A sermon on Luke 6:20-26

By Fr. Mike Paraniuk
St. Mary Catholic Church
St. Benignus Catholic Church 
St. Mary Queen of Heaven
and Holy Trinity Catholic Church

I was 25 years old when I visited my very first beef farm. I asked my friend one day, "What's a cow feel like? I've never touch one." 

He replied, "My cousin owns a beef farm outside of Batavia. You haven't lived 'til you smell a cow." He was right. I went inside the barn when the "odeur de bovine" attacked my nose. I asked, "What is that smell?" 

He laughed and said, "Money."

There was this one cow lying down that took a liking to me. She leaned into my hand as I petted her. I named her Bessie. I could not be a beef farmer because I would feel guilty eating Bessie.

As we walked back to the car, I turned around to see a corn field across the road. I said to my friend, "Look! There are six cows and a bull romping through the corn. I wonder where they came from?" 

He had this look of terror in his eyes and asked, "Mike did you close the gate all the way?" 

"No, I didn't. Are those your cousins' cows?" 

"Yep. We better get them out of there!"
 
We had a heck of a time trying to get those escaped cows out of the corn field. I learned on that day cows really like to eat and do they love corn. My friend told me to go to the cows and lead them toward the road. He would direct them to the gate. 

"How do I get them to the road?" 

He said, "Bribe them."

I plucked off several ears of corn. I held them high and said, "Come and get it." It worked. They followed me to the road. My friend directed them to the gate. But he forgot to open it. Picture this scene. He is running as fast as he could in front of the cows to reach the gate. I am running behind the cows to get them to the gate. And behind me is the bull chasing me toward the gate.  

Praise God. Help arrive. A farmer from down the road saw what was happening. He jumped out of his truck and opened the gate. He stood on the road to lead the cows through the gate. The bull found the cows prettier than me. He followed the "bovine beauties" into the barn. That was the last time I ever touched a cow.

On behalf of Holy Trinity Church, I gladly welcome the Future Farmers of America to worship with us today. I leave you with a spiritual truth that will lead you to the blessings Jesus wants for you. Jesus said in John 10:9, "Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures." 

You will find out that sometimes you feel helpless, just like I needed help herding those cows. Jesus says it's OK to feel that way. He even calls you blessed. When Jesus says, "Blessed are the poor," He is not praising poverty.  

"Poor" means there are times that only faith in God's help can get you through things in life when you are powerless. When Jesus says, "Blessed are you who hunger," He is not saying starving is good. "Hunger" means the things of this world such as lots of money, owning the $450,000 Ford F-100 Custom Shelby Pickup, or the biggest farm in Ohio will not satisfy you forever. Money can be lost, trucks will break down and a big farm is a drought away from losing money. 

I have sat with many people right before they cross over to Heaven. All of them have told me the only things that really matter in life are Faith in God, Love of family, and the gift of friendship. That is the good pasture where Jesus will bless you.

Before I leave this world for the reward of Heaven, I would like to pet a cow one more time. I promise to close the gate. Never close your heart's gate to Jesus. "Store up for yourselves treasure in Heaven, for where your treasure is there your heart will also be." (Matthew 6 20-21.) Many Blessings to you.