So one of the most memorable experiences of being a Chicago Blackhawks fan was the 2013 Grant Park Victory Parade to celebrate the fact that the Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup. Thousands of people were in Grant Park, and there was this one moment that I will never forget. In front of thousands, Jonathan Toews raises the Stanley Cup over his head, and everyone goes crazy. People start bowing. People start lying on the ground prostrate. People were worshiping the Stanley Cup.
That is what idolatry is. I remember my heart sinking and thinking, “Oh my gosh, this is idolatry.” The second reading for today, Saint Paul, shouts to the world. Boast only Jesus Christ. Your boast is your Lord and God who died for you, who lives and loves you with incredible love. What are the actual idols in my life that I may worship? Boast only in Jesus Christ.
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Perseverance Will Secure Your Lives
One of my brother priests, he used to be a chaplain for the Navy Seals, and he’s such a great dude. Let’s just say he is pretty large. He has biceps as big as my face. He was in a war torn country celebrating mass for his Navy Seals. As he’s celebrating mass, an explosion happens outside of the tent. The priest dives for…
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Obedience Vs. Disobedience
So, the word “obey” has developed a negative connotation. When we are called to obey someone, it’s cringe. But “obey” comes from a Latin word which means to listen to. For example, when we obey the Lord, we listen to Him and what the heart of Jesus desires. In the gospel for this Sunday, Jesus asks the leper to obey. He says, “Do not tell anyone about this.” And what does the leper do? He disobeys. And so the…
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Do You Realize Jesus’ Love For You?
One of my really good friends from college just got engaged, and she’s just filled with joy. But the crazy thing is literally moments after she was engaged, the whole world who knows her knew that she was engaged because she couldn’t help but share the love that she found with her fiancé. That is exactly what happens in the Gospel…
