PEACE AS A JOURNEY OF HOPE

MARY, MOTHER OF GOD - Luke 2:16-21

We start the New Year in the company of Mary, the mother of the Lord, to whom we dedicate this first day of the year, putting ourselves under her protection so that she intercedes for us as she did in the wedding at Cana. Today, we celebrate Mary as the Mother of God - or THEOTOKOS, an old title accepted in the Ecumenical Council of Ephesus. It is a title of honour that is an affirmation of her son’s divinity. Jesus is divine because he is the Son of God incarnate. Thus, we start the New Year in the company of Jesus Christ, the Son of God and the Prince of Peace.

 In this first day of the year, we pray in a very special way for peace. Every year, the Pope addresses a message to the Church and the world, pleading for peace and inviting us to reflect on the attitudes necessary for peace. This year, Pope Francis presents us with the theme: PEACE AS A JOURNEY OF HOPE: DIALOGUE, RECONCILIATION AND ECOLOGICAL CONVERSION.

1. Peace, a journey of listening based on memory, solidarity and fraternity. We must bring to memory the violence, the destruction and death suffered by countless people because of so many wars. We must learn with the past so that we do not repeat it. And we must commit ourselves to work hard on the building of peace. “The peace process thus requires enduring commitment. It is a patient effort to seek truth and justice, to honour the memory of victims and to open the way, step by step, to a shared hope stronger than the desire for vengeance. In a state based on law, democracy can be an important paradigm of this process, provided it is grounded in justice and a commitment to protect the rights of every person, especially the weak and marginalised, in a constant search for truth.[6] This is a social undertaking, an ongoing work in which each individual makes his or her contribution responsibly, at every level of the local, national and global community.” (Pope Francis).
2. Peace, a journey of reconciliation in fraternal communion. “The Bible, especially in the words of the Prophets, reminds individuals and peoples of God’s covenant with humanity, which entails renouncing our desire to dominate others and learning to see one another as persons, sons and daughters of God, brothers and sisters. We should never encapsulate others in what they may have said or done, but value them for the promise that they embody. Only by choosing the path of respect can we break the spiral of vengeance and set out on the journey of hope.” (Pope Francis)
3. Peace, a journey of ecological conversion. “If a mistaken understanding of our own principles has at times led us to justify mistreating nature, to exercise tyranny over creation, to engage in war, injustice and acts of violence, we believers should acknowledge that by so doing we were not faithful to the treasures of wisdom which we have been called to protect and preserve.” (Pope Francis).

“May the God of peace bless us and come to our aid. 

May Mary, Mother of the Prince of Peace and Mother of all the peoples of the earth, accompany and sustain us at every step of our journey of reconciliation. 

And may all men and women who come into this world experience a life of peace and develop fully the promise of life and love dwelling in their heart.” (Pope Francis)

May the Lord bestow his blessings on all of you.

Have a happy and blessed New Year.

SUPPORT YOUR PARENTS IN THEIR OLD AGE

THE FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY - Sirach 3:2-6,12-14

There is a Bemba proverb, widely used, that summarises the traditional wisdom about the relationship between parents and children. Mayo mpâpa, na ine nkakupâpa, that is: Mother carry me and I will carry you. Towards their children, the parents have the duty of protecting and caring for them. They must provide the most basic things until they can stand on their own and take responsibility for their own lives. To bring up children is a burdensome work for the parents. However, the love they have for their children gives them the strength to endure all difficulties. As the children grow, the parents must step back and allow them the freedom to find their way. Some parents go on treating their children as babies, thus keeping them dependent and unable to stand on their own and make their own decisions. However, when the parents truly love their children, they have to let them go and become themselves. That’s why, as they grow up, all children pass through a phase of revolt, in which they affirm themselves. The parents who are attentive and care for their children know that their relationship towards their children has to change into a strong bond of friendship between adults. And then the time will come when the children will have to carry their parents because they became sick or weak with old age. The book of Sirach deals very clearly with the duty of the children towards their parents:

“Whoever respects his father is atoning for his sins, he who honours his mother is like someone amassing a fortune.” (Sir 3:3-4)

“My son, support your father in his old age,

  do not grieve him during his life.

Even if his mind should fail, show him sympathy,

  do not despise him in your health and strength” (Sir 3:12-13).

Nowadays, it is easy to find many parents who are completely abandoned by their children. To care for their old parents is seen as a costly burden, which they are not ready to carry.

In the gospel (Mt 2:13-15,19-23), we hear how Joseph and Mary were ready for all kinds of hardships to protect the life of the child Jesus. In the middle of the night, they had to run away, so that they would not be caught by Herod’s soldiers. And they went to Egypt as refugees in a foreign land. Maybe, as a carpenter, Joseph was able to earn some money for the family to survive; but he could have faced as well the jealousy of the local people who could not be pleased with a foreigner taking their job. As soon as Herod died, they went back to their homeland, setting their house in Nazareth, in Galilee. There, Jesus grew up, learning with Joseph the trade of carpentry.

LET US SING WITH THE ANGELS

CHRISTMAS DAY - Luke 2:1-14

Why should the birth of a humble child be the point of reference of human history? How did he become a source of hope for so many? 

