The first homily

This is what 3,000 people looks like!

I really like Harry Potter. I grew up reading the books. Chappy and I have been pestering our friends The Gunn’s to read the series for months now because we knew Tanner (12) and Jonathon (10) would love it! They asked why we liked it so much…what was our favorite thing about it? I told them that my favorite part, if I had to pick one thing, is how everything comes together in the end! J.K. Rowling will mention something in the beginning of the series that then comes back into play in the end and your mind is just blown by how she worked everything together from the beginning! I got thinking, and this happens in the Bible, too!

If you look at what comes after the Gospels in the Bible, it’s the book of Acts. If you think about what comes after the Gospel in Church, it’s the homily. In the book of Acts we find the first homily based on the Gospels and the life of Jesus, and this is a fantastic example of how things start to come together full circle.

We celebrated Pentecost, the coming of the Holy Spirit to the Apostles, a couple of weeks ago. If we look in the second chapter of Acts we see the passage where this happened. If you look first at Acts 2:1-13 we see where the Holy Spirit comes to the 12 and the different reactions the people who witnessed this had. Think back to different ways you have seen the Holy Spirit represented before: fire, wind, a dove…those are the big three. The burning tongues is where things start to come back full circle. Think back to another time when you’ve seen the Holy Spirit/God appear as fire. What comes to mind first for me is Moses and the burning bush. In Exodus 19:18 God is present as fire to Moses to initiate the Covenant on Siani. Here the Holy Spirit acts upon the apostles, preparing them to proclaim the new covenant with its unique gift of spirit. This is a big thing happening here! The gift of being able to speak in different languages is showing the world wide mission of the church- that Jesus’ message needs to reach everyone.

Jews were visiting Jerusalem from all over- it would be like being at the Olympics and someone who speaks a more  obscure language, like Portuguese, is speaking at the opening ceremony and everyone there can understand what he/she is saying…it’s pretty crazy. How would you react to that happening?? Look at how the people witnessing the Apostles reacted. Some people were in shock, some thought it was awesome, and some thought they were all just drunk. This is the set-up for the first homily on the Gospels…this is what Peter has to work with. What does he do?

Look at Acts 2:14-36. Peter says a whole mouthful there! There is so much being said it would take too long to pick it all apart, so we’re just going to look at the major things Peter does here. He quotes the Old Testament a lot. These are the words the people would know. When he says, as “the prophet Joel said”, or “as King David said” this means something to everyone listening. Basically what he is saying is, “Look, these guys aren’t drunk…it’s only 9am. Joel said this would happen, that God said he would pour out His Spirit on His people.” Then he tells them about Jesus, saying “most of you know this already, He did mighty deeds, wonders, and works- this guy was awesome…and then you killed him.” That’s kind of awkward right? Imagine being in that crowd. Some people may have felt ownership of that, but a lot of people were probably thinking, “Hey! I didn’t kill anyone!” But then Peter makes it all ok because he says, “but that was all part of God’s plan, and then…God raised Him from the dead.” And then he goes into defense mode! It’s like Peter knew he was going to have skeptics because he starts to prove how he knows Jesus was resurrected.

First he quotes David. He reminds them that King David said God’s anointed would be resurrected from the dead. This is proof in scripture. Then he says that the 12 of them were there and they know it happened; this is eye witness testimony. Then he leaves them with this. Look at verse 36 again. He reemphasizes his major point here: that God has made Jesus Lord, who is ruler of all, and Messiah, the anointed one prophesied in scripture that they had been waiting for. That is one amazing homily that Peter delivered, you can hear the passion in it! Think about if you were sitting in church and this is what you heard the priest say, what would your reaction be to hearing that homily?

Let’s look at what the peoples’ reaction was. Look at Acts 2:37-41. These people were convicted- “cut to the heart.” They wanted to know, “what do we do now?!” Look at what Peter tells them. He replies with commands and a promise. The commands are to repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus said in Luke 24:46-47, “repentance and the forgiveness of sins would be preached in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.” THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT IS HAPPENING AT THIS MOMENT! Jesus knew that Peter would be having this moment and would need the words and wisdom, so he provided it to him. The promise was the promise of the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise wasn’t just to those hearing these words at that time. This promise was to everyone, for all of time. This promise was to you and this promise was to me. How amazing is that?

