Homily: Third Wednesday of Easter

Third Wednesday of Easter (Jn. 6:35-40) “In or Out?”

There are several discourses in the Gospel of John. Usually there is a sign performed by Our Lord and Jesus would follow that up with a speech that would explain the meaning of the sign.

In the sixth chapter of the Gospel of John, the sign that has just been performed is the multiplication of the loaves. After the people had all they could eat Jesus explains that physical bread is not the most important thing. Bodily hunger is not something that we want to see in the world, but Spiritual hunger is just as bad a malady if not worse.

Jesus has come into the world to offer the Bread of Life. This passage is often read at funerals. It is a reassuring statement by Jesus that his desire is to have everyone receive the blessings of salvation. He wants everyone to be fed by the Gospel.

Unfortunately, as someone once said, as soon as a religion is established the question becomes who can belong and who can’t belong. Who qualifies to join and who doesn’t.

That was not Jesus’ concern. He seemed to be all about inclusion. People were shocked when he spoke to Samaritans. People were scandalized when he complimented a Canaanite woman for her faith. When Jesus healed the servant of a Roman soldier his disciples could not believe it.

Jesus could see into the heart of people. He did not see race, color, creed. He was ready to dialogue with all people of good will. Unfortunately, many people could not accept this.

Could it be that many of us have a human need to feel superior to others. Even when everyone is Catholic, we divide people up into good Catholics and poor Catholics. Jesus was about bringing people together in his Kingdom, not driving people apart.

Reflection Questions:

1.    Does it bother me when people are excluded by the church? Was I ever excluded from an organization?

2.   Who seems to be turned away from our church? Should everyone be included?

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Dear Parishioners,

            Remember that Thursday will be the pre-school roundup at Seton School. If you know young children who want to get a good start in their academic career let their parents know what a great program, we have at Seton Catholic School.

            May Our Lady of Peace pray for our troubled world.

            Fr. Mark