Jesus' crib in Casa Diocesana do Vilar, Porto

He was born somewhere in Bethlehem, far from his parents home. And there was no place for him. But with him came a promise and the fulfilment of that promise. Trembling with fear, the powerful used violence in an attempt to silence the Promise, to destroy hope and to annihilate life. Those were times when people “walked in darkness” and lived in a “land of deep shadow” (Is 9:2). Those were violent times when the poor were trampled upon as if they were worth nothing. The wealthy, the powerful, the arrogant and the violent dominated the earth. The descendants of Cain seem to have taken over the earth. Like him, they are dominated by pride, envy, jealousy, hatred and a deep thirst for revenge. That’s why human beings never get tired of wars, which they combat with an unimaginable ferocity. It is in such a world soiled by sin that the Son of God comes to live, being born as a humble child in Bethlehem. In him, we find all the beauty of life, a life that is God’s presence in our midst. Even though death seems to claim victory, life comes back always stronger and the birth of any child is an affirmation of life which will overcome all difficulties. With the birth of Jesus, our hope is renewed. Becoming one like us, the Son of God restores our dignity. In spite of poverty, injustice, oppression and violence, our life is worth living. In him, we find a purpose and a reason for living. Indeed, “For there is a child born for us, a son given to us and dominion is laid on his shoulders; and this is the name they give him: Wonder-Counsellor, Mighty-God, Eternal-Father, Prince-of-Peace.” (Is 9:6).

Jesus' crib in Seminário da Boa Nova, Valadares

At Christmas, we celebrate the great mystery of Incarnation, that is the Son of God came to be Emanuel, God-with-us, so that in him we may find the way to life and salvation.

Let us sing with the angels 

Glory to God in the highest, 

to Him who by His great love 

sent us his Son, 

born poor in Bethlehem, 

so that the poor and humiliated 

become God’s children. 

To Him, we sing songs of praise, 

as we approach the Child Jesus with joy.

From him, we receive peace without measure.

 Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace among those 

with whom he is pleased!

JOSEPH WAS A MAN OF HONOUR

IV SUNDAY OF ADVENT - Matthew 1:18-24

The Gospels present two narratives of annunciation: one centred on Mary (Lk 1:26-38) and the other centred on Joseph (Mt 1:18-24). We may say that the Gospel of Matthew presents the birth of Jesus seen from Joseph's perspective. In the gospels, we are told very little about Joseph. He belonged to the house of David (Mt 1:20; Lk 1:27; 2:4) and he was living in Nazareth (Lk 2:4) and earning his living as a carpenter (Mt 13:55). Jesus was known as “the son of Joseph” (Jn 1:45; 6:42). He played his role as father and husband, protecting both the mother and the child when Herod threatened the baby Jesus’ life (Mt 1:13-15). And then he fell into obscurity as if he were present only when he was needed. His character is described in a simple but strong brush stroke: he was a "just man” or a “man of honour”. And his attitudes were determined by his righteousness. Having found out that Mary was pregnant, he was faced with a big dilemma. He was sure of one thing: the pregnancy was not his. Thus, filled with anger, jealousy and frustration, he could denounce Mary and have her punished for her supposed misbehaviour. If he did that, Mary would be stoned to death. However, he could not bring himself to such an outcome. He shivered at the thought of having his beloved’s blood on his hands. On the other hand, he could not see himself, accepting Mary as if nothing had happened. So the only solution that seemed reasonable to him was to disappear in secret, and all the blame would fall on him. He preferred this last solution, which was not a solution since he was running away from a very difficult situation. It was then that God came to his rescue, making it known to him that the promise of the Saviour was going to be fulfilled and that this fulfilment would pass through Mary: "She will give birth to a son and you must name him Jesus because he is the one who is to save his people from their sins.” Joseph was called to assume an important role in the life of the Messiah and he accepted it in all obedience and humility. And he did “what the angel of the Lord had told him to do: he took his wife to his home.” He provided a loving, secure and stable home for Jesus, in such a way that Jesus came to be known as the “carpenter’s son” (Mt 13:55). Joseph accepted God’s ways and put himself at the service of His will.

Psalm 24 helps us to reflect on people like Joseph. Indeed “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” (Mt 5:8) 

Who shall climb the mountain of the Lord?

  Who shall stand in his holy place?

The man with clean hands and pure heart,

  who desires not worthless things.

Let the Lord enter! He is the king of glory.

He shall receive blessings from the Lord

  and reward from the God who saves him.

Such are the men who seek him,

  seek the face of the God of Jacob. (Psalm 24)

JOHN WAS MUCH MORE THAN A PROPHET

III SUNDAY OF ADVENT - Matthew 11:2-11

John had been arrested because, in an act of extraordinary boldness, he dared to denounce the immoral behaviour of Herod Antipas, who was living in concubinage with his sister-in-law Herodias. While in prison, he heard many things about Jesus, that Jesus whom he had pointed out to his disciples as the Lamb of God. From what he heard, he was puzzled, for Jesus was not behaving in the way he had predicted, and a doubt aroused in his mind: was he the Messiah or he had been misled about Jesus whom he considered far greater than him? He announced that the Messiah would bring God's judgment by cutting off the dry branches, separating the grain from the straw, and burning the useless stubble to offer God a righteous and holy people. But Jesus was not doing that. He mixed with everybody and feel at ease in the company of sinners. Therefore, John felt the need of obtaining confirmation: is he the Messiah or not? “And he sent his disciples to ask him, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or have we got to wait for someone else?’. In his response, Jesus presented the great signs of the Messiah, as announced principally by the prophet Isaiah (Is 29:18; 35:5-6). n fact, Jesus’ response was very similar to the text of Isaiah (see Lk 4:18) that he read in the synagogue of Nazareth. Jesus came to bring the Good News to the poor. He came to save, not to condemn.

