Homily: Twenty-first Thursday of Ordinary Time

Twenty-first Thursday of Ordinary Time (Thessalonians 3:7-13) “Heart, Head, Both”

Teachers and coaches and catechists all have the same feelings about the young people that they instruct. Mentors train young people to live a certain way. After the training is over then they step back to see what will happen.

St. Paul writes to the Thessalonians in our epistle for Mass today. He expresses his anxiety for them. He also compliments them for how they are succeeding in their Christian vocations. Finally, he tells them that he is praying for them.

Questions I often ponder about the people the church forms in the faith include whether poor catechetical training is reason people do not practice their Catholicism. I also wonder at what point in life a young person takes responsibility for their own choices regarding religious practice. We all have free will after all.

If young people do not come to Mass or say they don’t believe in God, is it because they don’t have enough knowledge. I get the sense some people feel that if we could just lock people who claim to be atheists in a room and indoctrinate them then they would come to believe.

Perhaps we should ask if belief in God is more of a matter of the mind or of the heart? Belief or nonbelief most often revolves around what is going on in one’s spiritual life. I have seen more people’s faith lives dramatically changed by an inspiring retreat experience or mission trip than by a class they have taken.

St. Paul taught his new converts about what Jesus said and did, but he also modeled for his neophyte followers how Jesus lived. He urged them most of all to pray. Prayer is really the key to faith. Are we talking to God. When we are talking and listening to God then we are less likely to lose heart and lose faith.

If we look at our young people and we see people who are praying every day and people who believe that how they live can be guided by God, then faith has taken root in them. We can be like St. Paul and feel like our efforts to pass on the faith have been fruitful.

Reflection Questions:

1.    What life experiences have caused me to have faith? Was it someone teaching me about Jesus or someone living like Jesus?

2.   How is my prayer life today? Is it moving my heart?

 Dear Parishioners,

           One of the activities we had during the pandemic was an outdoor movie in our parking lot. This was one of the first ways we could gather as a group and feel safe. We are going to have a bit of nostalgia this Saturday. We will be gathering outside for another movie.

          The movie will take place outside the new gathering center at 7 p.m. The title of the movie is “We Bought a Zoo.” This is a movie for all ages. I would invite everyone to come and take part. The price is right for this event, everything is free. Just bring your own chair.

          May Our Lady pray for the people of Florida today,

          Fr. Mark