Father Benedict Homily
On June 30, Father Benedict Groeschel, CFR, concelebrated Mass and was the Homilist for Good Counsel's Open House in Harrison, New York. Good Counsel operates its Daystar Program on the hospital grounds of St. Vincent Hospital in Harrison, where pregnant women suffering from psychological disability, mental illness and drug/alcohol addiction may reside and be cared for.
I want to thank Chris Bell, members of our board, staff, some of our Good Counsel mothers who are with us today and Father Brian McWeeney, who is celebrating his birthday today. I am always very pleased to do anything I can to help Good Counsel and especially Daystar, which is my favorite Good Counsel home and is a rather unique residence here in the United States.
All of us here today represent a remnant. Many times God does not utilize vast amounts of individuals to accomplish His will but instead looks to the meek and humble, the lowly and forgotten members of society, a small minority of people who choose to follow Him.
When I was a young boy growing up in the northeast, there were many people, both Jewish and Christian living side by side, and everyone went to Church or Synagogue. We all looked after one another. Unfortunately as time went by, fewer and fewer people have been practicing their faith and it is now a remnant that is left over. Fewer people are available to care for all those in need.
It is interesting that a few years ago here in the United States there was a poll that showed 94-percent of people believed that there was a God. The same poll also reported 92-percent of people believed that at the end of their life they would need to give an account of what they had done. And, a little more than 70-percent of the people said they believed Jesus Christ was the Son of God.
But with all this polling you'd never guess that this country was so religious would you??
We live in a culture that is gravely influenced by a pagan media and an entertainment industry that is bent on corrupting young impressionable minds. Much of what the Church teaches and defends comes under attack and is mocked. Social and political fears weigh heavy on those who speak out for truth.
It is my own humble opinion that the greatest culprit of abuse to civilization here in the United States today is that of its Supreme Court. The reason the media is so attentive to replacements and the nominee process for the court is precisely because it recognizes the abusive power that has taken place there. The last thing the media wants is a change in the cour's direction.
Those who are serious about their faith and who wish to grow closer to God find out in short order that it is an uphill climb. When we started Good Counsel a number of years ago it was no garden party! We truly came together as a remnant, seeking God's direction through prayer.
When you read the Holy Scriptures you will see that it is not a multitude, but just one man who saves the world. On Good Friday, Our Lord Jesus Christ hangs on a cross and where are the crowds of supporters who had been following Him? Where are those who had been fed by the loaves and fishes? The ones who are left to watch Him die are a remnant, scarcely noticed by the rich and powerful of the day.
You and I are also called to be that remnant, the faithful followers who are willing to do the hard work that ultimately requires us to pick up our own cross that leads to Calvary.
Does this make sense to the vast majority of people in our country? No. Does it make sense to those in the media and our entertainment industry? No. But don't be discouraged because much of what God asks us to do is confusing and incomprehensible to the rich and powerful of our age. This is a crazy world and in order to make sense of what goes on, you must step aside from the craziness and become a remnant, a small group of people willing to follow Our Lord.
This is a beautiful Gospel reading that we have for today. It is the story of the Paralytic who has such great faith and trust in God. The faith of this man also inspires the community and friends around him. The Scribes and the Pharisees don't want any part of this man and virtually ignore him.
Once in a while the world does realize the works of God in its midst, but only for a short time. The lives of Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa are examples of how God works through humble, holy hands. For a short time, even the NY Times could write a few complimentary words about them.
Become a remnant and you will be able to lay hold of the great treasure of Jesus Christ: When I was hungry you gave me to eat. When I was a stranger, you welcomed me. For as often as you did this for the least of my brethren you did it for me.
Brothers and sister, pray! Pray to the Holy Spirit that your eyes may be opened and that you can see Jesus in the poor, in the hungry and in the homeless. Do not be like the Scribes and Pharisees that ignored the Paralytic man!
The fact that you are here today is a public sign that you are indeed a remnant people. Remain close to God and allow the Holy Spirit to work within you so that through you, many more may be called to a closer walk with Him. Amen.