TLDR;
In this homily, Fr. Jerry Orbos discusses the path to peace, emphasizing the importance of looking beyond oneself and connecting with something greater. He outlines three key principles: being open-minded, open-hearted, and open-handed. By adopting these principles, individuals can overcome self-centeredness, embrace compassion, and find true peace in their lives.
- Open-mindedness involves listening to others and recognizing that one does not have a monopoly on truth.
- Open-heartedness means being receptive to God and to other people, allowing for forgiveness and compassion.
- Open-handedness refers to generosity with one's time, talents, and treasures, breaking free from the trap of self-centeredness.
Gospel Reading and Introduction to Peace [0:00]
The homily begins with a reading from the Gospel of Luke, where Jesus speaks about bringing division rather than peace, and igniting a fire on Earth. Fr. Jerry Orbos then introduces the theme of peace, questioning whether the audience is truly at peace amidst the hurts and fights of the world. He emphasizes that peace begins within each individual and requires focus on something bigger than oneself.
The Secret of Peace: Reaching Out [2:12]
Fr. Jerry leads the congregation in a physical exercise involving small and big circles to illustrate the concept of focusing on something outside oneself. He explains that the secret to peace lies in reaching out to something or someone bigger than oneself, like God. He uses the analogy of being submerged in water to highlight the importance of lifting one's head above the surface through prayer and mindfulness. True peace is unattainable when one is solely focused on "I, me, and myself."
Open-mindedness: Breaking Free from Monopoly on Truth [7:35]
The first step to achieving peace is to be open-minded. Fr. Jerry shares a story about a woman whose husband became more open-minded after a cranial operation. He stresses that no one has a monopoly on truth and encourages listeners to broaden their horizons and consider different points of view. It's better to be kind than to be right, and that respecting others' opinions and privacy is essential for a more peaceful life.
Open-heartedness: Believing, Trusting, Surrendering [12:59]
The second key to peace is being open-hearted, both to God and to other people. Fr. Jerry introduces the acronym BTS (Believe, Trust, Surrender) as a way to open oneself to God. He notes that a broken heart can actually be an open heart, allowing for greater connection with God. He encourages listeners to open their hearts to God's wisdom, especially when facing difficult decisions or seeking forgiveness. Compassion and mindfulness are essential aspects of being open-hearted to others.
Open-handedness: Generosity with Time, Talents, and Treasures [17:15]
The final principle for achieving peace is to be open-handed, which means being generous with one's time, talents, and treasures. Fr. Jerry shares a personal anecdote about writing by hand to illustrate how actions can flow from the heart. He uses the metaphor of a monkey trapped by its closed fist to show how clinging to possessions or resources can lead to a loss of peace. He urges the congregation to offer their hands to God, using them for acts of generosity and service.
Conclusion: Hands for Peace [20:38]
Fr. Jerry concludes by leading the congregation in a final exercise, offering their hands to the Lord and visualizing small and big circles to represent reaching out to others and to God. He reiterates that the secret of peace lies in getting out of oneself and connecting with something greater, ultimately leading to a more peaceful life.
