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Reign or Shine

This is a summary of a Fr. Gerry Creedon homily delivered at St. Charles on November 14, 2004

"But for you who fear my name will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays."

IN THE SEASON OF SHEDDING LEAVES as we close the curtains on the liturgical year, the Church meditates on the end times.

The destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in 70 AD was seen as a cataclysmic event. In our days we can look around and find contemporary evidence of 'earthquakes, famines, and plagues while we hear of wars and insurrections.' It is precisely when the Church finds itself in the midst of disaster that we are called to give testimony to the Coming Kingdom. "The Lord comes to rule the world with justice."

This testimony is a matter of deeds. Paul urges us to work quietly for the Kingdom of righteousness.

There are countless men in Uganda who die of the AIDS pandemic. They leave widows who often succumb to the same disease leaving 14-year-olds to care for their orphaned younger siblings. This is a tragedy for many thousands. Gail Goodridge, former chair of our parish social justice committee, is currently coordinating programs of support and prevention in Africa. She has linked up with the Medical Missionaries of Mary. Today's tithe initiates a new endeavor by St. Charles to support those affected by AIDS in Africa.

While we reach out across the globe we cannot forget the needs here at home. On the Feast of Christ the King next week, our bishops promote the Campaign for Human Development: the Church's principal anti-poverty program.

Last Saturday I had a busy day that included two weddings and a baptism. I found I had not eaten all day. I stopped into the Silver Diner and treated myself to liver and onions. Not content with that I ordered a strawberry heart- healthy milkshake! It came with a big extra silver mug full. I ate the whole thing! That night I vowed I would go an a three day Poverty Diet! I recommend it. In three days I lost 4 pounds. This diet is promoted by the VA Interfaith Center for Public Policy. The idea is that you eat only what a Food Stamp Benefit will provide. In Virginia that daily amount is only 2 dollars and 55 cents! I did cheat. You are supposed to use tap water to cut costs, but I could not stand the taste.

Believe it or not 195,000 people in Virginia live on such a benefit. When you consider that a person on minimum wage would have to work 123 hours a week to afford an average 2-bedroom market rate rental, the plight of our low wageworkers is critical. They have to make choices between rents and food!

Poverty needs to be viewed, even by Catholics, as a priority ethical issue. In Jesus' first sermon, he proclaimed that he came to bring good news to the poor.

The Campaign for Human Development as well as our tithe today for Africa are a testimony to the coming Kingdom. St Charles believes that establishing God's reign is more than a matter of words.

  or  2004 Homilies