Ascension Day : Homily / Sermon

“The eleven disciples set out for Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had arranged to meet them. ”

Mountains feature a lot in the Gospels. 

Jesus preaches his sermons from the mount. Time and time again we are told that he goes into the mountains to pray. The Transfiguration of Jesus in glory, just before he makes his fateful last journey to Jerusalem, takes place on the mountain. The Garden of Gethsemane where he prays in great anguish, is on the Mount of Olives. 

The Mountain, in Scripture, throughout history, in many different faiths, has been a place of encounter with God, a place of prayer. 

And Prayer, like life itself, is both an act of sorrow and joy, tears and laughter, anxiety and hope. 

And today we celebrate the moment when the risen Jesus took the apostles to the mountain to witness him being taken up into the glory of heaven. He who has shared our sorrows, he who had wept tears in human sadness and anxiety goes from us to eternal joy. He goes into heaven, in order to take ourselves with him: he appears to leave us, and yet he is with us always, even to the end of time. 

6th Sunday in Ordinary Time (A): Homily / Sermon

Do not imagine that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to complete them. (Matthew 5:17)

Sometimes we might be surprised what is against the law nowadays. Things which  used to be tolerated or were even quite normal, like smoking in a pub, are now against the law - whereas other matters which used to be illegal - such as abortion - are now not only permitted but seen as a matter of human rights. 

In some parts of the world, accidents of history or circumstance have left us with some particular strange laws. 

In London for example it is against the law to die in the House of Commons, or to carry a corpse in a taxi. It is also against the law to place a stamp on an envelope upside down. 

In the USA there are many more examples: 

In Oklahoma, you can be arrested for making ugly faces at a dog.

It is against the law to mispronounce the name of the State of Arkansas in that State. 

Many odd laws relate to driving: 

In Illinois, the law is that a car must be driven with the steering wheel. 

In Tennessee, it is against the law to drive a car while sleeping. 

In New York, it is against the law for a blind person to drive an automobile. 

So, is breaking the law the same as committing a sin? 

I think most of the time we think it is. To kill is against the law. To steal is against the law. To lie and deceive - especially in the witness box - is against the law. All these are certainly sins. 

And then there are lesser laws, intended for our well being and protection, which probably should not be broken. Speed limits and tax regulations however irksome, we know should be followed. To break them cooly and deliberately is probably sin. 

But law has its limits. Every sin is not against the law, by any means. It is not against the law to commit adultery, however selfish or damaging that may be. It is not against the law to covet, or disrespect your parents, or worship false Gods, and nowadays at least I don't think we would want it to be. 

And sometimes the law is just wrong. Some laws remove people's rights, or restrain free speech, or imprison people unjustly. Some governments engage in torture, and even enforce abortions. Sometimes civil laws go against the moral law. 

And the message of Jesus, given at at different time and in different circumstances tells us both the extent and the limits of law. Yes - is it wrong to kill and to betray and to deceive, but the outward observance of the law is nothing - just a jot or tittle - without the inward observance of the heart. 

Laws may be able to limit the worst excesses of humanity, but without conversion of the heart, it remains empty and we become contemptuous. Yet if the purpose and direction of the law is clear to us, then we no longer have need of its chapter and verse. 

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time (C) : Homily / Sermon

Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the man who humbles himself will be exalted.’ (Luke 18:13)

This is a wonderful tale, which proves beyond all doubt that Jesus has a mischievous sense of humour. He pokes fun at the pompous Pharisee - several of whom would gave been amongst his congregation. This is not angry or bitter sarcasm, but a gentle poking of fun, bringing right down to solid earth those who have such a high opinion of themselves. 

But the story isn't only poking fun. It is also, when we turn to the tax collector, poignant and sad. Here, a wretched and despised man - usually no doubt the butt of many a joke or insult, wrestles with his own inadequacy and failure. He knows his life has gone wrong. He is aware of his sins and failings. And he comes before God, sorry and broken. 

So what is the difference between these men? It is not their faith, because both are found at prayer in Temple. It is not their poverty or riches, because both would have been quite wealthy people. It is not age or education either. 

No. The difference is that one knows his need of God, and the other does not. One is aware of his failings, while the other is aware only of the failings of others. One can name his sins, while the other can name only sinners. 

One is full of contrition, while the other is blinded by pride. 

The Pharisee believes his goodness comes from his own efforts, while the tax collector knows that it is only the grace of God which can send him home in peace.