Homily: Twenty-first Friday of Ordinary Time

Twenty-first Friday of Ordinary Time (Cor. 1 17-25) “Do I Stumble Over the Cross”

St. Paul speaks of the absurdity of Christian belief in his letter to the Corinthians. Paul was writing to two groups in Corinth. He was writing to the Jews, and he was writing to the Greeks who had their own religion and Gods. Neither group could relate to a God that was crucified.

The Jews could not believe Jesus was God because of what it said in their law. In Deuteronomy 21:23 it says, “Cursed be anyone who is hung upon a tree.” The Messiah was supposed to be a triumphant figure according to most Jewish Theology. They also could not relate to a God who experienced death.

The Greeks could not believe in a God who was crucified because God was not supposed to have any feelings. God was apatheia. If God could feel joy or sorrow or could be in pain that would mean that human beings could cause those feelings. God could not be influenced by men and women.

Because of these two Theological beliefs Jews and religious Greeks could not quite understand the Christian faith. We have many people who struggle with Christ crucified who live in our world today. How can God suffer and die. What is the reason for this.

Christian Theologians try to explain the reason for Christ’s death in several ways. One Theology is an atonement Theology. We say Jesus died for our sins. The logical question is why a loving God would demand such a sacrifice. Another Theology would say that main purpose for Jesus’ coming was not necessarily to die for our sins. God does not react to our actions. No, Jesus’ arrival was planned from the beginning. He came to show us what God is really like. He came to show us how human beings should live in this world. Part of living is dying. Jesus showed us how to die. He also came to conquer death and bring everyone the gift of eternal life.

The cross is always a stumbling block. We would rather not have to think about death and suffering. But the cross has become the symbol of triumph. The cross is not the end, but only the beginning.

Reflection Questions:

1.    Is the cross a stumbling block for me? How do I understand its meaning?

2.    Does God experience emotion? Is God apathetic about our lives? Does this make sense if God is Love?

Dear Parishioners,

Another part of Sacred Heart’s ministry will be revived in the next few weeks. Sacred Heart always sent extraordinary ministers to the hospital to take communion to the sick. This ministry was suspended almost three years ago because of the pandemic. Several of the ministers who helped with that ministry are unable to distribute communion in the hospital due to health issues.

          Sacred Heart Parish has sent ministers to the hospital on Wednesdays and Sundays. Usually, the minister might spend a couple of hours visiting patients. This is a very important part of our ministry. We need people to help us and volunteer. Training will be provided by the hospital.

          If you would like to be involved, please let our office know. If you are an extraordinary minister already this would be helpful. Otherwise, we would commission you. Visiting the sick is one of the corporal works of mercy. Please prayerfully consider if you can help.

          May Our Lady of Peace pray for our violent world today.

          Fr. Mark