Homily: Third Wednesday of Lent

Third Wednesday of Lent (Mt. 5:17-19) “It is Good that Some Things Never Change”

“Teach your children these laws and decrees.” We live in a world where knowledge from the past is suspect. People who are considered intelligent are those who know about the latest technology. But how is such knowledge good for?

If we want to use a rotary phone now to conduct our business, it would be impossible. Such a phone is a curiosity. Small children would not understand a phone that is tied to a cord or fastened to a wall. Yes, technical knowledge changes over time. For a while it is useful and then not so much.

True wisdom is timeless. It is just as valuable today as it was hundreds of years ago. The philosophical knowledge of ancient Greece which described human nature can be still true today or is still true. The human psyche still operates the same.

Religious knowledge should be passed along according to Jesus. If young people are deprived of it, they will suffer as a result. We need to be exposed to religious experience and spiritual truths.

We could posit that this is why young people seem to be so lost today. We don’t see a lot of resilience. What would happen if people could internalize the whole idea of redemption? We can always start over. Even after a terrible failure.

How much hope would there be in the world if we held on to that one concept? Perhaps we would be put in touch with a theological virtue called hope. Despair would be left behind. That is what a renewed appreciation of faith might do for our society.

Reflection Questions:

1.    Do I feel I know a lot about technology? How much do I know about Scripture?

2.   What is an example of a timeless truth? Are there such things?

Dear Parishioners,

            I went to a Diocesan meeting today for the Growing Disciples program. Bishop Tylka is trying to consolidate resources in our diocese so that institutions will be more vibrant. This will lead to some parishes joining together. The most recent models for consolidations will be published this Sunday on the Growing Disciples website.

            There will be more information in our parish bulletin this weekend. Let’s pray that this initiative will lead to a stronger diocesan church.

            May our Lady of Peace pray for us,

            Fr. Mark