Saturday, February 7, 2015

It's all about Jesus: Daily Mass Homily--Friday, February 6th, 2015 (CSS Retreat)


(Listen to this homily here).

            We had a powerful truth told in the letter to the Hebrews: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
            All we’re about is Jesus.  It’s pretty simple, isn’t it?  It’s the same Jesus who was with the apostles in the New Testament.  It’s the same Jesus who comes tonight in Confession and Mass.  It’s the same Jesus who is gathered among us, where two or three are gathered.  And it will be the same Jesus who will continue to work in our life no matter what we face.
            Sometimes in high school or in college I would come back from a powerful retreat and come back to my little parish.  I didn’t have many Catholic friends, the music at church wouldn’t blow me away (no offense to any musicians back home!) and Mass didn’t seem as dynamic as on retreat.  But it’s not about that—it’s about Jesus Christ.  Our faith is not in one priest or one style of music or emotion but in Jesus Christ.
            Earlier today I visited with N, a graduate from CSS who spent a lot of time striving to be Catholic at school.  She and I agreed—we were pumped to hear how many of you would be here tonight!
            Before N, another leader in Calling all Catholics suggested a theme for our year—we needed to make CSS a light on the hill.  Just as Jesus said, we cannot put our light under a basket, but share it in a world of darkness.  Let your light shine on the hilltop! 
Don’t ever underestimate what a group of devoted Catholics can do on campus.  First, you will experience change in your own heart.  You have the opportunity to share the love of Jesus in with your classmates, teammates and fellow musicians.
Jesus is the same yesterday, today and always.  Your holiness matters.  Your holiness will make your entire college better!
Be grateful for this time of retreat.  Take what you have learned and experienced to glorify God in your life.  Praised be Jesus Christ in your life and in all you do.

No comments:

Post a Comment