Homily: Thursday of the Second Week of Easter

Thursday of the Second Week of Easter (Acts: 5:27-33) “God’s Law Comes First.”

Blessed Franz Jagerstatter was an Austrian Farmer who died in 1943. He was beheaded because he refused to fight in the German army. He believed that the Nazi regime was corrupt, so he refused to support the war effort.

His refusal to serve was a violation of the laws of his country. His neighbors could not understand his violation of the law. Even his parish priest encouraged him to serve so he would not leave his wife a widow and his children orphans. Blessed Franz believed he was trying to follow a higher law. He would not violate his conscience.

There are said to be three types of law. There are natural laws that are said to be aligned with what our God designed in creation. An example of this would be the law of self-preservation. An animal’s instinct is to always fight for its life. The second type of law is positive law. Positive laws are laws human beings devise to govern society. We might call a traffic law such a law. The third type of law is divine law. We derive these laws from Holy Scripture or divine inspiration. The ten commandments might be an example of such a law.

When divine law comes into conflict with positive law, a religious person would usually seek to follow divine law. This very often will lead to a believer into difficulties. Sometimes the course of action is not clear. The Catholic Church would teach that those who fight in war have the right to do so and those who are conscientious objectors have the right to take that stance. In such a conflict, often, a decision comes from a process of discernment.

The Apostles made such a choice in the story we read from the Acts of the Apostles. Peter and the others said they were going to preach the Gospel even if the civil authorities said it was against the law. For them the mission of spreading the Gospel was a divine imperative. Most of them died for following their conscience.

Reflection Questions:

1.    Would I ever violate civil law? Have I done so?

2.   Was Blessed Franz right to die and leave his wife a widow? What would I have done?

Dear Parishioners,

          We are beginning the wedding season. Catholic marriages are becoming less common than they used to be. Many Catholics view marriage as a civil affair. Preparing for marriage in the church is viewed as intrusive by many.

          I always find it interesting that people prepare long and hard to receive a driver’s license. A class is needed. Behind the wheel training is required. More rules are instituted all the time to make sure a young person is prepared to drive.

          To get married all a person must do is go to the courthouse and purchase a license. No courses or training is necessary. Seems a little strange.

          To have a successful marriage a couple needs all the help they can get. Our culture has a “me first” mentality. It would seem like sacramental grace would be a big help. Charity is the number one virtue needed in a committed relationship. Let’s all pray that couples will value the sacrament of marriage and make Christ a part of the marriage.

          May Our lady pray for us,

          Fr. Mark