Category Archives: Ordinary Time

October 13, 2014

29th Sunday of the Year – God & Country

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

Caesar's

Study:  Name a role model who lives a principled life.  What is it that they say or do that inspires you?

Pray:  Ask the Lord for the strength to make the right choice, especially over a difficult or challenging situation.

Serve:  Is there someone in your life who looks to you for guidance and example?  How can you help them?

29th Sunday of the Year Readings

Fr. Andrew’s Homily

The first reading, psalm, and gospel readings today touch upon the notions of earthly and heavenly governance. Part of our human condition requires that we recognize our need for others; by working with people we unite in strength, and by serving the Lord we understand our values and priorities in life.

Let’s start first with human governance. In the first reading from Isaiah we hear how God has anointed Cyrus – the pagan king – as the instrument for Israel’s redemption. While the king does not know the Law or the Prophets, he gives the people of Israel a new opportunity by conquering their enemy, Babylon.

This distinction between the pagan King and the people’s faith is a helpful guide for us today. While Christianity has made countless contributions to Western Civilization, we find ourselves living in a culture that has many non-Christian influences. Some are good, some neutral, and others are just plain bad. Yet Isaiah teaches us today to look for what is good and useful, recognizing that God can work through a variety of instruments.

Since we live in this world filled with all these different elements, we are constantly challenged to discern and choose those options which are good, holy, and true. It is not always easy! Indeed, we can find ourselves confronted by issues that push and stretch us in a variety of ways.

So how do we decide? The gospel today offers a gem from the Lord:

“Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar
And to God what belongs to God.”
Matthew 22:21

We have duties and obligations as members of both heaven and earth. In the world we have our responsibilities – voting and jury duty, abiding civil laws, serving in local organizations, and actively living as good citizens. And as a people of faith, we are bound to follow the teaching and commandments of Jesus Christ.

So what do we do in a conflict? In the end we remember that all creation is the Lord’s. When pushed to extreme, we follow Christ. God made this world, and one day we will be called out of it. May our example show to others our desire to be good citizens – both on earth, and in heaven.

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October 6, 2014

28th Sunday of the Year – Banquet Invitation

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

Banquet

Study:  How do I respond to the Lord’s call to the Eucharist?

Pray:  Take time each day to listen to the Scripture readings for daily or weekly Mass – it is a powerful way to prepare for the Eucharist.

Serve:  Is there someone who you can bring to Mass?  Perhaps the fellowship or hospitality may help another to grow in faith.

28th Sunday of the Year Readings

Fr. Andrew’s Homily

Two themes surface in the readings today that require further reflection:
1. God prepares a banquet for us
2. God invites us to come to the feast

The imagery of the banquet feast is found in the readings from Isaiah, the Psalms, the Matthew’s gospel. There are several points of interest here:
* God does the cooking! (Not us!)
* The food is the finest quality (rich & choice)
* The banquet is an important event (you better show up)

The fact is, when God throws a feast it is lavish in every detail. The event is on a grand scale with the best food and drink. What’s more, the Lord is the host of the meal! God prepares a banquet in every respect – as Chef, Host, Servant, Substance, and Lord.

The “feast” has more than just one meaning. This banquet is first of all the great gathering at the end of time when we join the Lord in heaven. This “heavenly banquet” is the final celebration when all the saints unite in the glory of the risen Jesus; what a meal that will be!

Furthermore, since the resurrection of Jesus, Christians have gathered together for the Lord’s supper, where Christ himself feeds us with his Body and Blood. Here on Earth we are “saints in the making” who strive to follow the Lord through the struggles of life. This Eucharist is the feast that gives us the strength we need to face each day with faith, hope, and love.

Both of these banquets – one on heaven, the other on Earth – are presented by the Lord. We receive Christ’s body and blood so that we might follow the Lord through this world to the world that has no end.

Now the second point is this: Do we come and attend? If Christ has prepared a banquet for us in heaven and on earth, then do we respond to the Lord’s call by receiving his heavenly food on earth, and living on this earth as citizens of heaven?

Today the Lord calls us to the great banquet that will happen at the end of time. This feast is the final goal of our journey of faith. For this journey we need strength, and the Lord provides each week for the spiritual food we need to continue on our way.

May we come and receive with open hearts!

