Homily: Sixth Friday of Ordinary Time
Sixth Friday of Ordinary Time (James 2:14-24, 26) “Pray and then Act”
I always appreciate the Letter of James because it is very direct. The faith that it speaks of is a practical faith. I am a pragmatic person so that is probably why I like James. Most pastors are the same.
A story is told of a group of priests who were on retreat. As they sat in the chapel saying evening prayer on a cold stormy night the power went off. The Benedictine priests who were in the group kept chanting the liturgy of the hours from memory. The Franciscans sang a song in praise of sister darkness and seemed happy to experience her. The Jesuits discussed the Theological symbolism of light and darkness. The diocesan priests went and got a flashlight, found the circuit breaker and turned on the lights.
Diocesan priests are usually pastors and administrators. As someone once said they are generalists. They do everything from lead worship to scoop the snow off the sidewalk if no one else is around to do it. Usually, diocesan priests must act on their faith. We cannot just talk about it.
The usual debate about faith and works is which one is necessary to achieve salvation. The Protestant bias would be to say that all that is necessary to achieve salvation is to have a sincere belief that Jesus is our savior. The Catholic bias would say that we must prove our faith by our actions if we are going to receive salvation. Really it is not an either or, but both.
It should be remembered that salvation, is not the reason for good works. Love of God and neighbor is the reason for charitable works. We want to do charity to please the God who has shown the world love from the beginning of time. If we say we love someone, but refuse to make sacrifices when they need our help what kind of love is that? Words are cheap. Love is made real when we are there to help people at the times they are in the most need.
Reflection Questions:
- What do I engage in more, prayer or action? Why is that?
- How could I balance my spiritual life between action and contemplation? Is either one more important?
Dear Parishioners,
We had a session last night regarding our parish’s listening campaign. We have about a dozen listeners that are talking to people around our parish. We hope to hear about how people are doing as they navigate the pandemic. So far, our listeners have talked to about 25 parishioners, and we hope to have extended conversations with 60 households.
The listeners had some problems we might expect, frustration with getting ahold of people, people not being willing to talk in person, etc. But they also shared that when they were able to have a conversation, it was a very positive experience. Constructive suggestions have been offered and affirming comments have also been given. The most prevalent comment has been a sense of gratitude that our parish was reaching and taking time to listen to parishioners.
Please pray for the listening campaign during the next few weeks. Let’s hope that it will build up our community.
May Our Lady and all the Angels and Saints watch over you.
Fr. Mark