Catholic Sunday Homilies of Fr. Paul Gawlowski OFM Conv and Fr. Carlos Morales OFM Conv at Our Lady of Guadalupe, Hermosa Beach, CA
This homily breaks down in some detail, this parable, to show we are all like both the younger and the older Son. But the Loving Father shows no favoritism, and has invited both into the celebration. We must accept that invitation, and leave behind whatever holds us back; wrong external actions, or interior sinful attitudes. But we're not alone, God will help us if we only make the first step.
I hear it often said, "Father I'm a good person, I know God loves me, I don't have to go to church." I wonder what would be God's response to this statement? Today's Gospel, and also today's second reading from 1 Cor 10:1-6,10-12) tell us that we are all sinners, and we all need God's Mercy. Yet most of us, like our ancestors, go about our life complaining to God, not being Grateful, and pursuing other loves in our life, while our True Love "Wants to seduce us, lead us into the desert, and speak to our hearts." (Hosea 2:16). This lent, why don't we make room for that miracle?
Jesus leads three disciples up the mountain, and then is Transfigured before their eyes so they see the Glory of God. Certainly this is an event that they'd want to tell everyone about. But why does Jesus want them NOT to tell? The reason is not only for them, but for us too.
Lent is a time when we need to seriously prepare for life's tests, as Jesus is doing in the Gospel today. We also must fight the devil, and evil, and temptations. We cannot do this alone, but as a member of the Body of Christ, His Church, we put on the Armor of God (St. Paul in Ephesians 6:10). This homily goes over what is the Armor of God and the importance of taking time this lent, to put it on.
Todos nos enfrentamos a pruebas en esta vida. La Cuaresma es un tiempo que nos preparamos para la prueba de la vida para que no nos tomen por sorpresa. Debemos poner la armadura de Dios y para luchar contra el diablo y sus tentaciones.
Jesus says that "No disciple is superior to the teacher, yet when fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher." Our goal is to be transformed into Christ likeness. We are recreated in Christ. Life on earth (and even after in purgatory) is about this transformation with our cooperation. Like an athlete has a training program, like a gardener a process, what is your program for spiritual growth? It must be Christ centered. Let's plan now for this Lent's growth.
