St. Thomas the Apostle Parish

Homily for Monday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time

In today's Gospel, we hear about a synagogue official, indignant that Jesus healed a woman on the Sabbath, who insists that work should not take place on the Sabbath. However, Jesus declares that God's work can happen on any day of the week. He was doing God's work by healing the woman from her afflictions; He unraveled her bonds and set her free.

For Jesus, this life-giving work is always appropriate; there is never a time when it should not be done. He invites all of us to participate in His mission of freeing people from whatever holds them back. We are called to be friends to others, to show kindness, to forgive as God has forgiven us, and to love as Christ has loved us. By doing so, we engage in the Lord's life-giving and redemptive work—not for our own glory, but so that through our actions, others may glorify God.

Homily for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

A very stern, humorless, and rather self-righteous woman was not feeling well and made an appointment to see her doctor.

The woman went into the reception area and reported to the receptionist, who had a couple of pierced earrings in each ear. The woman looked at her in disgust and said, “That’s horrible that you would pierce your ears like that.” She said, “I would never do anything like that to my body; it’s sinful.” She then went and sat down to wait for her appointment.
A couple of minutes later, a woman came into the office with her teenage son. The boy was wearing ripped jeans and a ripped t-shirt, and his hair had some blue highlights. The woman looked at him and began shaking her head. She said to the mother of the boy, “What kind of mother are you? My son would never go out in public looking like that!”

The people in the waiting room must have breathed a sigh of relief when the woman’s name was called to go in to see the doctor.

The doctor began by asking his patient some basic questions.
“Do you drink at all?”
“I never touch alcohol!” she said with great disdain.
“Do you smoke?”
“I never go near tobacco!” She was insulted by the question.
“What about your sleeping habits?”
“I go to bed early every night,” she arrogantly replied. “I have no time for late-night partying and carousing. I am a busy woman.  I am in bed by ten and up by six every morning.”

“I see,” said the doctor, making notes on the chart.  “Now exactly what’s been wrong?”
“I have been having terrible headaches,” she said.
“I think I see your problem,” the doctor said. 
“What is it?” she snapped.
The doctor said, “I believe your halo is too tight.”

While we readily laugh at the arrogance of the Pharisee and the self-righteousness of the woman in the story, it’s easier than we realize to get caught up in that same attitude. 

We all know some people are quick to criticize those whose standards don’t measure up to theirs, who immediately dismiss those they fear will intrude on their safe, protected little world.

We, too, may be caught in the trap of comparing ourselves to others, maybe even thinking we are better than others because of their looks, their personalities, or even by what they own or don’t own.

Jesus calls us to take off our “halos” and to recognize our humility before God and the humanity we share with every man, woman, and child.  The only praise we can offer worthy of our loving God is prayer that manifests itself in returning that same unconditional, limitless love to others.  We are called to recognize that no one is beneath us. Dignity doesn’t come from popularity or appearance, but from the fact that we are children of God and each one of us is made in the image of God. May we not be so taken with our own “halos” that we fail to recognize the presence of God in the lives and hearts of our fellow sinners.

Homily for Saturday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time

Jesus used parables to encourage His followers and others to think deeply about their meanings and how they relate to their lives. Even after two millennia, these parables continue to inspire us.

In today’s parable, we hear about a fig tree in a vineyard that has failed to bear fruit for three consecutive years. The vineyard owner seems reasonable in his decision to cut down the tree, as it consumes resources and space that could be used for a more productive tree. However, the worker has a different perspective. He sees the unproductive fig tree as still potentially bearing fruit with some care and cultivation. He envisions a more hopeful future for the tree.

Not everything is as hopeless as the vineyard owner believes; there is still time and opportunity for the fig tree to thrive. This parable suggests that the Lord views us not only through the lens of our past failures but also through the lens of what we can achieve in the future. He looks at us with hope.

We are called to adopt this perspective towards one another and in every experience and situation we encounter. It is essential to be patient and to look beyond the surface for signs of new life and potential that may still exist.

Homily for Friday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time

In New England, we often discuss the weather because of its rapid, sometimes unpredictable changes. People during Jesus' time were also very attuned to the weather and could predict it by observing signs in the earth and the sky. However, as today's Gospel passage mentions, they failed to recognize God's presence in Jesus' teachings and actions.

Similarly, while we may be skilled at predicting the weather, we often struggle to perceive the Lord's presence in our daily lives. Jesus promised to always be with us, and although the signs of His presence may be subtle, they are genuine.

Let us pray for greater spiritual insight and an enhanced awareness of the Lord's presence in our everyday lives.

Homily for Thursday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time

Jesus came to bring fire to the earth and desires that it were already blazing. This fire prefigures that of the Holy Spirit. In the Acts of the Apostles, St. Luke describes the Holy Spirit as descending upon the disciples like tongues of fire. However, Jesus knows He cannot send the Holy Spirit until He has endured His Passion and death, which He refers to as “a baptism with which [He] must be baptized.” Mindful of the impending suffering, He admits that He will endure great despair until it is finished.

