Homily: Twenty-eighth Friday of Ordinary Time

Twenty-eighth Friday of Ordinary Time (Lk 12:1-7) “Mercy over Justice”

Gnosticism has been a heresy in religious circles since the beginning of time. Gnosticism happens whenever part of a religious group holds that they have secret knowledge that no one else has. Gnostics also would say that they are better than others because they have this secret knowledge. Also, they would hold that they will achieve salvation while others will not.

The last few days, the Gospel of Luke has described how Jesus is debating with the Pharisees and the Scribes. We have a belief that the Pharisees and scribes were a villainous group. The Pharisees were really admired by the common people. They studied the law and answered questions that people were asking.

The ordinary citizens of Israel did not like the priests who ran the temple because they had made agreements with the Roman occupiers. Rome controlled the temple through the priests who they put into place. The priests also exerted civil authority. They ran the country along with the kings and Roman governors appointed by Rome. We could say that the Pharisees were the people who wore the white hats and priests were the people who wore the black hats, in the Jewish faith of the 1st century.

Jesus was unhappy with those Pharisees who believed their education made them better than other Jews. At times their interpretations of the law could be very strident. We would say today that they were not very pastoral.

We must keep in mind that religious law is not like civil law. Civil law requires strict interpretation. The emphasis is on justice. Justice, at times, calls for punishment. Jesus applied the law pastorally. He would say that if you have to choose between justice and mercy, mercy is what is preferred. Religious knowledge is not normally secretive. Religious law, especially for Christians, usually emphasizes mercy.

Reflection Questions:

1.    Have I met people who think they are superior because they are religious? How did that make me feel about religion?

2.    How is power exercised? Is it a more powerful thing to punish or show mercy?

 Dear Parishioners,

           I would remind everyone that we will be celebrating the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick at 11 a.m. Mass this Sunday. If you know someone who is elderly or who suffers from a chronic disease you can be anointed Sunday.

          We will probably do this after the homily. I would ask that if you have a hard time moving around, that you please sit in the front rows of the church, and we will come to you to anoint you.

          I hope many parishioners will come to pray for others who are struggling with health issues.

          May Our Lady pray for all those in need.

          Fr. Mark