Homily Rewind from St. Margaret Mary Church

Jesus, Paul and Philip Neri all lived out their call from God in their own unique way, with the individual gifts they were given, and in the troubled times in which they lived.  They had a personal relationship with God first and they relied on the Holy Spirit to be with them.

Deacon Adam shares stories with us on this Memorial Day of those who gave their lives for others, he then relates that to Jesus’s ultimate sacrifice.

“Go and make disciples of all nations,” this was Jesus’ final message to His disciples before He ascended into heaven. Fr. Walsh reminds us today that Jesus left us the Holy Spirit, in order to help us make a difference in this world and to help us proclaim the Good News of Christ.

“I will not leave you orphans.” Jesus tells this to His disciples before He leaves them. Fr. Walsh explains that He did not leave us alone, the Holy Spirit is the advocate for Jesus. The Holy Spirit was there to be with the disciples and continues to be with us still today. Fr. Walsh proceeds to give us important logistical information about the reopening of our church. He warns us to use caution and explains that there is no obligation to come and attend Mass.

Who is God? Fr. Walsh tells us today, our way to the Father is through Jesus. Our challenge is to get to know who Jesus truly is. He explains the best way to know Jesus is through the Gospels, and by getting to know Jesus we are closer to loving Him. Jesus is truly the way, the truth, and the life and by understanding this about Jesus we can be closer to knowing our Father.

We know it is easy to see God when all is going well, but when hard times come, do we hear God say: 'my right hand will hold you?" Do we act like God not only has the whole world in his hands, but he has each one of us right there carved in his palm? Today let us faithfully walk with God and confidently hold His hand.

Hello Dolly! Fr. Walsh brings his sheep to Mass this morning to teach us how shepherds care for their flock. He tells us shepherds not only care for their flock but he knows them. When Jesus is referred to as “The Good Shepherd” it means He knows us, has gone on before us, and fully understands what we are going through. We are also reminded that we need to be shepherds to other people especially those who are struggling.

On the road to Emmaus, the Lord is recognized when He breaks bread with those He was walking with. Fr Walsh tells us today, even though we cannot gather for the Eucharist, we can experience the Lord in a variety of different ways, and we can continue to be transformed by His presence in our lives.

Today Sr. Rosemary compares our faith community to redwood trees. The roots of these trees are connected to each other. In this way, they support each other in order to continue to thrive.

Blest are those who have not seen and believe… Fr. Walsh, challenges us today, to be an example of the risen Lord to our communities. He reminds us that it all comes down to our relationship with Jesus, and His call in our lives. We are called to serve the marginalized, to empower the vulnerable, and to heal those who suffer from spiritual wounds.