As soon as John's disciples left, Jesus praised John as the greatest of human beings. Indeed, being the "messenger" who came to prepare the way of the Lord, he is much greater than the prophets. Jesus presents John as a man of integrity, who does not turn according to the wind. He is incorruptible, for wealth, power, and glory mean nothing to him. From the way he lived, we might think of John as a madman. However, the people recognised in him the wisdom manifested in God's madness and rushed to listen to his message. His voice coming from the desert still reverberates and its echoes can still be heard. He spoke as a free man and his strong, vigorous and fearless voice goes on disturbing our deceptive stillness, throwing up challenges and provocations to the false well-being in which we have settled. Today as well, we need men of integrity in the manner of John, who by their lifestyle are a denunciation and a challenge to our behaviour centred on merriness, the unbridled search for wealth and the oppressive affirmation of power. We need courageous voices that do not allow themselves to be gagged and that boldly point out the path that leads to salvation.

Even though John was already on the threshold, he still belonged to the Old Testament and therefore "the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he is.” We who in Christ receive the Spirit that makes us children of God belong to a new age that surpasses all expectations.

JOHN’S MESSAGE: REPENT, FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS CLOSE AT HAND

II SUNDAY OF ADVENT - Matthew 3:1-12

John the Baptist is a central figure of the Advent. He appeared on the threshold of the New Testament. He came with the mission of calling people to repent and turn to the Lord, thus preparing themselves to welcome the Messiah. He went to live in the wilderness, becoming by his way of life a symbol of protest against the luxury and the vice of the city dwellers. Very soon, people realised that John was a man touched by God and sent by him to proclaim his word. His message was simple and straightforward and could be summarised in a few short sentences: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand”. The promises made through the prophets are going to be fulfilled - that is the time of salvation in which God makes peace and harmony among all creatures possible. However, to have a part in God’s kingdom, one has to change his way of life and walk on the path of righteousness set out by God.

John addressed his message mainly to the common people. They were the majority of those who came to him and accepted to be baptised by him as a sign of repentance. When he became well known, the influential people from Jerusalem started coming as well. John received them with scorn: “Brood of vipers, who warned you to fly from the retribution that is coming? But if you are repentant, produce the appropriate fruit.” Repentance implies conversion, that is a change of behaviour; it cannot be only a question of appearances. And he warns them not to fall into any delusion. It is useless to claim that we are the children of Abraham. If we believe, we belong to the family of Abraham, our father in faith, but faith implies a way of life in a permanent relationship with God. So it was with Abraham, who put his life in the hands of God and lived accordingly. The kingdom of God is coming for all those who entrust themselves to God and allow him to decide of their lives. Without putting ourselves in the hands of God, we will be left out, that is, we will be excluded.

As a prophet, John proved to be hard and demanding on himself and on all those who came to him. The time of fulfilment will be as well a time of judgement: “Even now the axe is laid to the roots of the trees, so that any tree which fails to produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown on the fire.”

John makes it clear that is role is just of preparation and announcement. He does not pretend to be what he is not. He is true to himself and to those who come to him. He is not a deluded man, but someone who with humility is well aware of his position: “I baptise you in water for repentance” and “the one who follows me is more powerful than I am, and I am not fit to carry his sandals; he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” The Messiah, who will baptise with the Holy Spirit, will force us to choose our destiny: if we produce well, we will be kept for God; if we are only useless chaff, then we will be burnt “in a fire that will never go out”. God must be taken seriously.

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

The Immaculate Conception is traditionally celebrated on the 8th of December, but as it falls on Sunday, this year it will be celebrated on Monday, 9th of December.

My soul glorifies the Lord,

  my spirit rejoices in God, my Saviour.

He looks on his servant in her lowliness;

  henceforth all ages will call me blessed.

The Almighty works marvels for me.

  Holy his name!

His mercy is from age to age,

  on those who fear him.

He puts forth his arm in strength

  and scatters the proud-hearted.

He casts the mighty from their thrones

  and raises the lowly.

He fills the starving with good things,

  sends the rich away empty.

He protects Israel, his servant,

  remembering his mercy,

the mercy promised to our fathers,

  to Abraham and his sons for ever. 

PUT ON CHRIST

I SUNDAY OF ADVENT - Matthew 24:37-44

We begin Advent looking forward to the Day of the Son of Man, which is seen by many as a day of doom and by those who believe as a day of salvation. One thing is made clear by Jesus: “The Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect”. And many people will be caught by surprise and may be found wanting. Jesus compared that situation to what happened during the days of Noah when the flood came and all were swept away, because “they suspected nothing”! This unawareness prevented them from taking measures to reduce the impact of the disaster. The signs of an impending crisis were there, but people were preoccupied with enjoying life, going their own way and doing everything possible to find pleasure, so they could not read the signs. This applies to our own generation. We enjoy life, but we are never satisfied and our urges continue to press us to look for greater satisfaction, without paying attention to the signs of danger that are emerging. We too are in danger of being caught off guard. And Jesus warns us: "So stay awake, because you do not know the day when your master is coming”. 

Advent requires an attitude of vigilance and an effort of preparation. "Therefore, you too must stand ready because the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” Undoubtedly, the best way to prepare ourselves is to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. Through baptism, we were grafted into Christ to be one with him.

In his letter to the Romans, Paul calls out to all of us: "The time has come!" It is time to wake up, beach salvation is near, and so "let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armour of light. Let us walk properly as in the daytime.” This implies a change in attitudes and habits. And Paul is brave enough to expose the most common behaviours among the Romans: no more “in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarrelling and jealousy.” (Ro 13:11-14).

And Paul presents the only way to conversion, the only way to be prepared for the Coming of the Lord: “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ”, so that in everything we may become like him.

