Homily: Feast of St. Norbert

Feast of St. Norbert (Tobit 2:9-14)

What power is there in prayer? We often hear that question. Maybe we ask it ourselves. Do our prayers move God to act or is prayer just a reassuring spiritual activity for us.

The Book of Tobit is a thought-provoking story about two people who fervently pray. After they do a series of events take place that bring an answer to their prayers. We began that story with our Mass readings yesterday.

The scriptures have a series of stories about the Jews living at the time of the exile. The northern kingdom of Israel was conquered by the Assyrians in 721 B.C. The Southern kingdom of Judah was destroyed by the Babylonians several years later. Most of the stories that are in the Bible about people who lived in this exile concerned those living in Babylon.

Tobit is an exception. His story is set in Assyria. All the exiles struggled to hold on to their Jewish identity. Often, they were persecuted because of their race and their religion. Tobit is a just man who tries to live a life of charity. He lives in peace until there is a new king in Assyria. Tobit is blinded. He has trouble paying his bills. He prays to God in his poverty. God hears this poor man’s fervent prayer and then the rest of the story unfolds… We will read some of that story this week. We might want to consult our Bibles to enjoy all the twists and turns of the narrative.

The Book of Tobit can remind us of those who live in exile among us. When we go about our business, we will meet people from Central and South America. We will meet neighbors who have come here from Africa. Others live in our community from the Middle East. Some have chosen to come to the United States of their own free will. Others have been forced from their homes and are here under duress.

Most of them are praying. Many like Tobit are struggling to it make in a new country with a different language and culture. We are told over and over in the Scriptures that we are to show respect to the exiles in our midst. Tobit reminds us that each foreigner has a story to tell.

1.    Do I have any neighbors who have immigrated here? Have I had much contact with them?

2.   Should I pray for those who have recently arrived in our country. How do I feel about them?

Dear Parishioners,

          Remember that this Sunday there will be a Eucharistic procession around our parish grounds. This will take place at the end of the 11 a.m. Mass. Processions like this can remind us that we are a pilgrim people always on the move.

          We could remember the People of Israel as they migrated through the desert heading for the promised land. God led them. The Lord was a pillar of fire. God will lead us on Sunday in with his Eucharistic presence. Come join us.

          May Our Lady pray for us as we move further into the summer.

          Fr. Mark