Homily: Sixth Thursday of Ordinary Time
Sixth Thursday of Ordinary Time (James 2:1-9) “Appearance is Deceiving”
On April 11, 2009, the Britain’s Got Talent television show was on air. The program was a chance for amateur entertainers to perform on national television. At the end of the performances a panel of judges would give their opinion as to whether the person auditioning has any ability or not. Sometimes the critiques can be harsh. The contestants can become the butt of some jokes.
On this night the curtain opened. On stage was a short, stout, 48-year-old woman in an ill-fitting dress. She was a singer. She said she would perform the song, “I Dreamed a Dream.” Giggling was heard in the audience. The judges had bemused expressions on their faces. The television audience anticipated that Susan Boyle was about to be humiliated.
But then she started to sing. Her voice was beautiful and strong. You could tell she sang with passion. As she sang the judges expressions became incredulous. The audience started to applaud before she was done, and cheers rang out in the studio. Before she was finished the whole theater was giving her a standing ovation.
The judges shared that they were very embarrassed. They had judged Susan by appearances. They admitted she had one of the best voices they had every heard.
The author of the Letter of James writes about how we as the Body of Christ must refrain from judges based on appearance. The church has a big umbrella. Everyone by Baptism has rights in the church. Preferred seating is usually not allowed. It makes no difference if we are rich or poor, healthy or sick, well groomed or not, smart or mentally challenged. We are all equal before the Lord.
It is our task as Christians to love everyone. All this should be apparent when we gather for the liturgy. The church should strive to be an egalitarian body. At times this does not happen, but on any given Sunday this is the atmosphere and the attitude of the Body of Christ. If not, we are not who we say we are. We try to refrain from judging by appearance. What we are on the inside is what is most important.
Reflection Questions:
- You can’t judge a book by its cover. Do I believe this? How do I show it?
- Have I been dismissed by others because of appearance, sex, race, education? How did I feel?
Dear Parishioners,
Hopefully, you have received you letters regarding stewardship Sunday. It was reported at our Finance meeting that we have already had cards mailed in promising to support our Sunday offering. These monies are important because they pay our ongoing expenses.
As you have noticed on your home heating bills, there have been has been a large increase heating costs this year. If I were to count all the boilers and furnaces on our property it would be eye opening. I also might get depressed. We have replaced many of them the last few years with more efficient units, but the cost to keep them fired up will be high this winter. The offertory collections offset the expense.
When you decide on what you can give as a gift to the parish this year, I would ask that you prayerfully reflect on the sacrifice you make. If that happens, we will have the funds we need.
May Our Lady and All the Angels and Saints watch over you today.
Fr. Mark