Peter keeps talking to the people and answering their questions and at the end of the day 3,000 people were baptized. That is the beginning of it all. They proclaimed God’s message, shared the Good News, and the Word spread- all through the gift of the Holy Spirit. Even though this homily was preached literally thousands of years ago I think it still applies to us today. Look at the last thing Peter says in this passage: “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” What is our world today if not corrupt? Peter was not just talking to the 3,000 people who were baptized that day- he was talking to all of us in 2013. Are we willing to repent and accept the promise of the Holy Spirit?

-Eileen

Joy vs. Happiness

So as many of you know, and here is news for the rest of you, Chappy and I got married about a week ago, and it was pretty great! I was so happy, I can’t even describe it in words! It was a perfect day, the sun was shinning, it looked like a picture. We look a little ridiculous in most of the pictures we have seen so far from the reception, like while we’re having our first dance and even saying our vows because we were laughing, we were just so happy. But as “perfect” as I say the day was, it wasn’t really “prefect”. There was a huge car accident on the way to the reception, that made us a half an hour late, so we barely had any time to take pictures, the caterer forgot to put a bunch of stuff out and messed up the cocktail hour, we were running late, a bunch of things that I could pick apart, but even with all of that it was still a wonderful day! Like I said, I was beyond happy, the whole day, but the best part was the moment we said our vows, because in that moment I was truly joyful.

And that’s what I want to talk to you guys about- as much as we use the words “happiness” and “joyful” as  interchangeable, they don’t really mean the same thing. Our society and the world we live in confuses the two, but scripture doesn’t. The big difference is happiness is human, and joy is divine. Happiness can come and go, it’s fleeting, but joy is from God and is constant and eternal.

There is a quote from the Catholic writer, G. K. Chesterton, “Joy is the gigantic secret of the Christian.” Have you ever met someone that just has that something about them? That something that just makes you stop and take notice. They seem so joyful that it seems to radiate from them and you are drawn to them, and it’s infectious? That is joy in the true sense of the word, the only thing or person that can truly cause that is Jesus. Without God – who is Love – joy is not possible, but if Love is the root, joy is the fruit (CCC 1829).

In that moment when Michael and I said our vows, I felt that radiating joy.  In that moment we were standing before God and vowing to spend forever together, and I could feel God’s presence, and I felt that joy. Now that doesn’t mean we’re never going to be unhappy, and that doesn’t mean I’m never going to get mad or frustrated with Michael, but it does mean that because we have God in our relationship, and He is truly present with us there will be joy through it all.

You guys might be thinking, “Ok, so how do I get that joy?” Well we’re going to spend this semester figuring it out! In order to have that eternal and everlasting  joy we need to have Jesus in our lives, and live our lives (as best we can) as Jesus did. We can’t have that unless we know Jesus, and know how He lived his life. SO- we are going to be looking at who Jesus was, and how He lived His life so that we can answer the questions: “Who Am I?” If we know who Jesus was, we can figure out who we should be.

I’m going to leave you with this: in the Gospel of John 15:11 Jesus say, “I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete.” Jesus wants us to be happy, but more than that he wants us to have the joy that only He can provide. When we follow God’s Will we find that joy. God intended for me to be with Chappy and spend my life with him, so I found “complete” joy in the moment where that happened. God may intend for you to play lacrosse, soccer, or sing so you may find His “complete”  joy in that. And then we do things in our lives that God doesn’t intend for us to do, so we aren’t going to find that “complete” joy. If we are listening to our hearts and know Jesus we are able to know the difference between earthly happiness and God’s “complete” joy.  I’m really excited to spend the next few weeks figuring out with you guys how God wants us to live our lives so that we can receive this joy together!

Mother Teresa reminded us that, “joy is a net of love by which we catch souls.” Let’s catch each other.
-Eileen

The Sanctuary of God’s Love

It’s been a while since we’ve had an updated post. This time of year is so busy for EVERYONE! This thoughtful post from Renee is just what we all need to hear this time of year when our lives are so busy. Let’s listen to Renee’s (and God’s) words and take some time to spend with God.

The most important gift I believe we receive in our lifetime is the Sanctuary of God’s Love.  What a gift it is to know that no matter what happens to us – good, bad or otherwise – that God will never abandon us. He is our biggest fan when we are on top of the world and living life to its’ fullest! And He is also there in our darkest, most desperate moments when all hope seems lost.

