Love God. Live the Eucharist.

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7A February 23, 2014, by Fr. Kevin Anderson

                                 

You know that feeling?  When you receive that special little something in the mail . . . and there is that rush of excitement.  There’s a lump in your throat, your heart races; you get all sweaty and nervous. No, I don’t mean getting your tax return; I mean a valentine.  As all of you know, last weekend was Valentine’s Day.  And maybe some of you received a valentine?  I was working on a TEC weekend and one of the days of the retreat is to focus on Love.  Well both those events inspired me to think of an old crooning song, that we made famous by Frank Sinatra, Ricky Nelson and Elvis . . .

 

[Sing “Fools Rush In”]

Fools rush in where angels fear to tread
And so I come to you my love my heart above my head
Though I see the danger there
If there's a chance for me, then I don't care

Fools rush in where wise men never go
But wise men never fall in love, so how are they to know?
When we met, I felt my life begin
So open up your heart and let this fool rush in

 

Being “a fool” has really taken a bum rap. It’s not something most of us seek. Expressions like, “Don’t be foolish” make it seem so bad. Actually, the word “fool” originally referred to something inflated with air, puffed up. There’s an English dessert called a Fool that’s all airy and sweet. Therefore, a fool can mean a windbag—all noise and no substance—but it can also mean a truly inspired person… light and taken to the air on wings of originality and grace.

Paul talks about being a fool as he writes to Corinthians, in the second reading.  For Paul, being a Christian has a lot to do with being a fool. Because the stuff that Jesus Christ talks about in the gospel sounds pretty foolish.  

Jesus’ message is pretty goofy stuff … that is, if someone slaps you [slap myself and laugh: Ha, ha, ha], offer the other cheek for another slap! If someone insults you or makes fun of you . . . don’t deny it, give them another reason to make fun of you.  I someone wants your coat, give them your shirt as well. If someone needs to you to go one mile for them, don’t do it . . . go for two miles. And if there is anyone who begs from you, give.  No wonder so many of us want to return to the 10 Commandments.  Those were a lot easier: though shall not steal, kill, lie . . . but Jesus make it tougher. 

 

As an archetype,

a fool symbolizes spiritual innocence,

         the sacred adventurer who dances,

         one who begins with great optimism,

         and whose cosmic wisdom illuminates the difficult choices in life.

 

We need more adventurers, people willing to take risks, willing to be laughed at.  We have so many people who call themselves Christians who don’t have a clue that being a follower is goofy, it’s loony, and often doesn’t make sense.

 

We have so many people who think they’re being Christians because they don’t do this and they don’t do that.  Well that’s part of it, it also means more. It means being a fool! We need more adventurers of faith!

 

So much of our society is based on revenge and retaliation, or to only love your friends, family, and those who love you. That’s easy. However, love your enemies—the ones who really make you mad or the ones you just can’t stand.  Well, instead to putting them down, of gossiping about them . .  start talking about their good traits (everyone has some) and to start praying FOR them.  Take a risk.  Don’t give up.

 

In that second reading, Paul says we are temples of God, because we house the Holy Spirit in us. It is possible!  Believe it!  Jesus ends this section of the gospel by saying, be perfect as God is perfect… a better translation is be “full grown, mature, fully developed in virtue.”  And maybe being fully mature is to be a fool.

 

[Sing]

Fools rush in where wise men never go
But wise men never fall in love, so how are they to know?
When we met, I felt my life begin
So open up your heart and let this fool rush in

 

 

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