Open the Gates - Homily

On July 20^th, 1969 man walked on the moon. That was 40 years ago. Do you remember where you were and what you were doing? It’s hard to believe that 40 years have passed and that we haven’t returned. President John F Kennedy inspired the nation with his speech about why we were going to the moon, “Not because it is easy, but because it is hard”. President Kennedy’s leadership was most amazing and inspired.

The word inspired is of course made of in and spirit. Did the Holy Spirit assist in this monumental achievement? There were innumerable blockages that they encountered. Their persistence and hard work made it possible to land on the moon and return. They opened a door, but it has been closed for decades. We have a new president now, maybe that gate will be re-opened. I truly believe that when one door closes, another is opened. That was an amazing summer many years ago.

Another gate is the one of summer. If the gate is closed, it may be time for other activities: We look at Summer as a time to relax and get some rest. It is a time to recreate our mind and bodies by doing things opposite of what we do for work. It is a time of creativity. As a child, we may go to camp. As an adult, we may go on a long cruise or take a trip to visit with Family. This is as it should be. Did not God teach us to rest on the 7^th day? Even God takes a little break from time to time. I always feel that God and the Holy Spirit are with me. I know they are with you too. Summer brings us great happiness with our vacations and relaxing times.

Another gate is the gate of hard work: We all work so hard during the year. Sometimes the harder we work, the slower it goes. I talked to a young man yesterday who is a mechanic. He said that he struggled putting an engine in a car for over 4 hours. After reaching a level of frustration, he decided to quit and leave it for the next day. The next morning, he installed the engine in 30 minutes. The rest removed the blockages.

Summer and light are also gates to wisdom: It is also a time of longer days and more light. More time to find the wisdom.

Rest and recreation can help us to find the wisdom we seek. Vacations are a great time to meditate or visit spiritual places. Just as the young man found the wisdom to do his work, we too find inspiration and knowledge when we include rest in our life. Not only rest, but reading the bible, prayer and meditation also bring wonderful mental and spiritual restoration to us. Even camping and reading by candle light can be a great joy.

Here in our area, summer brings us hurricanes and some violent weather. It’s wise to have some candles ready when the power goes out. It’s also a time when we can go out with our love and family for a romantic candle light dinner. As I look at our new light fixtures, I see candles. Although they are electric, the candles bring us not only light but also a connection with past times. Even the candles on the altar bring additional light into our Chapel as in the light of God.

In conclusion:

Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in”, the Psalmist David tells us. When one door closes, another is opened. Look for it. Allow the Divine to work through you and within you.

Summer is a wonderful time to have some recreation and re-creation. Open the gates of your hearts and let God work through you too. You will be renewed.

Remember that God created play as well as work. You deserve it too.

God blesses you.