In my mind, I like to think of the Sanctuary of God’s Love as a house.  His Love is built on a strong, core foundation that cannot be broken or crumbled. Inside is a warm, glowing fire that radiates heat throughout the entire dwelling. The smell of cinnamon and honey float through the air, and as you curl up in a comfy blanket next to the fire, a peaceful confidence resonates within you that you are safe, secure and loved.

That sanctuary lives inside us. God put it there when we were baptized and we can tap into it anytime we need shelter from the storm or comfort when we are lost.  Most times we look outside ourselves for help with our problems.  But I believe the purest form of love comes from within us – a beautiful light that heals and protects us. And it’s there whenever we need it – we just need to turn towards it.  Difficult times come to us all – relationships come to an end, friendships are challenged, school or family life can be frustrating. Again, it is during these difficult times that God is closest to you.

I love Psalm 46:10 that says:  “Be still, and know that I am God.”

All you need to do is be still, go inside and feel the warmth and comfort of His Love.

Renee

Thanksgiving

This week we have an awesome post from Dan Martin. Some of you may know him from Confirmation or El Salvador. He comes to Holy Cross and has some great ideas to share with you all!

If you are anything like me, you’ve spent the last few days traveling, spending time with friends and family, watching football, shopping for Christmas gifts, stuffing yourself with turkey dinner, stuffing yourself with turkey leftovers, and generally having a pretty good time.  Tucked away in a small sliver of space were a few moments where you, or an older member of the family, said a word of thanks to God for the food on the table, the family gathered, and the blessings of the past year.  In the end it was probably not a bad way to spend three or four days.

As we return to school or work, and have a moment of clarity between mouthfuls of Mom’s stuffing, we get the chance to ask ourselves, “Am I truly thankful?  Do I recognize the gifts God offers to me daily?”

“Rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18

Again, if you are anything like me that verse does not describe your life accurately.  St. Paul writing to the Church at Thessalonica challenged his readers to live up the high calling of Christ in their lives.  St. Paul challenges us in the same way today.  Then how do we get there?  I certainly would not claim to have the all the answers; however I do have a few thoughts.

Stop complaining!  This is me.  I am the guy who most of the time would rather list the ten things wrong with something, than work on fixing it.  This is an attitude problem.  Instead of recognizing that the very breath I draw is nothing but God’s gift to me, I allow myself to see only the negative, and get caught up in my own sense of injustice.  If because of my sin, Jesus Christ was nailed to a tree in my place, am I really getting such a bad rap?

Start small.  Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote, “Only he who gives thanks for the little things, receives the big things.  We prevent God from giving us the great spiritual gifts He has in store for us, because we do not give thanks for daily gifts.”  Of course Bonhoeffer does not imply that we have some measure of control over God, but that we will not even begin to see God’s larger, but sometimes more subtle gifts, if we refuse to acknowledge God’s everyday gifts to us.  Get and A on a test, “thank you, God.”  Have enough food to eat, “thank you, God.”  Have a family that loves you, “thank you, God.”  You get the point.

Finally, pray.  While growing and maturing in my faith to the point where I, “pray continually,” is something I’ll probably always work on, I know that none of the work I do towards that goal will be in vain.  Because when we spend time in prayer, we are spending time connecting with the other half, of the most important relationship, we will ever engage in, and allow the Author of Life to speak directly to our hearts.

Thank you so much for reading; I hope you and your families have a blessed Advent, a merry Christmas, and a very happy and blessed new year!

-Dan

What’s holding you back from fully committing to God?

This week we are hearing from Margaret, one of our FHC leaders. She has something great to share- please read!!

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As we have been discussing our lives, I think back to my teenage years and how much I committed to God at your ages.    WOW – are you all amazing!  As much as I thought I had my life together, I was still a ways off from fully committing myself (I see that more now looking back…..).  Most (okay – all of them) of my teenage years were spent dealing with the death of my cousin (who was more like my older brother).  While I tried to live up to his image, I still struggled with what it all meant.  I knew I had to be true to myself and not let peer pressure get the best of me.  But, it was very lonely at times and I had few friends that really understood!  I did not have as great a support system that you have at FHC and Young Life.  I prayed a lot, which helped me through some low times, but I also gave in at times and made some bad choices.   My life actually got more on track after the birth of my daughter – truly a blessing in disguise – God knew I needed her at that time!  I had not realized until the day she was born how afraid I was to really love someone again – fully – with the joy and sadness that goes with it.   As hard as it was to be such a young mom, I finally committed to God’s plan and started to feel pure joy in my life again. I was no longer afraid to really love again.    Which makes me ask you – how are you allowing God’s plan to unfold in your life?   What is your excuse for not fully believing in God’s plan?  The joy that follows from that is amazing!  We all have baggage – it’s how we deal with it that matters.  Will you let Jesus lighten that load for you?   I have a favorite poem that helps exemplify that and that carrries me through the rougher times:

