Homily: Feast of St. Alphonsus Liguori

Feast of St. Alphonsus Liguori (Jeremiah 18:1-6) “Mold Me, Guide Me.”

We are a piece of clay in the potter’s hand. This is a very rich image. Jeremiah is known for the symbols that he uses in his ministry. He uses this symbol as an illusion to what the nation of Israel experienced.

Israel had many interactions with God. We could think of the Patriarchs and how they were called by God to be the ancestors of the nation. Abraham had a friendship with God. He made covenants with God. So did Noah.

Israel had been enslaved in Egypt. Certainly, that was a devastating experience. God did not forget his people, however. He sent Moses into Egypt to lead the people to freedom.

Moses led the people of Israel on a forty-year sojourn through the desert. Israel complained against God, but the Lord did not loose his temper. In the end there was a covenant struck between God and the chosen people. The overall experience of the people of Israel was that they were formed and reformed as a nation.

This is our personal experience as well. We have many happenings in life. Some of them are very gratifying and uplifting. Other experiences are devastating. At times we feel like we are mature and confident. At other times it sees like our life is falling apart

St. Ignatius speaks of consolations and desolations. Both types of experiences can strengthen our faith. If we lose confidence in the Lord, desolation can break us. If we are proud, then consolation may just feed that.

The overall message is that God uses life experience to communicate with us. The overall message is, “I am with you.”

Reflection Questions:

1.    What is consolation that I have had? Why do I label it as such?

2.    What is an experience of desolation I have had? What did that feel like?

Dear Parishioners,

            We had a seminar last night on how we might approach the end of our life. We had several good speakers share information.

            One thing we shared was how to plan a funeral. If you would like to pre-plan your funeral liturgy, our staff is ready to help you. Just call our office and make an appointment with Debbie.

            May Our Lady pray for us,

            Fr. Mark DeSutter