Homily: Fifth day in the Octave of Christmas
Fifth day in the Octave of Christmas (Luke 2:22-35) “Jesus Christ Jew”
A recent poll was published in the media that studied religious practice in our country. The Pew Research Poll concerned religious affiliation in the United States. About 4,000 people were asked about whether they considered themselves a part of any religion. About 70% of people consider themselves religiously affiliated. Christians make up about 63% of that number. This is down from 75% of people who considered themselves religious just a decade ago. This seems to indicate that people do not consider belonging to a religion as very important in their spiritual lives.
When we study the life of Jesus, he obviously considered being a Jew a very important part of his spiritual life. He inherited his religious practice from his pious parents. We see that from the beginning of his life Jesus followed the practices of the Jewish faith. We read in the Gospel of today’s Mass how he was taken to the temple by his parents, and they dedicated him there. He was their first-born son, so he was symbolically given back to the Lord.
When Jesus was older, he continued to follow Jewish religious practice. We read of him going to the synagogue and traveling to the temple on high holy days. If Jesus were to answer a poll about his spirituality certainly his identity as a Jew would have been something that he would point to as having a profound influence on his life.
He was critical of Jewish religious leaders. Being a Jew, did not mean that Jesus was blindly obedient. He knew the laws of his religion. He also felt it was his right to criticize respectfully (Most of the time) those who did not follow the law, especially the law of love.
It is difficult to see how a person can have any real depth in the spirituality unless they adhere to some kind of religious practice. Faith gives us a framework to work from. If a person of deep faith interprets rules in a less than orthodox fashion for good reason that would not mean that they are non-religious. Religion is a tool that helps us grow close to God. Jesus used his Jewish faith to grow close to his Father. We can use our religious practice to grow close to God as well.
Reflection Questions:
- Am I shocked that so few people in our society still consider themselves to be Christian? Why is that the case?
- Is my religion a tool that I use to grow close to God or is it something I never use? What religious practices affect my faith in God?
Dear Parishioners,
As the new year approaches, we are probably getting ready to make some resolutions. Perhaps we want to take off some weight. We also may want to get some exercise or join a book study to expand our minds. What about our religious practice? Have we grown slack?
It is hard for me as a pastor to push certain programs and practices in a pandemic. I can try to point to online resources people might use. I feel America Magazine had a wonderful Catholic news blog every day for example. But there is nothing like getting together and building relationships or taking up a new ministry.
I pray that in the new year things will change and we can be freer about advocating community building activities. Our parish needs this and so does every other religious organization.
May Our Lady and all the Angels and Saints watch over you.
Fr. Mark