HOMILY – Pentecost 2020 – Spirit Moves In Mysterious Ways

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It's intriguing to see how the Holy Spirit is at work in the world today.

Usually in moments of pain and despair, our Creator is revealed through the Holy Spirit and provides a beautiful revelation. 

Christ comes in amazing gift form to heal us from our broken human condition. And it all happens through the power of the Holy Spirit that is breathed on us all at Baptism and again at Pentecost.

If we listen closely, the events of the past week for black America have the Holy Spirit written all over them. It's time for new life born of the spirit.

If we listen closely, the events of the past few months for all of us touched by the COVID-19 pandemic have the Holy Spirit written all over them. It's time for new life born of the spirit. More on that in a moment.

As my favorite rock band U2 writes, “The Spirit… She moves in mysterious ways.”

Why “She?” From the Old Testament, Wisdom is known as Sophia (Proverbs 8). We refer to Wisdom now as the Holy Spirit.  And the Holy Spirit has guided the Mother Church throughout the centuries.

During our formation, the Archdiocese’s lead theologian and Seattle University professor Fr. Mike Raschko said the following to the deacon candidates: “The Holy Spirit is a difficult topic to discuss because 'she' is very elusive. The Spirit is the one person of the Trinity that doesn't have 'form' around her.  When we think about the Father, we primarily think about the creator. We can relate to the Father as the

maker of the universe. When we think about the Son, we think about the person of the Trinity that entered history to redeem us (Jesus). There is a human being with a human story to look at. When we think about the Holy Spirit, there is nothing to quickly grab onto.”

The Spirit is elusive and usually only revealed through signs of the times. What are the signs of our times?

The Apostles are experiencing their first Holy Spirit moment in today’s Gospel and it transforms their lives forever. 

They’re angry, worrying, hiding, freaked out. Then Jesus walks through locked doors and says, “Peace be with you,” breaths the Holy Spirit upon them, and everything changes. 
          Fear and darkness are banished. Courage and enthusiasm for the Gospel take their place. In that moment, Christ’s Church is born.

“The Spirit moves in mysterious ways.”

Pope Francis shared his thoughts about the Holy Spirit at work in the events of the past few months of the Coronavirus pandemic. The message was directed to the priests of the Diocese of Rome, but I believe there’s wisdom here for us all.

“In his letter, Pope Francis looks to this first apostolic community, gathered in the Upper Room after the first Easter. Although the doors were locked because the Apostles were afraid for their own lives, the Risen Christ appeared to them, offering them peace, new life and sent them forth with the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

The Vatican news site wrote this about the letter:

’Jesus ‘did not choose or seek an ideal situation to break into the lives of His disciples’, the Pope writes. But when He appeared to the disciples in the locked room, Jesus ‘was able to transform all logic and give new meaning to history and events’.

Pope Francis writes that Jesus’ presence announces ‘a new day’.

The Pope encourages… (us) to not be afraid of the complex scenarios that will come about as we move beyond the first stage of the pandemic response, reminding them that ‘Christian joy comes from the certainty that Jesus is in our midst’. Those who, like Jesus, can welcome and embrace life as it really is, who allow themselves to ‘weep with those who are weeping’ are capable ‘of reaching the depths of life and being truly happy’.

It is the duty of... (us all) ‘to announce and prophesy the future’, writes Pope Francis. The Resurrection ‘is not only an historical event of the past’, but rather, ‘the announcement of the salvation of a new time that resounds and is ready to break out today’.

It is faith that allows us to establish ‘a new time’ with evangelical creativity.”

How can we turn the events of the past week and past few months into a moment of evangelical creativity?

The Pope goes on to say, “If an intangible presence has been able to disrupt and overturn the priorities and seemingly unbreakable global agendas, let us not fear that it is the presence of the Risen One that traces our path, opens horizons and gives us the courage to live this historic and singular moment.

He calls on… (us all) to ‘once again be surprised by the Risen One’. The Resurrection of Jesus, the Pope says, ‘is the proclamation that things can change’.”

What changes do we need to make as a society to bring about peace and justice for our African American sisters and brothers? 

