Homily: Third Wednesday of Lent

Third Wednesday of Lent (Mt 5:17-19) “The Ethics of More”

We have often heard that there is the letter of the law and the spirit of the law. Sometimes this idea is invoked as one tries to apply a rule in a humane way. Other times it is a rule of thumb when a person wants to apply a law strictly.

Perhaps the best way of explaining is by examining one of the commandments. For instance, if we looked at “Thou shalt not kill.” Certainly, this would preclude any killing any person who we have a hostility toward. The person is usually right in front of us provoking us in some way.

How do we apply this law in a broader way? An example might be that we would say that we would never have an abortion. The infant in the womb is a person we cannot see. The personality of the person and their potential is hidden from our eyes, but they are alive.

Another way we might kill a person is to try and assassinate their character. When we attack a person verbally this can be very violent. This can be the case when we confront them or when we talk about them behind their back.

We also can say we apply the fifth commandment broadly when we deliberately snuff out any life. That could even be the life of a plant or animal. Do we act with cruelty toward God’s creatures.

Keeping the fifth commandment does also involve taking care of our own life. Do we live in a healthy way? Do we look at our own life as a gift from God? Or do we look at our life as something that is our procession and our procession alone.

Jesus is speaking of applying laws in the broadest possible way. If we do that it leads to holiness. Do we challenge ourselves to become holier each day. If we do, we are following the spirit of Jesus.

Reflection Questions:

1.    Do I value my own life? How do I show this?

2.   Are there ways I kill? How might that be?

Dear Parishioners,

          Tonight, everyone has a unique opportunity to learn more about the Eucharist. Fr. Pete Gaspeny will be offering an explanation Mass. This is Mass where various rituals and texts are explained. If you wonder, why we engage in certain actions at Mass and where the various actions came from this is a chance to learn.

          The Mass will be at 7 p.m. tonight in the Church. Come and learn and enjoy this community celebration. The Mass will last a little over an hour.

          May Our Lady pray for our troubled world today.

          Fr. Mark