View From the Ambo

As we celebrate the Assumption, we call to mind Mary as the Ark of the New Covenant. Just as the Ark of the Old Covenant was in the center of the temple, this Ark is taken to the center of God's kingdom - Heaven.

Elijah and St. Peter both experienced the Lord's call, and the Lord equipped them both to follow that call. The Lord has called us, too, and He is equipping us - do we respond in fear or faith?

Ss. Peter, James, and John encounter Jesus as he reveals His divinity to them, preparing them for the scandal of the Cross. Peter shares that encounter, encouraging the hearer to faith. We, too, have encountered Him, but are we sharing that encounter. Only when we do will we be effective in leading others to be disciples.

Whether we stumble upon the Kingdom of God or we are actively searching for it, its possession is not ours unless we are willing to give all. It is easy to see those who have purchased the Kingdom by giving all, but for most, the question is whether we have put all to the disposal of God. Only when we do will we have the pearl of great price.

The Parable of the Wheat and weeds demonstrates a reason God allows evil - because removing the weeds would cause too much damage. It also provides a reminder that the Kingdom of Heaven comes choice by choice.

As Christ speaks in parables, He invites us to relationship with Him. As we hear of the ground on which the seed falls, we might think of those in our lives who fall into those types, and see the way to help them be disciples, too.

Jesus invites us to find rest by accepting His yoke. Are we afflicted with always being busy with Christian activities (done without Christ, all sort of activities that do not ultimately matter, or convince ourselves we are too busy to find rest in Him?

As we hosted a Mission appeal's preacher this weekend, here is the homily and my brief remarks during the collection for the Pallotine Father's.

The Prophet was the victim of gossip, and Jesus proclaims the truth which will defend us. We should seek to root out gossip in its forms (calumny and detraction, especially as disciples.

On this feast of Corpus Christi, the Church gives us an opportunity to ask the question, "Who is this gift that we receive?"