Homily: Eighth Friday of Ordinary Time
Eighth Friday of Ordinary Time (Mk. 11:11-26) “Fruitful or Fruitless”
Every writer has certain literary devises they use and that is the way it is with the evangelist Mark. He likes to use a framing technique. He will begin a story, interrupt the story with another story, and then come back and finish the original story.
He uses that technique in the Gospel narrative today. The gospel starts with Jesus coming upon a fig tree and seeking to eat fruit from that tree. There is no fruit on the tree, however. He curses the tree and moves on.
We then read about how Jesus goes to the temple area and he drives out the money changers. By his actions he denounces the worship system perpetuated at the temple. It is as if he is saying that the liturgy of the temple really does not touch people or deepen their relationship with God.
At the time Jesus lived, temple worship was an economic enterprise. The animals that were sacrificed were usually bought in Jerusalem, outside the temple. Jewish currency had to be used in the temple so there was a thriving money changing business. Money was donated by well-meaning people as well.
Jesus’ actions were a threat to the established order. The priests and other temple officials were not happy with Jesus for threatening their livelihood. Some have speculated that Jesus’ dismissive attitude toward the temple were one of the main reasons he was executed.
After Jesus’ prophetic actions at the temple, he walked back past the fig tree. The tree was almost dead. The symbolism was striking. Just as the fig tree was dying, temple worship was dying and would die shortly after Jesus’ death.
Reflection Questions:
- Are some of my religious practices, simply habitual? Should I reflect on how I pray and what I gain from prayer?
- The COVID-19 pandemic has upset our worship. How might I make my Eucharistic practice more meaningful?
Dear Parishioners,
As you are aware, we are slowly resuming our in-person worship. Hopefully, people will return to their regular Eucharistic practice. We have a few more people attending each Sunday. As case counts of COVID go down, it seems likely that the Sunday obligation to attend Mass will be emphasized again. Watching Mass online will also be deemphasized.
I have heard that certain parishes have discontinued live streaming all together. The reason for this is that the Mass is meant to be a “live” experience. Watching from afar is not the ideal.
Summer seems like a good time to cut back on our live-stream schedule. After next week will have livestream Mass on Wednesday at 8 a.m. and on Saturday at 4 p.m. This will still allow those who are shut-in to be connected to the parish. We will maintain this schedule for the foreseeable future.
I would like to thank all those who have worked so hard to maintain our online ministry the past sixteen months. This has been a great sacrifice for them. I would also like to thank all parishioners for their patience as we have slowly developed this ministry.
May Our Lady and all the Angels and Saints watch over you today.
Fr. Mark