Homily: Tenth Friday of Ordinary Time

Tenth Friday of Ordinary Time (1Kings19:9a, 11-16) “Listen”

I have studied Ignatian Spirituality and much of what Jesuit spirituality describes concerns discernment. We believe as Christians that the Holy Spirit guides our lives. But how do we know whether we are listening to the Spirits promptings or whether we are just following our own desires or worse yet, listening to the voice of evil in our lives?

We hear the story of Elijah on the mountain in 1Kings.He is trying to decide if God is speaking to him. He tries to read the natural signs that are happening around him. He does not believe that God is speaking through a violent wind. Elijah does not feel that God is in the earthquake he feels. Elijah does hear God in a tiny whispering sound.

God speaks to us in many ways. One way God speaks to us is in silence and solitude. Elijah goes out on Mt. Sinai by himself. He is not distracted by idle conversation. He certainly does not have a cell phone with him that is going off every thirty seconds with emails, texts and phone calls. He is totally attentive to God.

One rule of discernment is that the voice of God is that voice which calls us into a richer fuller life. God’s voice might say no to us at times but when it does the result that we live a better healthier life. Usually, God’s promptings build us up. We feel loved and affirmed.

If the spiritual voice we are attuned to is always telling us that we are horrible, that no one could possibly love us, that we are not worthy to be alive, then that voice is not the voice of God. God’s voice does not have to be loathe and bombastic, but it is gentle and persistent.

Reflection Questions:

1.    Do I believe God has a plan for my life? Do I want to follow that plan?

2.   Are most of the inner voices I listen to negative? Why is that?

Dear Parishioners,

          This weekend we celebrate Father’s Day. We need to affirm Father’s who take an interest in their children. Some men are irresponsible. They are biological father’s but not men who offer emotional and spiritual support to the children.

          We have many wonderful fathers in our parish. We will recognize them and offer a special blessing to our fathers at Mass this weekend. I hope all our fathers can be with us.

          May Our Lady of peace pray for us,

          Fr. Mark