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September 30, 2014

27th Sunday of the Year – At Work in the Vineyard

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

vineyard

Study:  Recall a time when you rejected something you knew was right.  Did you finally swallow your pride and admit it or did you maintain your original rejection?

Pray:  Ask the Lord for the wisdom and guidance to choose what is good, holy, and true.

Serve:  Who in your life is facing a difficult or challenging decision right now?  How can you help them?

27th Sunday of the Year Readings

Fr. Andrew’s Homily

In the ancient world there were three plants that were very important:
* wheat — for making bread
* olives — for making oil
* grapes — for making wine

These three foods were central to the diet of the people in the Gospel story. Bread was the staple; it was unleavened and similar to our “pita bread” today. Oil was used for cooking, bathing, cleaning, perfume, and household applications. Wine was the principle alternative to water – and when added to water, the alcohol in the wine insured a certain level of safety.

Vineyards were a common part of people’s experience. Even today the Mediterranean region is filled with vineyards, some small, others massive. Thus, when the Scriptures refer to vineyards, the image was familiar and easily understood.

Keeping a vineyard is hard work! The vines need constant attention: pruning, weeding, watering, and keeping them tied up off the ground. Patient care is required as workers routinely check the health of the plant so as to prevent any disease.

In the Gospel today we hear how a landowner leased his vineyard out to tenants who worked for him. At harvest time he sent his servants to gather his portion of grapes, only to have them rejected and injured. Finally he sent his son who was killed by the tenants.

One way to understand this story is to see the tenants as the people of Israel. They rejected the servants (the Prophets) sent by the landowner (God), and killed the only son (Jesus). Simply put, their work in the vineyard did not yield good fruit; their actions resulted in rejection and death.

But what happens when we place ourselves in the story? What happens when we see ourselves as the servants in the vineyard?

Everyday God sends messengers into our hearts. We know how we should live and offer our lives through many sources: our conscience; friends & family; the Scriptures; the teaching of the Church.

Let’s face it. We work in a different vineyard, the garden of life. We labor as tenants on the Earth, bearing fruit that will one day be harvested by the Owner. May our work in the vineyard be worthy when he calls, and may our reception of his servants show our respect and our love.

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September 23, 2014

26th Sunday of the Year – Words & Actions

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

Trust Quote

Study:  When in your life have actions “shouted down” the words we hear?

Pray:  Ask the Lord for the strength to be consistent in what we say and do.

Serve:  How do my words encourage others?  How do my actions show my care and support?

26th Sunday of the Year Readings

Fr. Andrew’s Homily

It seems like there are certain phrases that get said throughout our lives.  These words are commands, invitations, and requests to make things happen – and they come in many forms:

“Take out the trash”
“Clean your room”
“Do the dishes”
“Come to my…” (athletic game, concert, etc.)
“Would you volunteer at…” (pick one!)
“Help me with…”

Let’s face it.  We are asked to do many things throughout this life.  From chores and tasks to acts of kindness and civil responsibility, many of these actions are simply part of our existence on this earth.

Yet once we hear these words we are asked to respond.  This happens in two crucial ways:

* What we say  (our WORDS)
* What we do     (our ACTIONS)

When we are confronted with a request or invitation how we respond says a lot about who we are.  If our words and actions are in agreement everything is fine – “yes” means yes and “no” means no.  But if we say one thing and do another, then the weight of our choice is measured in our actions.

This is the message of the Gospel today.  Jesus speaks of two sons who receive a request from their father.  One says yes but does not act, the other says no but changes his mind and acts.  In the end, the one who acted did his father’s will.

We journey through life confronted by countless choices everyday.  Some things we know should be done, others should not.  Some things are options that could be done; we have to weigh the priorities of our time, energy, ability, and need.  Yet what we discover is that we are defined not by what we say, but by what we do.

As people of faith we have other commands to follow:  Love God; Love one another; Repent and forgive; Work for justice; Seek peace.  Indeed our faith is reflected not in our words but our actions; even the Golden Rule “Do to others as you would have them do to you…” (Mt 7:12) is nothing more than a reminder that actions speak louder than words.

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September 14, 2014

25th Sunday of the Year – Generosity

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

generosity (1)

Study:  How have I reacted in the past when someone I know has been particularly blessed or fortunate?  Am I supportive or jealous?