The bishops asked U.S. Catholics “to pray to the Holy Spirit for the Spirit of Truth to touch the hearts of all in the United States and to come down upon our criminal justice and law enforcement systems.” They urged “each and every Catholic, regardless of their ethnicity, beg God to heal our deeply broken view of each other, as well as our deeply broken society.”

What changes will we be asked to make as we come back to public Masses in the coming weeks? The list covers 18-pages! (Click here to see the guidelines) 

Many changes we will agree with. Some we won’t. Let's allow the Holy Spirit to help us all find peace in this new moment, in this temporary new way of doing Church. 
          Let’s allow the Holy Spirit to guide us as we heal the racial divides in our nation.

Jesus reminds his disciples this weekend his peace is with them always.  Let us trust in Christ’s peace in our lives now as we wrestle with these important questions.

As we experience Pentecost, I encourage us to let the Holy Spirit soak us with Christ’s goodness.  Let it permeate our very being.  Let it transform us in NEW ways that will heal our souls. 

Allow the Spirit to move in mysterious ways in our lives. 

May the peace of Pentecost be with you always.

HOMILIA - Solemnidad de la Ascensión del Señor

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Este fin de semana es la solemnidad de la Ascensión, conmemorando la ascensión final de Jesús al cielo. La Ascensión es también una solemnidad de esperanza y la festividad de la Iglesia Católica Cristo Nuestra Esperanza en Seattle.

En el Evangelio de hoy escuchamos las últimas palabras de Jesús a sus discípulos antes de su Ascensión: "He aquí que yo estoy con ustedes siempre, hasta el fin de la era."

A través de la Ascensión, Jesús ha pasado más allá de nuestra vista. Pero no nos ha abandonado. A donde haya ido, esperamos seguirlo algún día.

  Hace cinco años tuve una poderosa experiencia un acontecimiento que muestra el poder de la esperanza que todos tenemos en Jesús. Durante varios años, serví como ministro del campus en la Escuela Secundaria Arzobispo Murphy en Everett. Fue una tarea maravillosa.

Pero el 9 de mayo de 2015 , recibí una llamada telefónica con noticias impactantes y dolorosas. Una de mis líderes estudiantiles había muerto en un trágico accidente que involucró un tren.

Unos días más tarde, en lo que habría sido su cumpleaños número 18, cientos se reunieron en nuestro gimnasio escolar con su familia para compartir historias sobre la amistad y los buenos momentos que tuvimos con ella durante su vida con nosotros.

Se llamaba Kristi Bartz.

Sorprendentemente, el cumpleaños de Kristi cayó en el día 40 después de la Resurrección, el día de la Ascensión.

Al final de la reunión conmemorativa de su vida, nos marchamos al campo de fútbol con mil globos amarillos (el color favorito de Kristi).

Después de leer la historia de la Ascensión que se encuentra en la lectura de hoy de Hechos de los Apóstoles, compartí algo que se encontró en la agenda de Kristi dentro de un grabado a lápiz que hizo de las alas de un ángel.

"Siempre es lo más triste cuando los ángeles vuelan lejos".

En una noche de primavera clara con la puesta de sol en la distancia, lanzamos mil globos a los cielos.

Kristi fue una de mis líderes en nuestro retiro Kairos para estudiantes. 

Mientras están en Kairos, la mayoría de los estudiantes tienen una experiencia de fe transformadora. Kairos se basa en el modelo del Cursillo.

Cerca del final de Kairos, se les pide a los estudiantes que escriban una carta a sí mismos. Se les dice que las cartas llegarán a sus hogares seis semanas después. 

La última carta que Kristi escribió llegó unos días antes de su muerte. Su hermana Stefani encontró su carta Kairos en la habitación de Kristi la noche de su muerte y la leyó.  Luego leyó la carta en el funeral de Kristi dejando sin aliento a una la audiencia que escuchó un mensaje poderoso y profético.

Con el permiso de la familia, me gustaría compartir la carta que Kristi Bartz escribió sobre Kairos:

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Querida Kristi del Futuro:

Espero que en este punto no haya olvidado tu increíble experiencia en Kairos. Pero en caso de que lo hayas hecho, deja que esto sea un recordatorio de cómo te sentiste y lo que aprendiste a través de esta experiencia.

