Homily: Seventh Wednesday of Easter

Seventh Wednesday of Easter (John 17:11b-19) “Oneness and Truth Bind us Together.”

At the last supper, during the last discourse, Jesus prayed for his disciples. What were some of the things that Jesus asked regarding his disciples?

He asked that they all would be one. Divisions in any group are harmful. When the members of the church are fighting with one another it is a scandal. Afterall, we are supposed to love one another. Who would like to join an organization where there is constant bickering going on?

Jesus prayed that his followers be protected from evil. What is evil? We could say that it is a refusal to cooperate or live the Gospel. Evil involves temptation. The chief temptation is to give in to despair.

The Lord asked that his followers be consecrated in the truth. The truth as is often said will set us free. If we are completely honest with others, we do not use up energy trying to hide things. The church has learned a hard lesson about this recently. Being less than forthright regarding sexual abuse in the church has caused the church to lose credibility. When we bring what is sinful out into the light as quickly as we can, that is freeing.

The thing that we notice, is that Jesus did not pray for his followers to be protected from the world. Christians who are one, who resist evil, and are honest, can enter the worlds struggles and be a force for good. Jesus did not want his disciples to withdraw from the temptations the world offers, but he wanted his disciples to plunge into the messiness of the world and to help make the world a better place.

Reflection Questions:

1. Am I scandalized when church leadership refuses to speak honestly? In what circumstances is he church less than forthright?
2. Is it easy to live out my Christianity in my daily life? What is the hardest part of my Christianity to practice?

Dear Parishioners,

Here are a few reminders:

1. We are no longer registering people for Mass.
2. People who are fully vaccinated are not required to wear masks at gatherings. Those who are not vaccinated should continue to wear masks. Since it is impossible to determine who is and is not vaccinated, everyone is on the honor system. Certainly, if you have been vaccinated and to still want to wear a mask you can.
3. Communion ministers will wear masks for the time being, and as always, sterilize their hands.
4. We ask that you continue to social distance by household.

I encourage people to get vaccinated. The more people who have the COVID-19 shot, the better for everyone concerned. Thanks again for everyone’s cooperation.

May Our Lady and All the Angels and Saints watch over you.

Fr. Mark