GregCast Diakonia

Homily – July 30, 2017 (17th Sunday of Ordinary Time - A) There’s a story told of a young woman who had been appointed President of the bank in which she worked. She'd never dreamed she would one day be president, much less at such a young age. So she approached the venerable Chairman of the Board and said, ''You know that I've just been appointed President. I was wondering if you could give me some advice.’' The old man came back with just two words: ''right decisions!'' The young woman had hoped for a bit more than this, so she said, ''That's really helpful, and I appreciate it, but can you be more specific? How do I make right decisions?’' The wise old man simply responded, ‘'Experience.'' The young woman said, ''Well, that's just the point of my being here. I don't have the kind of experience I need. How do I get it?’' The wise, elderly chairman simply replied, ''Wrong decisions!’' I won...

Homily – July 9, 2017 (14th Sunday of Ordinary Time - A) I want to be honest and share with you one of my own pet peeves in ministry… Too often, people disqualify themselves as disciples, or dare I say “good Catholics,” because they don't feel they have enough wisdom or knowledge. While I understand this is an important admission when it comes to being a teacher of calculus, or an expert in scientific truths of nuclear physics, or a doctor practicing internal medicine, but being a witness of this faith of ours does not require a license, or an “A” on the final exam. In fact, to illustrate the point… The back pews are packed, while the front could use a few more brave souls! As the song says, “Be not afraid!” But to be fair to the back pews, a nice lady at the 11:30am Mass offered this on your behalf… The last shall be first! But seriously… Here’s what qualifies us as Disciples: Do you remember the day that you first REALIZED that God is in your life, and Jesus is the real de...