Homily: Feast of St. Scholastica

Homily: Feast of St. Scholastica (Genesis 3:1-8) “Did the Devil Make Me Do It?”

Satan has many titles. But I feel like the most appropriate title that he carries is the “prince of lies.” We see how he lies to Eve when he tempts her to eat the forbidden fruit. He tells her that she will not die. Of course, her actions do lead to death entering the world. He tells her she will be like a God and that does not happen. Instead, the first parents are banished from the Garden of Eden and their lives are taken up with all the struggles of a very mortal existence.

How often are we faced with choices in life. Sinful choices often appear to be choices that will lead to pleasure and avoidance of struggle. In fact, if we choose the immoral path it leads to trouble and unhappiness. The right choice will lead to a clear conscience and will usually lead to a better outcome.

The spiritual debate in regards to temptation revolves around whether temptation originates from within ourselves or whether temptation comes from the spiritual world which we are immersed in. Modern psychology would point to temptations that come from within our psyche. Our personal history or an illness leads to wrong choices.

In the scriptures it seems like choices are influenced by spirits from outside the person. There is an evil spirit in the world and there is the Holy Spirit. We often hear of Jesus contending with demons. He casts them out of people so that they can find peace in their lives.

We probably can explain choices by using a mixture of these two opinions. In our time it almost seems like we don’t have any choice as to what we will do. Scientists may point to illness or environment as a reason for evil behavior. We might feel helpless, like everything is pre-ordained.

As Christians we believe in redemption. We can always choose to change. We can say we are sorry when we make a bad choice and start over. We do not have to be defined by a few bad choices. It makes no difference whether temptation comes from within or without. Where we are with God and neighbor today is what matters the most, not what happened yesterday.

Reflection Questions:

1.    Do I believe that all creation was good at the beginning? Is it still good?

2.   Have I been able to leave some fault behind? What was it and how did it feel to change?

 Dear Parishioners,

          As we know, Sister Kathleen has retired. One of the many tasks she had was planning funerals with parishioners. That task has been handed off to Debbie Patronagio who works in our office and is our Director of Religious Education.

          When someone dies and wishes to have a funeral Mass they make contact with a funeral home. The funeral home calls our office and we set a time for the funeral. Family members are invited to plan with Debbie after their initial meeting with the funeral director. Usually, the funeral home arranges the meeting with Debbie. I try to be present at the meeting if possible.

          If the funeral is to be at the funeral home, then I will do the planning with the family members. Funeral home funerals are less complicated. Our staff tries to be as helpful as possible. Please call our office to pre plan a funeral and Debbie would be glad to meet with you.

          May Our Lady watch over us today,

          Fr. Mark