Homily: Twenty-third Friday of Ordinary Time (1 Timothy 1:1-2, 12-14)
Twenty-third Friday of Ordinary Time (1 Timothy 1:1-2, 12-14) “Look in the Mirror”
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” I am reminded of that quote from St. Paul’s Letter to the Philippians as I read the passage in First Timothy from today’s Mass. Paul gives a very frank assessment of his many shortcomings.
He remembers how he prosecuted members of the church at its beginning. He attributes this to arrogance. Paul does not even take credit for his conversion. He feels like his faith in Jesus is a gift that he did not ask for or want.
We can’t help but think of the parable we read in Luke’s Gospel today. Paul certainly does not seem to criticize others while holding himself free of responsibility. He takes a courageous look at himself knowing that he is just as much a sinner as anyone else.
I know that I can see others faults with 20/20 vision, but when I look at myself, I seem to have all kinds of blind spots. Examining my conscience is an ongoing project. One must be comfortable in their own skin to be able to make a critical assessment of self.
If this is true on the personal level it is also true on the corporate level. On this weekend when we remember the 9/11 attacks that happened 20 years ago, we should remember all of that has transpired. We were attacked but why? And what has happened since that fateful day 20 years ago. Have we been perfect in all our actions? Are we courageous enough for such self-examination?
Sometimes we hear that call of Jesus to forgive 70x7 times is too idealistic. Perhaps it is meant to be our rule of life in very limited circumstances. But did Jesus not have a caveat with his teachings on forgiveness.
Jesus asks us to forgive as he forgave. That is the only road to lasting peace. We pray for reconciliation of enemies as we seek a way forward today.
Reflection Questions:
- What is the personal fault I need to address the most? Is it a matter of will power or do I need to draw strength from some other place?
- Are Jesus’ teachings meant to be put into practice as nations interact? Can races and nations forgive as Jesus did?
Dear Parishioners,
Please reserve October 17-19 on your calendars. We will be having a parish mission. Fr. Britto Berchmans will be here to lead us in our mission. He is a priest of the Arch Diocese of Chicago. He has a PhD in communications from the University of Illinois and has given missions throughout the country and in many foreign countries.
The theme of the Mission will revolve around the Eucharist. In this difficult time when there are so many people who have limited access to the Eucharist it seems important that we be reminded of the centrality of the Mass in our faith life.
Fr. Britto is a very interesting presenter. He peppers his presentations with humor which makes him easy to listen to. Come to the mission and bring a friend. More information will be given in the weeks ahead. Watch the bulletin.
May Our Lady and All the Angels and Saints watch over you,
Fr. Mark