Homily for July 26th

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The parable of the “buried treasure” from the “parables on the kingdom” in Matthew’s gospel reminds me of a “treasure” we buried at our family home in New Hampshire two weeks ago. Jim was a good friend who, for most of twenty years, would visit us and engage us in his favorite activity – in his own words, “rambling around and gawking.” He possessed a wealth of knowledge about the environment, literature, and politics. His unique gifts and cards at birthday times and at Christmas reflected his genuine interest in people. Sadly, for at least the past ten years depression drew him into himself and led him to become a hoarder. Jim ultimately died of cancer this past February. When friends gathered to celebrate his life, the stories told all recalled times when Jim was truly free to be the gift for us that God intended. Two words expressed him succinctly and will be engraved on the field stone that will mark his burial place: “Stay curious.”
    
Each of us has a unique role to play in history. While we are engaged in life, sometimes that role seems elusive. Solomon had nothing to do with the circumstances of his birth and succession to the throne of his father David; but he did have the opportunity to ask God for that talent that would make him the effective leader he was meant to become. “Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong.” (1 Kings 3, 9) Solomon was freest and most renowned in the exercise of this marvelous gift which God readily bestowed upon him.

When have you been most fully the “gift” God intended you to be for others? Another way of reflecting on this question might be to recall moments of being immersed in activities that gave great meaning to our lives. As I “give thanks” for forty-one years of priestly ministry every day, I marvel at how each assignment pulled out of me gifts and talents that I really was not aware I possessed. God really does have a sense of humor!

In our desire to realize our potential or to gain spiritual insight, we often compare ourselves to others, especially those “giants” of spirituality whom we call saints. An influential spiritual director from the sixteenth century, Jean-Pierre De Caussade, strongly urged the seeker to realize that the “kingdom of heaven” is nearer than we think:
“Come, not to study the record of God’s grace, not to learn what it has done down all the centuries and is still doing, but come and be the trusting subject of its operation. There is no need for you to understand the lessons it has taught others, nor to repeat them cleverly. You will be taught matters which are for you alone.”(De Caussade, Abandonment to Divine Providence, p. 56)

What is that “pearl of great price” within you? What words engraved in stone will characterize your great contribution to God and God’s people?

Yours in Christ,
Fr. Bill Foley