He earnestly wished to complete His Passion (a passion that His disciples will share) so that the fire of the Holy Spirit could begin to blaze in the hearts, minds, and souls of believers.  

Because they carry the mission of Jesus, some families will experience division; some members will embrace the Gospel while others will reject it. The Lord’s arrival and presence touch the depths of our humanity in ways that can sometimes cause deep divisions. 

Our calling is to allow the fire that Jesus has ignited to burn within us, and to trust that the Holy Spirit will kindle in us the fire of His love.

Homily for Wednesday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time

Many prefer to know what lies ahead and when to expect it, rather than being caught off guard. However, unexpected events are a part of life. In today's parables, Jesus highlights the importance of preparing for these surprises. In one story, a burglar breaks into a house unexpectedly. In another, a master returns home to find his careless servant unprepared. Jesus suggests that there can be an element of surprise in our relationship with Him.

The Son of Man may arrive at an hour we do not anticipate. This warning might refer to sudden and unexpected death, but it can also apply to the unexpected arrival of the Son of Man in our daily lives. The Lord may call us to something we have never considered or lead us down a path we wouldn't have chosen. He can come to us through unexpected people—those we wouldn't usually see as messengers of the Lord. The Gospel encourages us to always be ready for the unexpected regarding our relationship with the Lord.

Homily for Tuesday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time

Jesus surprised His audience by describing a scenario in which a homeowner, instead of being served by his servants, puts on an apron and serves them. This was completely unconventional for that time and reflects His own act of washing the Apostles' feet. Jesus uniquely combined the roles of master and servant, which was not the norm of His era.

The homeowner's act of serving his servants is a response to their faithful vigilance. The Lord, who sustains us, expects us to be faithful and watchful so that we are ready to welcome Him whenever He arrives. 

In the Book of Revelation, the Risen Lord says, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock." Jesus is always knocking at our door. If we welcome His presence in our lives each day, He will serve and support us in countless ways.

Homily for Monday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time

Our Gospel today may seem to criticize wealth, but one could argue that God does not have a problem with our success. 

From Jesus' teachings, we learn that our wealth, gifts, and the fruits of our labor can be powerful tools for good. We live in a society overflowing with possessions, busy schedules, and a sense of empty busyness. Many people are overwhelmed by the pursuit of more and the need to build larger "barns" to store their excess.

To be true people of faith and genuine disciples of Jesus, we must let go of our material possessions and busy lives to create space and time for God to dwell within us. The most tragic form of poverty is a life filled with things yet lacking in a relationship with God.

Christ calls us to focus on what truly matters—love, forgiveness, compassion, mercy, and gratitude—the gifts that God has generously given us. Let us embrace this priceless and wonderful life and learn to love one another as God loves us.

Homily for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

In today's Gospel, Jesus tells the story of a poor widow who is wronged by someone and ignored by a dishonest judge who did not fear anyone, including God. The widow faced numerous challenges, and unlike other widows who might have given up, she persisted in demanding justice. Her struggle grew so intense that the dishonest judge started to fear her. Through her determination, the widow demonstrated God's anger at the wrong in the world, eventually prompting the judge to do the right thing. God was with her in her strong cry for justice.

One night in December 1956, Rosa Parks, an African-American woman, was told to give up her bus seat for a white passenger in Montgomery, Alabama. This had happened many times before, and it seemed like God did not care about the injustice of segregation. However, that night, Rosa decided to stand up against the unfair law. When she refused to move, she got arrested. Her brave act showed God's sadness over racism. This inspired others to join her, leading to peaceful protests against segregation. Together, they boycotted the buses for 380 days, which helped end segregation on the buses. Through Rosa Parks' brave actions, God prompted people to seek justice.

In our difficulties, God shows His great love and helps us overcome evil. There is a scene in a Peanuts cartoon where Lucy tells Charlie Brown, "These are your hard days. If you keep your head up and keep fighting, you will win!" Charlie Brown, feeling slightly better, asks, "Really?" To which Lucy replies, "Honestly, no!" 

She is right; we cannot succeed alone. But with God, we can do anything. When God comes to us, even if we can't see Him, may He find us full of faith in His love working through us. Let's continue to pray and stay strong in our fight against the serious wrongs of our times.

Homily for the Feast of St. Luke, Evangelist

Today, we join the Church worldwide in celebrating the Feast of St. Luke the Evangelist, who is known as the "beloved physician" and a "co-worker with the Apostles." 

The Gospel of Luke is often referred to as the "Gospel of Mercy," as it emphasizes how Jesus came to heal the sick, forgive sins, and show tender mercy to everyone. St. Luke's experience as a physician echoes in his Gospel, which portrays Jesus as the great Physician of our souls. 

The Gospel of Luke is unique for its detailed account of Jesus' birth and childhood, showcasing his deep devotion to Mary, the mother of Jesus. We can follow his example by growing in our love for Mary and viewing her as a model disciple. 

Just as St. Luke meticulously documented the life and teachings of Christ, we are called to share the Good News using our own gifts and talents. This sharing can occur in our daily lives, professions, and actions, as we become co-workers in the Lord's vineyard and "fishers of men and women."