Homily: Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time “No Reservations Required”
When we go to a wedding banquet, we take it for granted that there are certain rules of order. When we arrive, there will usually be a table with little cards on it. Our name will be on a card along with the number of the table we are to sit at. The guests who have the closest relationships to the bride and groom will sit closest. Those who don’t have such a close relationship will sit farther away.
What if we were to come to the Mass today and when we arrived, we would find that we had assigned seats. We had that when the pandemic was at its worst. No one liked this necessary precaution. If the seating depended on how people supported, the parish, we also would be unhappy. Such questions have been a problem in the church since its foundation.
St. Paul railed against the divisions in the Christian Community in Corinth. In Corinthians 11:18 he says, “I hear that when you gather for a meeting there are divisions among you, and I am inclined to believe it.” Paul goes on to describe how people divide up at the common meal. He is disappointed that there is little sharing. Some people gorge themselves while others go hungry. He is very unhappy.
In our second reading today the author of James criticizes people in his community. He describes how affluent people are given preferential treatment. People who dress well are given a preferred place while those who are in rags sit in the back out of sight.
Throughout history, the way the Mass has been perceived had either drawn people to the church or driven them away. The Mass is a statement about how the church operates in the world. The Eucharist is not an event that stands apart for our daily life.
In the movie, “Brother Son, Sister Moon” there is a scene where young St. Francis goes to church. At Mass, in his parish, he sits up front with his wealthy family. All the rich merchants do the same. All of them are dressed in the finest clothes. The priests are also clothed in elaborate vestments. Francis looks around the church until his eyes fall on the poor wretches who stand in the back of the church. He can’t take his eyes off them. The poor are clothed in rags. Many of them have various afflictions. The impoverished people are famished from hunger. Francis is upset by the division he sees. Over time he throws off his fine clothing. When he goes to Mass, he sits with the poor dressed in rags. He tries to reform the church in many ways, one way is his behavior at church.
Dorothy Day, who is said to be one of the most influential persons in 20th century Catholicism, a great writer and social activist was a convert to the faith. What impressed her? One of the things that made her decide to become Catholic was that when she attended Catholic Mass in New York she did not see divisions. The poor street person sat where they pleased, quite often beside the wealthiest person at Mass. When they went up to the communion rail, they knelt side by side. Dorothy Day looked at this saying to herself, “Now this is a religion that I can buy into.”
The Eucharist is truly a reflection of who we are. Christianity teaches that we are to be concerned with the poor. Someone once did a survey of the Gospel looking at how much of it had to do with being sensitive to the poor. The survey found that in every 10th line was a challenge to reach out to those in need. In Luke’s Gospel it was every 6th line. In the Epistle to James, which is our second reading today, it is every 5th line.
Sadly, we often forget about this aspect of Christianity. Jesus was all about social justice. When that term is even mentioned at church, some people just tune out for they equate social justice with being political. On this weekend, when we celebrate Labor Day, do we remember the churches stance on the working person. The church is supposed to stand with those who fight for just wages, adequate benefits, and safe working conditions.
We show our values by how we pray together. As we arrive here, we are mix of different races. We are people of different economic classes. Men, Women, young and old, sick and healthy. Hopefully, we look for chances to serve each other when we come to Mass. One primary way we show our concern in these times of pandemic is that we try to keep our church family healthy by our actions. I don’t have to review how we try to behave; everyone knows. Our Eucharist is a mirror that reflects the values of our church community. Hopefully, we always reflect love for all.
Reflection Questions:
- Does our parish welcome everyone to Mass? How might I help?
- What are the biggest challenges to being a loving Christian community right now? Is it possible to show my concern for other in the middle of a health crisis?
Dear Parishioners,
Stephanie Hill informed me two weeks ago that she was taking another position. I am sorry to see her depart. She has been a very faithful employee for many years. Often, she was the first voice people heard on the phone as they approached the parish. She was courteous in her demeanor and always diligent as she kept many of the records of the parish. Stephanie is fulfilling some of her duties as we look for another parish assistant. That is very kind of her.
Bobby Vidmar would also like to move into full retirement soon. She is our parish accountant. She is taking on a lot this month with ADA and our final TTT push. I appreciate that she is staying until we find someone. She is a generous servant of the parish.
We would like to have several people to choose from as we fill these positions. If you or anyone you know is interested, as well as if you want to suggest a name to us that we might contact, please call our office. These are paid positions with flexible hours. Salary will depend on experience and qualifications. Working for the church is not like working in other jobs. It is a form of ministry. Usually, the stress level is a lot less as well. The biggest drawback to these positions is that you must put up with me as your boss. But there is a benefit in that you will probably get a quick trip to heaven.
May Our Lady and All the Angels and Saints watch over you.
Fr. Mark