Spread the good news

John 20: 11-18

"But Mary was standing outside near the tomb, weeping. Then, as she wept, she stooped to look inside, and saw two angels in white sitting where the body of Jesus had been, one at the head, the other at the feet. They said, 'Woman, why are you weeping?' 'They have taken my Lord away,' she replied, 'and I don't know where they have put him.' As she said this she turned round and saw Jesus standing there, though she did not realise that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, 'Woman, why are you weeping? Who are you looking for?' Supposing him to be the gardener, she said, 'Sir, if you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will go and remove him.' Jesus said, 'Mary!' She turned round then and said to him in Hebrew, 'Rabbuni!' -- which means Master. Jesus said to her, 'Do not cling to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to the brothers, and tell them: I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.' So Mary of Magdala told the disciples, 'I have seen the Lord,' and that he had said these things to her."

Fighting the enemy: satan

8/11/2019

Sunday | 30 | OT | C
Vancouver, October 27, 2019

An incident was reported only a few days ago in Bangladesh of a 19-year old female student. Apparently, this young woman, reported to the police the headmaster was sexually harassing her. After reporting to the police seventeen people led her to a roof top of a building attempting to coerce her into withdrawing the complaint of sexual assault. The school girl refused to withdraw the sexual harassment complaint from the police. As a result, her attackers threw kerosene on her and burned her alive.

How can people do such a horrible thing to an innocent girl who approached the police with a sexual assault complaint? Why protect the headmaster to the point of burning someone alive? It’s hard to believe that people would do such a thing to an innocent girl who is making a complaint concerning a guilty person.

Her own classmates bound her hands and feet so she could not escape as they poured kerosene on her and burned her. The fire burned the cord tying her hands and legs free, so she was able to make her way down the stairs and report what had happened to her. Since she was not sure if she would survive while in the ambulance, she recorded what happened on her brother’s mobile phone.

We could ask, what kind of justice is this? But, This not justice. If the complaint had already been made, a greater effort on the part of the police should have been made to protect her, especially knowing that in Bengali society how women are treated, these are ongoing social problems, where women who are vulnerable victims and brutally victimised. Who was this mob who burned her to death because she refused to withdraw the complaint? Is this the human justice?

faith and pride

8/11/2019

Sunday | 27 | OT | C
Vancouver, October 6, 2019

What is a prophet? Prophets are sent by God and have the duty to look at first what is happening in the lives of the people, if they are faithful to God, and then, to discern God’s voice. The prophet warns of punishment, but he also gives hope. Warning is related to the need to make changes in sinful habits of the people. And God’s people need to be reminded because they are forgetful. Interior conversion is for all the faithful throughout one’s entire life. We are forgetful because we can easily be side-tracked, fall into sin and sinful habits.

What is happening in our first reading? The prophet Habakkuk is writing sometime between the early-7th century and early 6th century BC the time of the Assyrian conquest in the north, and the rise of the Babylonians in the south who are referred to in Habakkuk as the Chaldeans. Israel and the people of God seem to be falling a part. The prophet Habakkuk speaks out!

Adults are no different than children in needing to be reminded. I had to remind a student -- the other day to be on time for class. I asked him why he was late: was it work? No. Was it a long walk across campus? No. Was it his bus connection? No. He simply did not see the importance of being on time -- he did not understand the value of punctuality. And asked me, with honest and sincerity, “Is it important to be at class on time?” Of course, I said.

Now I mention this because it demonstrates that even adults need to be reminded -- not just children -- of virtue. Things that we were taught, we forget, and so they are repeated by teachers, or parents or priests.

Are we too secure, too comfortable to think about God and the poor?

30/9/2019

Sunday | 26 | OT | C
Vancouver, September 27, 2019

It is roughly 760BC when the Prophet Amos writes. The prophet Amos is from the south, that is, from the Tribe of Judah, but his prophetic writing he is directed to the northern tribes although the south is not excluded: “those of you who are at ease in Zion, and for those who feel secure on Mount Samaria.” Remember the north was made of 10 of 12 tribes who were the sons of Jacob. The tribe of Joseph in the north was divided between his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. Only 2 tribes were in the south, Benjamin and Judah.

So, why does Amos reproach the people of the north. Why should stability, security, even peace become an object of criticism, “those who lie on beds of ivory, and lounge on their couches…therefore they shall now be the first to go into exile.” In this time of peace and relative calm, the people became very comfortable, focussed on living a good life, a life of pleasure, accumulating their possessions.

When I was reading this I was thinking, how does Amos know what will happen. He is still writing in 760BC. The exile will take place, in 723 BC. Forty years after his prophecy.

who is my god?

30/9/2019

Sunday | 25 | OT | C
Vancouver, September 22, 2019

Do you know that people do not like to be forgotten? Have you ever realised that? I have often wondered: why don’t we like to be forgotten? Why is it so important to be remembered?

Now could you imagine, how your children would feel if you say you will pick them up after school at St. Mary’s, and there they are waiting, and waiting, and finally, they go to the principal to say, my mommy or daddy did not come to pick me up?

How would that seem? The the parent later tells the principal, I forgot I had to pick up my children today? The husband thought his wife was going and the wife thought her husband was going. A child does not like to feel -- or want to be -- forgotten. What about when a husband forgets his marriage anniversary? Or his wife’s birthday? Or a wife, forgets, now what do wives forget: the husbands better not say anything… And parents: what is their common complaint. My children do not come to visit me. I never get a call. I don’t get to see my grandchildren… Again, feeling forgotten.

seeing beyond addiction

17/9/2019

Sunday | 23 | OT | C
Vancouver, September 8, 2019

While I was in Rome, I met someone whom I had been seeing over several years -- during the summer months. This person had been suffering from addiction. He was exasperated like anyone who deals with addiction. Discouraged. Yet, he had not given up.

What makes addiction difficult is knowing there is a very high chance you are going to repeat the same acts that you will later regret -- the same sin, over and over… This vicious -- endless cycle -- addiction is painful because it does not seem to stop.

And yet, there he was talking about his addiction, with the hope, that just maybe, this glimmer of light within him, that this vicious cycle of pain and pleasure would end. Yes, pain and pleasure. Underlying addiction is pain. And to bring relief to this pain, a person seeks pleasure; pleasure becomes like a medication. A person with an addiction will talk about being “medicated,” and medication is the addiction.

Now, this man who was struggling, was also hopeful, because he had faith in God, he believed in God, that God could and would heal him. So, the last time I saw him, I looked at him and said, “You look different almost like you are now glowing with light.” He simply smiled. And said, “I feel so liberated. God’s grace has helped me. It’s been a slow journey to recovery. But, now I even have someone to accompany me, in a very personal way, I found the woman I want to marry. She knows all about me.” And he introduced me to her. I gave them both a blessing.

I was so happy for him. He battled, he was courageous, he put his trust in God, and sought help from people whom he could rely on… and now, he would have a wife to journey with him. He found his ultimate source of hope and joy and strength in God. The joy on his face was incredible. The love and trust he had placed in God led him to freedom.

Joy of holiness

12/8/2019

Dominican Call to Holiness a homily of Fr. David Bellusci, O.P.

Rome, August 8, 2019

Today we celebrate together this Holy Mass, in honour of Our Father, Saint Dominic.

Here in your monastery, the Dominican nuns of the Annunciation, we can all give thanks to God for our Dominican calling, this gift of religious life, and in a particular way, the value of Truth which Saint Dominic taught us.

Truth does not come from man, but rather, comes from God, the source of Truth. Nobody can deny Truth. It is not man who constructs truth according to the dominant opinions of the world or original trends.

Not only is religious life a gift from God, but we also give ourselves as gift as gift to each other, as gift to our communities.
The gift of giving oneself in daily prayer -- our prayers are for everyone -- all those who have entrusted themselves to our prayers; the gift of oneself for the love of God, for the love of the other, this is truly to live the Gospel with God’s Grace.

Lay people who lead their families to the Sacraments -- this is a gift. The faithful who offer themselves to their communities to edify and help the community grow in holiness. This is a gift.

Follow Christ: obey the Commandments; exercise Mercy -- and you will have Eternal Life.

14/7/2019

A homily by Fr. David Bellusci, O.P.

Sunday | 15 | OT | C

Vancouver, July 14, 2019

What is the difference between hearing and obeying? Obey comes from the Latin ab-audire, “listen to.” Of course, this is related to “hear,” as in -audio- audio equipment. “Obey” we know goes further than “hearing”: “obey” we think of “doing what we hear.” Why should we “obey” God? Why not ignore God? Or do the opposite of what God tells us to do? There is this sense within us, we should not be ignoring what God tells us, and certainly not doing the opposite.
“Observe His commandments,” Moses says in the Book of Deuteronomy. Sometimes people believe they do not sin, and so they, don’t go to Confession. I am not as sinner I have no need for Confession. And what comes to my mind, do they know the 10 Commandments?

1. I am the LORD your God. You shall worship the Lord your God and Him only shall you serve.
Who are the gods in our life? God of pleasure? God of wealth? God of power? I mention these three because they have been and remain the idols people tend to serve –philosophers for centuries – the most ancient philosophy will tell you – do not let these idols become your gods: pleasure, wealth, power.

2. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
Do not blaspheme. Do not use the name of the Lord in a way that is offensive. Blasphemy is like believing God will not react to your offensive use of His name in vain. Sooner or later God will let you know.

are you saved?

12/7/2019

Are you saved? A homily by Fr. David Bellusci, O.P.

Friday | 14 | OT | C

Vancouver, July 12, 2019

In the Book of Genesis we have this tremendous act of courage – and faith. Jacob sets out on his journey with his entire family, leaving Canaan, and moves towards Egypt. Jacob is given reassurance in a night vision; God calls upon Jacob, and Jacob replies with these three beautiful words: “Here I am.” Isn’t that everything that needs to be said – are there words richer than these when we communicate with God. “Here I am.” Jacob shows his presence, his disposition, his very being before God: “Here I am.” And God replies, “I am God.” Reassuring Jacob that this vision comes from God and not some evil spirit, nor is some pagan deity, but “the God of your father,” meaning, Isaac.

There is a severe drought in Canaan and Jacob is prepared to bring his entire family led by his 4th born son, Judah, to Egypt with the reassurance now of God’s presence. Jacob hopes he might still see Joseph, his second last child, as Judah had assured him. This requires trust. And hope. Jacob throws himself into the unknown and now God offers Jacob consolation reassuring Jacob, “I myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again; and Joseph’s own hand shall close your eyes.” God promises Jacob in this vision he will see his son Joseph.

the 12 apostles

12/7/2019

The 12 Apostles, a homily by Fr. David Bellusci, O.P.

Source: Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Wednesday | 12 | OT | C

Vancouver, July 10, 2019

Simon>Peter: The first to head the list is Simon whose name is changed to Kephas in Aramaic, in Latin Petrus or Peter, means “rock.” The one to whom Jesus Christ entrusted His Church. He was with Jesus at the Transfiguration and Jesus called upon Peter in the Garden of Gethsemane. Peter would deny knowing Jesus, then, he would offer his life for Christ in Rome where he is martyred. St. is celebrated June 29th.

Andrew: Peter’s older brother. Born in the village of Bethsaida by the Sea of Galilee, like Peter, he was a fisherman. Jesus called Peter and Andrew at the same time to become fishers of men. Tradition has it Andrew went out to preach in the area of the Black Sea off the shores of Greece. Andrew was crucified in the shape of an X where we get St. Andrew’s Cross. Basilica of San Andrea della Valle in Rome depicts Andrew’s execution. We celebrate St. Andrew November 30th.

James son of Zebedee: Also known as James the Greater, he is the brother of John; the two, James and John, were with Jesus at the Transfiguration and in the Garden of Gethsemane when Jesus called, “Peter, James, John.” We know from the Acts of the Apostles James was executed by Herod. St. James is especially celebrated in Spain, in Spanish Santiago or San Diego. He is celebrated July 25th.

John: John is listed as the youngest of the Apostles. Brother of James, the first four Apostles listed include two sets of brothers. John is also referred to as the “beloved disciple,” and the one who outlived all the other disciples, having died at Patmos. John wrote the Gospel of his name, Letters and Book of Revelation. He was with Peter and his brother James at the Transfiguration and in the Garden of Gethsemane. His feast is December 27th.

Joy of boasting in the Cross

9/7/2019

Joy in Boasting in the Cross, a homily by Fr. David Bellusci, O.P.

Sunday | 14 | OT | C

Vancouver, July 7, 2019

Two weeks ago I celebrated Mass at the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. And when we had our sharing the evening before our departure I asked about the highlight of the visit to the Holy Land. And certainly, Jerusalem, with Mass at the Holy Tomb, that was most commonly shared as the highly in the Holy Land.

Why is Jerusalem so special to God, and to us as Christians? We hear references through the Old Testament beginning with the Books of Samuel.

Salem means “peace,” and Jebus was the city of the Jebusites which David conquered making Jerusalem his capital and the capital of the House of Judah.

Jerusalem is where David brought the Ark of the Covenant which is a sign of God’s presence since the Ark of the Covenant contained the tablets of the 10 Commandments.

It was Solomon who had the Temple built that would house the Ark of the Covenant, Solomon David’s son. So, as capital, as the City of David where the Temple was built, Jerusalem was the point of reference for those who believed in the One True God, the God of Abraham, Jacob and Isaac, for the Israelites. And, of course, even for us.

© David Bellusci