Homily Fourth Thursday of Ordinary Time (Mk 6:7-13) “Christian Spring Training”
Homily Fourth Thursday of Ordinary Time (Mk 6:7-13) “Christian Spring Training”
One of the practices of the early church was that of having an order of catechumens. This is the way that someone became a Christian. There was a certain period of training before someone made a permanent commitment. A neophyte would live like a Christian for awhile to see if they could do it.
We see this type of training used by religious orders. Most religious orders have a period known a novitiate. During the novitiate the novice lives with the community, is educated about the traditions of the community and also does some of the ministry of the religious order. At the end of a year or so a vote is taken by the community to see if the novice should continue. It the vote is positive the candidate takes simple vows and goes through another trial period. In the end the religious brother or sister takes final vows.
We can be reminded of these processes, when we hear about the disciples being sent out two by two. Jesus gives them instructions about simple living and other guidelines and the disciples are sent on their way. Did some of the apostles give up following Jesus when they were sent on mission? We are left to wonder. There is no doubt Jesus was testing them.
It is important to remember that period of testing lasted only for a while. Later the disciples went back to a more normal way of living. The disciples needed to learn was to trust and learn radical dependence on God. If they learned to trust in the Lord, then they could fully commit to following Jesus.
Reflection Questions:
- Do I think that following Jesus means to be on the move all the time carrying our possessions in our hands? How do I apply this to my life?
- Lent is a time when we test ourselves and see if we can be more conscientious in our Christian life. What do I plan to do this year?
Dear Parishioners,
This weekend at the 4 p.m. Saturday Mass our RCIA candidates will go through the Rite of becoming catechumens. They will have their senses signed and will promise to conscientiously live their Christian life. When Lent begins, they will go through the Rite of Election. We have four people taking part this Saturday. Please pray for them as they make this step.
I told them last night that they are going to be a sign to our Christian community that we Sacred Heart is still alive and breathing despite our COVID experience. We are still forming disciples for Jesus. I think that that made them feel important and the fact of the matter is that they are very important. We need to recommit ourselves to our discipleship as well.
May Our Lady and all the Angels and Saints watch over us in today.
Fr. Mark