philothea Posted July 15, 2005 Share Posted July 15, 2005 Sounds good! Kinda tough. I wonder about the people who need to hear it... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Theologian in Training Posted July 16, 2005 Author Share Posted July 16, 2005 (edited) [quote name='philothea' date='Jul 15 2005, 08:47 PM']Sounds good! Kinda tough. I wonder about the people who need to hear it... [right][snapback]644801[/snapback][/right] [/quote] Yeah, it smells of elderberries, I hope to have some time tomorrow to fix it up a bit. I am not that happy with the way it came out at all Also, you have to remember, I am in a parish where the pastor has encouraged spirituality because a lot of the parishoners are not parishoners until they have reason to be (tragedy or something drastic). I get the sense that there is a great amount of complacency here and perhaps the Spirit is trying to tell me to stir things up a bit and perhaps wake them up. However, it is hard to tell, because, on the other side, the pastor said there are also some of the parish that are Opus Dei or Legionnaires. I can tell you there are no kids here whatsoever, because they are in private schools and rarely ever come to Mass. My pastor told me this is probably one of the hardest assignments because we are ministering to the filthy rich, who are so self-sufficient they need nothing more. All I know is I am going to need a lot of prayers for this assignment and really don't know what to expect. Thank you for your comments though, they are helpful. God Bless Edited July 16, 2005 by Theologian in Training Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philothea Posted July 16, 2005 Share Posted July 16, 2005 [quote name='Theologian in Training' date='Jul 15 2005, 10:30 PM']Yeah, it smells of elderberries, I hope to have some time tomorrow to fix it up a bit. I am not that happy with the way it came out at all Also, you have to remember, I am in a parish where the pastor has encouraged spirituality because a lot of the parishoners are not parishoners until they have reason to be (tragedy or something drastic). I get the sense that there is a great amount of complacency here and perhaps the Spirit is trying to tell me to stir things up a bit and perhaps wake them up. However, it is hard to tell, because, on the other side, the pastor said there are also some of the parish that are Opus Dei or Legionnaires. I can tell you there are no kids here whatsoever, because they are in private schools and rarely ever come to Mass. My pastor told me this is probably one of the hardest assignments because we are ministering to the filthy rich, who are so self-sufficient they need nothing more. All I know is I am going to need a lot of prayers for this assignment and really don't know what to expect. [right][snapback]644968[/snapback][/right] [/quote] It doesn't smell of elderberries! It's not all feel-good, but that can be cool too. Sometimes we need a nudge. That sounds like a really difficult parish to speak to. I went through RCIA in a wealthy area and it was, I don't know... [i]weird[/i]. In chatting with my instructor, he talked about how the parish was full of unhappy people, and he didn't know how to help them. At mass, half the people were always late, and then they'd nearly kill you in the parking lot trying to get out first. And they all had shiny new cars and gorgeous, huge houses. Why was that making them unhappy? (I do understand in theory, but it makes no real sense to me. ) No kids! Well, I guess it'll be quiet, at least. Still praying for you. I'm sure you'll say whatever needs to be said. :cheer: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Theologian in Training Posted July 16, 2005 Author Share Posted July 16, 2005 (edited) I changed it, and may change it some more even. I do want to thank you though. Your comments and suggestions are very helpful and again, I thank you. God Bless Today Jesus continues, by the means of parables, to explain to us what prayer is and how we must go about in maintaining an ongoing prayer life throughout our lives. Last week, as you recall, the problem was in finding fertile soil on which to let the seed sprout, that is, the seed of faith. Today, the problem is no longer the soil, but the seed itself. For, unbeknownst to the man who sowed the seed, an enemy came in and planted weeds along with the seed. Jesus is teaching us a very important lesson: even if we successfully plant our seed in the soil of our souls, to grow and flourish, the weeds are always right next to us, to remind us that we were not fully responsible for their growth, and that even the most fertile soil can be flawed. For, while the seed sprouts into the finest wheat, the weeds grow near that wheat, possibly choking some of it, because the weeds are our sins, and that sin always reminds us that though we strive for holiness, we are by no means saints. Without the weeds we might be tempted to falsely believe that it is by our own merits and strength that our prayers are effective. Yet, it is the result of those weeds that we know this not to be true. In fact, every Friday morning, in the Liturgy of the Hours, the prayer of the Church, clergy and laypersons alike will pray Psalm 51, where they echo with the Psalmist: “My offenses, truly I know them; my sin is always before me.” A Psalm many saints memorized as a constant reminder that the growth of their spiritual life, that sprouting seed, always coexists with their own offenses and sins. It is a humbling thought and great reminder for us today. For, if we are honest with ourselves, truly honest, we know that when we kneel before the altar we are approaching our God, Redeemer, Creator and King and it is only the result of His merits and His saving death that we can actually do so. Our second reading reminds us of this very clearly: “The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes with inexpressible groanings.” In other words, even the act of prayer itself is a gift freely