Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L.
HOMILY
Diocesan Teachers Institute – September 24, 2018
Exodus 3:1-15; Philippians 3:12-16; Luke 9:1-6

In today’s first reading from the Old Testament book of Exodus, we encounter Moses at a pivotal moment in his life’s journey.  Unexpectedly, he finds himself in the presence of God who not only engages Moses but goes on to send him to Pharaoh to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.

A pretty tall order.  And what is Moses’ reaction?  …  “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of Egypt?”  …  Moses doesn’t want to undertake the work.  He doesn’t see himself equipped for the mission.  And to be frank, he had a bit of baggage that would argue against this proposed leadership role.  Recall that he killed an Egyptian.  He was a fugitive on the run.  And from the Hebrew perspective, he was too closely affiliated with the Egyptians.  …  But God prevailed – called him – and used him as an instrument to bring life and freedom to his chosen ones.

In today’s gospel, Jesus sends out the twelve to test the waters for their role in preaching the good news.  And look at Jesus’ pick.  One was a tax collector and the others were fishermen.  Not individuals of great social standing.  The tax collector was hated for obvious reasons.  The fishermen were simple individuals with no education or eloquence.  Hardly the ones you’d tap to build an organization from scratch.  …  And look at what Jesus had to endure with the twelve as their relationship progressed.  One betrayed him.  One denied him – three times.  Two wanted to promote their own cause simply because they knew Jesus.

Yet, despite their obvious shortcomings leading to an unlikely success in the work that they were given – like Moses – the twelve engaged the mission of Jesus and were used by God as instruments of his life and love.   …  In fact, if you continue to read Saint Luke’s gospel, you will discover in the verses following today’s passage, that when the twelve returned from their premier preaching expedition, Jesus immediately used them to effect one of his greatest miracles – the feeding of five thousand.

Moses – the twelve – and countless numbers of individuals down through the ages – have all been used by God to nurture and sustain a people he calls as his own.  That’s the way in which God has chosen to work in salvation history.  The key for understanding the success of all of these unlikely disciples:  their humility and their recognition of the radical need for God to take hold of their lives and to bring his plan to pass.  …  Recall the words of Francis of Assisi:  “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.”

I’d suggest, then, that in the particular roles that have been entrusted to us as teachers – administrators – counselors – coaches – Church leaders – we are Moses and the twelve today!  We are the unlikely ones who have been called by God to this moment in the history of this portion of God’s Church.  Attribute it to what you will – chance – good luck – or God’s providential plan – our presence here today is testimony to how God works mightily in our lives – even and more often than not through unexpected events, circumstances and individuals.

Who would have ever imagined that in 1825, when an Irish born missionary priest by the name of Father Jeremiah O’Flynn used his own savings to purchase property in Susquehanna County in order to build a Catholic Church that his efforts in planting the seeds of faith would, in turn, have set in motion a response on the part of believers that was so intense that it led to the founding of the Diocese of Scranton a mere 43 years later.

Who would have ever imagined the contribution of women religious from various congregations in the earliest days of the history of the Diocese of Scranton as they journeyed to unknown and undeveloped regions of northeastern and north central Pennsylvania to serve the mission of the Church?  Led by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and joined over a short period of time by several other congregations of women religious, including the Sisters of Christian Charity, the Sisters of the Holy Child and the Sisters of Mercy, through the efforts of these dedicated women, schools were opened, the important responsibility of educating the young began – and the legacy upon which you serve was established.

The mission of the gospel – authentic discipleship – is not and has never been an easy task.  From the gospel of Sunday – one week ago – we listened to these words of Jesus, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.  For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it.”

This moment in the history of our Church – and particularly of our Diocese – arguably presents us with one of the heaviest crosses with which we’ve ever been confronted.  Sadly, this is so because at the heart of the current crisis is something much different than those our Church has faced in its recent history.  Today’s crisis has emerged not in relationship to a structure, policy or ritual that was changed or to a church or school building that was closed.  No – what we face today is much worse.  This moment is rooted in the very essence of the Church – the People of God made in God’s own image and likeness.  The crisis we face tragically impacts lives destroyed by the sins of arrogance, selfishness and pride.  It was created by shattered spirits and relationships torn asunder because of betrayal and broken trust.

A dreadful moment in our history – sadly, yes – but a moment that also speaks of hope – a moment open to redemption.  …  Wishful thinking on my part?  No.  …  For the Christian, hope and redemption are inextricably woven into the very cross of Jesus.

Recall, as Jesus walked to his death, the words of Peter, one of those unlikely disciples who was closest to the Lord.  “I do not know him.”  …  Words of betrayal.  …  Yet words that led to this later exchange between Peter and the risen Jesus.  “Simon, son of John, do you love me?  …  Then feed my sheep.”

Like Peter, on the heels of one of the darkest hours of our history as a Church, we have all been given an opportunity to recommit ourselves to the sacred work that God has entrusted to our care.  As unlikely and as ill equipped as we may see ourselves to be – at this moment, God has called all of us – and especially you – to nurture the lives of thousands of young people – to impart knowledge and values – and by the example of our lives, to give them a reason to hope.

Thank you for your willingness to embrace this moment and to serve the lives God gives to your care.  May God give us the grace to allow ourselves to be used as his instruments and the wisdom to turn to him for help every step of our journey.

Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L.
Bishop of Scranton
HOMILY
Permanent Deacon Candidates – Installation of Lectors
Feast of the Archangels – September 29, 2018 

As we join together today for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, I can’t help but think of all that each one of you brings to this moment of prayer. For as much as we bring things that are really only known to God and ourselves, we also carry with us certain things that are known to many. … Our very presence around this altar affirms in a public manner our faith in Jesus Christ. … The rite that we celebrate with our deacon candidates today attests to their desire to respond to the Lord’s call to discipleship in a profound manner. … And all of our prayers, devotion, and the good works that we seek to do in loving service of our sisters and brothers give evidence of our desire to live as Jesus’ sons and daughters.

I mention these things because your presence here today, along with your personal stories of faith in so many ways become living reminders to all of us of the great feast that we celebrate in the Church today on this feast of the Archangels – Michael, Gabriel and Raphael.

In the Office of Readings for today’s feast, there is a wonderful passage from St. Gregory the Great. Listen to what he says: “You should be aware that the word ‘angel’ denotes a function rather than a nature. Those holy spirits of heaven have indeed always been spirits. They can only be called angels when they deliver a message.”

What is the great saint sharing with us today in his words? He is reminding us that angels are intermediaries from God – they are beings through which God intervenes in human life. They point the way to God and remind us of God’s concern for us.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church provides even deeper clarity to the place of angels in salvation history. “Christ is the center of the angelic world. They are his angels. … They belong to him because they were created through and for him. … They belong to him still more because he made them messengers of his saving plan: ‘Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation?’” … Indeed, the very word “angel” derives from an ancient Greek word meaning, “to bear a message, announce or bring news of” something. And the “something” for us as Christians is God.

