5th Sunday of Lent (Hebrews 5:7-9) “Liability of Opportunity?”
Homily Fifth Sunday of Lent (Hebrews 5:7-9) “Liability of Opportunity?”
The Cross is a complex symbol. How can an instrument of torture be a symbol of hope? We could say that the cross is the ultimate parable of Jesus. But some believers reject ever talking about it.
In the Christian tradition there has always been a controversy about what type of cross is most appropriate when we decorate a sanctuary. Some Christian groups would say that a cross without a depiction of Jesus is the best cross to pray with. To depict the person of Jesus on the cross is to deny the whole concept of the resurrection they would say. “Jesus is no longer on the cross. He is risen. We gain little from looking at the crucified Christ. “
Other Christians would go farther than that. I heard of a group of Christians touring a large mega church recently. The church had a magnificent sanctuary with a wonderful music area as well as a lot of technology to proclaim the message of Jesus. When the tour was ending, one of the people on the tour asked why there was no cross in sight. The minister giving the tour said simply, “We don’t have a cross because we don’t want to offend anyone.” The implication was, that the church did not want over emphasize suffering too much. Who would want to join a group that said members could expect difficulty? People like to join groups that have all the answers so that problems will go away.
The Letter to the Hebrews that we read from this morning, does emphasize that the suffering of Christ as a very important part of Christian Theology. Jesus’ suffering taught him a lot the writer says. He was purified by that suffering. Jesus learned obedience from his suffering. We might also say that Jesus grew in trust through his suffering.
Many of us have had chemistry class in our life. When we were in that class, we might have used a crucible at some point. A crucible is a little metal or pottery container that is used to purify a substance. A chemical compound or a mineral is put in the crucible. After that it is mounted on a metal stand. The crucible is suspended over an open flame. The crucible is left there for a lengthy period. What goes on in the crucible we might ask?
The substance in the crucible is purified. The contaminated elements are melted away. When the process is over then the elements inside are ready to be used to produce a desired compound. Unless the fiery purification happens, nothing of any value can be produced.
Jesus went through mental anguish. He went through spiritual trial. He went through physical torture during His passion. Only when he went through the crucible of his passion, was he ready for new life and resurrection.
Preachers always run a risk when they talk about suffering. People can dismiss them as being out of touch with how suffering can debilitate people. Maybe the minister is viewed as naïve, especially if there is not suffering in their life. But if the Christian preacher has suffered and has grown in faith, they should be listened to.
I took a spirituality course on prayer from a Jesuit Priest who impressed me very much. His name was John Govan. When anyone first met him, he made an impression. He was not a big man, but he wore a black eye patch. He never said why he did. His speech was very deliberate. I only learned John’s story over time.
John Govan survived brain cancer. He had suffered greatly, undergoing various surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, and other trials. At one point he was completely paralyzed and blind. He had to learn to walk and talk all over again with lengthy physical therapy. He had to literally come back from the dead. His traumatic experience made him the spiritual giant that he was. Without his suffering, he would have not gained the insights he had about life. You could tell he feared nothing including death itself.
He wrote once, “Every event in life is a potential gift from a loving God. God can gift gifts, but they are potential gifts. They become full gifts only when they are received. If we accept the gift offered, it makes us richer. And if we don’t accept it, it makes us poorer. Most people do not accept their crosses or see them as real opportunities for growth. When we learn to embrace our crosses, we are then living in union with Christ.”
Reflection Questions:
- What is a distressing event that I learned a great lesson from? Would I trade that experience for a success in life?
- Is it easy to learn the lesson of humility? Did Jesus humble himself or was he humbled, or did he experience both?
Dear Parishioner,
Since we are not having a Reconciliation Service during Holy Week, we will have extra times for confessions. On Monday night we will have confessions from 6 to 7 p.m. On Tuesday night we will do the same. Wednesday night we will celebrate Reconciliation before Stations and after them. Fr. Matthew or I will be in the Reconciliation Room by the Sacristy. We will stay as long as necessary.
Remember to register for Holy Week Services. We will try to fit as many people into church as we can. The CDC guidelines are becoming looser. We try to celebrate Easter as safely as possible. If there is no surge in COVID we should be on the path to a more normal way of operating. Unfortunately, waves of COVID continue throughout the world. The last rule to be relaxed will the requirement for wearing a mask. Please continue to do that when you come to church to protect other parishioners.
Starting Easter week, we will add a 6:30 a.m. Mass on Thursday morning. A school Mass will be celebrated at 8:15. A section will be reserved for parishioners. If you wish to go to an alternative Eucharistic celebration, please come to 6:30 a.m.
May Our Lady and all the Angels and Saints watch over you.
Fr. Mark