Refugees
Baptism of the Lord
Originally delivered on January 12, 1992
Readings: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7; Acts 10:34-38; Luke 3:15-16, 21-22
A Sacrament of initiation, Baptism, is more than a welcome to the Church. Baptism is an initiation into the family. In today’s homily, we are asked to acknowledge Baptism as a commissioning outward to share in the spirit of our family. Everyone is family, and as such, we are asked to hold a world vision based on Jesus, who taught us tenderness toward each other and justice for all. As a family, we must embrace all people, without exception, and especially immigrants, refugees, and strangers. All are welcome and all are one. Although we are baptized in water, we are also baptized in fire and spirit. May God set us on fire to make the spirit of family alive in our world.
Epiphany
Originally delivered on January 8, 1995
Readings: Isaiah 60:1-6; Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6; Matthew 2:1-12
Today we are reminded that there are strangers waiting to be welcome by us. They, the strangers, are also waiting to share their gifts with us. To what extent are we living in celebration of one another?
Pentecost
Readings: Genesis: 11:1-9; Romans 8:22-27; John 7: 37-39
Originally delivered on May 19, 1991
Considered the birthday of the Church, today we celebrate Pentecost. Fr. Healy reminds us that ordinary people do extraordinary things, through the power of the Holy Spirit. We are called to share our beliefs in deeds, touching other people’s lives in our world. We must believe that we have the fire and gift of God within and moves us. Fr. Healy passionately reminds us that we are called to love one another, especially refugees, as Jesus loves us. Indeed, we must have a passion for peace. We must be energized by the Holy Spirit to use our individual talents to serve the community because we are one body in Christ.
Epiphany
Originally delivered on January 6, 1991
Readings: Isaiah 60: 1-6; Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6; Matthew 2:1-12
Today we are invited to reflect on how Mary felt about the shepherds and magi visiting just after giving birth to Jesus. And yet, we are reminded that though we may be strangers with some, we are all family which requires us to examine our definition or understanding of family. Perhaps it wasn’t easy for Mary to welcome the strangers, she set an example and welcomed them. We are called, as members of the great family of God, to share the good news that God is Love and Mercy and we are all God’s children.
Christmas (Midnight Mass)
Originally delivered on December 25, 1990 (Midnight Mass)
Readings: Isaiah 9:1-6; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-14
In this Midnight Mass homily, Fr. Healy reminds us that we must work with and for Jesus if we are to see justice, love, and family in our world.
Passion Sunday
Originally delivered on April 4, 1993
Readings: Isaiah 50: 4-7; Philippians 2:6-11; Matthew 26:14-27, 66
How can we ever understand the people’s choice of releasing Barabbas over Jesus? Fr. Healy challenges us to see similar situations in our lives where we, the people, choose Barrabas. Indeed, when we live in a society that maximizes a right or benefit for a few at the expense of the many, we are living in a time when the people still choose Barabbus. Indeed, the Passion is still with us today. We are encouraged to recognize, acknowledge, and repent for our collective sins, when we chose Barabbus, even in our complicity. Jesus, the Son of god, is in the most desperate person among us. The choice is ours how we will respond.
1st Sunday of Advent
Originally delivered on November 29, 1992
Readings: Isaiah 2:1-5; Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:37-44
In the week’s Gospel, Fr. Healy urges us to see the message that we are challenged, as God’s people, to get a “mountain view”. That is, to see things as God does. On this first Sunday of Advent, we are asked to look at ourselves, our lives, and this world from a whole new perspective. With Jesus as our anchor, we can, in fact, get a new perspective and to find the courage to hope and to change things. We only have a finite amount of time in our lives to make these changes. We don’t know what the hereafter might be so we must seize the opportunity now to see the world as God sees the world. It may cost us something, but it’s what God’s calling for us to do, and what Jesus is calling us to do through this day’s readings. We are called to consecrate the earth, share with others, and loving each others as brothers and sisters. That’s the view from the mountain that we are challenged to see, accept, and act upon.
Epiphany
Originally delivered on January 5, 1992
Readings: Isaiah 60:1-6; Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6; Matthew 2:1-12
In today’s Gospel we hear of the three foreigners coming to welcome the baby Jesus. We too are called to welcome the foreigners, refugees, or aliens in our lives. We also hear of Herod’s attempt to thwart God’s plan. May we each hear this week’s Gospel and look at how we, like Herod, might be acting to thwart God’s plan here on earth. We are challenged, as Christians, to welcome all as our sisters and brothers by raising our voices in protest when some are excluded.
Weekly Homilies 