Homily: Eleventh Tuesday of Ordinary Time
Homily: Eleventh Tuesday of Ordinary Time (Mt. 5:43-48) “Love Your Enemy”
A wonderful story is told about the Christmas truce of WWI. On Christmas day of 1914 a truce was declared along the Western Front. People assumed that there would just be an end to all the shooting and shelling, but something extraordinary happened.
In World War I, soldiers were involved in trench warfare. Soldiers would charge at each other at periodic times across what was known as no man’s land. Men would be slaughtered by machine gun fire and mortars. Most of the time, soldiers would hide in their trenches tired and scared.
When a truce was declared the soldiers probably just hope for a good night’s sleep. Maybe they could rest without fearing for their lives. But when night fell the Germans began to sing Christmas Carols to their British enemies. The English soldiers responded in kind. Bands began to play as the soldiers serenaded each other.
The next day the German soldiers got out of their trenches and walked unarmed towards the British lines. At first the British thought it might be a trap, but when it became apparent it was not, the British soldiers went out into no man’s land and met their enemies. Food and other souvenirs were exchanged. There were reports that a soccer game even took place. The soldiers also undertook the grim task of gathering the dead.
The commanders of the armies were not happy that all this was going on, but there was nothing they could do. The men returned to their trenches at the end of the day and then the fighting continued, but no one has ever forgotten the Christmas Truce of 1914.
Sometimes enemies do forgive each other. Quite often it starts with one friendly gesture. When we show some trust in our enemy, there might be a chance that violence will cease.
Reflection Questions:
- Have I heard other stories like the one just shared? Could I disarm someone that does not like me with a friendly gesture?
- Praying for an enemy is a good place to begin healing. Who is an enemy that I could pray for?
Dear Parishioners,
I was away on an eight-day silent retreat last week. It was a good break for me. This was an Ignatian retreat, so I met with a spiritual director, and we discussed where the Spirit was leading me each day of the retreat. This is the type of retreat I prefer, but it is also very challenging. When you live in silence it leads to a lot of self-reflection. I prayed for everyone at Sacred Heart as well.
I guess I am letting you know why I have not been posting lately. I hope to resume posting 5 days a week. I will have a message Tuesday through Friday and on Sunday. I hope these reflections will be helpful. You can always read them before bed…..perhaps a good cure for insomnia.
May Our Lady and all the Angels and Saints watch over you today.
Fr. Mark