On the Way to Sunday . . .

It is just days away now, so close that, perhaps, we could count hours - just hours away.
And I have decided to "take you with me" as I move through the hours until Sunday afternoon, February 16, 2020.
At that time this very unique journey will reach its climax.
This journey, this immediate journey, began a few months ago.
I believe that it was in September that the announcement was made.
The Dominican presence in their Oxford motherhouse was coming to an end.
The house was so large and the present congregation there was too small and shrinking.
In addition, due to health and aging, many of the residents needed on site healthcare.
Pure economics was taking its toll.
The facility and its grounds, except for the cemetery, would be sold and those still in residence there would be relocated.
The process began. Movement toward the ending was underway.
And way back then I was informed that I might likely be the homilist for the closing Mass.
Some time after that the date for that Mass was chosen and I was informed that I would, indeed, be the homilist.
Receiving that news, I quickly consulted my Lectionary to see what the Scriptures for that date would be.
I checked.
And I think I choked at least just a bit.
The first reading, from the Hebrew Scriptures is certainly rather acceptable - Sirach 15: 15 - 20.
And the second reading, from Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians (1 Cor 2: 6 - 10) might prove workable.
But then there is the Gospel, the very heart of the matter.
The Gospel!
Matthew 5: 17 - 37
OK, I am going to stir your curiosity!
Look it up for yourself.
Pull out your Bible.
You have the reference - chapter and verses.
Check it out.
Now I invite you, even challenge you.
If you were called on to deliver the homily on an occasion like this and you were given the Gospel that I just cited for you (did you look it up yet?) what would you say?
But as you look at those words from that Gospel reading, please realize something more.
For me this journey did not really start a couple of months ago. The immediate journey did, for sure. However, the actual journey, the first steps really began a long, long time ago.
I am going to say this all began somewhere around the time I began kindergarten!
My very first brushes with the Oxford Dominicans began when my formal education began.
These Dominicans taught in our parish school. They were a real, visible presence in our community. We could expect them at Sunday Mass.
Their black and white habits were the vestments we knew spoke of those who presided at our growing from children to adults.
Oxford was a destination for many a pilgrimage and many a festival in those growing up years.
The old barn that now is a retreat house once served as a "restaurant" for chicken dinners. The building now known as the maintenance building once bustled with festival games.
And one strong memory for me - June 8, 1964.
Just two days after my ordination to the priesthood, I and my family made a special journey out to Oxford. There, together with Fr. Joseph Zalibera, I would stand at the altar and preside at Mass. That marked the beginning of my years of ministry.
And now, the Sunday fast approaching, I will stand at an altar in Oxford yet again.
And for one final time I will preside at the Mass there.
And preach a homily.
On Matthew 5: 17 - 37!
What might you say if you were me?