IN HIM ALL THE FULNESS OF GOD WAS PLEASED TO DWELL

XXXIV SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME: Christ the King - Luke 23:35-43

Before Pilate, Jesus was accused of promoting rebellion and was sentenced to be crucified for the crime of treason and lese-majesty by claiming to be king of the Jews. The reason for his death sentence was fixed on the cross, in an inscription reading: "This is the King of the Jews.” The leaders of the people scorned him who claimed to be the Messiah (the Christ) and the soldiers mocked him and laughed about this false king who had for throne a cross. For them, Jesus was no more than a sham or a bad joke that ended in tragedy. However, it is on the cross that Jesus shows his true kingship. 

He was falsely accused of rebellion since Jesus never had any kind of pretence to be or to become the king of the Jews. In fact, when people wanted to proclaim him as king, he went into hiding. And he instructed his disciples to avoid imitating the kings of this world, who exploit and oppress the people. However, Jesus is King, but his kingship is of a completely different nature: he frees instead of oppressing, brings peace instead of making war and saves instead of condemning. One of the criminals became aware of the injustice done to Jesus and recognised in him the divine presence, affirming His kingship. Thus he entrusted himself to Jesus, asking: "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” That is the same request we must make: Jesus, remember me and welcome me into your kingdom.

Jesus’ kingdom is a kingdom of peace, where love reigns supreme. As King, He is the Lord of life. By his blood shed on the cross, he reconciled all things to himself, establishing peace. In order to take part in this reconciliation, it is only necessary to allow ourselves to be touched by Jesus, welcoming the salvation that he offers us. And “in him all things hold together” (Col 1:17).

REMAIN FAITHFUL TO THE LORD

XXXIII SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - Luke 21:5-19

The Temple in Jerusalem was the centre of all religious life of the Jewish people. It embodied the presence of God in the middle of his people. The first temple, built by Solomon, was destroyed by the Babylonians when Nebuchadnezzar conquered the city and took most of the people as prisoners of war. Then, the Persians conquered Babylon, allowing the Jews to go back to their homeland and to rebuild the temple. Due to many hardships, this second temple did not match at all the glory and the wealth of the first one. That’s why Herod, in order to gain recognition, decided to build the temple anew; and people marvelled at the beauty and the greatness of this temple.

Even though Jesus loved the Temple, he was not blinded by the empty glory of stones. The temple could not be taken as a substitute for God. And like Jeremiah before, Jesus announced the destruction of the temple: “time will come when not a single stone will be left on another: everything will be destroyed”. 

The theme of the destruction of the Temple is mixed up with the themes of the end of times, the day of the Lord and the second coming of Christ. Astonished with Jesus’ words, people asked: “Master, when will this happen?” That question has been repeated endless times and it seems that fearing the uncertainty, many have tried to set a date for that final event. When will it happen? And what are the signs?

As for the end of the world, even science affirms that someday, sometime, the world will come to an end. So, it will happen. How will it be? And Jesus answered: “Take care not to be deceived”. As for those who say that “the time is near at hand, refuse to join them”. All that interest about the end of the world is misplaced and distracts us from what is really important. Some live in fear, being prevented from a commitment to life. They may despair and abandon all attempts to walk along the right path. Others may do like the Thessalonians, who stopped working because the end was near. Paul told them off and ordered them to work hard so that they do not become a burden to the others.

The day of the Lord will a day of judgement because the inner value of each one will be revealed. The evil-doers are like stubble that catches fire and burns away. However, all those who put their trust in the Lord will see “the sun of righteousness” and be healed by its rays. For them, the day of the Lord will be a day of salvation and they will rejoice in the Lord while singing God’s victory.

Meanwhile, the true followers of Jesus Christ will suffer persecution. Indeed, in many places of this earth, there many Christians who are imprisoned, tortured and killed as criminals for the only reason that they believe in Jesus Christ. And Jesus concludes: “You will be hated by all men on account of my name, but not a hair of your head will be lost. Your endurance will win you your lives.”

THE HOPE IN THE RESURRECTION

XXXII SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - 2 Maccabees 7:1-2,9-14

As usual, the first reading is connected to the Gospel, which speaks about the resurrection. Taken from 2 Maccabees, we read the story of the seven brothers who suffered martyrdom with their mother at the hands of Antiochus Epiphanes, king of Syria. They found their courage in their faith in God and their hope in the resurrection. So we are called to reflect on martyrdom and the resurrection. For the Christians, martyrs are those who pay with their lives for their faithfulness to Jesus Christ. Throughout the centuries, thousands have shed their blood because they refuse to turn their backs on Christ and they prefer to obey God instead of obeying the powers of this world. Stephen was the first martyr and since then there has been a multitude of believers who shared the fate of Jesus Christ. We may think that this is something of the past, but the truth of the matter is that in our days there are more martyrs than in the past. There are many countries, where the Christians have to go underground, living in the continuous risk of being arrested, tortured and killed. There are many countries where it is a crime to be a Christian. There are countries where all Christian symbols are forbidden. The Christians who live in peace and enjoy freedom cannot forget their brothers and sisters who suffer great hardships because of their faith. The Christian martyrs are people who do not use violence but suffer violence for their steadfast loyalty to Jesus Christ.

On All Souls day, Pope Francis celebrated Mass in the Catacombs and remembered all those who died or are still suffering for their faith:

“The celebration of the feast of all the dead in a catacomb - for me it is the first time in my life that I enter a catacomb, it is a surprise - tells us so many things. We can think of the lives of those people, who had to hide, who had this culture of burying the dead and celebrating the Eucharist here… It is a moment of bad history, which has not been overcome: even today there are some. There are many of them. Many catacombs in other countries, where they even have to pretend to have a feast or a birthday to celebrate the Eucharist, because in that place it is forbidden to do that. Even today there are persecuted Christians, more so than in the first centuries. This - the catacombs, the persecution, the Christians - and these Readings make me think in three words: identity, place and hope.