In so many respects, todays’ Rite of Institution of Lectors powerfully reflects the heart of the Feast of the Archangels. In the brief instruction that I will share with you in just a few moments, we will be reminded that through Jesus, “God the Father has revealed the mystery of salvation and brought it to fulfillment.” As with his angels, Jesus has entrusted his Church – you and me – with the mission of being messengers of the good news to the whole world.

And so, my brothers, who are preparing for ordination to the permanent diaconate and service to the People of God, you are being called today to a special recognition of the Word of God in your lives. You are being challenged – particularly by today’s Feast – to both reflect upon all that you have been given through the grace of God at work in your lives – and to use what has been entrusted to you selflessly and lovingly for the benefit of others, without counting the cost, setting conditions or demanding a return.

As is so evident from today’s Feast, your ministry as lectors and bearers of God’s Word is essential to the life of the Church. As Jesus Christ made all things known to us and then entrusted his Church with the mission of preaching the Gospel to the whole world, you will assist in this mission, and so take on a special office within the Christian community. You will be given a responsibility in the service of our faith, namely, to proclaim the Word of Life in the liturgical assembly, to instruct children and adults in the ways of the gospel, and to bring the message of salvation to those who have not yet received it. What an awesome yet humbling responsibility!

Your journey to this day and ultimately to ordained ministry in the Church comes at an incredibly challenging moment in our history as a local Church. In the face of so much suffering that has emerged in countless numbers of lives because of the tragic reality of abuse – in the midst of feelings and emotions fraught with sadness, betrayal, anger and disillusionment – the authentic mission of the Church must continue. For that to occur, the Church looks to generous, faithful souls like you to carry us forward to a better place for all.

My brothers, know above all else, then, how vital it is that, in the midst of fulfilling this responsibility, you live the message that you proclaim. Take care to avoid the posture of the Pharisees so often criticized by Jesus in the gospels for giving lip service to the law but failing to embrace its spirit. Instead, sear into your hearts the words of Blessed Pope Paul VI; words that Pope Francis continually calls us to embrace as followers of Jesus. “Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers. And if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses.” So, LIVE the gospel that you will proclaim in your service of the People of God.

You’ve been invited to this moment in your journey of faith by the Church. You’ve been brought to this moment not only by those entrusted with your formation and care, but by loving families, supportive friends and faithful parish communities. To the wives and to the children, parents, family members and friends of the men who are in formation for the permanent diaconate – I thank you for your support, your encouragement and your willingness to allow your husbands, fathers and sons to listen to the call of Jesus and to say yes to his invitation serve. For all of the challenges that they – and you – have and will experience during this time of formation, I can assure you that their lives will be filled with great meaning and purpose, continued challenges, happiness, peace and fulfillment. Such blessings will also touch your lives and the lives of all those whom they serve.

Please know of my gratitude and that of the entire Church of Scranton to each of you, our candidates, and to you, their families. As a Diocese, we are blessed by your commitment and richer today, because of your efforts. Know that we will continue to walk with you along with our love, our support and our prayers.

Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L.
Bishop of Scranton
HOMILY
27th Sunday in Ordinary Time – October 7, 2018
Respect Life Mass

“Every life – cherished – chosen – sent” by God to build a better world.

The theme for Respect Life Sunday and this sacred season calls us to focus our prayers upon our commitment as followers of Jesus to treasure and preserve human life from the moment of conception to natural death. As a Church, we have and should continue to work tirelessly to create a culture that moves beyond a cavalier attitude that has sadly resulted in far too many lives being lost through abortion, euthanasia, physician-assisted suicide and capital punishment.

The blessed work that we have been about for many years, however, has clearly not been enough. Tragically, while the Church has worked tirelessly to promote an end to abortion and to preserve life in all of its stages, some among us – particularly church leaders who have proclaimed from pulpits the vital need to respect life – have stolen it from the most vulnerable in our midst. The sad reality of our lives as Catholics, impacted by the report of the 40th statewide Grand Jury investigating sexual abuse of children by members of the clergy, reminds us that we have much more work to do if our voices are ever to be regarded as credible in this vital conversation.

Pope Francis has asserted that each person has a reason to hope because each person “has a place in God’s heart from all eternity.” Because of this unique relationship of the human person to the Creator, every life demands absolute protection from conception to natural end, including all moments in between. As such, respect for the dignity of every human being must be upheld – even when such a posture places us in opposition to popular values, political expediency, and the tide of today’s evolving cultural norms.

Yet, most fundamentally, the dignity of every human being must also be upheld by those of us who proclaim that message most boldly – particularly the leaders of our Church. It is simply not acceptable for us to work to preserve life in the womb and then disregard its value once a child is born. If there is not an integrity to what we preach and how we live, the lives of the most vulnerable in our midst will always be in jeopardy.

Today’s gospel passage for this 27th Sunday of the Church Year, on the surface, may seem like a rather unlikely message for our consideration on a Sunday devoted to prayer for respect for human life. By scratching its surface, however, like all that Jesus proclaims, today’s gospel is a powerful reminder of what WE need to do and to be as authentic disciples and followers of the Lord Jesus.

In today’s message from Saint Mark, Jesus offers a radical teaching on marriage and divorce. There was little appreciation for love and commitment in marriage in the patriarchal society in which Jesus lived. Divorce, sadly, was tragically common, not unlike the world in which we live today. Yet, in the midst of this context, Jesus cites the Genesis account of the creation of man and woman – today’s first reading – to emphasize that husband and wife are equal partners in the covenant of marriage. Indeed, Jesus’ vision of marriage with its restored sense of unity and mutuality reflects God’s very covenant relationship with Israel, established upon God’s total, complete, and selfless love and respect.

Jesus’ novel and demanding notion of marriage situates the sacrament at the very of core of discipleship. Those who are called to the sacrament of marriage are likewise called to embrace a selfless spirit of love, acting out a sense of compassion and justice, rather than merely fulfilling legalisms and detached rituals. … For the disciples of Jesus – and that includes each of us, married or single – we are called to nothing less but the same appreciation and respect for the wonders of creation and its crowning gift of human life.

And so we come to appreciate from the Word of God – yet again – the timeless challenge given to all who seek to be disciples of the Lord. Embrace the spirit of selfless love manifested so powerfully by Jesus throughout his life, ministry and death on the cross – and in the process, discover meaning, purpose, peace and life.

Jesus concludes today’s gospel by outlining the path of discipleship that leads us to life and eternity – a path that is both disarmingly simple even as it is profound.

