Homily Wednesday of Third Week of Lent (Mt. 20:17-28)
Homily Wednesday of Third Week of Lent (Mt. 20:17-28)
“The greatest among you must be your servant.” We heard the same thing in Matthew’s Gospel yesterday. Obviously, Jesus must feel his disciples need to hear this message and take it to heart. Somehow it is hard for us to internalize.
During the diaconate ordination there is an instruction that is read which alludes to this saying of Jesus. The bishop says words like these, “We must always keep in mind the example of Jesus who came to serve and not to be served.”
The Archbishop of Indianapolis usually would come to ordain the new deacons at our seminary. The men being ordained, were from all over the country. Hundreds of friends and relatives would be there. When the time came to read the line, I just mentioned, the Archbishop slipped up. He said, “Remember the example of Jesus who came to be served not to serve.” He then caught himself and had to say it over the right way.
We all snickered about this. The next year the Archbishop came back to preside at the ordination and when he came to the same line, he made the same mistake. We all had a good chuckle again. I was not at the ordinations the next year, but I asked a friend about whether the Archbishop finally said the right words. The answer was he did not. Obviously, the Archbishop had a brain cramp about this.
Pope Francis has complained long and hard about clericalism in the church. Clericalism is a feeling that one should have more privileges because of their profession or status. This is a difficulty among priests, but it can also be the belief of any professional from a doctor to a college professor. A person can believe that there are rules for me and then there are rules for the rest of you. I should not be questioned. I am above reproach.
Jesus was all about being the suffering servant. It is counterintuitive, but Christians must always seek to serve.
Reflection Questions:
- Is life all about gaining more influence than the next person? Do I play that game at times?
- Do I enjoy certain privileges because of my profession, race or wealth? How can I use my status in life to help others?
Dear Parishioners,
Today we will be celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation from 5 to 5:30 p.m. in the church. Lent is a penitential season, and it is the right time to receive the absolution of the church.
The first half of Lent is always about examining our conscience. The scripture readings each day challenge us. Maybe a sin to confess, considering today’s Gospel, would be the sin of arrogance or ambition. Every day during the first part of Lent we have another deadly sin to consider.
If Sacrament of Reconciliation is going to lead to spiritual growth, we need to make an honest assessment of our moral life. If we never reflect on our life and how we live it, we are never going to change. The old maxim is name it, claim it, tame it.
May our Lady and all the Angels and Saints watch over you today.
Fr. Mark