The identity of these people who gathered here to celebrate the Eucharist and to praise the Lord is the same as that of our brothers and sisters today in many, many countries where being a Christian is a crime, it is forbidden, they have no right. The same. This is the identity that we hear: it is the beatitudes. The Christian's identity is this: the Beatitudes. There is no other. If you do this, if you live like this, you are a Christian. "No, but look, I belong to this association, to this other... I am from this movement...". Yes, yes, yes, yes, all these things are good, but they are fantasies before this reality. Your identity document is this [he indicates the Gospel], and if you don't have it, movements or other groups are useless. Either you live like this, or you are not a Christian. Simply put! The Lord said this. "Yes, but it's not easy, I don't know how to live like this...". There is another passage of the Gospel that helps us to better understand this, and that passage of the Gospel will also be the "great protocol" according to which we will be judged. It is Matthew 25. With these two passages from the Gospel, the Beatitudes and the great protocol, we will show, by living this, our identity as Christians. Without this, there is no identity. There is the fiction of being Christian, but not identity.

This is the identity of the Christian. The second word: the place. Those who came here to hide, to be safe, even to bury the dead; and those who today celebrate the Eucharist secretly, in countries where it is forbidden.... I think of that nun in Albania who was in a re-education camp at the time of communism, and the priests were forbidden to distribute the sacraments, and that nun baptised secretly. The people, the Christians, knew that this nun baptised and the mothers approached her with their children, but she didn't have a glass, something to put the water in. Then she did it with her shoe: she took the water out of the river and baptised with her shoe. The Christian's place is everywhere, we don't have a privileged place in life. Some want to have it, they are "qualified" Christians. But they run the risk of staying with the "qualified" and abandoning the "Christian". What is the place of Christians? "The souls of the righteous are in the hands of God" (Wis 3:1): the Christian's place is in the hands of God, wherever He wants it. The hands of God, which are wounded, which are the hands of his Son who wanted to take with him the wounds so that they could be seen by the Father and intercede for us. The Christian's place is in Jesus' intercession before the Father. In the hands of God. And there we have the certainty, what happens, even to the cross. Our identity [the Gospel indicates] says that we will be blessed if they persecute us if they say everything against us; but if we are in God's hands wounded with love, we are right. This is our home. And today we can ask ourselves: but where do I feel most secure? In God's hands or with other things, with other certainties that we "borrow" but which in the end will decay, that have no consistency? These Christians, with this identity card, who have lived and live in the hands of God, are men and women of hope. And this is the third word that comes to me today: hope. We heard it in the second reading: that final vision where everything is remade, where everything is recreated, that homeland where we will all go. And to enter there you don't need strange things, you don't need sophisticated attitudes: you just need to show your identity card: "All right, go ahead". Our hope is in heaven, our hope is anchored there and we, with the rope in our hands, lean on each other looking at that bank of the river that we have to cross.” (HOMILY OF POPE FRANCIS, Priscilla Catacombs on Via Salaria, Saturday, November 2, 2019)

All the martyrs are moved by the certainty that dying with Jesus they will rise with Jesus to eternal life. Our God is not a God of the dead but the God of the living.

TODAY I MUST STAY IN YOUR HOUSE

XXXI SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - Luke 19:1-10

Last week, we heard the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector - a parable dealing with two ways of approaching God: with pride or with humility. The Pharisee boasted about himself, as if he was the best in the world and as if God himself was obliged yo give him praise. In his pride, he despised everybody else and considered them as sinners. The tax collector acknowledged his sin and asked for forgiveness, well aware that on his own he cannot be saved. He relied completely on God and entrusted himself to his mercy. In this Sunday’s gospel, we have a very similar situation, presented in a real-life story: the encounter of Zacchaeus with Jesus. He was “a chief tax collector”, having thus a prestigious position in society. Befitting his rank, he was rich; however, living in a deeply religious society, he had everything against him. He knew that being hated and despised by all, the crowd would never let him come close to Jesus. Being “small in stature”, he felt deeply his smallness. His wealth might have given him influence and some respect, but that was not enough to disguise the fact that he had become a stranger in the eyes of the people. This emptiness spurred in him the desire to seek someone who would look at him with kindness and welcome him as a person. He became creative and turned the disadvantage into an advantage. His curiosity was so great that he climbed a tree to see Jesus. Jesus, being always attentive to the slightest hint of search, restlessness, and interest, noticed it and immediately act upon it, calling on Zacchaeus to come down and to welcome as a guest in his house. 

To each one of us. Jesus goes on saying, "Today I must stay in your house.” Are we going to welcome him with joy?

THE PRAYER OF THE HUMBLE PIERCES THE CLOUDS

XXX SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - Luke 18:9-14

The parable of the tax collector and the Pharisee is very simple and straightforward. Two people presented themselves in the temple, one characterised by his profession and the other by his religious affiliation. 

In spite of holding an important job, which should bring him respect, the tax collector was despised on several accounts. Suspected of embezzling state money and of overcharging people, they were seen as thieves. And they were hated and despised as collaborators of the colonial power, which oppressed the people. Thus the tax collectors were considered big sinners and any decent person should stay far away from them. Seen as beyond redemption, how could a tax collector dare to enter the temple and address God in prayer?

The Pharisee was a strict follower of the Law, who tried to excel in everything he did. He tried to be faithful, staying away from anything that might make him impure. People like him were nicknamed Pharisees, that is the “separated ones” because they avoided all contact with anybody considered a sinner. Religiously speaking, the Pharisee belonged to a group of people who considered themselves to be the best.