He invites each one of us to accept the Kingdom of God as little children. … In so doing, Jesus calls us to a new understanding of our lives in relationship to one another, to our world, and to God. … Jesus calls us to recognize, like a child, our powerlessness to control and direct our lives. God is the one who directs our place in the world – not we ourselves, no matter how sophisticated and knowledgeable we may think ourselves to be. … Jesus calls us to acknowledge our dependence upon God for all that we have and all that we are. God has given us our incredible lives in the first place. They, in turn, are not ours to determine or to direct. That is God’s responsibility and promise. … Finally, Jesus calls us to be open to receive – again and again – God’s presence and love: gifts that come to us in the most ordinary and often unlikely of ways – gifts that can only be received when we are wise enough to first treasure the gift of life that God has given.

Obviously, many of us fail to understand the responsibility given to us by God to love so selflessly and to pattern our lives on the life of Jesus. That should come as no surprise, however, because for the authentic disciple, the gospel has never been an easy message to embrace. … It always calls us to be more than we think we are capable of being. … It demands honesty and openness to the Spirit of God. … It is so often linked to the cross that emerges from a life rooted in values that, by their very nature, are often in conflict with worldly ways. … That the world in which we find ourselves today endorses a cavalier and precarious understanding of the dignity of human life is nothing new. The Kingdom of God has not yet fully come.

The good news of this gathering, however – the good news of Jesus – is that the voice of faithful, selfless disciples of the Lord continues to be heard and their message continues to be proclaimed. May we give thanks this day, that in the midst of a broken and imperfect world and Church, life is still treasured by many as the gift of God that it is.

This moment in the life of our Church has brought us to a new and broader understanding of the sanctity of human life. Pope Francis has often reminded us that every person – from the weakest and most vulnerable, the sick, the old, the unborn and the poor, to the criminal who is least supportive of our values “has an inviolable right to life” and “is a masterpiece of God’s creation, made in his own image, destined to live forever, and deserving of the utmost reverence and respect.” To that list belongs victims – survivors – of sexual abuse and all who are exploited and deprived of their God-given dignity.

As we celebrate Respect Life Sunday, may we reaffirm our commitment to the sanctity of life – even in the simplest of ways – and by our example, our forgiveness, and our loving service, work to lead others to the truth that “every life cherished, chosen and sent” by God.

Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L.
Bishop of Scranton
HOMILY
29th Sunday in Ordinary Time – October 20, 2018
Dedication of Altar – Saint Peter’s Cathedral 

I suspect that I speak for all of you in saying that it’s good to be back home – back in our Cathedral church – after a long, four-month hiatus. What began several years ago with a conversation about changing light fixtures to accommodate LED bulbs quickly evolved into a more complicated project. In addition to new lighting fixtures, a state-of-the-art sound system was installed, along with a handicapped accessible bathroom and entranceway into the sanctuary and new and lighter vestibule doors. In commemoration of the Diocese of Scranton’s 150th anniversary and in keeping with more recent liturgical norms – new sanctuary furnishings – the altar, tabernacle, ambo, cathedra or bishop’s chair and baptistery – were created to reflect more appropriately the style of the one original altar that remained from the 1884 renovation of the Cathedral, that we refer to as the Saint Joseph altar, adjacent to the sacristy door. Finally, believe it or not, apart from the processional cross, we did not have a crucifix in the Cathedral for the last fifty years. Now, a magnificent crucifix – the central symbol of our Christian faith – hangs over the altar that represents Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.

How blessed we are, through the kindness of so many of you who are with us today, to be able to worship and pray in such a noble and sacred space. But for as much as we revel in the splendor of this historic and pristine mother church of the Diocese of Scranton, this moment during this particular Sunday celebration calls us to something else. It bids us to reflect upon the primary reason for gathering as a people of God; namely, to open our hearts to God’s power and presence – to engage the living Word of God as it comes to us in the sacred scriptures – and to receive the very life of Jesus in the Eucharist.

In the Gospel reading four weeks ago, Jesus admonished his disciples for their pointless argument among themselves as to who was the most important. … In today’s Gospel account, James and John – who, with Peter, make up Jesus’ inner circle – obviously still failed to understand their Master as they asked for the places of honor and influence when Jesus begins his reign.

Most of us share the other disciples’ indignation at the incredible nerve of James and John to make such a request. Jesus then called the disciples together to try again to make them understand that they achieve greatness in God’s plan through service. Jesus’ admonition is almost a pleading: If you really understand me and if you truly want to be my disciple, then you must see the world differently and respond to its challenges with a very different set of values. The world may try to justify vengeance rather than forgiveness and to glorify self-interest over selflessness – but it cannot be that way with you!

In short, the Gospel reminds us that to be authentic disciples of Jesus means that we must put ourselves in the humble, demanding role of servant to others, to intentionally seek the happiness and fulfillment of those we love regardless of the cost to ourselves. And that reality puts us squarely at the foot of the cross.

In just a few moments, we will celebrate the dedication of this new altar. During his tenure as leader of the Church, Pope Benedict XVI reflected upon this central symbol for Catholic Christians, “Every altar is a symbol of Jesus Christ, present in the midst of his Church as priest, altar and victim. … In the Church’s liturgy, and above all in the sacrifice of the Mass consummated on the altars of the world, Jesus invites us, the members of his mystical Body, to share in his self-offering. He calls us, as the priestly people of the new and eternal covenant, to offer, in union with him, our own daily sacrifices for the salvation of the world.”

And so, from this altar, we will encounter in the Eucharist the very mystery of faith – Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again. We are invited to unite our struggles, our suffering and pain with the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus – assured always through the triumph of the cross that death is never the end of the story for the faithful follower of Christ, but always gives way to life and peace.

Some have probably wondered, in the midst of the tragedy of abuse that we are facing as a Church, why we undertook such a vast and complicated project when there are so many other vital needs to be addressed in the lives of God’s people. This project began long before a Grand Jury was convened or subpoenas were issued. Yet, I have no doubt that in the wisdom and providence of God, there is a lesson for us in this moment.

Just as this church building was in need of refurbishment and restoration, so are we, the living stones that make up the Church of Jesus – the Body of Christ. We become worn and broken. We constantly have need for renewal and conversion in our lives. And today’s gospel reminds us of just how far all of us and particularly leaders among us – like James and John, two of Jesus’ closest disciples – can stray from the heart of the message and mission of Jesus.

Yet, today’s gospel and this celebration also remind us that as unfinished as we may be, as worn and broken as we are at times, every one of us – as we are – is still called to do Christ’s work – to embrace his cross – to love selflessly – to give our lives in service of one another – and in so doing, to find life and salvation.

I hope you noticed something as you walked into the Cathedral this afternoon. If not, be attentive to this the next time you come into this sacred space. Walk down the middle aisle. Bless yourself with holy water from the baptistery as a reminder of your initiation into the life of Jesus and your commitment to live as his disciple. … As you continue your journey into the church, look at the altar ahead of you from which you are nourished by the Eucharist, the body and blood of Jesus, born from his selfless, sacrifice on the cross. … Then look up a bit and see the cross of Christ. But see in that cross not only a moment in Jesus’ life. See in that cross your life, with all of its suffering and pain, its betrayal, loneliness and grief. “Rejoice that we have been made sharers in Christ’s passion.” … Finally, raise your eyes above that cross and see the image of the transfigured Jesus in the painting that adorns our sanctuary – an image of Jesus that points to his final victory in the resurrection – a victory that is your hope and mine. … That’s the journey of every Christian. Reflect on it often – especially when you visit our Cathedral – and so find your peace.

