Homily: Sixth Thursday of Ordinary Time

Sixth Thursday of Ordinary Time (Mk. 8:27-33) “Life Has Two Halves”

The Gospel of Mark is made up of 16 chapters. Right at the center of the Gospel we have Jesus proclaiming the doctrine of the Cross. He tells his apostles that he will have to suffer and die. This revelation must have been very shocking to his disciples. We see that is the case when Peter tells Jesus he cannot believe it.

This event, again, is central to the narrative. What happens in the first half of the Gospel. Jesus is building up his ministry. He recruits a community of disciples to assist him. Jesus sets about a healing ministry which brings much attention to his work. He preaches to many people. He performs miracles. It is easy to believe that he is the Messiah who will change the world.

What happens after the proclamation of the Doctrine of the Cross? Jesus starts to move toward Jerusalem. He knows that in Jerusalem he will die on the cross. The forces aligned against Jesus start to plot ways to trap him. The adoring crowds give way to more skeptical opponents. Jesus talks more and more about his impending demise. He tries to prepare his disciples so that can carry on his work without him. He does this with a serenity that is hard to fathom. In the end, he forgives those who are his enemies. He accepts his fate.

We could say that the story told in the Gospel of Mark reflects every believer’s story. Our life is divided into two parts. The first half of our lives is about building and achieving. We grow and change, and we try to learn more and more. We acquire more and more things. We set goals and work at trying to succeed.

At some point we are confronted with our own mortality. This is difficult to accept. We can deny this truth. We can continue to try to act like we are immortal. Or we can start to deal with diminishment with grace. We all know people who are angry about the aging process. We also know those who have the ability to acquiesce with good humor to what is happening. Jesus has shown us the way to live the two halves of life.

Reflection Questions:

1.    Have I ever thought of my life as having two halves? What half am I in?

2.   Can I accept human limitations? How do I show that acceptance?

 Dear Parishioners,

           On Tuesday, I had a wedding. It was an interesting wedding not only because it was on Valentines Day, but it was interesting because the wedding was a very simple one. We had five people at this wedding: the bride and the groom and two witnesses. The bride and groom went through the marriage preparation of the church and they seemed to take that preparation seriously.

          I often see men and woman under a lot of stress as they prepare for their wedding day. Many people put off matrimony “because they can’t afford it.” A marriage can happen in a very simple way and cost almost nothing, and it is just as valid as if it costs thousands of dollars.

          The success of a marriage is not necessarily predicated on the amount of money spent. It is determined by the love of the couple for each other and for God.

          May Our Lady Pray for all those who struggle with seasonal depression today.

          Fr. Mark