In the parable, Jesus presents in contrast two completely different kinds of people, one standing for the best and the other for the worst. Both of them went into the Temple to pray and, in the prayer, they revealed their true selves. The Pharisee turned out to be a man full of himself, proud and arrogant, who despised everybody else. Instead of giving thanks to God, he turned his prayer into self-praise, at the same time, passing judgement on the others. On the other side, the tax collector makes a very simple and sincere prayer. Before God, he recognises his sin and asks for forgiveness. In his prayer, there is not an attempt at pretending. Ashamed of himself, he does not go to the forefront, but stays at a distance and humbles himself before God. Jesus tells us that God accepted his prayer and he went home justified.

With the parable of the tax collector and the Pharisee, Jesus returns to the theme of the parable of the prodigal son: the Pharisee is like the elder son, a man full of pride and self-righteousness, who thinks that he has rights over God, and the tax collector is like the younger son, who misbehaved, but acknowledged his sin and returned to ask for forgiveness. In the parable of the prodigal son, Jesus presents two ways of being and living; in today’s parable, Jesus contrasts two ways of approaching God in prayer: with humility, acknowledging our weaknesses and our sin, or with pride, demanding to be awarded the prize we think we are entitled to. However, as we find in the book of Sirach, only "the prayer of the humble pierces the clouds, and it will not rest until it reaches its goal;” (Sirach 35:21).

PROCLAIM THE GOOD NEWS AND INSIST ON IT

XXIX SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2

Traditionally, this Sunday is the WORLD MISSION DAY, which is the high point of the October month, dedicated by Pope Francis to reflect on God’s call to announce the Good News of salvation. in which we are called to reflect upon Christ’s call to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth. The Pope called for this special month to commemorate the centenary of the Apostolic Letter “Maximum Illud” of Pope Benedict XV (30 November 1919). In his message to this special month, Pope Francis reminds us that we are “Baptised and Sent”.

“Celebrating this month will help us first to rediscover the missionary dimension of our faith in Jesus Christ, a faith graciously bestowed on us in baptism. Our filial relationship with God is not something simply private, but always in relation to the Church. Through our communion with God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we, together with so many of our other brothers and sisters, are born to new life. This divine life is not a product for sale – we do not practise proselytism – but a treasure to be given, communicated and proclaimed: that is the meaning of mission. We received this gift freely and we share it freely (cf. Mt 10:8), without excluding anyone. God wills that all people be saved by coming to know the truth and experiencing his mercy through the ministry of the Church, the universal sacrament of salvation (cf. 1 Tim 2:4; Lumen Gentium, 48).” (Pope Francis)

In the second letter to Timothy, Paul reminds him of his duty to proclaim the Gospel: “Before God and before Christ Jesus who is to be judge of the living and the dead, I put this duty to you, in the name of his Appearing and of his kingdom: proclaim the message and, welcome or unwelcome, insist on it.” And this is not only for Timothy or for anybody who is in a leadership position. Paul’s words apply to all who have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. All those who have made the experience of God’s love and who have been called to salvation must speak out and proclaim this Good News: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life (Jn 3:16). Once we experience God’s love, we cannot hide it and we cannot keep quiet. God’s love must show up in the way we live and in the way we speak. We are called to lead others to Christ so that in him they also experience the love of God. 

Pope Francis reminds us that if we are baptised, we are sent as well. We are sent to give witness to Jesus Christ. Being disciples of Jesus Christ, we adopt his way of life and we allow ourselves to be guided by his word. And we are called to announce Christ’s message of salvation, that is to proclaim the Gospel.

We should ask ourselves: Do we give witness to Jesus Christ? What kind of witnesses are we? Have we helped others to meet Jesus Christ and to know his message of salvation? 

Let us ask the Holy Spirit to guide us, to strengthen God’s love in us and to make us faithful witnesses of Jesus Christ.

YOUR FAITH HAS SAVED YOU

XXVIII SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - Lk 17:11-19

The healing of Naaman, a foreigner (2 Kings 5:14-17), is already a sign of openness to all and an announcement of the universality of salvation. God's mercy and compassion are not offered exclusively to a group or a people, but God listens to the complaints of all those who come to Him. Those who are considered foreigners and enemies belong to the people of God as well and God cares for them as he cares for us. Naaman became wholesome by his bathing in the Jordan River, making of this bath a symbol and a prophecy of the baptism that cleanses us and makes us whole, recreating us as children of God.

*

In his letter to Timothy (2 Timothy 2:8-13), Paul reaffirms the importance of faith in the resurrection: "Jesus Christ, a descendant of David, was raised from the dead." This is the Gospel that Paul proclaims, and it is for this Gospel that he is in prison. However, the Good News cannot be put in chains, since the word of God is a liberating word. And Paul stresses that we should undergo the experience of dying with Christ's so that we may rise with him. And he quotes a maxim that was already part of catechesis: “If we have died with him, then we shall live with him. If we hold firm, then we shall reign with him.”

*

Leprosy was a terrifying disease that disfigured people, made them look disgusting, and was considered a curse. The lepers were like walking dead from whom everyone fled. Abandoned and ostracised, alone with their pain in a rotting body. However, Jesus let them come to him, and heard their cry for deliverance: "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us." And Jesus gave them back the joy of living, healing them from their illness, abandonment, and exclusion. They who were already dead returned to life, a life lived within their family and community. In this passage of the Gospel, the lepers came as a group, as if they represented the sick, defiled and forsaken people, unable to break free from the oppression that demeans, crushes, and destroys them. And Jesus, full of mercy and compassion, is the one who brings salvation to them, restoring their dignity. But something very strange happened: Out of ten, only one recognised the gift of God and returned to thank Jesus for his healing, and that one was a - a Samaritan. He alone allowed himself to be touched by God's merciful hand; only his heart vibrated with emotion as he felt the breath of God’s grace; only he was one alert to recognise God's loving presence. Therefore, he “turned back praising God at the top of his voice and threw himself at the feet of Jesus and thanked him”. He was the only ready to accept God’s salvation.

