Homily for Easter 7 - May 16, 2021

 

Homily for Easter 7

May 16, 2021

Empty Promises

 

            Today’s first reading and Gospel mention a character we don’t often talk about – Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed Jesus. He is somewhat of an enigma – what would prompt one of Jesus’ closest followers to turn and betray Him?

            I believe the reason is simple: he wanted the things of this world more than the things of eternity. He expected Jesus to be an earthly king, even though Jesus promised that His Kingdom was not of this world. When the earthly kingdom of Christ didn’t materialize, Judas became disillusioned. He was then captured by the ever-present snare of money, allowing thirty pieces of silver to convince him to betray innocent blood. Worldly power, money – Judas wanted the things of this world, and was willing to commit the most heinous crime in history to have them.

            When you and I are baptized, our parents made several vows on our behalf. First they were asked, “Do you reject Satan? And all his works? And all his empty promises?” It’s easy enough to reject Satan and his works, but what exactly are his empty promises?

            Simply put, Satan promises us that the things of this world will lead to happiness. Money, pleasure, comfort, power, popularity. But can any of these things lead to real and lasting happiness? We’ve all experienced what I call “Christmas Afternoon Syndrome.” From Thanksgiving onward, every kid is hyped up about Christmas. They make Christmas lists, send letters to Santa, and dream about the things they are going to get on Christmas morning. For an entire month, most kids think of nothing but Christmas morning. Then Christmas morning comes, and they joyfully tear into their gifts…and then Christmas afternoon comes, and although the gifts are fun and wonderful, I always felt a sense of emptiness, wondering, “Well, that was fun, but is that all there is? Why am I not as happy as I thought I’d be?”

            Satan’s empty promise is that the things of this world will make us happy – but Christ tells us that we are “not of this world”. This means that we should enjoy the good things here, but to use them in such a way that they are not an end in themselves. Pleasure is not a goal – rather, it is meant to remind us of the sweet delights awaiting us in Heaven. Money should not be a goal – rather, we should steward it well and lay up true riches in Heaven through our generosity. Popularity shouldn’t be the goal – rather, we should use our influence and popularity to lead others to Christ. Power and authority is not an end in itself, but rather a way to serve others. To be “not of this world” means to acknowledge that the things of this world are not ends in themselves, but rather they are things meant to lead us to where true joy is found – in God.

            This is a constant battle for human beings, though, because the pull of worldly goods is stronger than the desire for God. Most people who leave the Church don’t do so because of an intellectual reason so much as laziness. The pillow is more attractive than the Mass. The parties are more fun than prayer. We have three enemies working against us: the weaknesses of our flesh, which makes us choose the easiest and most comfortable path; the temptations of the world, such as advertisements and unhealthy friendships which keep telling us to desire earthly things and distract us from Heavenly things; and the Evil One, who tells us that our happiness can be found in this world.

            So how do we keep our faith in the Lord Jesus? By keeping our eyes fixed on Him and on the eternal joy that lay before us. Jesus is clear that if we are Christians, we “do not belong to the world”. Yes, we live in the world, but only as pilgrims. Imagine if someone was walking on a journey to see a friend but got so caught up with the beauty of the road and the forest that they decided to stop walking and instead build a house there and live forever along that road. They would never reach their destination; they would never see their friend. In the same way, if we wish to reach our destination – which is heavenly glory and spending eternity with Jesus, our closest Friend – then we cannot be distracted by the things of this world. We’re just passing through!

            One of my favorite saints is an obscure Italian nun named St. Hyacintha Mariscotti. In her earlier years, she was a very worldly teenager, caring only about boys and parties and fancy dresses and the usual local gossip. She had her eye on one particular young man from the town, who she was convinced loved her back. The young man would come over her noble family’s estate, and spend afternoons with the family. She really thought he was going to ask for her hand in marriage. Finally, one day, the boy went in to privately chat with Hyacintha’s parents – this was the day, she thought! He will finally propose! After a while, they came out and the parents proudly announced to the family, “We have tremendous news! This young man wants to marry…your younger sister!”

            Hyacintha was absolutely devastated. She said, “There’s nothing left for me on this earth, so I might as well become a nun.” She joined the convent – but didn’t leave behind her former worldly ways. She had her habit made from the finest silk. While the other nuns were supposed to be fasting, she had a stash of snacks in her room. While the other nuns would be praying, she would sneak off the convent grounds to meet up with her old friends. Not a very good way to live religious life!

            However, God had mercy on her and struck her with a severe illness, to the point where she thought she would die. The priest was called in to give her the last Sacraments, but when the priest saw the stash of food in her room and her silken habit, he exclaimed, “What are you doing! You are supposed to belong to God, and here you are living for the world! Think about your eternity!” Hyacintha was struck to the heart. She made a good Confession and resolved to turn from her worldly ways. She was miraculously healed of her illness – and immediately changed her life. She gave away her silken habit and made one out of rough cloth; she began fasting rigorously and spending long hours in prayer. She is now known as St. Hyacintha Mariscotti. She could not become a saint while still immersed in the world (or worse, living half-for-the-world and half-for-God). No, she had to detach herself from the world so as to attach herself totally to God.

            And this is the challenge for all Christians. We live in a world that is filled with so many good things; but we belong to a better world, where we can enjoy God forever. Detach yourself from the pleasures of this world and discover the joy hidden in God.