Homily for August 9

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

A week ago, we heard the gospel account of the multiplication of the loaves and the fishes. All four gospels recount this memorable event and its obvious Eucharistic reference. In the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), this story is followed immediately by the account of Jesus walking on the water as the apostles’ boat is being tossed about in turbulent seas. John’s account of the miracle is followed by his lengthy dissertation on the “bread of life.”

What is the connection between what we do at Mass and the waves that threaten to overwhelm the boat. If you look at the ceilings of most traditional churches and were able to invert them, you would see a boat or “barque.” The Church is that vessel that throughout history has been tossed about on rough seas. Where is the Church formed? The answer, of course, is at the altar – the Eucharistic banquet.

Two years ago this month, the Church was shaken to its foundations by a devastating report on clergy sexual abuse after an investigation by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. At the time, many questioned the future of the Church. In an insightful little book which he called “Letter to a Suffering Church,” Bishop Robert Baron delineated numerous crises that have afflicted the Church throughout its history. He began by sharing his own anger and shock, but ended by trying to provide hope by giving perspective and reminding us that ultimately we are in God’s hands. Now, we, the Church, join with the whole world in spending much of our time in isolation due to the pandemic.

A few weeks ago, a mother shared her pain that the community of the Church and the sacraments she so loves seem to be rejected by her young adult children. She wondered what to do. I suggested that the word “Church” today often has very negative connotations. Perhaps it would be better to share your relationship with Jesus and invite your children to experience one as well. God comes to us in a myriad of ways. The prophet Elijah was expecting a dramatic encounter when told he was to meet God; but God’s presence was made known only in a “tiny whispering sound.” Notice that in Hebrew the same word is used for “wind” and “spirit.” Jesus came to the frightened apostles as if a “ghost” walking on the water. Images of the film “The Perfect Storm” come to my mind.

During these difficult days, I have found great consolation in reflecting on the lives of those we call “saint.” These holy women and men were sustained by a consistent prayer life in which they persevered despite frequent and lengthy “desert” periods wherein there was no consolation or joy. This day-to-day discipline allows for the possibility of being surprised by brief moments of illumination and joy. To all parents who are frustrated in their efforts to hand on the faith, St. Paul resonates with you. In our second reading today, he shared with the Romans his anguish that his beloved fellow Jews did not all embrace Christ as the logical fulfillment of the promises of old. Despite this regret and amid the turbulent seas of our own times, “God who is over all be blessed forever!” (Romans 9:5)

Yours in Christ,
Fr. Bill Foley