Homily: Feast of St. Albert the Great

Feast of St. Albert the Great (Rev. 3: 1-6, 14-22) “Will You Let Me In”

When I was a child there was a picture of Jesus that hung in my parents’ bedroom. The picture always fascinated me. Jesus is depicted standing outside a door knocking, trying to get into a home. A lantern hangs over the door and there is a warm glow that emanates from the scene. Jesus seems to be patient, but there seems to be no one answering.

I often wondered about that picture. I tried to figure out why Jesus did not just push his way, but he did not. I also wondered why the painting did not show someone opening the door but it did not.

Only later did I hear an explanation of this scene. It was pointed out that Jesus could not get in because there was no door knob or latch on his side of the door. He had to be let in or he could not pass through.

The picture was a visual reminder of the passage from the Book of Revelation we read today. The 1st reading from Mass that we share today, during this last week of the church year has many parabolic verses for us to consider.

The description of Jesus rapping at the door reminds us that Jesus will not force his way into our life. No, he waits to be invited in. Today we hear that the fastest growing category of people, in a religious sense, are atheists. Probably they would more properly be referred to as agnostics. Many do not want anything to do with organized religion.

There are many who are our friends and relatives who keep the door closed to exploring a relationship with Jesus. We can despair about this, but we can also look at the picture of Jesus knocking. Our Lord will not walk away from anyone. He will continue to rap at their door optimistically. Jesus never stops believing that he will be received into people’s lives.

Every person is created with a spark of the divine in them. That spark will never go away, but it will nudge people in the direction of God. The question is can we trust in this.

Reflection Questions:

1.    Do I know someone who needs a religious faith? Could I invite them to Mass?

2.    Have I known someone who has left the faith only to come back? Who was it?

Dear Parishioners,

           We had a wonderful celebration for Veterans this past Sunday. It was nice to see so many people in church. A lot of people were here who have not been at Mass for a long time. There was a sense that maybe the worst of COVID is behind us.

          I received the most recent COVID booster shot last week. There were no complications. I know feel a little more confident going into the winter now. There are still over 300 people dying in our country every day from COVID. I urge everyone to get vaccinated so that we can all enjoy many more parish celebrations during the upcoming months.

          May the Archangel Raphael, the bringer of physical healing protect us all as winter arrives.

          Fr. Mark