My brothers and sisters, the source of our lives of faith and our hope is rooted in the Eucharist that was born on the cross of Jesus and that will soon be celebrated on this altar. As the great Saint Augustine reminds us, “Become what you receive from this altar.” … May we receive Christ in the Eucharist and then become Christ – building a people – working for justice – forgiving – feeding – serving generously – and loving selflessly as Jesus gives us example. In so doing, the Church of Jesus will shine far more brightly and beautifully in the eyes of the Lord than even this splendid space in which we worship today.

Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L.
HOMILY
All Soul’s Day Mass – November 2, 2018 

Earlier this year, a dear cousin of mine died.  By most standards, she passed from this world far too soon at the age of 70.  While her final struggle with cancer only lasted a few months, she knew her share of suffering and pain far more than most, having been confronted with one health crisis after another for the past ten years or so.

What was so amazing about her, however, was her positive outlook on life – born from her faith in Jesus.  She never bemoaned her physical problems nor felt that she had been cheated on life in any way.  In fact, when it became clear to her that she wouldn’t survive her final illness, she talked openly about her death and the hope of new life that awaited her once she passed.  “Rest assured,” she said to me, just a few days before she died, “that when I’m gone, we will still be together.”

My cousin’s words expressed something that lies very much at the heart of this cherished day in the Church year.  Pope Francis captured it well some time ago in these reflections:

“There is a deep and indissoluble bond between those who are still pilgrims in this world — us — and those who have crossed the threshold of death and entered eternity. All baptized persons here on earth, the souls in Purgatory and all the blessed who are already in Paradise make one great Family. This communion between earth and heaven is realized especially in the prayers that we offer for one another.  …  This is the reality of our lives … that accompanies us on the journey of life.  …  Let us go forward on this journey with trust, with joy  …  sustained by the help of brothers and sisters who are taking the same path toward heaven; and also by the help of brothers and sisters who are in heaven and are praying to Jesus for us. Go forward on this path with joy!”

Today, we celebrate as a Church what most of us affirm every day, whether at the graves of those we love or in the midst of daily routines.  We affirm the words of St. Paul from today’s second reading, “If we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall live with him.  We know that Christ, raised from the dead, dies no more; death no longer has power over him.”

The Feast of All Souls provides us with an opportunity to remember – with the Church – all of the holy souls, all of those dear people who have been woven into our lives, who have passed from this world to the next and who journey to God.

This feast, more than any other in the Church year, allows us to put faces and names on those we honor and for whom we pray.  And by that very fact, this day and this mass often bring sadness into our lives.  It is never easy to let go of those whom we love.  There is never a right time or reason.  Yet, because of this reality, it is imperative for us as Christians to also bring to mind the mystery which lies at the heart of our faith:  Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.

Today’s Gospel offers us consolation as we face life and death.  Jesus says, “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.  Take my yolk upon you and learn from me for I am meek and humble of heart.  And your souls will find rest for my yolk is easy and my burden is light.”  …  Notice that Jesus offers very real words.  He doesn’t white wash life.  He doesn’t say that if you’re a good person, if you pray, you will never have a cross to carry or a burden to bear.  No.  He says “Come to me with your struggles and pain … and I will give you rest.”

The same scriptures also tell us that death was not the end for Jesus.  Three days after he died, he rose and through that event promised the same life and gift of resurrection to all who live and die believing in him.

Our belief in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus won’t necessarily take away the pain that comes from grief, but it does have the power to help us make sense of why we feel the presence of our loved ones, even in their passing – why we choose to gather in prayer for them today.

The great Saint John Chrysostom expressed that reality in slightly different words.  Listen to what he said:  “Those whom we love and lose are no longer where they were before.  They are now wherever we are.”  … And they ARE with us because of the power of Christ’s resurrection which knits us together with him through this life into eternity.

Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L.
Bishop of Scranton
HOMILY
Mass of the Holy Spirit for Chancery Staff – September 12, 2017
Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time 

We gather in prayer as many of us do every day – to give thanks to God for the gift of life – to pray for the needs of those we love – to ask for the guidance that we need to get from one day to the next with a sense of peace. … Today, we also come together in prayer as a Chancery staff to pray for the blessings of the Holy Spirit as we begin a new season of service to the people of God in our local Church.

To my staff – and to all who gather in prayer during this noontime celebration of Mass – this past month has been a challenging time for us all, hasn’t it? With the release of the report of the statewide Grand Jury one month ago, we have all been faced with the harsh reality of sin that stole the lives of the innocent, of broken trust, of betrayal – all of which lead to anger, disillusionment, hurt and pain.

For all of the suffering that has been endured by victims, their families, faithful parishioners throughout our eleven counties and devoted clergy who have had to bear the burden of guilt and shame, simply because of the work they do and the clothes they wear, you, our treasured staff have quietly endured your own pain during these sad days. Far from shielding you from the intensity of this moment in the life of our Church, your presence “on the block” has no doubt served to intensify the weight of the burden that we are all carrying as Catholics. … Yet, through it all, you have served the faithful who still look to you for help with dignity and grace. Today’s Gospel gives us a clue into how that posture might be possible.

Jesus offers one of the most radical yet practical lists of teachings that we can find throughout the scriptures that serves to help us – all of us – face life’s most challenging realities with hope.

When someone wrongs us, Jesus calls us to forgive. … When given the opportunity to win at another’s expense, Jesus asks us to be compassionate. …When someone does something we consider evil or sinful, Jesus insists that we neither judge nor condemn, but love just the same. … When we do something good for someone, Jesus warns us not to expect something in return. … Moreover, Jesus pleads with us to “absorb” whatever evil is done to us and not respond in kind, so that violence ends with us.

An easy Gospel to embrace? Far from it! It so clearly goes against the normal, human reaction to evil, hatred and pain. … Make no mistake about it; the gospel doesn’t call for tolerance of evil and injustice. Nor does it state that we aren’t responsible for our actions. We are! … However, what the Gospel does offer is a very practical lesson in how to end the cycle of hatred, bitterness and anger in our world.

Evil confronted by evil and hatred and pain only redounds to more evil, hatred and pain. The only and surest way, however, to end this cycle is for someone – you and me – to put a stop to the vicious cycles that so often consume our lives and to respond in a different way.

