Homily First Saturday of Advent: Mt. 9:35-10:1, 5a, 6-8/ “Witnessing the Hard Way”
Homily First Saturday of Advent: Mt. 9:35-10:1, 5a, 6-8/ “Witnessing the Hard Way”
Jesus liked to challenge his disciples. We see that in how he sent them out on mission. We read in other gospels how Jesus sends them with just the clothes on their back and a walking staff and the Gospel message.
We can only imagine how difficult it was to try to talk to strangers about the rabbi named Jesus. I have often thought about the challenge of going into a non-Christian society and trying to convert people to Christianity. How does one go about it?
I met a Maryknoll missionary many years ago. His name is Bob McCahill. He still writes to me every Christmas. His letter arrived the other day. Bob has lived in Bangladesh for decades. He has an interesting way of being a missionary.
He will go into a new town. He will build a simple hut in a slum. He will then begin to try to help the people he meets there. If someone is hungry, he will try to help them find food. If someone is sick, he will try to get them into a hospital. This may involve him putting the person who is ill on his bicycle and transporting them to a distant medical facility.
Bob spends his days interacting with the Muslims he meets. He may strike up a conversation in a local restaurant. He may meet them at a common well early in the morning when they are washing up. They have many questions. Most are suspicious that Bob wants to convince them with intellectual arguments to become Christian. Bob tells them that he does not want to convert them. He just wants to show them what Jesus is all about.
Bob spends three years living in a place. The first year is all about overcoming suspicion. The second year is about being accepted. The third year is about establishing friendships. He then moves on.
Bob McCahill is a true disciple of Jesus. He is comfortable with new challenges. He has a deep faith which I only wish I had.
Reflection questions:
- Is it necessary for me to preach to people to be a disciple? What are some practical things that I do to show others what Jesus is about?
- Is being a missionary, all about converting people? If it isn’t, what is at the core of mission?
Dear Parishioners,
This Tuesday December 8th is a Holy day. We celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Usually, this is a day of obligation. Which means we are supposed to go to Mass. Because of COVID 19 we are not required to go to Mass.
We will be having three Masses. On Monday night we will have a 5:30 p.m. Mass. On Tuesday we will have Masses at 6:30 and 8 a.m. You do not have to call to reserve spots for these Masses. We will follow weekday protocols which means that we will just ask congregants to sign in and to follow safety protocols.
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception reminds us that Mary was full of grace from the time she was conceived. We are graced from the time of our conception as well. We have been redeemed by Jesus. If we understand that fact this is certainly good news.
May Our Lady and all the Angels and Saints watch over you today,
Fr. Mark