 15 is the Solemnity of the Assumption of Our Lady. It is a Holy Day of Obligation. Masses will be offered on Monday evening at 5:30 p.m. and on Tuesday at 7:00 a.m., 12:00 noon and at 7:30 p.m.

Funeral Mass - Linda P. Gallery

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of Linda Gallery on Wednesday, August 16 at 10:00 a.m. Please pray for her and for her family.

The Lost Art of Walking on Water

Mark Twain was visiting Holy Land. He wanted to go on a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. How much do you charge? – they saw his white suit – a rich Texan - $25.00 -  Twain said - no wonder Jesus walked!

There was a plaque on desk of President Kennedy. Admiral Rickover would give it to submarine captains. In the Spring of 1963 he gave one to President Kennedy. “O God, Thy Sea is so great & my boat is so small.”  Some attribute the quote to St. Brendan the Navigator.

In our Gospel, Jesus had just been told of the death of his cousin, John the Baptist. He has fed the 5,000 with the loaves and fish.  Now he goes off to a mountain to pray while he send his disciples across the lake in a boat.

Goes to the mountain to pray.  Mountains are high – closest to heaven. A place of encounter with God.  He had to do like Elijah  -  tiny whispering sound.  Had to be still and listen – really listen    Poet Noel Crowell    “Hold up your cup, dear child, for God to fill. He only asks today that you be still.”

Jesus goes to pray – because he wants to be with his Father -  he needs strength, love, hope.  But, prayer also connects him even more deeply to his disciples – Jesus brought to prayer all their cares and worries.  People always ask me - Pray for me – be assured that I do – I carry your prayers in my heart & I put you on the altar each day.

That day, prayer caused him to leave the mountain & go to His disciples.

As Jesus came walking across the water, his disciples were no longer afraid of the storm – they were afraid of Him!     He said: Take courage -  It is I  (ego emi – Moses at the bush) Do not be afraid  (70 times in NT)

Peter asks – can I come to you?  “Come!”  And for a while, one of us, Peter, is walking on water!  But what happened?  What was his mistake?  He began to look around.  Like when I am climbing a height – do not look down!!!   He looked and saw what was actually going on. He took his eyes OFF Jesus.  Then he began to sink.   Save Me!!!    Jesus reached out His hand  - why did you falter?

St. John Vianny the Cure of Ars saw a farmer sitting in church – what are you doing?  I look at Him – He looks at  me.

Calmest place in a hurricane – the eye – keep our eye on him!

“O God, Thy sea is so great and my boat is so small!”

Keep our eyes fixed on Jesus!  With all worries about finance, children, jobs, health, elderly parents, marriage, world conflicts  - Keep our eyes on Jesus – and we might find ourselves walking on water, too!!!

Transfiguration

Thanks for being here today. Interesting how our journeys have brought us together here at this time and at this place. Is this an accident?

Jesus and his disciples are also on a journey – to Jerusalem. A few days before, Jesus asked them – who do people say that I am?  Some say the Baptist, Elijah, one of the prophets. Now – who do you say I am? – Peter said – you are the Christ – the Anointed One.  Now they were ready, but be prepared – I am going to be rejected.

So, it is with mixed emotions that they are traveling south through the Galillee to Jerusalem – excitement and fear. Jesus now decides to take them up a mountain – Mount Tabor – it stands alone – very steep – tour buses cannot go up it even today – crazy taxi drivers.  Up a mountain – close to God – see things in a new way.

Transfigured – turned inside out – see Jesus as he truly is – remember this now as you face the cross. It is also a reminder who we are and what we will one day become!!!

Moses and Elijah are with him – Law and Prophets – which points to reality of eternal life!

Put up tents say Peter – can we stay?  Would like to!  Like honeymoon period of marriage – cannot stay – must go down the mountain – but remember this!

Cloud = shekinah – the glory of God -  led people Israel –

My beloved Son – listen to Him – best advice possible – listen to Jesus – follow his way – they are afraid – Do Not Be Afraid.

So, our journeys have brought us together today – for a brief time up the mountain with him:

-         To remember who He is

-         To remember who we are

-         As we face the challenges of the week – don’t be afraid!!!    

Wedding - Anthony Arce and Linda LeBron

Anthong Arce and Linda LeBron will exchange the Sacred Bonds of Holy Matrimony on Sunday, July 23 at 3:00 p.m. Please pray for this couple about to be married.

Wedding - Andrea Miele and Donn Shaver

Andrea Miele and Donn Shaver will exchange the Sacred Bonds of Holy Matrimony on Saturday, July 22 at 1:00 p.m. at the Marist College Chapel. Please pray for this couple about to be married.

Sowing Seeds

I want to start a garden – he told the owner of the garden center – but my yard is a problem. I get blazing sun in the afternoon for two hours, but otherwise it’s all shade. How about the soil? – Hard clay, lots of rocks. What do you recommend I plant?  Why don’t you check out aisle 2 – we have a new supply of Birdbaths and flag poles!

Passing on the faith is just like planting – sometimes there are many obstacles. Unlike modern farming, where seeds are put in nice straight rows, the farmers of Jesus time just tossed the seed. It landed in all sorts of places:

Some fell on hard soil. Saw on “CBS This Morning” New on line grocer called “Brandless.” Sell about 200 products – everything is $3.00. They sell directly to consumers, saving people money.  Owners say 78% of customers are millennials born between 1981-1997 or so.  They:

-          Don’t want to buy products they grew up with

-          Don’t want their parents government

-          Don’t want their parents institutions

-          Don’t want to go with brands.

Soil is hard!!!

Some fell on rocky ground – no roots

Was a time we valued things like motherhood, fatherhood, fraternity, civic involvement, church involvement – this has given way to SAT scores and future earning power.   Marriage and religious participation is being replaced by striving for money, power, prestige.

Instead of bringing happiness – has led to great loss of meaning and hope. Since the 1980’s loneliness among adults in USA increased from 20% to 40 %.   Social isolation is now a major public health crisis – on par with cancer & heart disease.  Life expectancy of Americans is decreasing for first time since 1930’s.  I don’t have to tell you – drugs, suicide is now 2^nd leading cause of death among teens and young adults.    NO ROOTS!

Some fell among briars & choked it. Two brothers were Christians – Clarence & Robert. Clarence involved with civil rights &Robert was a lawyer. Once Clarence asked Robert for legal help – no, it could hurt my career. I thought you were a follower of Christ?  -  only to a point, I am not following him onto the cross.  Robert, you are not a follower of Christ, only an admirer.  Faith choked!

Some found good soil – we realize the difference faith can make –   

Beautiful Vacation Bible School – Sister Marie teaching Catechists about their faith – collecting clothing & food for homeless for Midnight Run – St. Joseph’s Men’s group delivering beds to the poor – and our own garden out back – delicious vegetables for the food pantry

So – we keep throwing the seed – and we don’t give up - because we have something here – a light in the darkness – THE way to experience peace, fulfillment and joy!