I Need Help

HOMILY NOTES

ROCKETMAN

FR. TERRY RYAN, CSP

ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 1: 1-11

LUKE 24: 46-53

JUNE 2, 2019

The movie, “Rocketman” just came out this weekend.  It is the story of Elton John, the singer and song writer.  I saw him in a live performance in Denver this past winter.  In the middle of the concert, after he finished a song, Elton said to the audience, “In 1980 I said the three most important words in my life, ‘I need help.’”  He was addicted to substances and knew that he had no power to control the addiction, much less stop it.  All the power and talent and drive he had to make a successful music performance career was no help in kicking his addictions.  He was witnessing to a life of recovery for the audience.  

He got sober, and what he has to say to himself each day, if he is going to stay sober is, “I need help.”  The addict can get all dried out and clean.  The addict can learn all about the addiction and a program of recovery.  But the addict is never going to be the power to stay sober.  Yesterday’s sobriety took care of yesterday.  Today one must stay in touch with that power.  In the movie many did see, “A Star Is Born,” Bradley Cooper plays the role of a famous performer who is addicted to drugs and alcohol.  He dries out and gets clean, in a recovery center, goes to their meetings and comes out seemingly sober.  He has knowledge.  But he did not, on a daily basis say, “I need help.”  it was as if he felt, “I got this. I’m good.”  He hung himself.  Jim Morrison of the band, “The Doors” died of addiction in his thirties.  No power connection.  

In both the Ascension readings today, Jesus tells his followers that they will be witnesses of what they saw in Jesus’ life, and his teachings. They will be witnesses in word but also in the new way they will live their life.  But they had to wait until they received the power of the Holy Spirit.  Without the Spirit they will do nothing more than be people with first hand information about Jesus. They could write a catechism.  Their actions won’t go beyond that and some praise and worship.  Disciples have to say on a daily basis, “I need help.”

I meet many people who used to practice some meditation method, like Centering Prayer,  but gave it up and now do nothing.  At one time they did ask for help in how to do a method.  They found a group and practiced with the group in meetings.  Then they decided,”I got this. I’m good.”  They thought they had the power.  All they had was a method, some information.  They did not start out each day with, “I need help.”  

I cannot transform myself into all God wants me to be.  I cannot, on my own power, stick to what I know about the spiritual path or emotional sobriety for that matter.  So I try to begin each day with, “I need help.”  It has kept me trudging along the road to happy destiny.  And somedays, I even tap my way along!