No doubt, many of us will respond to Jesus’ challenge “to love our enemies” by saying that it is simply too difficult to let go of the hurt and pain. There’s truth to such a statement. Sometimes we have to sit with the pain awhile. But eventually, for our own sake, we have to move forward. In this regard, we may need to be reminded that the love Jesus is talking about is not a feeling but a conscious way of life. In others words, while it may be impossible for us to feel love for an enemy, it is not impossible to act toward them in a certain way.

This is a tough Gospel for us to confront – especially at this moment in our lives as Catholics. And Jesus makes no promises that the love and forgiveness of our neighbor will result in their loving us or in modifying their behavior.

But he does promise that those who seek to love as God loves become like God! “Love your enemies. … Then your reward will be great and you will be children of the Most High.” In so doing, they – we – help to build the kingdom of God, even and particularly when that kingdom seems to have collapsed around us. … That task is incumbent upon every one of us now, more than ever.

And one more thing. When we seek to love as Jesus gives example, we’re given a taste of the true peace and consolation that we all seek in our journey of life.

Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L.
Bishop of Scranton
HOMILY
“#leaveamark18”
31st Sunday of the Church Year – November 4, 2018 

There’s a temptation that often emerges when reflecting upon today’s Gospel passage with its focus on the great commandment to love: to love God – our neighbor – and ourselves. The temptation is to quickly assess what’s going on in our Church, our nation, our schools and our workplaces and to resolve to work to change that which fails to embrace the challenge of Jesus.

While certainly that’s an important place for us to land, I’d suggest that we need to do some foundational work first. And we get a sense of what that work entails when we look at the context for today’s Gospel passage.

Throughout Mark’s Gospel, Jesus had been beset by conflict. Just prior to today’s passage, he’s barraged with political, theological and religious challenges, all orchestrated by the religious and political leaders of his day and age. So when the scribe – a lawyer likely hired by the powers that have confronted Jesus – approached Jesus, we expect another trap to embarrass him. … Where does Jesus stand on the age-old debate in Judaism of that era regarding which of the 613 laws that Moses had given is the greatest. … The scribe posed a well-known trap indeed – a no-win situation.

But something happened to the scribe in the midst of Jesus’ response to his trap. Jesus provided the scribe with a stunning answer that caught him in the middle of his conscience and fundamental decency. After Jesus’ response linking the great commandment – the Shema Yisrael – to love God above all else with the command from Leviticus to love your neighbor as yourself, the scribe was stopped in his tracks and, no doubt to the surprise of all who were listening, responded, “You are right, teacher. ‘God is One and there is no other than he.’ And ‘to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself’ is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” … In response, Jesus, the one being challenged, asserted to the scribe what was indeed a very great thing to be told, “You are not far from the reign of God.”

We never hear of that scribe again in the scriptures. We’re not told what happened to him after his encounter with Jesus – whether he lost his job or his friends. Yet, the Gospel clearly passes on to us a profound story of conversion, doesn’t it? All of the debates and tricky questions he was so good at became secondary to the realities of the truth that he had just heard. His encounter with Jesus changed his life and restored his integrity.

In so many ways, this nameless scribe is every one of us – not the worst people who ever lived – but individuals who are quick to point out what needs to change – which is a good thing – but, by the same token, are reluctant to do anything to help make that change a reality. We can be dedicated to a thousand good causes, but at some point in our journey of life and faith, we have to ask ourselves the question: the two great commandments – love of God and love of our neighbor and ourselves – do they operate in our lives? … Do we live our faith with integrity? … Does what we profess take shape and form in how we live?

A few years before her death, the great American poet, Maya Angelou, appeared on The Today Show. She was asked about her lifetime goals. She answered, “I want to be a Christian.” This surprised the show’s host, who asked, “But aren’t you already a Christian?” To which Angelou replied, “When people come up to me and say they are Christians, I think to myself, ‘Oh my, already?’”

The Christian experience is very much a journey of faith. It is a journey that begins with an invitation and a promise at Baptism to engage the life of Jesus and so to be assured of God’s saving grace in our lives. But it is a journey that takes a lifetime to achieve.

Given its all too human roots, this journey of faith so often finds the best of us wavering in our beliefs, making choices that are rooted in the darkness of sin and self-centeredness and consumed with our own wants and desires that set us at odds with our neighbor and our deepest, truest selves. … The sexual abuse crisis that we confront as a Church today and the sinful choices and decisions of Church leaders gives evidence of just how far removed this journey can drift from its center and goal in Jesus.

But the journey also finds us, more often than we may realize, reflecting the ways of Jesus in our lives and in our relationships one with another. Like the lives of faith-filled parishioners of the Diocese of Scranton who began building this local Church over 150 years ago, your presence at this Mass is a powerful reminder to us of God at work in your lives and in his Church – now, at this challenging moment, more than ever.

The journey of faith through which we become Christians is an ongoing process. And it happens in the way Rabbi Harold Kushner points out: “When people ask me ‘Where is God?’ I tell them I would rather rephrase the question to ‘When is God?’ God is there when we love him, when we love our neighbor.”

There’s a wonderful story told about a woman who was in great distress because she had lost the sense of God in her life. “Why doesn’t God make me feel that he is there? If only I could feel him, know that he touched me.” And the old woman to whom she was complained said to her, “Pray to God. Ask God to touch you. He will put his hand on you.” The woman closed her eyes and began to pray earnestly – and suddenly she felt the hand of God touching her! She cried out, “He touched me!” and went into an ecstasy of joy for a moment. But then she paused and said to her elderly companion, “But you know, it felt just like your hand.” … The old woman replied, “Of course it did. it was my hand.” “It was?” “Sure, what did you think God would be doing? Did you think he would extend a long arm out of heaven to touch you? He just took the hand that was nearest and used it.”

It’s clear from Jesus’ teaching that the greatest among us are those who share their vision of faith not in words alone but by the power of their example, in the integrity of their lives, in their commitment of service toward and respect for those whose lives are woven into their own. … And it is in our service and respect for all of God’s people that our beliefs are given life and the mark we leave in our world finds its light!

Some of you may have heard this story. I’ve shared it often. When Pope Francis was in Philadelphia during his visit to the United States in 2015, he talked about Saint Katharine Drexel, a saint from Pennsylvania, who was born just ten years before our Diocese was founded in 1868 and who was most noted for her work with the poor. Saint Katharine, who was a religious sister, met with Pope Leo XIII concerning mission work. She asked the Pope for help with her ministry. In response to her questions, the Pope seemed to turn the tables on Katharine. He said: “What about you? Tell me what you are going to do to make a difference. What are you going to do to proclaim Jesus?”

As Christians – as disciples of Jesus – we have but one responsibility. We are called through baptism to embrace and proclaim Jesus life, death and resurrection. In so doing, we are challenged to make his example of selfless love and service our own.

