Father Denny Dempsey

Trinity Sunday May 18, 2008

John 3:16-18  Even non-Christians know the message communicated when they see a banner reading “JOHN 3:16” hanging over the railing at a baseball or football game. In this, possibly the most quoted verse of the entire New Testament, is contained very core of both Jesus’ identity and mission. Verse 17 continues this beautiful straight-forward statement of Jesus’ mission. Not so verse 18, however, which opens the door to controversy regarding scriptural interpretation on two fronts. Is it sufficient to merely believe to avoid eternal condemnation? Are all people who do not believe in Jesus automatically condemned? The Catholic Church would respond “NO” to both of those questions. The reasoning is stated most clearly in paragraphs 14 through 16 of the “Dogmatic Constitution on the Church” promulgated during the Second Vatican Council on November 21, 1964. We believe Christians will be judged not merely on belief (which can be understood as merely intellectual assent) but on faith (which is a response of the whole person to God). We also believe that God’s judgment will not hold people responsible to a belief structure with which they are not familiar or have never heard in a convincing way. Individuals will be judged according to how they have followed what they believe about God and God’s will. Whether or not they know Jesus Christ personally, it will be his grace which allows them to enter into eternal glory.

Pentecost Sunday May 11, 2008

John 20:19-23 Notice that Jesus breathes on the disciples as Ezekiel had breathed over the dead bones…the breath of God is the Spirit. The bestowal of the Spirit is given as part of being sent out. The Christian life has two principle dynamics: the inward dynamic of receiving God into one’s life (receiving the gifts, receiving the strength of the Eucharist, etc.) and the outward dynamic of going out and putting the gifts into practice (witnessing, serving, etc.). While Baptism celebrates the first dynamic, Confirmation focuses on the second. These two dynamics are renewed weekly in the Mass. We receive forgiveness of sins, the guidance of God’s word, the strength of the Eucharist, and the support of the community. Then we are sent out to “love and serve the Lord”.