given of which we need God to pray for us. It is ironic, to be sure, and perhaps a bit circular, but our prayer, if even the simplest, is not just us talking to God, but God teaching us how to talk to Him. Yet, on some level, this makes sense, how can it not, we did not create ourselves, nor did we create prayer, but these were freely given out of nothing more than love for us, and what great love that is. To know the same person that is teaching us how to pray in the parable today, not only showed us what it means to pray or how to pray, but how to live that out in its fullness by giving us His very life. Granted, prayer did exist before Jesus, yet, it was only Jesus who taught us intimate prayer, prayer from the heart. In fact, it was He who taught us to call His Father Our Father and only afterwards do we have the same courage to pray to Our Father in Heaven; God, once again, teaching us how to pray to God. Today then, let us take a moment in prayer mindful of this great and beautiful and holy gift, unworthy though we are, but knowing always that our greatest and smallest prayer is never strictly ours alone. Edited July 17, 2005 by Theologian in Training Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carson Weber Posted July 17, 2005 Share Posted July 17, 2005 If you would like a commentary to help w/ the Gospel reading, check out my commentary, which I put up every week on our website at BrenhamCatholic.org - it's here: [url="http://www.brenhamcatholic.org/flashpaper/july_17_2005.swf"]http://www.brenhamcatholic.org/flashpaper/july_17_2005.swf[/url] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Theologian in Training Posted July 17, 2005 Author Share Posted July 17, 2005 [quote name='Carson Weber' date='Jul 16 2005, 09:40 PM']If you would like a commentary to help w/ the Gospel reading, check out my commentary, which I put up every week on our website at BrenhamCatholic.org - it's here: [url="http://www.brenhamcatholic.org/flashpaper/july_17_2005.swf"]http://www.brenhamcatholic.org/flashpaper/july_17_2005.swf[/url] [right][snapback]645829[/snapback][/right] [/quote] Thank you, but I am probably going to keep it as it is. I am just worried that my first sermon here won't go well, so I am beginning to think that no matter what I say, I will be unhappy with. I guess it is a lot of me wrestling with the Spirit, and the Spirit knocking me around a bit, to let me listen to what He is saying. I think we have come to a truce, and I am going to present what I posted here. If it bombs, there is always next weekend to do better. The bishop here told me that he preaches so well because he takes his words, aware that they are dry bones, and asks the Spirit to give them life. I plan on doing the same tomorrow.....hopefully they will breathe life to at least one person. God Bless Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cmotherofpirl Posted July 17, 2005 Share Posted July 17, 2005 [quote name='Theologian in Training' date='Jul 15 2005, 11:30 PM'] My pastor told me this is probably one of the hardest assignments because we are ministering to the filthy rich, who are so self-sufficient they need nothing more. [right][snapback]644968[/snapback][/right] [/quote] Theo even the rich get sick, have kids in trouble, and fight with their inlaws. Money can distance you from some problems, but they never really go away, and still haunt you in the middle of the night. There are many kinds of poverty; and despair , sadness, drugs and alcohol are everywhere. Hearts are always need healing no matter what your bank account says. Always speak to peoples common pain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Theologian in Training Posted July 17, 2005 Author Share Posted July 17, 2005 [quote name='cmotherofpirl' date='Jul 16 2005, 09:54 PM']Theo even the rich get sick, have kids in trouble, and fight with their inlaws. Money can distance you from some problems, but they never really go away, and still haunt you in the middle of the night. There are many kinds of poverty; and despair , sadness, drugs and alcohol are everywhere. Hearts are always need healing no matter what your bank account says. Always speak to peoples common pain. [right][snapback]645834[/snapback][/right] [/quote] I don't know the parishoners well enough to know their pains. I spoke to one woman who shares a similar heart ailment as myself, but that is not the majority. Like I told Carson, I will preach the second one I posted here and pray that it helps at least one person in that congregation. God Bless Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cmotherofpirl Posted July 17, 2005 Share Posted July 17, 2005 [quote name='Theologian in Training' date='Jul 16 2005, 09:01 PM']I don't know the parishoners well enough to know their pains. I spoke to one woman who shares a similar heart ailment as myself, but that is not the majority. Like I told Carson, I will preach the second one I posted here and pray that it helps at least one person in that congregation. God Bless [right][snapback]645838[/snapback][/right] [/quote] You don't have to know each ones personal pain, to speak to everyones common pain. We all have it in one way or another. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Theologian in Training Posted July 17, 2005 Author Share Posted July 17, 2005 I want to thank everyone for their suggestions, but, like I said, what's done is done and I am going to leave it as it is. Probably not my best to date, but it is only my third time ever, I have time to refine. God Bless Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pontifex Posted July 17, 2005 Share Posted July 17, 2005 Prayers. I know you will preach well. Peace. