Homily Third Saturday of Ordinary Time (Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19) “Try Not to Look Over the Horizon”
Homily Third Saturday of Ordinary Time (Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19) “Try Not to Look Over the Horizon”
“Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.” Heb. 11:1
The Letter to the Hebrews contains this definition of faith and it is one of the best descriptions of the virtue of faith. When we think of faith, we normally describe it as a feeling that we have that some circumstance in our life is going to turn out all right. For instance, when two people marry, we might say that their decision shows faith in each other as well as faith in the future. The couple does not know what is going to happen in the years ahead, perhaps there will be many trials, but the man and women move ahead not know knowing the future relying on the help of God.
The implication is that our acts of faith will be something that we will see vindicated before the end of our life. We will then be able to point to our successes and say to all, “See I told you it was the right decision.”
The faith that Hebrews describes, is not a faith that people have seen a reward for in this life. The writer of Hebrews talks about several Old Testament figures who made bold decisions knowing that they would never see, in their lifetime, the proof that they were right to trust in God.
The reading mentions Abraham. Abraham was asked to begin an adventure when he was ready for retirement. He and Sarah were told they would be the parents of a great nation. The idea was so ridiculous they laughed at it, but the did what God wanted. Isaac was born, but the promises God had made were not realized until much later.
Abraham and Sarah are now considered the parents of three great religions: Jews, Muslims and Christians. There is no way they could have known where their trust in God would take the world. They knew in their hearts that they would not see the fruit of their trust in God, but they did what God called them to do none-the-less. Truly they example what authentic faith is.
Reflection Questions:
- Do I take the long view in my life or do I want immediate results? How do I feel about this?
- Was there anyone who made a decision before I was born that touched my life. Who was it and how did it affect me?
Dear Parishioners,
Today our Confirmation students will be making a day of reflection virtually with the National Evangelization Team. This is not the ideal way to do this, but this is the reality that we live in right now. There are over a hundred students from about eight parishes involved so it was thought that this was the wisest course of action. We did not want to mix all these children together.
The preparation these students are receiving is not the traditional methodology, but we are doing our best to prepare them. I would ask everyone to hold them in prayer this day. Sometimes we make a leap of faith and hope for the best. Perhaps these eighth graders will do great things for the church, greater than those who have gone before them.
May Our Lady and all the Angels and Saints will watch over you today.
Fr. Mark