The conversation of Jesus in today’s gospel took place around the time of the Feast of Dedication or Hanukkah as it is called today. In the year 164 BC the Maccabees revolted against the Greeks who occupied Palestine at that time. The Greeks had desecrated the Temple putting up a statue of Zeus in it. This was the abomination of desolation in this holy place. Judas Maccabeus ordered the building of a new altar and rededicated the Temple to the worship of the one true God. In the spirit of this historic event the Jewish people remember their heroes of old and hope that history might be repeated by a messiah who could rout the Romans occupiers.
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Archive for the ‘Homily’ Category
Homily – April 24
Sunday, April 25th, 2010Homily – April 18
Sunday, April 18th, 2010Archbishop Collins has asked that this letter be read at all the Masses this weekend.
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Homily – 2010 Easter Vigil
Sunday, April 4th, 2010This is a sacramental night – a sacrament is a sign that speaks of something beyond itself. We live our lives in sacraments. A smile, a hug, a kiss, a wave, a scowl, these are parts of our body language that send a message.
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Homily – March 28
Sunday, March 28th, 2010We just listened to the passion story as told by Luke. We’ve heard how Jesus shared His last meal with his friends giving them the gift we receive at this Mass, His body, His blood as the nourishment that strengthens us to face the struggles of life. We’ve heard of his agonizing prayer in the garden and his plea ‘if it is possible let this chalice pass me by – not my will but yours be done. We followed Jesus through those painful events of his betrayal and denial by his closest friends, his phony trial, and his humiliation as he dragged his cross thru the streets to outside the walls of the city to his place of execution. We are shocked by his cruel death and at the same time we still can’t believe that it was all for us. Jesus thought enough of you and me that he died for us. (more…)
Homily – March 21
Sunday, March 21st, 2010We all know this story so well. Its early morning and the heat of the day has yet to arrive. Jesus comes into the temple area and people gather around to listen to what he has to say. An angry crowd of scribes and Pharisees intrude on Jesus’ gathering. They drag along a humiliated, frightened woman. She was caught committing adultery. They don’t have to remind Jesus, but they do, that the Law of Moses demands that such a woman should be stoned to death. I have no idea what the law says about a man caught in adultery. We’re quick to notice he is not on the scene. Maybe her husband took care of him by the famous crime of passion.
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Founded by St. Paul of the Cross, every Passionist takes a special vow to spend his or her energies in promoting remembrance of the sufferings of Jesus, the memory of the Cross, and reflection of the meaning of the Cross for the world.
