13th Sunday of Ordinary Time (A Cross Worth Carrying)
13th Sunday of Ordinary Time (A Cross Worth Carrying)
“Whoever does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” The Cross Jesus refers to represents life’s struggles. Some crosses just happen to us. Other crosses are crosses that we choose. The crosses we choose quite often revolve around whether to stand up for what is right or retreat. Jesus, in the gospel that we just read, reminds us that authentic Gospel principles are not easy to proclaim. Many times, we will feel like we are in a lonely place when we proclaim the truth.
When St. Peter’s Basilica was being built one of monumental tasks that was undertaken was that the giant Egyptian obelisk that stood near St. Peter’s square needed to be moved. Pope Sixtus V had an ego the size of the obelisk. He desired that the 320-ton granite pillar that rose 83 feet in the air would be relocated. Michelangelo said it could not be done. But Sixtus wanted it aligned with the front door of St. Peter’s. The obelisk had stood in the same spot for 1500 years. It would have to be raised, then moved a quarter mile.
Sixtus listened to the proposals of numerous engineers. He finally settled on the plans of a man named Fantana. The project would take 907 men, 70 winches, 145 horses and a host of other materials. The first part of the project would require that the obelisk be lifted out of its original base. On the day it was to begin its journey to its new location, massive scaffolding encircled the obelisk with (interestingly enough) gallows stood to one side. The raising of the obelisk and the task of laying it on its side, would require absolute silence. The Pope said if anyone spoke as Fantana directed the operation they would be immediately executed.
The work started, as the obelisk began to rise it started to lean and sway. The large crowd that was gathered, stood in stunned silence. But then a voice rang out “Aqua alle funi!” (wet the ropes!) The man who called out was from a family named Bordighera. Sixtus did not hang the man. He said he would give him a special privilege. Bordighera asked if his family could supply the palms for Palm Sunday for the Vatican. From that day to the present his family has supplied the palms for Palm Sunday for St. Peter’s from their plantation north of Rome.
The Story reminds us that courage is needed when one proclaims an unpopular truth. And this is what Jesus says to us when he says, “Pick up your cross and follow me.” He asks his church to be prophetic. Too often the church has been overly political rather that being prophetic. Church leaders have said what people want to hear rather than being the voice that stands for fairness.
The reality of social sin has conveniently been ignored. We Catholics are great at being aware of what personal sins are. We all have our favorite venial sins whether it is sloth, anger, envy or lust. We readily admit to these common human failings, but when it comes to social sin we seem to loath to admit that we cooperate with unjust systems and governmental structures. When someone speaks of social justice, right away, they are labeled as taking sides in a political fight. When the church is exercising its prophetic role, it can risk its worldly privileges. The church can risk offending its members. But if the church remains silent it would risk letting society collapse in a heap.
Every recent Pope has taught the importance of Social Justice teaching.
John Paul II spoke out often about social justice many times. He said once:
“The world designed by God cannot be a world in which some hoard immoderate wealth in their hands, while others suffer from destitution and poverty and die of hunger. Love must inspire justice and the struggle for justice.”
Benedict the XVI said:
“Peace is not merely a gift to be received: it is also a task to be undertaken. In order to be true peacemakers we must educate ourselves….raise awareness about national and international issues and the importance of seeking adequate mechanism for the redistribution of wealth, the promotion of growth, cooperation for development and conflict resolution.”
Theologian Romano Guardini, when speaking of evil, said once that we need to be reminded once in awhile is that Satan is known as the “prince of lies.” The way to keep Satan at bay is to use two techniques. One tactic is to tell the truth. The other tactic is to exercise humility. In a nation where we have a disingenuous way of describing a lie, its an alternative fact, we are in trouble. And in a nation where humility is seen as weakness rather than strength, Christian values are going to be ridiculed. The prophet is one who speaks the truth with love. Christians have a mission in every society which is to proclaim the truth of Gospel values emphasizing justice for all even if it leads to bearing a heavy cross.
Reflection Questions:
1. Do I quit listening when I hear the words Social Justice. If so, why?
2. Social Justice principles are important in following the teaching of the Gospel. Do I know any of those principles? Could I try to find out about them?
Dear Parishioners,
We have had a set back in our efforts to complete the work in our church. Whenever you repair on an old building you can expect issues to emerge. A few weeks ago, a piece of limestone fell in the sanctuary. I was not aware and probably you are not that the ornate frames that the stained-glass rests in are made of limestone. At one time, before the windows were covered in glass on the outside, the decorative limestone frames were exposed to the elements. This led to the deterioration of the window which is located directly above the presider’s chair. That is the window that is damaged.
We have had to engage with a contractor to fabricate a piece to replace the limestone that fell and broke. This week two companies will remove the outside glass and take out the limestone that is damaged. We will send the remnants to Canada so a replacement piece can be made. All this will take extra time and money. It has been an unexpected turn of events. We still hope to have the balance of the work done sometime in August.
As we know, COVID cases are on the rise in our area and across the nation. I would like to compliment all those who have taken our safety protocols seriously. We will continue with the present Mass schedule for the near future. The numbers of people at our church Masses do not require adjustments right now. It looks like nothing is going to change for a while. We will continue to try and keep our parish community together by reaching out in creative ways. Check out our virtual Vacation Bible School.
I would like to thank Mike Maynard for working so hard to make our new livestreaming system a reality. We now can broadcast from our church. I invite all of you to watch a Mass. This has become an essential part of our ministry. We still have opportunities to donate toward the system. Just drop an envelope marked livestream with your donation into the collection.
May Our Lady and the Angels and Saints protect all of us this week.
Fr. Mark