Homily

We all have heard or know of John Paul II’s first words as pope. He said, “Do not be afraid.” He was quoting scripture. It is the same message we have been given today by the Church. It is certainly a challenge especially considering all the things we face in this postmodern world.

Today we have the ability to destroy the planet many times over through nuclear weapons. Today, our sense of security has been damaged because of terrorism and 9/11. The imbalance of wealth where the rich get richer and the poor get poorer is scandalous. Drugs abuse and addiction, especially methamphetamines, have become an epidemic. We are only now coming to understand the alarming numbers of sexual abuse inflicted upon the innocent. The pace of life brought on by societal pressures have put immense pressures upon families. Apathy and scandal in the faith, in our own Catholic Church, has lead some people to atheism, agnosticism, superstition, or believers who don’t believe in “organized religion.” In this sense, as mother Theresa once observed, we are the most impoverished country in the world. We have all become way too busy. We struggle to keep our focus on what is important. The consequent numbers of anxiety disorders is immense.

The prophet Jeremiah struggled with fear. He was being clearly threatened by those who didn’t like what he was saying. Jesus, too, recognized that people suffered from stress and fear. But he reminded us that God will take care of everything in the end. Paul reiterated this message by describing how sin came into our world. But, he also described how God will overcome it all.

The question for us all is this: Are you living in fear? Think about this. What fears reside deep in your heart? And if that fear came true, what would you be afraid about then? You see, faith drives out fear. It is not a pollyannaish notion that there are no problems in the world or that harm cannot touch us. Rather, it is a real trust in the reality that God will take care of us. Jesus challenges us not to fear the terrors of this world, for this world is only temporary. Think about it. 1000 years from now... 1 million years from now... where will you be? What is truly lasting? What is only temporary? We must set our hearts on those things that are lasting. We must set our hearts on the souls of our loved ones.

It is for this reason that our parish sets itself to reach out to those whose faith is empty or have given into despair or apathy: our young people. It is for these reasons that we must also change the way we have done things here at St. Anthony’s. But, I know that change causes anxiety and fear. But I urge you if you entertain doubts, imagine the great things that will come from reaching out and evangelizing the whole parish through the windows and doors of our hearts: our young people. We will not leave us adults behind either. We are strategizing concrete ways to build up the faith of adults too. Imagine parent’s children getting excited about their faith. Would that leave a loving parent unmoved? I think not. But we have more in the plan. The preferential option for the poor drives us to focus on those whose souls are most at risk.

You will soon be receiving another letter from me and the Pastoral Council describing more concretely the initial steps we have taken and are planning to take in order to become more the prophetic voice of God. It will mean moving the time you come to Mass. It may inconvenience you by even an hour or so. I fully understand that we are creatures of habit. But I also understand that if something is important enough, we will do what is necessary to make it happen. And so, I offer you this challenge: If you are not sure or even pessimistic, turn your hearts. Stop unbelieving and believe. Trust and put aside doubt. We are a people of faith. Let’s show that love and truth to those who are lost or have become complacent. Let us show them the greatness of Christ, the beauty of our Lord, the mercy and love of the Savior in our Church. Let us become people of faith not of fear. I was listening to a Rosalyn Moss talk recently. She quoted a saying which I would like to close with regarding fear, doubt, and faith: