July 5th, 2015 - The Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

"Our eyes are fixed on the Lord, pleading for his mercy." - Psalm 123:2

Imagine a big city, such as New York, illuminated by bright billboards and glowing high-rise windows. It does not get dark in a city such as that. The constant light might give one a sense of security, but, such "safety" comes at a price - you cannot see the stars.

Sure, there is a lot of excitement in places such as Los Angeles or Shanghai, but nobody there would stop and stare at a streetlight, unless he was slightly off his rocker. On the other hand, we would not consider it odd at all for someone to stop and stare at the stars.

Indeed, stars are virile while streetlights are sterile. There is something about real light that makes our senses come alive. Here's the point: Jesus is the Light of the world, the one, true source of our life and joy. Sadly, we usually settle for second-rate substitutes that leave us unfulfilled. We surf the Internet instead of serving our neighbor. We distract ourselves with porn instead of dying for the sake of our spouse. We overdose on entertainment instead of offering our lives as a sacrifice to God.

It's easier, but less fulfilling, like eating McDonald's instead of a home-cooked meal.

So, instead of settling for sedation, detach yourself from the distractions, take a risk, and stride into the darkness. Cast out into the deep! Summon up your courage and set sail on the high seas of sacrifice in search of the new world long sought after by the saints of old. Only then will you find the satisfaction that you seek.

If you get lost, do not fear, because the stars shine brighter in the darkness. Long ago, when a mariner was adrift at sea, he could regain his bearings by virtue of that celestial signpost known as the North Star. Fixed directly about the earth's axis, this sparkling sentinel stands firm while all other stars rotate around it. Therefore, as you navigate through this life, set your eyes upon the true North Star - our Lord, Jesus Christ. That way, when the storms rage and the seas swell all around you, you will not falter.

If you cannot seem to see the North Star, look to the saints, because just like the constellations, they will lead you to Him. Before the American Civil War, runaway slaves from the southern United States were said to have sung about following the "Drinking Gourd," because two stars on the far side of the Big Dipper's "bowl" form a line that points directly to the North Star - which also happens to be the end of the Little Dipper's "handle."

Likewise, the saints point us to Christ, the only Way to freedom, by giving witness to God's Love. We would be wise to follow their example.

Lord, guide us to Your Heavenly home. Mary, Star of the Sea (Stella Maris), pray for us. Amen.