Homilies

Presentation of the Lord – Fr. Smith Homily

| St. Charles Borromeo

For the past few weeks, our gospel readings have been from St. Matthew. We have examined him not only as an evangelist in the strict sense, the author of one of the four canonical gospels, but as a pastor. He writes to form, not only enlighten his community. Today is the feast of the Presentation of the Lord and St. Luke will be our guest evangelist. We read him last year, and if Matthew is a pastor, Luke is an historian. Let us see what he has to offer us today. 

First, the name of the feast. When the Jews were in captivity in Egypt, God called Moses to lead them into the Promised Land. Moses could not convince the leader of the Egyptians, the Pharaoh, to let them go, although God sent many plagues to persuade him. Finally, the LORD killed every first–born male both of man and beast of the Egyptians. He spared the Jews and for this reason every first–born son belongs to the LORD in a special way and must be redeemed from God by a sacrifice. (Ex 13:15) 

This is what we see today. Jesus is brought to the Temple to be redeemed. Just as Joseph and Mary obeyed the laws of Rome and went to Bethlehem to fulfill the census requirements, they obeyed the Biblical law to buy Jesus back. Luke wishes to show that Jesus wants us to work in our society and culture, not to abandon it.    Continue reading “Presentation of the Lord – Fr. Smith Homily” →

Events

Lent 2020

| St. Charles Borromeo

From Ash Wednesday to Holy Week, there are many occasions to celebrate and connect with God. Please sign up below to let us know what activities you are interested in

REFLECT
You are invited to join our Live Lent Faith Sharing Groups starting Sunday, March 1. Groups meet Sundays at 8 AM or 6 PM in the Parish House/Rectory. No need to attend every session.
WORSHIP
Join us for Eucharistic Adoration at St. Charles during this holy season. Starting Thursday, February 27, adoration will be held from 9 AM to Noon each weekday.

CONNECT

St. Charles and Grace Church are hosting a Lenten discussion series on short stories by Flannery O’Connor. It will start on Mar. 5 at St. Charles at 6:30 PM and continue for next three Thursdays alternating between Grace Church and St. Charles. Please see stcharlesbklyn.org/flannery-oconnor-for-lent-its-complicated for the complete schedule and the short stories under discussion.

ACT
Volunteers are needed for multiple ministry opportunities. From one-time opportunities to on-going commitments, we welcome you to become a more active member of the St. Charles community.
• Eucharistic Ministers are needed to distribute ashes at Ash Wednesday Services and also bring ashes to parishioners confined to homes and hospitals on Ash Wednesday.
• Participants are needed for Holy Thursday Services.
• Enhance your church-going experience and become a lay minister. We need Ushers, Eucharistic Ministers (EM), Lectors, and support for our Media/Recording Team.

Lent 2020
Join a Faith Sharing Group
Serve as a Lay Minister?
Participate in washing of feet on Holy Thursday
Homilies

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord – To Praise, To Live

| St. Charles Borromeo

Simeon’s Song of Praise, Aert de Gelder, c. 1700-1710 (Wikipedia)

FIRST READING
Malachi 3:1–4
February 2, 2020

We examined Malachi 3:10–20 several months ago. It spoke of the “Day of the Lord”. It was a time of testing for the Jewish people who returned to Jerusalem at the invitation of the Persian king, Cyrus. A theme throughout the prophets is that, although the evil of the enemies of the Jews may be greater in extent, the evil of the Jews is greater in intent. Because they are the chosen people, they will be held to a higher standard as they must fulfill a higher mission. When looking at the “Day of the Lord,” we read today’s passage as well to see where they had failed to live up to their calling. Today we will look again and pay particular attention to how the entire book of Malachi shows the development of the Jewish understanding of the afterlife which we, as Catholic Christians, have inherited.

Malachi wrote between 500 and 450 BC during a time of great distress and disappointment for the people of Jerusalem. Enough Jews had returned to Jerusalem after the exile in Babylon to start rebuilding but the results were less than impressive. The temple had been reconstructed, but it was a small structure and the funds to continue were either not forthcoming or stolen. The passage before the one chosen for today reads: Continue reading “Feast of the Presentation of the Lord – To Praise, To Live” →

Homilies

3rd Sunday Ordinary Time – Fr. Smith Homily

| St. Charles Borromeo

I have often thought that if I were a Jewish contemporary of Jesus, I would not have recognized him as the Messiah. I am assuming that I would have been educated in my faith and knew the signs of the Messiah, but would not have found them in Jesus. Now through hindsight and the genius of St. Paul, we can see them as plain as day. St. Matthew today tells us that our inability should not distress us – indeed should give us comfort. Let’s look at why. Continue reading “3rd Sunday Ordinary Time – Fr. Smith Homily” →