Nunca olvides lo importante que es amar.

Sé lo fácil que es, especialmente para ti, quedar a-tra-pado en el caos constante de tu vida. Pero recuerda que nunca estás demasiado ocupado para mostrar a alguien que te importa.

Encendiste, reavivaste y fortaleciste muchas relaciones en Kairos y espero que puedan seguir creciendo a lo largo de tu último año. Haz todo lo posible para que se ramifique y llegue.

Tómalo para contigo mismo, para asegurarte de que nadie se sienta solo e indigno de la manera que has visto en otros y en ti mismo porque nadie se merece eso. Salva una vida.

Por último, mantén tu fe cerca de tu corazón. Deja que te         guíe en las decisiones que tomas y deja entrar a Dios. Es difícil, lo sé, pero es a través de Él que eres quién eres, así que agradece por eso.

Y mientras estás en ello, dile a alguien que lo amas hoy. Deja que vean cuánto te importa antes de que ya no tengas la oportunidad.

Que sea un año memorable. Deja tu huella en Murphy.

Atentamente

Tú (Kristi del pasado)      

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Las experiencias Kairos de Kristi la ayudaron a acercarse más a Dios y a construir una relación más profunda con Jesucristo semanas antes de su muerte. 

Definitivamente dejó una marca en la escuela Murphy. Una que su familia y amigos nunca olvidarán.

Qué regalo para su familia y amigos estar llenos de la esperanza que Jesús prometió en la Ascensión, espero que Kristi esté allí con él en el cielo.

En este domingo de ascensión, damos gracias a Jesucristo que abrió las puertas del cielo para todos nosotros y es nuestra esperanza de un futuro mejor con él, algún día en su hogar celestial.

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(ENGLISH TRANSLATION)

This weekend is the solemnity of the Ascension, commemorating Jesus’ final ascension into heaven. The Ascension is also a solemnity of hope, and the feast day of Christ Our Hope Catholic Church in Seattle.

In today’s Gospel we hear Jesus’ last words to his disciples before his Ascension: “And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”Top of Form

Through the Ascension, Jesus has passed beyond our sight. But he has not abandoned us. It is our hope that where he has gone, we hope to follow someday.

           I experienced a powerful event five years ago that shows the power of the hope we all have in Jesus. For several years, I served as campus minister at Archbishop Murphy High School in Everett. It was a wonderful assignment.

But on May 9^th 2015, I received a phone call with shocking and painful news. One of my student leaders was killed in a tragic accident involving a train.

A few days later, on what would have been her 18^th birthday, hundreds gathered in our school gym with her family to share stories about the friendships and good times we had with her during her lifetime with us.

Her name was Kristi Bartz.

Amazingly enough, Kristi’s birthday fell on the 40^th day after the Resurrection, the day of the Ascension.

At the end of the Memorial of Life gathering, we marched to the football field with a thousand yellow balloons (Kristi’s favorite color).

After reading the story of the Ascension found in today’s reading from Acts of the Apostles, I shared something found in Kristi’s day-planner inside a pencil-etching she did of angel’s wings.

It read, “It’s always the saddest thing when angels fly away.”

On a clear spring night with the sunset in the distance, we released a thousand balloons to the heavens.

Kristi was one of my leaders at our Kairos retreat for students.  

While at Kairos, most students have a transformational faith experience. Kairos is based on the Cursillo’s model.

Near the end of Kairos, students are asked to write a letter to themselves. They are told the letters will arrive at their homes six weeks later.  

Kristi’s final letter arrived a few days before her death. Her sister Stefani found her Kairos letter in Kristi’s room on the night of her death and read it.  She then read the letter at Kristi’s funeral to gasps from the audience who heard a powerful, prophetic message.

With the family’s permission, I’d like to share the letter Kristi Bartz wrote on Kairos:

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Dear Kristi of the Future:

I hope at this point you have not forgotten your amazing experience at Kairos. But in case you have, let this be a reminder of how you felt and what you learned through this experience.

Never forget how important it is to love.

I know how easy it is, for you especially, to get caught up in the constant chaos in your life. But remember that you are never too busy to show someone you care.

You ignited, rekindled, and strengthened a lot of relationships at Kairos and I hope they can continue to grow throughout your senior year. Do your best to branch out and reach out.