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Theologian in Training Posted July 17, 2005 Author Share Posted July 17, 2005 [quote name='Pontifex' date='Jul 16 2005, 10:46 PM']Prayers. I know you will preach well. Peace. [right][snapback]645894[/snapback][/right] [/quote] Thank you Fr., that means a lot. I pray that it is true. God Bless Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Theologian in Training Posted July 17, 2005 Author Share Posted July 17, 2005 (edited) Good night all. Remember me in your prayers at either 7:00 AM or 9:00 AM because I will be preaching at either one or possibly both, depending on the priest. Thank you all God Bless Edited July 17, 2005 by Theologian in Training Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Theologian in Training Posted July 17, 2005 Author Share Posted July 17, 2005 (edited) It went well. I will include my final draft at the end of this post. I, however, was a bit worried preaching the second time because someone actually collapsed and ultimately died during the profession of the Creed. What a way to start my time here at a new parish. Then after the second one, someone who said he taught homilitecs told me that I needed more verb, as it was too cerebral and I needed to look at the back of the congregation more. I will agree with him that I did not look up enough from what I was reading, but I wanted to give them something to think about.....who knows....my pastor and the assisting pastor thought it was good, and that is what really counts. Thank You again for your prayers and support. God Bless Today Jesus continues, by the means of parables, to explain to us what prayer is and what we must do to maintain an ongoing prayer life throughout our lives. Last week, as you recall, the problem was in finding fertile soil on which to let the seed sprout, that is, the seed of faith. Today, the problem is no longer the soil, but the seed itself. For, unbeknownst to the man who sowed the seed, an enemy came in and planted weeds along with the seed. Jesus is using this parable to teach us a very important lesson: even if we successfully plant our seed in the soil of our souls, to grow and flourish, the weeds are always right next to us, to remind us that we were not fully responsible for their growth, and that even the most fertile soil can be flawed. For, while the seed sprouts into the finest wheat, the weeds grow near that wheat, possibly choking some of it, because the weeds are our sins, and that sin always reminds us that while we strive for holiness, we can never forget where we have come from. In fact, without the weeds we might be tempted to falsely believe that it is by our own merits and strength alone that our prayers are effective. Yet, it is the result of those weeds that we know this not to be true. In fact, every Friday morning, in the Liturgy of the Hours, the prayer of the Church, clergy and laypersons alike will pray Psalm 51, where they echo with the Psalmist: “My offenses, truly I know them; my sin is always before me.” The same Psalm many saints memorized as a constant reminder that the growth of their spiritual life, that sprouting seed, always coexists with their own offenses, their own sins. A reality we might not think about: the greatest saint was also the greatest sinner and the greatest sinner has the potential of becoming a great saint. It is both a humbling and hopeful thought for us to ponder. No matter who we are, or where we have come from, we all share a common vocation, that of Christian holiness. Yet, this holiness does not come without a price, without sacrifice, we need to work at it, and the only way to do this is to pray. This prayer, however, has to be honest and has to be done in a spirit of humility. For, if we are honest with ourselves, truly honest, we know that when we kneel before the altar we are approaching our God, Redeemer, Creator and King and it is only by His merits and the result of His saving death that we can actually do so. Our second reading reminds us of this very clearly: “The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes with inexpressible groanings.” In other words, even the act of prayer itself is a gift freely given of which we need God to pray for us. It is ironic, to be sure, and perhaps a bit circular, but our prayer, if even the simplest, is not just us talking to God, but God teaching us how to talk to Him. Although, this may be a bit hard to understand, it does makes sense, for how can it not, we didn’t create ourselves, nor did we create prayer, but each of these were freely given out of nothing more than love for us, and what a great love that is. To teach us how to kneel down, bow our heads and pray. Something we would never know how to do, in the capacity that we do it now, if it were not for Jesus. Granted, prayer did exist before Jesus, however, it was Jesus who taught us intimate prayer, prayer from the heart. In fact, it was He who taught us how to call His Father Our Father thereby giving us courage to pray to that same Father in Heaven. Therefore, I would encourage us all today, to take a few moments in prayer, if even right after this Mass to let the Spirit intercede on your behalf; kneeling before the altar and mindful that what you are doing has been given to you, a great and beautiful and holy gift. And though we are unworthy of such a gift know that your greatest and smallest prayer is never completely yours alone, but the Spirit making intercession for you with inexpressible groanings, teaching you the ways of Christian holiness, the way to become a saint. Edited July 17, 2005 by Theologian in Training Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
journeyman Posted July 18, 2005 Share Posted July 18, 2005 Theo . . . eye contact with the back row will come with time and practice . . . no more than one subject and verb per sentence . . . and except in extraordinary situations, no less. . . . or did your homiletic commentator say "verve" our visiting pastor confessed to not knowing anything about wheat, or mustard seeds . . . but yeast and baking bread took him back to his childhood . . . so that's what we heard about in our parish this morning Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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