Homily: Thirty-second Tuesday of Ordinary Time

Thirty-second Tuesday of Ordinary Time (Titus 2:1-8, 11-14) “Can Everyone Just Get Along”

During this last week of the Church year, we read from what are called the pastoral epistles. These are epistles like Timothy and Titus. These are very practical writings.

We must remember the dynamics of the early church. There was a sense when Jesus died and rose again that he would return in the not-too-distant future. The first Christian writings concentrated on the idea that the task of Christians was to convert and Baptize as many people as possible.

There was a sense of urgency. We might compare it to a lifeguard who sees someone drowning in a lake. The lifeguard does not stop to reflect on what they should do. They grab a life preserver, and they swim out to try to save the person. Time is of the essence.

That is the way it was in the early church. Jesus was going to return and the people who were Baptized believers would be saved. The Christians would live with Jesus for all eternity.

But a problem arose. Jesus did not return shortly after his resurrection. Days, weeks, months, years went by. It was easy for the first Christians to live an exemplary life in the short term, but then the focus shifted.

The question became how do we live as Christians in the world in the long term? What should our moral code be. Some Christians lived as if there were no consequences to their actions. If God is love, why worry they thought. Their behavior was scandalous at times.

The writer of Titus tried to give the Christians some guidance in how to live their life. He emphasized that Christians need to be exemplary citizens. His instructions sound stereotypical. Men should not drink and carouse. Women should not gossip. Young people should respect their elders. Some of these instructions might not be well received today.

But Christian morality developed over time and is still developing. The key concept is the Golden Rule. “We should love our neighbor as ourselves.”

Reflection Questions:

1.    Does the moral instruction in this scripture challenge me? How?

2.    What do I think the most important moral precept in Christianity? What is the most challenging of Jesus’ teachings for me?

Dear Parishioners,

          This week the asphalt will be laid in our parking lots. There is a lot of patching that has to go on so we are taking the opportunity to get it done. We appreciate everyone’s patience as we juggle school and parking.

          We are also completing the sidewalk that runs from the church to Culemans Hall on the north side of the street. This should make things easier as we move around the campus.

          Another piece of news is that we will be able to use the parking lot behind the church and to the East of the Gathering Center. This starts this weekend. Sealing and stripping the parking lot will take place this spring. Much is happening.

          May St. Damian continue pray for us as the construction work continues. Let’s pray ask our Lady to pray for us as we hold our elections this day.

          Fr. Mark