Homily: Twenty-third Sunday of Ordinary Time
Twenty-third Sunday of Ordinary Time (James 2:1-5) “Every Gift is Important”
Christianity is supposed to be a religion that reminds us that everyone is created equal. No one is more important than anyone else. Greko-Roman culture wasn’t that way. Two classes of people existed, the rich and the poor.
When the church began there must have been some awkward moments because anyone could be baptized. When a slave owner came into a church gathering, for example, they might have to sit next to their slaves. A slave might even preside at the services. The stratification that was so much a part of the ancient world fell away when Christians attended a church gathering.
But donations were needed to support the church’s work. When a wealthy person would convert to Christianity there would be excitement because the financial support that could come to the church would be a great blessing. We can imagine that when a person of influence visited a Christian church that they would be shone great deference. The Letter of James speaks of this today. James condemns preferential treatment for the wealthy and powerful.
People aren’t supposed to be able to buy influence in church matters. How does the church navigate this. Hopefully, this happens when everyone donates according to their means. If everyone makes a sacrificial gift, then the church will have the resources that it needs. No one needs to feel like they are less important. Church finances then do not depend on one or two people. But church finances depend on every member.
I once went to a Mass that was celebrated for West Africans who live in the United States. The Mass was spirit filled. The music was loud and boisterous. The preaching was inspirational. But the thing that impressed me most was the processions during Mass. The opening and closing processions were at the normal time. Many ministers walked in and out. The offertory procession in the middle of Mass was very elaborate as well.
Perhaps this procession impressed me the most. When we think of our offertory procession, and we think of ushers passing the basket. After that, a family brings the bread and wine forward. We also have a family member bring up the money that has been donated.
During the African Mass I attended everyone brought a gift to the altar. All the people in the church came forward in a choreographed dance. Some had their envelopes, others had currency, some brought forward food or other items. Everyone had a smile on their face as they sang. Later there was a second collection. The process was the same. The smiles on everybody’s faces were genuine. People were happy to give something. No one skipped the offering everyone participated. What a lesson in stewardship this was.
Today is the kick-off day for the Annual Diocesan Appeal. Each year everyone is asked to donate to the diocese of Peoria. The money supports the various ministries of the diocese. The money goes to support Catholic Charities, the education of seminarians, the catechetical programs of the diocese, salaries of diocesan personnel and a host of other things. Each parish has an amount of money that is a goal. The goal for Sacred Heart Parish is $95,000. We made our goal last year and got a few hundred dollars back. This is the first time we have gotten a rebate. Usually, we have had to make up a shortfall. Thanks to all who helped us last year. I would encourage your participation this year. If we all give, we can make our goal again. Perhaps we can receive money back that can be used for projects here.
You should have received a mailing this week with a pledge card. Please send in your pledge. If you would like to make a gift we are going to give you a few moments now. Fill out the card and drop it in the regular collection. Please take up the cards at the end of the pews and pass them down.
Reflection Questions:
1. Do I feel like my donations to the church are important? Why or why not?
2. How would I feel about walking up in front of my peers and making my donations at the offertory? Why do I feel this way?
Dear Parishioners,
We have begun our fall activities. There is a lot that is going on: Bible Studies, OCIA, religious education classes, the parochial school activities, etc. There are also a lot of other secular activities that we are involved in. We can get caught up in many things that distract us from taking care of ourselves.
Our Spiritual lives need to be nurtured. We know that we need to take care of ourselves physically. My annual physical will be soon. At the end of the process, I will be given a report. Have I gained weight. Is my blood work normal? I worry before I get the results of all the testing.
What if we were to have a spiritual examination right now. How would we do? Are we celebrating sacraments? Are we doing works of mercy? Are we praying at home? Do I live a moral life? These are all questions Jesus could ask us?
My point is that it is easy to forget the importance of our relationship with God. If our spiritual life is in order, we will find that our life is a lot more hope filled. Let’s all take care of our souls.
May Our Lady of Peace pray for us,
Fr. Mark