Pray:  Ask the Lord for the grace and wisdom to celebrate sincerely with others when they have received special gifts or opportunities.

Serve:  How can you support others in their moments of blessing?  How might you be generous with gratitude for another person’s good fortune?

25th Sunday of the Year Readings

Fr. Andrew’s Homily

Consider the following possible situations and scenarios:

  • Your neighbor that you have known for over twenty years has just won the lottery.
  • A high school classmate that you didn’t talk to very much in school makes it big in Hollywood.
  • A relative gets left a hefty sum of money from an old uncle and goes on a long trip around the world.
  • A kid who used to ride your bus to school is now the executive at the company – and is your boss.
  • A fellow employee in another office gets a big bonus for a successfully completed project.
  • Your best friend has the opportunity to have a special audience with the Pope – through a connection with a friend in the Vatican.

All of these scenes have one thing in common: through an encounter with generosity and/or opportunity another individual benefits and possesses rewards that we do not share.

How do we react? How do our attitudes and actions change toward those who have received unexpected (and sometimes unearned) generosity? While I know that I hope that I would be good natured, polite, friendly, and supportive – a part of me echoes with the sentiments of the workers in today’s Gospel.

There is a sense of justice, a feeling that we should get what we deserve that goes against the grain of the message today. The last workers got the same wage, even though they only worked a fraction of the time. It’s not fair!

In reality, the story went beyond fairness. No worker was cheated. No worker was denied a fair and agreeable wage. The Master simply wanted to be generous out of concern and care for others.

The fact is, God is generous to all of us. There are moments when we have fallen short of the Lord’s justice through sin and temptation. Yet like the workers today, we receive God’s generosity even when we have not earned it. May we live accordingly.

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August 31, 2014

23rd Sunday of the Year – Speaking and Listening

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

speaking and listening

Study:  When was a time when I failed to speak up?  When was a time I failed to listen?

Pray:  Call upon the Lord for the wisdom to know when to speak and when to take heart to the words of another.

Serve:  Is there someone in my life right now that I am called to speak to?  Or listen to?

23rd Sunday of the Year Readings

Do you remember the Aesop’s fable “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” that we used to hear as children? It is a simple yet profound tale. A young boy is given the responsibility to watch over the animals in the event of an attack from the wolves. Bored of his duties he calls out “Wolf!” and laughs as the area villagers come running.

Delighted with his game the boy cries “Wolf!” a few more times, each time getting the attention of the people. Finally disgusted with his actions they no longer respond, even when a real wolf shows up and attacks the child; his failure to keep watch prevented his message from being heard.

In the first reading today Ezekiel says that being a prophet is a lot like being a watchman. The watchman was responsible for protecting the people from bandits and wild animals. The watchman was required to stay alert, remaining vigilant and ready to call out in a moment’s notice should danger arise.

If danger came, and the watchman failed to alert the people, then the watchman was at fault. But if the watchman called the alarm and no one came, then the people were at fault. Simply put, if the watchman does his duty and no one comes, then those who hear the warning and fail to respond are held accountable.

Likewise, anyone who hears a word of encouragement or guidance and fails to respond is also accountable. Ezekiel, the Psalm, and the Gospel today all point out that there are times when we must open our hearts to messages that we may not want to hear. We may be tempted to “harden our hearts.”

Let’s face it. No one wants to be told what to do. No one wants to be disciplined or chastised; we love our freedom and independence too much for that! Yet there are times when the Church is empowered to keep watch, lest members of the community drift into choices and actions which are harmful and destructive.

This is not easy! The scriptures today alert us to the fact that there are moments when we may be asked to either give or receive a hard word out of love. We might have to give it – to help another from making a mistake. We might have to receive it – and allow another to help us from falling into trouble. Keeping watch is never easy, but without the support of each other, we run the risk of a far greater harm.

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August 26, 2014

22nd Sunday of the Year – Suffering

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

Station - Jesus in Crucified

Study:  Recall a moment when you encountered personal suffering.  What gave you strength to continue?

Pray:  Many people are suffering right now in our world.  Pray for those in need and join your heart with them to God.

Serve:  Where is the suffering face of Christ in your life right now?  How can you help another who is in need?