Brothers and sisters, we may be angry because of the injustices we see in our world. We may be disillusioned by what we are experiencing in our Church. But for the authentic follower of Jesus – for the authentic Christian – we are not given a pass because our world and our Church are imperfect. To the contrary, Jesus reminds us time and again – and as recently as his encounter with the scribe in today’s Gospel – that our mission – like his – is to proclaim good news to all who are in need of God’s mercy and forgiveness.

So love the Lord your God with your whole heart, soul, mind and strength. … Love your neighbor as yourself. … Make someone else’s life better because he or she experienced yours and so leave a mark for good in our world!

Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L.
HOMILY
Priests’ Anniversary of Ordination Mass – June 18, 2018
I Kings 21:1-16  —   Matthew 5:38-42

Today’s gospel passage from Saint Matthew is taken from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.  According to Matthew, in the Sermon, Jesus placed before all of the people of Israel his teachings and then challenged them to accept them and act upon them.  Indeed, in one of the very opening verses of the Sermon, on the heels of the Beatitudes, Jesus very specifically establishes the overall theme of his discourse, “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets.  I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.”  …  Moreover, while Matthew places Jesus’ teaching in an eschatological framework, much of Jesus’ teaching concerns appropriate behavior in the present.  …  In other words, our reflection upon the scriptures this day is hardly just an academic exercise.  The Word of God speaks quite clearly and challengingly to you and to me!

Right out of the gate, Jesus states in the today’s gospel, “Offer no resistance to one who is evil.”  …  Does he really know what he’s asking us to do?  Living like that can lead to a person’s demise.  …  But, then, that’s exactly what Jesus did when he was arrested and when he stood before Pilate and when his executioners struck and ridiculed him.  He walked his talk.  His resurrection and new life came from the very actions of those who acted in an evil way toward him.

These words of Jesus are challenging, aren’t they?  But they can hardly be rationalized or explained away for one reason or another.  If we’re honest in our review of human history and in our recollections of our own personal journeys of life, resistance and retaliation have never ended or lessened evil.  They may put it at bay for a while, but it generally rises even stronger than before, lie the terrorism and violence evident throughout our world today, when force is lifted.

Jesus asks us for more.  Go two miles instead of one.  Hand over your cloak.  Do not ignore those in need.  Love your enemies.  …  Now don’t think for a minute that Jesus is soft on common sense and life.  He’s hardly speaking against the value of tough love.  To the contrary, throughout his teachings, Jesus sets limits, creates boundaries, and challenges behavior.  But he does so in order to invite change – not to seek revenge.  …  As Pope Francis has reminded us many times, only love can reduce hate and rob evil of its power.  Force may be necessary at times, but without an authentic change of heart, evil will always return once the force is gone.

Our lives as Christians and, particularly, as ministers of the Gospel will never make sense in a world that is so sadly intent upon An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth mentality – or worse!  Yet, our relationship with Jesus has the power to not only witness to our world of its potential for goodness and life, but especially to bring us – the followers of Jesus – to a place of meaning, life and peace.

Today, the Church of Scranton has the privilege of honoring a number of priests whose relationships with Jesus have indeed witnessed to our world of the enduring values of the Gospel message.  …  We have the privilege of honoring a group of men who have sought to love selflessly, patterning their lives on the life and love of Jesus, and in the process have brought so many of us to a deeper sense of meaning, life and peace in our lives.

We celebrate the priestly ministry and service of Father Patrick Cortese, who has served the Church for 70 years; Father William Campbell, who has served for 60 years, and Fathers Charles Cummings, Vincent Grimalia, Robert Hochreiter, Peter Madus, John Manno, Patrick McDoweel, James McGahagan, Stephen McGough, Joseph Sitko and Michael Zipay, each of whom has served the Church f Scranton for 50 years.

Teaching us to pray, struggling to pray themselves, celebrating the Eucharist, proclaiming the Gospel, administering the Sacraments, walking with the People of God entrusted to their care – these are the merciful works that enabled these priests to speak to us, in word and deed, about God, about grace and about the deepest hopes that rest within our hearts.  …  These merciful works make the Church credible!  …  And these works, along with countless others that at times are extremely mundane and hardly seem priestly in nature, have all been embraced by our jubilarians with the simple purpose of keeping our parishes vibrant and focused on the Mission of Evangelization – the proclamation of the good news of God’s mercy.

Are these men perfect examples of discipleship?  No.  None of us are.  Yet, their lives – and all of our lives – are an integral part of the miracle and mystery of how God works in our world.

The great theologian, Karl Rahner shared these words about the priest in our world today:  “The priest is not an angel sent from heaven.  He is a man, a member of the Church, a Christian.  Remaining man and Christian, he begins to speak to us the Word of God.  …  Perhaps he has not entirely understood it himself.  Perhaps he falters and stammers.  How else could he speak God’s word, ordinary man that he is?  …  But must not some one of us say something about God, about eternal life, about the majesty of grace in our sanctified being?”

On behalf of the people of the Diocese of Scranton, I congratulate our jubilarians and I thank them – and all of our priests – for their service to the Church and to the Lord Jesus who is its heart.  …  I thank them for their commitment in joyful moments and in challenging times.  …  I thank them for leading us through change and upheaval to harmony and peace.  …  And I thank them for ever and always reminding us of God’s presence in our lives – in the great gift of the Eucharist – in the Word proclaimed – and in the Church, the People of God from among whom every priest is called and with whom every priest is privileged to journey in faith.

Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L.
HOMILY
Wedding Anniversary Mass – June 10, 2018
10th Sunday in Ordinary Time 

A nine-year-old asks his father, “Dad, how do wars start?”  …  “Well, son,” his father began, “take World War I.  That war started when Germany invaded Belgium.”  …  “Just a minute,” his wife interrupted.  “It began when Archduke Ferdinand of Austria was assassinated by a Serbian nationalist.”

“Well, dear,” the husband responded, “that was the spark that ignited the fighting, but the political and economic factors leading to the war had been in place for some time.”  …  “Yes, I know, honey,” asserted the wife, “but our son asked how the war began and every history book says that World War I began with the murder of Archduke Ferdinand of Austria.”

Drawing himself up with an air of superiority, the husband snapped, “Are you answering the question, or am I?”  …  The wife turned her back on her husband, walked out of the room and slammed the door behind her.

When the dishes stopped rattling, an uneasy silence followed.  The nine-year-old then broke the silence:  “Dad, you don’t have to say any more about how wars start.  I understand now.”

You see, wars begin long before the first shot is fired; houses collapse well before the first crack in the foundation; families fall apart long before the first door is slammed.  When our own needs come before the common good, when we cannot see or refuse to see things from the perspective of the other person, when the accumulation of wealth and the pursuit of status take the place of the things of God, “war” is certain to destroy a family’s unity and the circle of friendship.