LORD, INCREASE OUR FAITH

XXVII SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - Lk 17:5-10

A prophet is always a voice that speaks for God so that we are addressed by Him, as he calls and challenges us. However, many times, the prophet also gives voice to our moaning, as we turn to God complaining of the suffering and the pain we go through. There are times when we feel abandoned and thrown into a ditch as if we were discardable. It is as if God does not care or as if he does not exist. Habakkuk went through such an experience and he complained to God saying: 

“How long, O Lord, am I to cry for help

while you will not listen;

to cry ‘Oppression!’ in your ear

and you will not save?” - Habakkuk 1:2

It sounds as if God is on the side of the exploiters and the evildoers because life is easy on them. In spite of this, the prophet is bold enough to complain before God, being confident that God will listen to him. And Habakkuk received a reassuring answer. God has not forgotten his people and he will fulfil his promise. It may seem to be slow coming, but if it will come, “without fail”. While waiting, we must remain faithful, being certain that “the upright man will live by his faithfulness”.

In his Second Letter to Timothy, Paul draws attention to essential attitudes in any Christian, but especially in those in positions of leadership: a) “Rekindle the gift of God” received for the service of the community; b) do not be intimidated, but on the contrary show strength and courage that must be measured by love and moderation; c) bear witness to Jesus Christ, never being ashamed of him and those who suffer for him; d) be willing to suffer for the Gospel; e) trust in the power of God; f) be guided by the words of those who teach us according to faith and love that are in Jesus Christ.

The request of the Apostles must become our daily prayer: Lord, "increase our faith." We easily realise that our faith is weak because we are fragile and fickle and we know that it is impossible to grow in faith by our efforts alone; Faith is a gift from God, and we ask it from Him: "Increase our faith." According to Jesus, by faith, the impossible becomes possible, because through faith we share in God’s power. If we are daily faced confronted with our powerlessness, it is because we allowed our faith to die and do not rely on God to revive it. Let us pray: 

Lord, increase our faith.

THE SELFISH USE OF WEALTH

XXVI SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - Lk 16:19-31

In this Sunday’s gospel, we are told the well-known parable of the rich man and the poor Lazarus. In the parable, we are told nothing about the moral behaviour of both the rich man and the wretched one. Were they law-abiding people? Were they fair in their dealings with other people? Were they truthful? It seems as if none of these was a deciding factor in their final fate. We remain with the impression that Lazarus got a time of happiness and peace, just because of the wretchedness he lived in here on earth, while the rich man saw his happiness changed into sorrow and suffering. We know nothing about the source of the rich man’s wealth. Did he inherit it? Did he get rich by his hard work and entrepreneurship? Or was it the fruit of his crookedness and his exploitation of the poor? And the same applies to the poor Lazarus. Was he born poor or did he become poor because he wasted his wealth? Was he lazy or maybe an alcoholic and addicted to drugs? We know nothing about their honour and honesty. We may say that this parable is an illustration of the beatitudes as they are presented in the gospel of Luke: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God” and its counterpart: “But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation” (Lk 6:21,24).

In spite of this unclear picture about the moral behaviour of both of them, Jesus leaves it clear about the true reason of the rich man’s condemnation: He “used to dress in purple and fine linen and feast magnificently every day”. He only cared about enjoying life, trying to get the most pleasure his wealth bought for him. He had no other concerns and he was blind to everything else. He was unable to feel compassion for the suffering of the others and the poor Lazarus at the gate of his palace was a nuisance that his servants were ordered to hide from him. He never listened to the cry of the poor, because he was too full of himself. The parable leaves the clear impression that the rich man had much more that he deserved and that the poor Lazarus was unjustly ignored and despised, being treated as an outcast.

In the second part of the parable, there is an inversion of the situation, with poor Lazarus being welcomed in paradise, while the rich man finds himself in a place of suffering. And it is as if the suffering opened up his eyes and he realised the dear situation he was in. He complains about his suffering and seeks relief from the one he had ignored and despised. However, his request was rejected, first of all, because there is a huge gap - a canyon - that separates those who have entered God's house and those who have been excluded from it. And suddenly we are surprised that this selfish man thinks about his brothers and cares about their fate. And he asks for the unthinkable. Lazarus could go back, as someone who rose from the dead, to warn them. However, he is told that they would not believe a resurrected Lazarus; instead, they would consider him to be a ghost. For them and for us, there is only one way to avoid condemnation and to find a place in God’s Kingdom: “They have Moses and the prophets, let them listen to them.” Only listening to the word of God can lead us to conversion.

MAKE FRIENDS WITH THE EVIL MONEY, SO THAT THEY WILL WELCOME YOU IN HEAVEN.

XXV SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - Lk 16:1-13 

Since times of old, wealth has been considered by many as worthy of having and living for. When it becomes the supreme value, people who pursue it are ready to do anything that may increase wealth. For most of them, wealth is never enough and the desire for wealth is like a bottomless pit that will never be filled up. Wealth brings influence and power, leading the ones who have it to enjoy a sense of well-being, since they can have what their heart desires, satisfying all their desires. However, they are never at peace with themselves. They are filled with worries about losing their wealth and their conscience is always accusing them of ignoring and despising the others.

