Homilies
A list of homilies delivered by Bishop Paul Swain.
Most of us when we see a weed have the urge to pull it out. We view weeds as unsightly, as a threat to what is good, as making our lives and our lawns less than perfect. But they exist and despite our preferences. Even in drought times which many are experiencing these days they seem to flourish more than our plantings. When we do pull them out, they grow back. Jesus in the parable of the wheat and the weed, in a very practical description of the environment within which Christian discipleship must exist, tells us that our mustard seed sized faith must live among the secular weeds of this world which is inhospitable even hostile to religion and moral truth. But ultimately he assures us that at harvest…
There is a decidedly agricultural flavor to our readings this week. The first reading from Isaiah, the psalm and the parable of the seed in the Gospel specifically speak about sowing and producing fruit or failure to do so. It seems appropriate on this July day on the prairie where the corn and beans are showing significant growth and personal gardens are beginning to bear fruit and vegetables. It is a wonderful time of year. Sadly though we also note that in some areas lack of moisture has limited that growth and threatened crops and livelihoods. Let us pray for rain and for support for those each year who face the uncertainty of natural forces that raise up but can also wear down. Jesus is with us through the droughts…
Today’s Gospel is one of the most beautiful and comforting passages in the New Testament. “Come to me all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” “Come to me”, Jesus invites. He has already come to us. Now he invites us to come closer to him. Jesus does not force himself upon us. God the Father gifted us with free will. We can decide for ourselves if we want a relationship with God and how deep it will be. He sent his son to be one with us, encouraging us to use our freedom well. Saint John Paul II reminded us that true freedom is not the freedom to do whatever we want, but the freedom to do what we ought to do, what is…
“Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” I enjoy watching birds as long as they do not get too close. We get excited when we see the first robin in early spring or when a cardinal lights its red brilliance on a tree branch. While on a lake in Wisconsin, a blue heron landed not far from where I was. The gangly looking bird was about four feet tall with an arched walk. Not all birds are as interesting. Most runners have experienced attacks by red wing black birds as they protect their territory. Sparrows we hardly notice, but God does. The words…
Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ or Corpus Christi when we affirm our belief in the truth that Jesus is present Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity in the Holy Eucharist. Just as we need nourishment of earthly food to live healthy and full physical lives in community, we need nourishment of heavenly bread to live healthy and full spiritual lives in the community of the Church. Each of us has a longing, an emptiness, a grumbling, and a hunger that can only be filled by God. Christ’s Church offers us varying forms of spiritual nourishment which allow our hearts to rest in Him. Sacred scripture, sacred music and art and the many forms of prayer can nourish us. But Jesus at the Last…
“The grace and peace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” So St. Paul in the 2nd reading wishes the faithful of the local church in Corinth. That is a declaration of belief in the Holy Trinity. The love of God the Father, the grace and peace of God the Son, and the fellowship of God the Holy Spirit define the fullness of what the relationship with one God in three persons can be. How inviting and how needed are these in our days of doubt, wonderment and worry when the burden of sin and the fallout from poor choices in our families, our society and ourselves can weigh us down. There is an old hymn…
“Lord, send out your Spirit and renew the face of the earth” we sing on this the Solemnity of Pentecost. This feast celebrating the coming of the Holy Spirit is often called the birthday of the Church. Our Lord ascended to the Father and instituted the Church to carry on his mission guided by the Holy Spirit until he comes again. The presence of the Holy Spirit permeates all the sacraments. Friday I had the privilege of ordaining six men to the priesthood for our diocese, a great blessing for us all. Those seeking to be ordained must declare before God that they really desire ordination by responding to a series of questions. The very first one is: “do you resolve with the help of the Holy Spirit to discharge…
As we anticipate the Solemnities of the Ascension and Pentecost the next two week, our readings hint at the glory that was to come upon the early Church which glory remains with us today if we take note. From the first reading, “Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed the Christ to them. With one accord the crowds paid attention to what was said . . . There was great joy in that city.” We all seek such joy in the midst of our chaotic world. We pray that more will pay attention and experience the joy of the Gospel, the joy of Christ. Peter in the second reading urges us to “always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason…
“Do not let your hearts be troubled, you have faith in God” Jesus urged. Beautiful words often proclaimed at funerals when we are all a bit troubled. Jesus spoke them at the Last Supper to the twelve who were so close to him after announcing that one of them would betray him and one of them would deny knowing him three times. This was hard news that would make any heart be troubled. Then he added that he was leaving them to go to a place where they could not yet go. Surely they were shaken and bewildered by his words and at his impending departure. They missed his complete message: “ you have faith in God, have faith also in me.” He is the answer to our unanswered questions…
Praised be Jesus Christ. He is risen, he is risen indeed. Happy Easter to you all. This is a day of celebration of Christ’s victory over death and evil, of hope for the future, of recognition of the depth of God’s love from which flows forgiveness and new life. As we celebrate new life in Christ, we especially rejoice with those who are being received into the Church by way of baptism, profession of faith, confirmation and first Holy Communion this Easter. We welcome you as brothers and sisters in Christ. Some years ago before I became a priest, a friend and I went to an Easter service while on vacation. It was an unfamiliar church and we stood out. There was the joyful music, flowers that teased the imagination…