22nd Sunday of the Year Readings

Some of the toughest questions I routinely encounter as a priest occur during sickness or untimely death. In the midst of great suffering and pain, a loved one comes up to me and asks, “Father, why did this have to happen? Why do they have to suffer? Why doesn’t God take the pain away?”

In the anguish of the moment no answer is adequate; the pain hurts too much, and seeing another suffering is often too hard to describe with words. Our hearts feel more than we can say, and the emotions overflow the limits of our soul.

We encounter suffering in many ways: at the graves of loved ones; in hospital and nursing home rooms; at the bedsides and wheel chairs of homebound; through news stories of tragedy; and in quiet moments all alone. Many of us are familiar with the grief and pain of suffering, and we are quick to recognize its presence in those around us.

In the Old Testament and Gospel readings today we encounter suffering. Both Jeremiah and Jesus raise two crucial points:
1. The pain is real.
2. The suffering is part of their witness.

First, neither Jeremiah nor Jesus deny that suffering is part of their lives. They do not hide from it, repress it, pretend it is not there, or run away out of fear. Their suffering is real; they acknowledge the truth of what they must face and confront it.

Second, the pain they face is part of their ministry. Simply put, they suffer because they have remained faithful to God. Jeremiah burns with the fire of a prophet; to remain silent would destroy him and deny God’s word. Jesus knows that only through his death and resurrection can he fulfill his Father’s will; to run away would deny God’s plan for salvation history.

From the example of Jeremiah and Jesus we discover that our suffering is part of a much larger picture. We know that suffering is an element of life, mixed with the joy and beauty we encounter daily. We know that it will come in difficult and sometimes unexpected ways.

Yet God is present in our suffering. Just as Jeremiah and Jesus knew that God was present with them, so too we can see that the Lord is near, giving us strength and hope. Thus suffering may be a way that we draw closer to God, mindful of our need.

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August 18, 2014

21st Sunday of the Year – Keys

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

Keys

Study:  Recall a time when you were entrusted with power.  How did you use it?

Pray:  Ask the Lord for guidance over the things and situations in your control right now.

Serve:  How can you help someone who is struggling with a decision of leadership?  How can you offer solid support?

21st Sunday of the Year Readings

Fr. Andrew’s Homily

Take a look at the keys in your pocket.  As you hold them, think about what they do:

  • The doors they open
  • The cars they open & start
  • The authority and power they reveal

Keys allow us access and empower us with authority.  Keys give us control over our physical world and they help us to use resources wisely and well.  They are also symbols that speak to identity and purpose – just think about what happens when our keys are lost or taken from us….

In the first reading and the Gospel today we discover the power of God’s keys:

  • Key of the House of David
  • Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven

These promises to Eliakim and St. Peter are mighty – they will receive the power, authority,and  responsibility from God lead and guide.  Consider these three points:

Power: they receive the strength and ability to carry out the work entrusted to them.  Power gives them resources and skills to accomplish great things.  Without power they are weak; with God’s power they can do more than they ever dreamed possible.

Authority: these keys are a sign of leadership and respect.  The keys they possess allow them to direct and command others.  Those who hold the keys are followed; those who hold the keys stand before us and provide wisdom, insight, and vision.

Responsibility: “From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded.” (Luke 12:48b)  With great power comes great responsibility, and those who have been given strength and ability are required to use it with wisdom.  Indeed, having the keys of Authority are a burden to demonstrate transparency, accountability, and trust.

Again, look at the keys in your pocket.  How do we use them?  Today we might consider the gifts and talents God has given us: we have an opportunity at this moment to exercise our own power and authority with God’s guidance, knowing that one day the Lord will seek an accounting with what we have done.

May our own keys inspire us to live with conviction and direction – using the resources we have received with the insights offered by our faith in Jesus Christ.  The Lord is the source of all keys, may we call upon him to help us use them!

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August 11, 2014

20th Sunday – Welcoming the Stranger

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

Welcome

Study:  Recall a time when you were a stranger – at school, work, or in a new community.  How did it feel?  What was it like when someone welcomed you?

Pray:  Seek the Lord for guidance, especially to recognize and respond to those in search of a place to fit in.

Serve:  Who do you know right now who would benefit from a simple welcome?  How can you practice hospitality to someone today?

