HOMILY 6^TH SUNDAY OF EASTER

ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA CATHOLIC CHURCH

MAY 17, 2009 - 8, 10, 12NOON MASSES

May our Risen Lord Jesus give us His peace.

No partiality, first things first, change a word day.

No partiality. Idealists like me love these words of St. Peter. No partiality, God is for everyone equally. But we can do better than idealism and be closer to God with a few additional words and other texts from sacred scripture. In the very next sentence Peter says some words that could be taken as exclusive. We don’t want to establish that God is either exclusive OR that God is open to everything. Peter says “whoever fears God and acts uprightly is acceptable.” Doesn’t seem to be no partiality.

In the bible Jesus says, I have come not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through me. But Jesus also says, “the sick need a doctor… I have come to call not the righteous, but sinners.” This seems like a preference for the sick, the sinner, and a “second class status” for people of good faith. Doesn’t seem like no partiality here either.

We could do a week long retreat on the contradictions in Jesus’ words alone never mind St. Peter’s. The key is to read the bible in its context.

Peter was amazed that the Holy Spirit was given to the Gentiles and announced that God seemed to him to be very open. Jesus condemns no one but guides all people to truth. One truth is that some are more needy than others. He goes to them in justice not neglect. The righteous are to hear the Father of the prodigal say, “Everything I have is yours.” That can be enough for us. And sinners? No one is excluded in that adjective.

First things first. St. John gives us very good news. Yes, we are to love one another, but even better! God loved us first. God beat us to it, we did not call Him, He called us. First thing, God loved you. Second thing?

Have life in His name and show up as “loved enough” to look outward.

Change a word day. I would like to read the words of the Gospel and ask you to read them back to me changing one word. Whenever you hear the word love, change it in its context to the word “give, giving, give to,” however it would work in the sentence. Ready? There are 9 of these in today’s Gospel. We’ll do this to hear it freshly.

“As the Father loves me” (as the Father gives to me) “so I also love you” (so I also give to you). See? We define love as giving, lets do more. “Remain in my love.” (Remain giving) You will remain in my love (you will remain giving) “just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in His love.” (…and remain in His giving) “Love one another as I love you.” (Give to each other, as I give to you) “No one has greater love than this.” (no one has greater giving than this) Here He is talking about laying down his life for his friends. “This command I give you, love one another.” (this command I give you, give to one another.)

Like St. John suggests, we can give as commanded to, or from a sense of having been given to first by God. It seems simpler, less bossy, more do-able. And the weight of mustering up the energy to love in difficult times is relieved by God loving/giving what we need to do it.

Make no mistake, God shows partiality to the sinner, the lost, the sick.

Make no mistake that includes us all somehow, so no worries.

God will be busy with us. Callings to gather, eat, share peace, we can feel the Spirit leading us. Build this, feed these, teach these, be with.

All from God feeding, teaching, being with us, building us up.

There is no greater love than that. No greater giving.

Rest in being called to share in God’s glorious work

bringing His people back to Himself. You want me to help? Huh!

Well, ok, here I am Lord. Through you the Lord is going to reveal His saving power. But, receive from Him first.