Homily: Twenty-seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time

Twenty-seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time (Galatians 1:13-24) “To Know Christ is to Love Christ”

As we talk about St. Paul’s conversion to Christianity it is usually described as an instantaneous change. But that was not necessarily the case. He reflects on his conversion in the selection we have from the Letter to the Galatians today.

He describes himself as a strong Jewish believer who had no intention of letting go of his Jewish faith. But then he is knocked off his feet by a flash of light as he travels to Damascus seeking to persecute Christians. He is blinded but his sight is restored when he is baptized. After this momentous event in his life, he disappears for a few years.

What did he do in those years. It is said that he went to Arabia. While he was there, he studied scripture. He learned the basics of Christianity. We can imagine that he tried to unpack his experience of conversion.

When this time of quiet was over Paul then went to Jerusalem where he met St. Peter. Peter had firsthand knowledge of Jesus. He had heard Jesus preach. He had seen Jesus’ miracles. And he had been present for the passion of Jesus. In other words, he was one of the keepers of the oral tradition. There were no written Gospels, so the witness of Peter was very important.

St. Paul drank in all this knowledge. He slowly prepared himself to go out and evangelize. As we reflect on this, we realize that Paul’s conversion was one part experiential and one part intellectual. In the end things fit together and Paul was firmly convinced of the truth of the Gospel.

We need to have the same commitment that Paul had so that we can know our faith and proclaim it with enthusiasm. We will be more convincing if we hunger to always know more about Jesus.

Reflection:

1.    When did I first believe in Jesus as my savior? Have I tried to learn more?

2.   Do I take my time and reflect on my faith experiences? Do I take time to tell others about Jesus?

 Dear Parishioners,

            I spent time last week with two old friends. We met 48 years ago when we were in college seminary. The three of us roomed together during our senior year. I guess we knew in our hearts that we were all firm in our resolve to serve the church as ordained ministers. Thankfully we were right.

            We have all been ordained for over 40 years. Last week we shared our common experiences from the three dioceses we serve. It is good to be affirmed by those who hold the same values as us especially if these are Christian values. Christianity takes firm resolve. I am thankful that I have friends who are role models of fidelity for me. I pray you have such people in your lives.

            May Our Lady of Peace pray for us,

            Fr. Mark