Footprints in the Sand

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed He was walking along the beach with the LORD. Across the sky flashed scenes from His life. For each scene He noticed two sets of footprints in the sand.  One belonging to Him and the other to the LORD.

When the last scene of His life flashed before Him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of His life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times of His life.

This really bothered Him and He questioned the LORD about it. LORD you said that once I decided to follow you, you’d walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life there is only one set of footprints. I don’t understand why when I needed you most you would leave me.

The LORD replied, my precious, precious child, I Love you and I would never leave you! During your times of trial and suffering when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.

 

 

Our guest this week: Chappy!

As I’ve written before, this semester we will be having guest bloggers to share their thoughts about God and their faith with you. This week, Chappy shares something definitely worth reading!

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Over the past couple of years that I’ve been volunteering with FHC I have noticed that many people do not know how, or are sometimes afraid, to pray. Prayer is one of the major spiritual disciplines…. and the EASIEST to practice.

Simply put: prayer is a conversation with God.

We have conversations all the time with our friends and our families, why would a conversation with God be any different? In fact, it should be that much easier, because God already knows our darkest secrets and our deepest thoughts and loves us unconditionally. God communicates with us all the time, whether we hear him is one thing, but it’s time we all learned to communicate back.

The other night at FHC we all prayed for each other by writing our prayer requests on a little card, and choosing them randomly out of a basket we read them out loud. What a great way to get started! Some people pray and ask for help or forgiveness, others pray to say thanks. Ask others what they would like to pray for, and then pray WITH them.

In Paul’s letter to the Philippians (PHIL 4:6), he writes, “Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart.” I pray every day and sometimes multiple times a day. I prayed to thank God for getting me through school; I prayed to ask God to forgive cruel acts of war; I pray to ask God to tell my Grandfather I love him, and sometimes I have fallen to my knees in prayer simply because I believed that there was nowhere else to go.

You can pray while you eat, you can pray while you run or workout, you can pray while you drive, you can even pray while watching movies asking God to please give Hollywood some better ideas.  You don’t even have to speak out loud. The point is that every GOOD relationship needs open lines of communication…. have you talked to God lately?

halloween fhc

Halloween is always fun, especially when we get to share it with you guys! last night about 35 people came out to FHC, and I think more than half of you were dressed up. Emily won the best costume prize and Andrew won the best decorated pumpkin.

But…the highlight of the night was when Andrew got pied in the face very unexpectedly. What is halloween without a few screams, laughs and whipped cream pies?

Question- do you like scaring yourself? Watching scary movies, freaking each other out? Some people love and some people hate it. Halloween is the time where you get to scare yourself, and lots of people talk about the “other world”… spirits and things like that. But upon reflection, I was thinking that spirits are always talked about with death. That they come back after death, or that they have unfinished business. That they draw people into death, or reveal death to the living.

Except one. The Holy Spirit brings LIFE. The spirit lives through us so that we can live the way God intended us to live. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit in order to continue to live, breath and work through people.

Last night Megan and Hieu shared about what Life in the Spirit meant to them. They were really honest with you guys about their life- about realizing that God was truth, not lies. That God calls us to love one another. That God can change our perspective, can lower our anxiety and that we can trust him with our future. Megan left us with a verse: 2 Cor 5:17. Look it up.

In St Paul’s letter to the Galatians he talked about the spirit a lot, especially the fruits of the spirit compared with our sinful nature. You should all read it: Gal 5:13-26. Ask yourself- how are the works of the flesh (what we want, our desires) different than what God has for us? Last night Mike said: the fruits of the spirit are everything we want. The works of the flesh are everything we don’t.

If you lived in the Spirit – believed in Christ, accepted his love, and then lived in step with the spirit- how would your life be different??