Dear Folks,
Since summer is a time for reruns, he’s a letter I wrote to you last summer.
After preaching and celebrating Mass, I had a parishioner come up to me to say, “Father, that homily was for me! I was struggling with the very things that you talked about today, and God knew I was overwhelmed. Thank you!” She was overjoyed to see God speak to her so directly.
I bring this up to ask you, “Do you see God working in your life in this way?” I really hope so. I too have had that experience of walking out of Mass and saying that the priest was preaching directly to me and only to me! This is a sign of the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and that the Spirit is the one who is reaching out to our souls directly. If God can use the longish, and sometimes circuitous preaching of this pastor to speak directly to you, then that is more proof that “nothing is impossible with God.” There is something so wonderful and delightful in recognizing these gifts from God personally loving each soul directly.
All of the solemnity that we try to celebrate the liturgy with is directed to our knowing the sublime glory of God. All of our preaching is an effort that you might know and love Jesus Christ. Even doctrine, yes doctrine, is so that you can know the Truth. Truth is a person, and His name is Jesus. Let us remain faithful to Him and all that He has revealed. And be reminded of the direct, specific, and indeed infinite love of God for each and every one of His children.
Sometimes I almost want to cry when folks say that they get nothing out of Mass. There is no greater gift than God Himself giving His Flesh for you in a one-flesh union and embrace of Holy Communion. Could you possibly know God any more intimately and personally? No way. Now we just have to become what we are and recognize what we celebrate.
Pax et Bonum,
fr mosimann