Take it upon yourself to make sure no one feels alone and unworthy the way that you have seen in others and yourself because no one deserves that. Save a life.

Last of all keep your faith close to your heart. Let it guide you in the choices you make and let God in. It’s hard, I know, but it is through Him that you are who you are so thank Him for that.

And while you’re at it, tell someone you love them today. Let them see how much you really care before you may not have the chance anymore. 

Make it a memorable year. Leave your mark on Murphy.

Yours Truly,

You (Kristi from the past)       

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Kristi’s Kairos experiences helped her to draw closer to God and build a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ weeks before her death. 

She definitely left a mark on Murphy. One her family and friends will never forget.

What a gift for her family and friends to be filled with the hope Jesus promised at the Ascension, hope that Kristi is there with him in heaven.

On this Ascension Sunday may we give thanks to Jesus Christ who opened the gates of heaven for us all and is our hope for a better future with him someday in his heavenly home.

HOMILY - Sixth Sunday of Easter - What is Love?

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What is this love that Jesus is talking about today?

As we know, language can be a tricky thing. One word can have many different meanings.

The same is true with the word Jesus uses in today’s Gospel message: Love.

In our English language, the word love has many different meanings.  Lots of room for ambiguity.

The Gospel of John was originally written in the Greek language.

The Greeks had four words for the word love. No room for misunderstanding the message of Jesus. 

C.S. Lewis wrote about this in a book called The Four Loves.

Phileo is the word used for non-romantic affection between people sharing a strong bond (like "brotherly love" or “sisterly love”).

Eros is the word used for romantic feelings (like "being in love" – the love shared with a spouse or significant other).

Storge is the word used for supportive, "got your back" love (like the love of a friend, or colleague, or mentor).
            Then there’s the word used in today’s Gospel message:  Agape.  This word is used for love that is selflessly committed to the well-being of another. It’s meant to last into eternity. And it’s driven by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

This is the word Jesus chose for this important message to his disciples at the Last Supper. No confusion. No room for personal interpretation. 

In our culture, love has become a cerebral practice.

In John’s Gospel, love is an action. 

Remember the three theological virtues?  Faith, hope and love. 

As we hear St. Paul say definitively, love is the most important for us Christians. Agape love that is.  Self-sacrificing love. Other focused love. Love lasting into eternity. Love that flows from the Advocate, the counselor, the paracletos, the Holy Spirit.

Today in the first reading from Acts of the Apostles we hear the story of one of the first seven deacons: Phillip. You might remember he was called forth with six others, including St. Stephen, a man who gave his life for Jesus in an act of self-sacrificing love as the first Christian martyr.

Phillip has gone to Samaria.  The spread of the Church across Samaria is seen as the first step towards Jesus’ words at the Ascension (an event we will celebrated next week).

At the Ascension, Jesus says “you will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Love is that power. Love is what is spreading throughout Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and now 2-thousand years later around the entire world. Love, agape love. Love flowing from the Holy Spirit.

This is the love Jesus is talking about in today’s Gospel.

So what’s the context for this word for love?

If you look at what theological virtues, you can find the answer.

The theological virtues are traits or qualities of a person who conducts him or herself in a good moral manner.

In the theological virtues, the word love actually also means charity. The two words are interchangeable.  

Charity is a concrete action from one person to another person.

As one Christian writer puts it, “Charity means participating in tangible acts of loving kindness toward all others (friend or enemy) in unconditional and self-sacrificial ways. Or to put it simply, to practice charity is to be compassionate.”

This is what the Gospel message of love is all about. Not an abstract command “to love,” but what Jesus did his entire earthly ministry to love others by compassionately serving their needs. This is showing love. Agape love.

As we ready for Pentecost and the renewal of the Holy Spirit in our lives, may we hear and heed the words from Jesus today: to always model Christ, to show the world what love is all about. 

           One of the ways we can show that love is through the support of the Annual Catholic Appeal, and the many charities of the Seattle Archdiocese. 

            Here to talk about that is my dear friend Erica Cohen Moore from the Archdiocese who is focusing on a ministry that is near and dear to all our hearts: the ministry of Inclusion.