20th Sunday of the Year Readings

Fr. Andrew’s Homily

One of the things I enjoy whenever I go on vacation is the opportunity to pray at other parishes as a parishioner.  I put on a pair of slacks, a button down shirt, and I walk in as a stranger.  Nobody knows that I am a priest, and so I have the privilege to see a parish firsthand – like an ordinary visitor.

I find many insights when I walk in.  I try to keep my ears and eyes open, observing how people react to one another.  Do they smile?  Do they go out of their way to welcome?  Do they take the time to greet and help one another in their need?

As a stranger in these parishes I am an outsider, unknown without history or recognition.  I have no connections to families, businesses, or authority.  In other words, hospitality is often the only reason why anyone would speak to me; they have no other practical reason to do so.  Sure, they might want a new parishioner, but you can usually distinguish between sincerity and a sales pitch:  one comes from the heart, the other goes for the wallet.

When I encounter a welcoming parish, I always take mental notes.  What can I bring back to the Cathedral?  What actions already affirm what we do?  I usually scribble my notes on a piece of paper, saving them for a special opportunity to put them into practice.

Hospitality is a central part of the Christian life.  We reach out to strangers, visitors, and guests, because throughout time people of faith have discovered God’s presence whenever they have reached out to others.

The readings today have a common theme.  While God has spoken through a particular people (namely Israel), God calls all people – even strangers and foreigners – through faith to prayer and worship.  The gift and call to the Jewish people is “irrevocable” as Paul writes today.  Yet through this call people have seen the saving power of Christ and responded with life and joy as they welcome family, friends, and strangers to fellowship.

Practically, we live this theme whenever we reach out to one another.  When we recognize that God calls all people, we discover that we are part of a vast and rich family – fellow inhabitants on this rock we call planet Earth.

This is why we go out of our way to welcome one another.  This is why we take the time to introduce ourselves, greeting and meeting fellow members of a much larger family.  Whenever we take the time to reach out to one another, we live out our most basic call – welcoming one another with the hospitality of a people of faith.

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August 4, 2014

19th Sunday of the Year – Walking on Water

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

Walking on Water

Study:  Recall a moment in life when you were doubtful or afraid.  How did you face it?

Pray:  Ask the Lord for the strength and wisdom to face doubts and fears.

Serve:  Is there someone in your life who is struggling with doubts or fears?  How might you help them?

19th Sunday of the Year Readings

Fr. Andrew’s Homily

This Gospel story (Matthew 14:22-33) follows immediately after the reading from last week.  Here’s a quick recap:

* Jesus hears of the death of John the Baptist
* Jesus seeks solitude in a deserted place
* The crowds find Jesus; he ministers to them
* Jesus feeds the hungry with fishes & bread

After the people have eaten, the Lord makes the disciples get into a boat while he dismisses the crowd.  The following events occur:
1.  The disciples are in the boat on the water
2.  Jesus goes up the mountain to pray alone
3.  The wind and the waves are getting strong
4.  Late at night Jesus comes on the water
5.  Seeing Jesus, the disciples are terrified
6.  Jesus, “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!”
7.  Peter to Jesus “Command me to come to you.”
8.  Peter goes to Jesus, is frightened and sinks
9.  Jesus rescues Peter “Why did you doubt?”
10. The disciples:  “Truly you are the Son of God!”

Note that Matthew’s Gospel differs from Mark’s account (6:45-52) in three ways:
1.  The dialogue between Jesus and Peter
2.  Peter walking (sort of) on the water
3.  Confession of faith – Jesus the Son of God

The story speaks of Peter’s desire to follow Jesus, even as it clearly shows his human weakness.  Peter tries, fails, and calls upon Jesus to save him in his need.  As a result, the disciples recognize the Son of God in their midst.

The early Church took this passage to heart.  Like the boat tossed on the waters, early Christians knew all too well the dangers of faith – risking their lives to follow Jesus.  Like Peter, they had their moments of weakness; like Peter, they called upon the Lord in their need.

We can see ourselves in this situation as well.  There are times when we desperately want a strong and steadfast faith; we seek the Lord and desire to follow His path for our lives.  Yet we are also aware of our limitations, failures, and fears.  May we, like Peter, call upon Jesus in our need; may we trust in the Lord’s strength and love to save us.

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