Homily: Twenty-third Tuesday of Ordinary Time

Twenty-third Tuesday of Ordinary Time (1 Corinthians 6:1-11) “Love is the Measure”

Corinth was a wild city. We have cities around the world today that we would label as sinful places. People go to those places when they want to find adult entertainment. I don’t have to name those cities. Each one of us could come up with our own list. People went to Corinth when they wanted to engage in everything from gambling to prostitution.

St. Paul is scandalized by the behavior of the Corinthians. He has just baptized many of them and they are falling back into old habits. St. Paul wants the new Christians to be an example of right living. But they are living like everyone else.

We probably center in on the sexual sins that are listed. St. Paul was not so much criticizing the action, but the attitude. In Greek society sexual activity was not considered a matter people felt too guilty about. Infidelity was considered a privilege that wealthy men should enjoy. Men were married, but they were free to pursue other sexual partners. As we might imagine, this led to a lot of distress for those that were used and abused.

The Christian belief that there was a sexual ethic was a new concept to Greek society. Many wanted sexual guidance, and many wanted to live life that was virtuous. People knew down deep that sexuality was a powerful force that need needed harnessed. If not, many individuals would be hurt. Christianity taught that sexual activity should be motivated by love not by pleasure.

The measure of every interaction with another person was to be love. Am I doing the loving thing? This was always the question that needed to guide people in all dealings with other people. Jesus taught that we are to love not only our neighbor, but our enemy. This was the Christian ideal, and this is what St. Paul reminded the Corinthians to live out.

1.     Do I always ask myself what the loving course of action is? Why might if forget this?

2.    Does our society need a new sexual ethic today? Are old norms resonating today?

 Dear Parishioners,

           Our religious education classes for public school students will be starting soon. During the COVID pandemic many students have fallen behind in their religious education it is important that they get the catechetical instruction that they need.

          I was watching the news the other night and there was a piece on how far fourth graders have fallen behind in their ability to read and in their math skills. It is feared that they may never catch up.

          We can be just as concerned about how far behind our students are in their knowledge of the faith. If you know of children that are not receiving religious instruction, please refer them to our office so we can get them enrolled in our religious education program.

          May Our Lady of Peace pray for us.

          Fr. Mark