Such hardness of heart and self-centeredness fuel the conflict in today’s gospel.  …  What do I mean?  Let’s look a bit more closely at this interesting and timely passage from Saint Mark.  …  When Jesus’ relatives heard that he was back home and in their neighborhood, they began to apologize for him, for his teachings and for his claims about himself, going so far as to remark, “He is out of his mind.”  …  The scribes, the religious leaders of Jesus’ day, were so concerned about the attention that Jesus was receiving as he cast out demons and healed the sick that they labeled him as being possessed by demons himself.

Yet, what was really at the heart of the conflict that found Jesus being labeled and accused of doing inappropriate things?  What did Jesus teach that unsettled so many people?  …  He talked about love – for all of God’s people – and how true, selfless love has the power to triumph over hatred and evil.    …  He reminded people that pride, self-centeredness and prejudice can tear lives apart and divide communities and families.  …  He called those who listened to his message to accept and respect every life that they encounter, for every life is made in the image and likeness of God.  …  He spoke often of the need to forgive and to set aside one’s own desires and wants for the sake of the other.  …  He challenged all who were willing to engage his teaching to serve – just as he had been sent by his Father in heaven to serve.  …  He said that through the power and presence of God in our lives, life would triumph over death.

Sadly, Jesus was surrounded by people who were afraid of his message and threatened by it.  Rather than opening their minds and hearts to a way of life that had the potential to give meaning, purpose and peace to their lives, they were content to ignore Jesus’ challenge and to label him as “possessed” and “out of his mind.”  …  It was simply much easier to do!  …  It was the easier way out!

I don’t think there another group in the world that understands more than you who are celebrating milestone-wedding anniversaries that the easiest way out is not always the best.  …  Remember: while Jesus’ “way” led him to a cross, that same “way” ultimately led him through the cross to life, eternity and peace!

In the marriage ritual, the relationship of a husband and wife is seen as a reflection of the love that God, in Jesus, has for his people.  Christian marriage is described as “so holy a mystery that it symbolizes the marriage of Christ and his Church,” an image of the covenant between God and his people.  …  In other words, your life and love – as husband and wife – give evidence of the love, mercy and compassion of God at work in our broken world and imperfect lives.  …  More than you realize, your lives together are a profound reflection of the selfless, sacrificial love of God for this people.

My parents were married for 56 years when my father passed away in 2004.  I remember very well their 50th wedding anniversary.  As part of that special year, they participated in this same celebration that you’re experiencing today.  I remember asking my parents at that time: “What’s going through your mind as you reflect upon 50 years of marriage?”  My father, who was a man of few words and far more emotional than he’d ever admit, responded with some heartfelt words of gratitude and love for my mother and the family that they brought into existence.  My mother, who tends to be a little bit more direct in her words, expressed statements similar to those of my father but in a slightly different way.  “We made a commitment,” she said, “and we had to live up to what we promised.  It wasn’t always easy.  There were struggles, disappointments and tears.  But there were also moments of joy, love, laughter and gratitude for all that we’d been given in life.  Marriage means all the more after 50 years because we worked at it and now have something very worthwhile.”  …  I would suspect that what my mother shared about her marriage with my father reflects in so many ways the same things that most of you feel.

What we celebrate today in the example of your lives and your marriages of 25, 50 or more years is not merely endurance and determination but the mystery of God’s love for his creation and how that love is revealed and lived.  In Pope Francis’ exhortation on the joy and blessing of marriage and family life – Amoris laetitia – the Holy Father reflects upon Saint Paul’s great hymn to love, found in his letter to the Church at Corinth.  Most of us know this passage well.

This “love is experienced and nurtured in the daily lives of couples and their children,” Pope Francis noted.  “It is helpful to think more deeply about the meaning of this text and its relevance for the concrete situation of every family.”

“Love is patient.  …  Love is at the service of others.  …  Love is not jealous.  …  Love is not boastful.  …  Love is not rude.  …  Love is not irritable or resentful.  …  Love is generous.  …  Love forgives.  …  Love rejoices with others.  …  Love bears all things.  …  Love believes all things.  …  Love hopes all things.  …  Love endures all things.  …  This Christian ideal, especially in marriage,” Pope Francis shared, “is a love that never gives up.”

Indeed, this great hymn of God’s love, for all of its likely reminders to us of missed opportunities, provides us with a lens into the relationship of every couple committed to nurturing the bond of marriage in a permanent, faithful and fruitful manner.  …  It also provides you with a way of understanding the essence of your marriage and how and why it has endured and flourished for all these years.

As you reflect on your years of marriage, the stories and events that are likely racing through your minds and hearts hardly reflect a naïve, storybook ideal or fairy tale notion of your relationship.  Quite the contrary.  Your stories and lives reflect hard work, struggle and pain, suffering and joy, and a selflessness that seeks the well-being of another.  Your marriage has endured because you have come to see it as part of something much bigger than yourselves – the mystery of God’s love woven into creation – embraced in your lives – and lived through God’s grace – in your relationship with each other.

Your daily lives for all these years, lived in the power of the Sacrament of Marriage instituted by Christ, are testimony that marriage is not magical, but far more real, demanding, sacrificial, selfless  …  and ultimately filled with God’s blessing of meaning, love and peace.  That’s what you celebrate today!

Now do me a favor.  …  Take a look at the person sitting next to you.  …  Look into his eyes – her eyes.  For all that is a part of this exchange and this moment, realize just how sacred your relationship is.  …  For all that you have been through, realize how blessed you are to have each other.  …  For as familiar as those eyes are, see through them to discover the face of God abiding within the heart of the one you love.  …  And give thanks.  …  Amen.

Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L.
HOMILY
Ordination to the Priesthood – June 9, 2018
Jeremiah 1:4-9; II Corinthians 4:1-2, 5-7; John 15:9-17 

By the grace of God – our brothers Edward Casey and Ryan Glenn – are to be ordained priests today for service of God’s people in the Diocese of Scranton.  In response for this great gift, I join with this local Church to give thanks – first, to God – for the call to the priesthood that was planted in the hearts of these two men – a call initiated by Jesus himself, as noted in today’s gospel passage:  “It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain.”

I offer thanks as well to so many of you who gather in our cathedral today who have helped these men discern and respond to God’s call.  …  Thank you to their pastors and the faithful of the parish communities in and through which their faith has been nurtured.  …  Thank you to those who have been involved in Ed’s and Ryan’s formation – Monsignor David Bohr, Father Don Williams, and priests, deacons, religious and members of the Christian faithful from throughout the Diocese of Scranton, the Congregation of the Holy Cross and particularly Father Brian Kiely, rector of St. John XXIII Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts, Father Phil Brown, rector of St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, and the faculties of the seminaries they represent.  …  I especially thank Ryan’s and Ed’s families – and of course Ryan’s parents, Jim and Maria, and Ed’s parents, Ed and Marcella.  Ed, even though your parents join us from the vantage point of God’s eternity, having known them for many years myself, their gifts to you and to the Church this day are cause for much gratitude and joy.

