Homily: Feast of St. John Paul II

Feast of St. John Paul II (Eph. 2:12-22) “Who is the Capstone?”

The church has an organizational structure. Before Vatican II it would be shown as a pyramid. The Pope was the capstone of the structure. Under him of course were the cardinals, then the bishops and under them the rest of the clergy. At the bottom of the structure were the laity.

In the post Vatican II church, the structure is portrayed in a different way. We now see ‘graphs with circular drawings. Every member is at the same level. Christ is at the center.

If anyone has seen pictures of the synod taking place in Rome at the present time it is striking. About 500 people sit at round tables. There are constant discussions and people actively listen to one another. Pope Francis sits at a table with lay people both men and women. The vision of Vatican II has been put into practice in a very practical way.

As we remember St. John Paul II today, we should remember that he was prominent in the church for many years, from the late 1950’s until his death early in this century.

He was an important figure at Vatican II and had a hand in writing some of the documents that were written. He had degrees in Philosophy and Theology. He realized that the church had to engage the modern world if it was going to remain relevant.

A lot has happened since John Paul II died. The church in Poland where Pepe John Paul grew up is undergoing massive changes. When he died, most people went to church and the church was seen as a force that helped bring an end to tyranny and champion democracy. John Paul was a churchman who helped bring about a reform in the church. We ask for his prayers as the church continues to evolve and change.

1.    Do I think of Pope John Paul II as a reformer? Why or why not?

2.   Is the synod taking place in Rome different than past synods? How?

 Dear Parishioners,

             Don’t forget the Ministry Fair that will be coming up on Sunday. A lot of different organizations and ministries would love to have you involved in their endeavors.

            We especially need Eucharistic ministers. Do you have great devotion to Mass? Do you love God and his church. If you do, then we would love to have you participate in this ministry.

            Just sign up at the table Sunday,

            Fr. Mark