Homily: Twenty-Sixth Thursday of Ordinary Time (Haggai 1:1-8)
Twenty-Sixth Thursday of Ordinary Time (Haggai 1:1-8) “How Do We Restore What We Have Lost?”
Most of the prophets, lived and ministered during the time of Babylonian Exile. There were three stages to that exile. Stage one was at the time that the nations of Israel and Judah were under siege from foreign powers. These Jewish kingdoms were falling apart because of corruption and infidelity to God.
Stage two of the story revolved around the actual time of the exile. We have stories that we read about Daniel and others who heroically held on to their faith despite their slavery and the fact that they were immersed in another culture.
The last stage of the story unfolded when the Jewish people were finally able to return home to Jerusalem. This was a time of happiness, but it was also a time of struggle. The Jewish people had to reestablish themselves in their homeland. This happened after decades of being away. The big questions for the people were who are we and what do we believe in? There had to be a rediscovery of their identity.
The prophet Haggai and others emphasized the need for their nation to get its religious house in order first. If faith was a priority, prophets like Haggai argued that everything else would come together. The people were distracted by many things like rebuilding their own homes and businesses. Religious considerations were low on the priority list.
We can probably relate to that in our society. It seems like religious considerations are not at the top of our priority list either. The COVID 19 epidemic has exacerbated this whole problem. We have been given a reason to stay away from church and parish events. We have been in exile. As we put our lives back together will religion be a priority?
The prophets would argue that if this is not the case our society will suffer irreparable harm. Faith needs to come first. Everything else will come together if that is our belief.
Reflection Questions:
- Do I have the same priorities in my life as I did two years ago? How has my life changed?
- What activities have people resumed as things seem to have gotten a little safer? What does that tell me about our world and its priorities?
Dear Parishioners,
When I got up this morning there was a bite in the air. Fall has fell as they say. The cool weather thickens our blood, and we slow down a bit. As I went out on my morning walk there was a full moon and it was dark.
How do you begin your day? One of the things that I do is stop in the church to open the doors and turn on the lights. This morning Fr. Matthew had the first Mass. I was giving him a little assist as I went on my way. We added the 6:30 a.m. Mass back to our schedule a couple months ago. The numbers of people attending has fluctuated. Sometimes we have had thirty congregants. Other days we have had fifteen. There has been a long tradition at Sacred Heart of having the first Mass in the area. People used to go to Mass and then go off to work. We are still fulfilling that spiritual need in our area.
As Catholics we believe that Mass is our mana for the day. The people of Israel were given Mana every morning as they traveled through the desert toward the promised land. We wander through the desert of our lives and look for nourishment. Daily Eucharist offers that as we chew on the scriptures and break and consume the bread. Stop in and join us some morning soon.
May Our Lady and All the Angels and Saints watch over you today.
Fr. Mark