Finally, Ed and Ryan, on behalf of the Church of Scranton, I thank you for saying “yes” to the Lord’s call to serve his Church as priests.  Thank you for your willingness to walk with the Lord through incredible journeys that have enabled you to know the rich blessing of God’s presence in your lives – from the midst of challenging academic environments to multi-cultural ministerial opportunities, to service to the poorest among us through the blessed work of Catholic Social Services and, I might add, to the longest transitional diaconate in the 150 year history of the Diocese of Scranton.  …  We are so blessed this day!

Father Michael Fallihee was born in Susquehanna County on August 15, 1844 and was ordained for service to the Church of Scranton by Bishop William O’Hara in September 1869.  He was one of the first native priests ordained one year after the founding of the Diocese of Scranton, 150 years ago.

In James Earley’s Envisioning Faith, the author writes about Father Fallihee, who became rector of Saint Ann’s Parish in Freeland.  Quoting The Catholic Light Historical Issue of 1916, Father Fallihee’s personal involvement in the growth of his parish is described.  “The excavation of the church cellar was done by the men and boys of the parish on idle days and evenings with little or no expense to the congregation.  …  The young priest too could be seen swinging his hammer with the air of an expert, and it was a matter of general comment among the miners of the congregation he was the best rockman on the job.”

The point of this historical recollection of one of the first priests ordained for service to this local Church is hardly that I would expect either of you to hone your skills at being “rockmen.”  Yet, Father Fallihee teaches every priest a very valuable lesson.  Be close to the people God entrusts to your care.  Walk with them.  Work with them.  And never set yourself apart from them.  Don’t ever think for a minute that your hands are too sacred to join with their hands in the sacred work that they do to eke out a living, to raise their children, to care for their sick and to build the domestic Church rooted in their lives and in their families.

These recollections, however, teach something else that’s even more significant.  Father Fallihee is further described as a priest with a great love for the poor and the sick, with a deep commitment to prayer and profound devotion to the Eucharist.  For as much as his people appreciated the time and effort that he expended on their behalf in the building of their new house of worship, they treasured Father Fallihee’s presence as their priest – as the one set apart to speak to them about God  …  to celebrate the sacramental life of the Church  …  and to herald of the gospel of Jesus.

Reflect with me upon words from the second reading taken from St. Paul’s letter to the Church of Corinth and chosen by Ed and Ryan.  “Since we have this ministry through the mercy shown us, we are not discouraged.  …  For we do not preach ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord.” …  Ed and Ryan, for all that you have personally invested in the journey that has brought you to this altar – remember that this day is really not about you!  It’s about Jesus.

St. Paul realized from the moment of his conversion that it wasn’t because of his own determination or resolve but because of the power of God shining within his life that he, in turn, could be used as an instrument to bring hearts to experience the glory of God.  The essence of Paul’s mission, then, was to proclaim not himself but Jesus Christ as Lord.  For Paul, it was not in the one who worked showy deeds, but in the one who led a humble and honest life dependent upon Jesus – that the true “servant of Christ” – the true Christian – was to be found.

The words of St. Paul are quite poignant as we celebrate the ordination to the priesthood of these two men who will devote their lives to proclaiming the gospel of Jesus and serving the people of God.  Ed and Ryan, the priestly ministry that you embrace this day will bear fruit only if you understand that your ministry is a gift from God and that it is Jesus whom you must preach and his life and example that you must make your own.  …  The ministry you are given today will never make sense to our world if it is about you.  …  It will always be a source of fulfillment, meaning and joy for you, however, if it is about Jesus Christ.

Some time ago, Pope Francis reflected the message of St. Paul.  “Being a Christian does not mean primarily belonging to a certain culture or adhering to a certain doctrine, but rather binding one’s own life, in all its aspects, to the person of Jesus and, through him, to the Father.”  …  Being a priest demands the same.  Only when you come to appreciate and live this unique relationship given to you through the mercy and love of God will all that you are called to do and to be as priests be possible.

In Saint John’s gospel proclaimed a few moments ago, on the night before he died as he shared a meal with his disciples, Jesus reflects upon this relationship.  First, he describes the quality of love that serves as its essence.  “This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.  No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

Then Jesus goes on to insist on the priority of this love in the lives of his disciples.  “It was not you who chose me but I who chose you” – for a purpose:  “to go and bear fruit that will remain”  …  to engage the mission of the good news of God’s love and mercy through the selfless gift of their own lives.

Ed and Ryan, today you declare your willingness to engage this mission within the life of the Church.  You affirm your desire to participate in Jesus’ work as Teacher, Priest and Shepherd, by embracing his priesthood and so joining as co-workers with the Order of Bishops in service of the People of God.  In so doing, trust in the grace of God present to you in this sacrament.  Always remember, when you teach in the name of Christ the Teacher – when you work for justice, truth and freedom – when you gather others into the Church through Baptism – when you forgive sins in the name of Christ and the Church – when you comfort the sick and the dying – when you serve the poor – and when you celebrate the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist – you are both a servant of the Church and a member of the People of God.  So be faithful to the teachings of the Church.  And, remember too, that while you are appointed on behalf of the Christian faithful for those things that pertain to God, you, like all of us, are in need of God’s presence, God’s life and God’s saving grace.  So continually nurture your relationship with the Lord and listen carefully as he speaks to your heart.

As a priest, you will be called by the Church “another Christ.”  Understand, however, that this title has little to do with rank or status among the People of God.  Instead, it carries with it a perpetual challenge to be like Christ.  If, then, you truly desire to effectively lead God’s people, always hold in your heart the same selfless commitment to love and service that so characterized Jesus’ ministry.  Seek to live with integrity the life of celibacy, obedience and simplicity.  Lead a life that is characterized by the way of thinking and acting that is proper to Christ.   And embrace the spirit of mercy that is the heart of Christ.

Finally, Ed and Ryan, if you take nothing else from this homily, remember these words offered by Pope Francis to newly ordained priests like yourselves.  You’ve heard them before – not just from Pope Francis but from me.  “Never tire of being merciful! Please! You have the capacity of forgiveness that the Lord had, who did not come to condemn, but to forgive! Have much mercy! And if the scruple comes to you of being too forgiving, think of the priest who would go in front of the tabernacle and say: ‘Lord, forgive me if I have forgiven too much. But it is You who has given me the example!’”

Ed and Ryan, God’s People are looking for meaning, purpose and peace in their lives.  In these difficult days, they want priests whom they can trust – priests who will convey to them the love and mercy of God.  …  Give them a reason to trust and to believe that God’s grace and goodness still abound in our world and in our lives.  …  And you will – we know you will – if you are wise and humble enough to root your lives and your ministry in Jesus, who first chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain.

So brothers and sisters, join with me in giving thanks to God who calls these two men today to serve the Church as his priests.  …  Ed and Ryan – know and believe in your heart – as we do – that God who has begun the good work in you will bring it to fulfillment.