Gospel, Homily and Coffee

There was this family, a husband and wife team.  They were employed as team to work for a boss. This boss basically gave them run of the company, asked them to manage it, take care of it, so that it demonstrated all of the boss’ values. They were successful.   For a time, but then they got some bad outside advice.  The advice was to manage the company according to their own wishes, not those of their employer.  It sounded kind attractive. So they made the decision. Well the boss found out.  Chaos ensued, and the couple, caught, started the blame game.  He blamed her, she blamed the bad advice...nobody said “I am sorry.” I am hoping some of us picked up on this...It’s Adam and Eve. We are created by God, the Father, in the image of his Son, and through the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to reflect the values of God and to manage all of creation, so that all of creation reflects heaven. This is our mission!  This our purpose. This is our holiness. Genesis makes it

Jesus Christ says in John 10:10 that he came so that we may have life in the full. Life in the full… A few days ago, I was called to the anoint an elderly lady who was dying. At her side, two younger women, friends, who were accompanying her. Giving up their own time to be with their friend coming to the end of her time.  Life in the full. Last week, one family responding to another family in need; going out shopping and giving of their own resources and time so that this family in need, facing eviction could find some degree of security.  Life in the full. People going to Catholic Charities each week to give of their time to serve those in need.  People also sticking out their necks as well, pushing the city, county and state to help make substantial changes for those who are working, since even so called “normal” wages do not even cover rent, groceries, medicine…Life in the full. Friends giving up time to be with another friend who is enduring a depression.

Happiness comes from doing good Joy comes from being good. We see on TV stories of people doing good things around the Christmas season.  There are the drives that collect food and toys for those who struggle in this time. We do one here in the parish, the angel tree. People will pay off the layaways of people. Expensive coins show up in the Salvation Army buckets. All really good things that people do to share and make others lives better during this time of the year. It creates happiness, both in the recipient and the giver. This also applies to gift giving in general. I am more than happy to receive the cookies, the candy, the wine...although my trainer may not be so happy. There is a happiness in giving those same gifts too. It truly is a great time!  It can be a happy time of the year! We are not created for just happiness.  Happiness fades, it comes and go. We are created for Joy. Joy is deeper than happiness. Joy comes from kno