Homily Saturday after Ash Wednesday (Lk. 5:27-32) “The Bar is Set High”
Homily Saturday after Ash Wednesday (Lk. 5:27-32) “The Bar is Set High”
The readings from Lent are divided into two distinct types. The first half of Lent we read from the synoptic Gospels. The last half of Lent we read from the Gospel of John. But the difference between these two sets of readings is more distinct than that.
During the first half of Lent we are challenged to examine our conscience and look at how dedicated we are to the Lord. Are we authentic disciples who live as Jesus lives or, are we disciples who compromise Christian principles whenever they are too tough to follow?
In the Gospel we see how Matthew (Levi) the Tax Collector is called away from his post by Jesus. He does not hesitate. He does not argue. We are told he leaves everything to follow Jesus. We are led to ask the question of whether we could do the same. Our answer, if we are honest is, probably not.
Once it was said that every religion has a founder. We have people like Buddha, Mohammed and Jesus. Founders set the standard. The people who follow them then adjust the religion to their life situation. Religious people might live virtuous lives, but the founders of religious movements live the ideal.
We are reminded during the first half of Lent that we fall short in our Christian life. We sin at times. We waffle on our Christian principles in certain situations. We need someone to absolve us of our faults. That someone is Jesus.
The readings of the second half of Lent are all Christological in nature and they are from the Gospel of John. In other words, they remind us of who Jesus was. He came to redeem us. He came to forgive us. We need not wallow in shame and guilt. Jesus is our life and our help. He is rich in mercy. And that is what makes Christianity transformative. We are loved even though we sin and fall short of the idea. All our Lord asks is that we strive to be like him.
Reflection Questions:
- Who have I known who has been most like Jesus? Were they exactly like Jesus or did they have clay feet occasionally?
- Which teaching of Jesus do I have the most difficulty with? Do I have to be a perfect follower of Jesus for my Christian life to have value?
Dear Parishioners,
On February 25th, the Altar and Rosary Society will be having a morning of recollection at Sacred Heart Church beginning at 9:30 a.m. I will be giving a short talk on St. Joseph and then we will have some time for adoration and that will be ended with benediction. This takes the place of the morning of reflection that is usually held at St. Mary’s monastery during Lent. Anyone is welcome to attend.
St. Joseph’s feast day is on March 19th. St. Joseph carries many titles like he is said to be the “Patron of the Universal Church.” He is also said to be the “Patron of the Dying. At this time of COVID, when the church is struggling so much, we need St. Joseph’s intercession. When we have lost almost a half a million people in the last year to the Coronavirus, we need St. Joseph to pray for the sick and dying.
Hopefully, meditating on the person of St. Joseph will lift all our spirits. We need to trust as he did right now.
May Our Lady and all the Angels and Saints pray for you today.
Fr. Mark