Homily

Today’s readings call us to live as Christians (people of the Spirit) and not as people of the world (people of the flesh). The reading from Zechariah tells us that our Lord has total dominion. In other words, God is all powerful and will ultimately win over all worldly powers. That same God is one whom we are to offer our praise according to Psalm 145. Paul encourages us to know that we need not live by the way the world’s ways, but by the Spirit of Christ that lives within us. And finally, Christ himself gives us the way to accomplish this dying to our worldly ways. By the image of sharing his yoke, he will guide our way on the path. We are then to submit our wills for his. We are to freely choose to turn our hearts to the ways God desires. As Catholics we recognize Christ most poignantly through the eyes of the poor. We are then being called to help these neighbors who labor and are burdened and thus give them some rest. The question then is: what burdens? and who is suffering from them?

On this weekend when we celebrate our country and our independence from England, it might seem strange to be talking about submitting ourselves to another power. But the difference is that our Christian submission is to the One who loves us perfectly and will show us the way to total freedom and eternal life. Recognizing God as all loving and who gave us free will, how will you celebrate your independence? Will it be simply a time for hot dogs and fireworks? Or will it be a time to truly remember the struggle that has given us the freedom we so enjoy in this country? Will it be simply an excuse for a day off or will it be an opportunity to help those who need it most? As Catholics and as Americans, we are called by our Lord to share the burden, the yoke, that so many others live with day in and day out.

Today in Africa, the burden of poverty and mortality is crippling that entire continent. It is a place where we must not turn away our hearts. Catholic Relief Services has targeted three areas where they are dedicating attention: The epidemic of HIV/AIDS, the need for peace and stability, and increasing assistance by the U.S. by ensuring adequate funding. Pope Benedict has spoken several times about the need to help. Last week our parish was given the opportunity to participate in “Peter’s Pence,” a charitable offering to give the pope the ability to offer humanitarian and social development assistance to countries like Africa that need it so much. I want to thank you for that assistance. On our web site there will be additional links offered as ways for you to give your help.

This weekend, even pop musicians around the world dedicated their time and talent to increase our awareness of Africa’s problems by holding 10 simultaneous concerts around the world. It was called “LIVE 8” and the producers’ goals were to draw attention to the need in Africa in lieu of the coming G8 summit in Edinburgh, Scotland. At this economic and political meeting eight of the world’s most influential leaders will be discussing, amidst many other topics, ways that could help relieve the suffering particularly in Africa.

So, on this Independence Day weekend, take some time to pray and put into action some way to help those who suffer and are burdened in some way. Act locally by giving some kind of help to some group you know in Forest Grove that could use your help. Maybe target our own St. Vincent dePaul. Consider your own giving to our parish for outreach to the elderly and the homebound. Celebrate our independence by choosing to act in dependence of our Lord to help the poor, and you might just find that the yoke is easy and the burden light.