After hearing the call of the Lord, Amos, a man used to hard life as a keeper of the flocks on the mountains of Judah, went to Israel in the North, where he made a scathing attack on the wealthy men of the land “who trampled on the needy and tried to suppress the poor people of the country”. In times of crisis, they became the sole owners of essential goods, killing the poor with an artificial scarcity of bread to inflate their price. According to Amos, God does not want a society built on the exploitation and oppression of the weak and the poor. God pays attention to the way the rich exploit and oppress the poor and he will never forget a single thing that they have done (Am 8:7).

Hearing the parable of the dishonest manager, we are surprised not by his dishonesty, as this is very common, but by his cleverness in finding friends to welcome him. Nowadays, many people embezzle their company funds and open offshore accounts to secure a good life in their old age. However, what is most shocking is to hear Jesus praising the cleverness of this dishonest man. Surely, Jesus is not praising is cleverness in stealing, but he points out that he experienced in the flesh the precariousness of life, wealth and glory. From one moment to the next, he was left with nothing. And this experience of hardship led him to recognise how important others are for our survival. Suddenly he realised that having friends is more important than having wealth or power. In difficult times, all of us are forced to realise that wealth and power do not bring us peace; the comfort to our hearts can only come from others. Hence, Jesus counsels us saying: “Use money, tainted as it is, to win you friends, and thus make sure that when it fails you, they will welcome you into the tents of eternity.” That is, let us use the goods we have to win friends who will welcome us in heaven.

GOD’S MERCIFUL LOVE

XXIV SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - Lk 15:1-32

In the second reading, in his first letter to Timothy, Paul quotes a saying which he considers to be true about Jesus’ mission: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Tim 1:15), and he sets himself forward as an example, considering himself “the greatest” sinner, who was forgiven, loved and called to be an apostle.

In this Sunday’s gospel we are presented with three parables on God’s loving mercy: looking for the lost sheep; finding the lost coin and finally the story of the man who had two sons, mostly known as the parable of the prodigal son. The two sons of the parable represent each one of us. We may be the youngest son who feels oppressed in his father’s house and decides to leave in search of his way. Cutting all the links with the past and loosening all the ties with his father, he goes far away, putting all that behind and moving into unknown territory where he dreams of finding pleasure, joy and happiness. Far away from his father, he could breathe freely and do whatever pleased him. However, that freedom and that joy lasted but a while and much sooner than he could have imagined he started experiencing hardship and loneliness that led him to the point of despair. He was confronted with his shortcomings, weaknesses, failures and sins. Experiencing the hardness of life, he was able to remember his father’s caring love. The young son represents all those who turn to God when they pass through difficult times and realise the emptiness left by the pleasures of the world.

Reading the parable, we may concentrate on the youngest son and ignore the attitude of the eldest one. He was a well behaved and responsible son who took life seriously. We may say that he deserved a prize and that he would be the pride of any parent. So, when he appears, we are puzzled by his behaviour towards his father and his younger brother. And we are left in doubt, since the parable comes to an end, keeping us in suspense: did he go in and took part in the feast or did he leave, turning his back on his father? Both outcomes are possible.

If we look attentively to Paul and pay attention to what he wrote to Timothy, we may discover in him the eldest son. Being a Pharisee, Paul excelled in keeping the Law and abhorred the Christian Way as dangerous. Thus he became a persecutor of the Church, harassing the followers of Jesus and throwing them into prison. Wholeheartedly dedicated to preserving the purity of the Law, he could not see the mercifulness of God and could not accept that God may call people of any tribe and race into his fellowship. His goodness became pride and his pride blinded him. With his persecution of Christians, Paul allowed his heart to be filled with pride and hatred, which would end destroying whatever good there was in him. However, his life took a turn to the right, when he was faced with Jesus’ question: “Why are you persecuting me?” This conceited man had to be pushed over to realise how much he had gone astray and how lost he was. This awareness of his sin made it possible to accept God's merciful love that would lead him to say: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. I myself am the greatest of them; and if mercy has been shown to me, it is because Jesus Christ meant to make me the greatest evidence of his inexhaustible patience for all the other people who would later have to trust in him to come to eternal life.” (1 Tim 1:15-16).

LORD, FILL US WITH YOUR LOVE

XXIII SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - Lk 14:25-33

Whenever we hear in the news about the suffering inflicted on Christians in many parts of the world, we may think that maybe it is a dream, because in our days when everybody claims their rights such things are unthinkable. We got used to being Christian and we feel at ease as if we had just put on something that fits us well. However, Jesus’ words in this Sunday’s gospel make us feel uncomfortable. Jesus puts demands on those who choose to be his disciples which may be considered radical and extreme. Jesus must take precedence over everybody else, be it father or mother, husband, wife or children. He takes precedence over our own life, so that, for the sake of faithfulness to him, we must be ready to lose our life. Before him, everything else is worthless. 

To be a Christian has serious implications and Jesus points out some of them: a) Jesus must take always the first place in our priorities; b) We must carry our cross; c) We must be ready to give up all our possessions.

We can only accept Jesus’ demands when we realise that only with him our life will be worth living and when our faith in him is strengthened by hope, a hope anchored on his victory over death. Once we go through his way, having him as our fellow traveller, then we will pass with him from death to life.

The responsorial psalm reminds us of the shortness of our life and of our mortality. And we pray to the Lord: “Make us know the shortness of our life that we may gain wisdom of heart”; that is, that we may put all our trust in the Lord and that we may experience his love:

“In the morning, fill us with your love;

  we shall exult and rejoice all our days.” (Psalm 90:14)