HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE 2ND WEEK OF EASTER (2)

HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE 2ND WEEK OF EASTER

THEME: Over-stuffed!

BY: Deacon Bill Frere

HOMILY FOR THURSDAY APRIL 28 20222

Gospel – John 3: 31-36

As Ginger will attest, I do love a good steak, preferably a ribeye or New York strip! And I have had the good luck to taste them at some really top-notch restaurants; thank goodness for gift cards! But hands-down, the most amazing carnivorous dining experience I have ever had was at Fogo de Chao. Many of you know what I am talking about. Over 15 different cuts and types of beef and lamb, carved and served tableside. You have 2 colored cards at your seat, green to keep the meat coming and red to signal STOP! So when we left the restaurant, I wasn’t just full; I was completely stuffed, no room for another bite! You have probably had a similar experience. Maybe it was Christmas or Thanksgiving dinner and you finally had to throw down the napkin and say NO MORE!

There is one line in today’s Gospel that really leaves me thinking: “God doesn’t ration the gift of the Spirit”. Imagine what that says about our Creator! His love is boundless! His mercy is without borders! His grace and His gift of the Spirit is without measure! Even if we think ‘unfilled”, God fills us with His Spirit until the cup is brimming over. Even when we think we are lost and empty, God reminds us of His infinite and limitless love and grace.

Through the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation, we are all filled with the Holy Spirit. God has gifted us with His grace, filled to the point of overflowing. Even when we think we are either empty or completely full, God reminds us today that He continues to fill our hearts and our souls with His love, His grace, His Spirit!

Great Spirit, teach me today how to live in unity with You!

Deacon Bill Frere