Blessed Sacrament Parish, La Crosse at 130 S. Losey Blvd., La Crosse, WI 54601 US - Father Hundt Homily, Sept. 23

September 23, 2001 25th Sunday of Ordinary Time Cycle C Blessed Sacrament Parish, La Crosse, Wisconsin Fr. Robert P. Hundt This past week has been a celebration of America over-riding the tears and fears. We realize, even in the midst of terrorist tragedy we have so much to celebrate. We celebrate the steel strong bravery evidenced by so many coming from a society which has been criticized as being soft and squishy. We celebrate the outpouring of generosity of people, with their money their time their blood. And all this from a society which has often been called selfish. We celebrate the society, which has seen millions, upon millions in churches mosques synagogues in a society which has often been called Godless. We celebrate the goodness gushing from Americans in the face of unspeakable evil poured out on our homeland. We celebrate the great unity among us in a land which also prizes diversity. From the halls of congress to beer halls to Cathedrals and ball parks praise of American ideals, thankfulness for the wonder of the American experiment in government instituted to protect the freedom and dignity of all has filled the airways the shopping malls the barber shops and golf courses of our land. You may think this is an unworthy or out of place speech for the Church. Notice the first words of the great St. Paul. Maybe its important to remember he wrote the words we read to a bishop, not a church. Paul says: "Bishop Timothy, I ask that prayers petitions thanksgiving be offered for kings and all in authority that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life of dignity and devotion. This is pleasing to God our Savior." Pray, Paul says to us, pray for your president your legislators your military your decision makers Pray for those who carry for a time the heavy heavy burden of serving the people's needs to live in a country that is safe from its external enemies and peaceful in its own borders. This week we celebrated the virtue of patriotism. Patriotism is a virtue that comes under the 4th Commandment. We generally hear that Commandment "Honor your father and mother." But we also hear of Motherland Fatherland homeland. As we honor those who gave us physical life so we honor our country who like a father or mother or home has given us a way of life a national identity a place in the world. Our country is not perfect - none are. Each of us are guilty of sin small or great in our own way. But the imperfections of our country or of ourselves and others can wait for another day for the attention they might deserve. In the mean time we will display our flag in Church and the front door of the parish house. In this time of continuing crisis we will speak of courage hope self-sacrifice faith and trust in God freedom lived loved preserved. We have heard many words on how we should respond to the changed situation in which we find ourselves. Some of the advice we hear doesn't go far enough. Without faith in God Who is very good there is no way to face a world which can be very evil. I suggest that Our Holy Father Pope John Paul II offers us an example to follow. Today that old and weakened man is in Kazakstan and Armania. A world in crisis has not stopped him from making yet another mission to a land where only 1.2% of the people are Catholic. He goes to present to all who will listen the ancient but ever new message that God's peace plan for the world is a person, Jesus, Son of God and Son of Mary. Jesus passed through the valley of death to new life. If now we find ourselves in the valley of death let us live the God-given hope and trust that Christ the Good Shepherd with all the love in His divine Heart will lead us through the valley of death to new life. It is not, cannot be, His will that we find a permanent residence in the valley of death anymore than He did. This, dear friends is a time to trust the leadership of our nation and love its people and cities its mountains and rivers its fertile planes and valleys its vast expanses from sea to shining sea. But, more importantly still we must turn to that One Who did what no mere man no great army no homeland security force can do. Jesus fought against the forces of death and won. DRAW near to Him - Sunday mass each week with the family and more often if possible. - confession - prayer at home -the rosary of Our Lady. We are in a battle, which, will be decided on the front of the spiritual what armies special forces air marshals security checks and armadas of ships and planes accomplish are efforts only of mopping up after the spiritual battle is won. When all turn to serve Christ with all their heart and soul life and energy Then the battle will be over. Let us imagine the flashes of light high in the Twin Towers as wake up calls. A call to turn fully to Christ the light of the world. And some day we might see that great and lasting good came from horrendous and passing evil. The light in the towers produced unfathomable death and misery darkness and sadness. The light, which is Christ, produces only life and joy peace and security. In these troubles of ours be patriotic - love your country In these troubles of ours be fully and totally a Catholic, Christian. LOVE CHRIST ABOVE ALL.

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