Homily: Fifteenth Wednesday of Ordinary Time

Fifteenth Wednesday of Ordinary Time (Ex. 3:1ff) “Teach with Actions”

“Who am I that I should go to Pharoah?” Moses was the reluctant prophet. He did not believe in himself. There were probably all kinds of excuses Moses could use to try to talk his way out of going to Egypt to lead the people of Israel to freedom.

He probably thought that he would be arrested if he went back to Egypt. Moses was a man with a price on his head. He had killed an Egyptian in an argument before he left Egypt. He might even face death if he went back to Egypt.

Another excuse that Moses used was that he was not a good speaker. Tradition has it that Moses had a speech impediment. He was really embarrassed by this, and he thought that disqualified him from leadership. But making a good speech is not necessarily the only way one can lead.

I remember talking to a priest friend who wanted me to go into seminary. I was shy and unsure of myself as most teenagers are. I said to my friend that I did not know if I could give public presentations. My friend was a good public speaker, and he gave short pithy homilies that made you think.

My mentor argued with me saying that the best preaching was not with words, but with actions. He said, “It is not what a priest says, but how they live their lives that will make the biggest impression.” His words were something that I will never forget. And observing pastors through the years I would say that his theory has proven true. The best pastors are not necessarily the ones who speak well but usually they are the ones who live well.

Moses was told by God that Aaron would go with him to Egypt. Aaron was a good speaker, so he did a lot of the talking, but when the time came for action, it was Moses who stepped forward. He found out that he was more of a leader than he ever thought he was.

Reflection Questions:

1.    Do I know someone who talks a good game, but does not follow through? What do I think of that person?

2.   Do I know of someone who exceeded by expectations as a leader? Who was it?

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Dear Parishioners,

          Some of you might have seen children around the Sacred Heart Campus this summer. You might wonder why they are here. Seton School is offering day care this summer in Culmans Hall. This is offered to Seton Students who make use of our before and after care during the school year. Parents often have trouble finding childcare in the summer months. Since they are already comfortable leaving their children at Seton before and after school the day care option for the summer was very popular.

          We have had 40 children all summer and there was a long waiting list. This is a way for our school to generate extra income. It is nice to have children on campus in July. Hopefully this program will grow in the years ahead.

          May Our Lady Pray for all those who suffer because of Climate Change,

          Fr. Mark