Homily: Twenty-second Thursday of Ordinary Time

Twenty-second Thursday of Ordinary Time (1Cor. 3:18-23) “Jesus is All Important”

Competitive religion is a part of our society. A new Christian church probably is founded every five minutes. We literally have thousands of Christian denominations in the United States. Jesus prayed at the last supper that all his followers might be one. We are very far from that ideal.

St. Paul writes about people referring to ministers they follow rather than the fact that they follow Jesus Christ. He asks the question of whether Christ had been divided into parts.

This is a form of clericalism. I often have heard people say, in casual conversation, that they admire certain priests. Perhaps it is the priest that baptized them or married them. Sometimes when that priest moves on to another assignment or dies the people who admirers fall away from the faith. At such times we could ask whether the church member has really embraced Christianity.

It makes no difference for example which priest says Mass because Jesus becomes present no matter who utters the words of consecration. When someone is baptized it makes no difference what priest or deacon pours the water. In the end the person initiated is still a Christian.

St. Paul did not like personal cults. Worse yet for him were Christian ministers that promoted themselves. A priest or minister can let popularity go to their head. If things are too far out of control, they might try to reap profits from the ministry that far exceed what they may need to live a comfortable life.

The biggest temptation for the minister is to be critical of another Christian leader. Paul was being criticized by others in the early Christian Church. Paul always tried to point people back to Christ. We are to love him above anyone else.

Reflection Questions:

1.    Does my faith depend on my pastor? Is that a temptation for me?

2.   Do I know a charismatic religious leader? How do they handle the adulation?

 Dear Parishioners,

             Remember that this Sunday we begin religious education classes for public school students. We have classes for kindergarten through 8th grade students. If you know someone who has children in this age range, please have them call Debbie at our parish office.

            Encourage families to attend our 9:15 a.m. Mass. After Mass the classes are held. This is a great way to combine two important religious activities.

            May Our Lady, Seat of Wisdom, pray for us,

            Fr. Mark