Homily: Seventh Thursday of Ordinary Time
Seventh Thursday of Ordinary Time (Mk. 9:41-50) “Why Cut Anything off?”
Jesus’ preaching seems severe today. We are to cut off parts of the body rather than to fall into sin. This means we are to give something up to achieve something more worthwhile. What is worth the price of an eye. For what would we give up our hand.
We might, at some point in our life, heard about a child who has lost an eye or who has injured a limb that can never be repaired. At such times, a parent or grandparent may say that they would gladly give up their eyesight so that their relative might see. We might hear them say that they would give up their legs so their loved one might walk.
What is the parent or grandparent’s motivation for saying that? It is the love they have for their child or grandchild. It seems like Jesus is saying in the Gospel today that we should be committed enough to God that we are willing to sacrifice everything that we might please God.
Jesus speaks of the Kingdom of Heaven. He says that is a place where we all should want to live. Is he referring to some other worldly place? In a way he is, and, in a way, he is not? He is speaking of a place we can live now, and he is speaking of a place we can live in the future.
The place Jesus is thinking of is a place where everyone tries to follow the will of God for their lives. Too often, people only want to follow their own plans and designs. They do not consider what our Lord might prefer that they do. What would a place be like where everyone considered God’s will for them as the only measure of what they should do. As people of faith, we would say that such a place would be heavenly.
Jesus says in this sermon that we should be willing to give up everything to do the will of God. How do we know that we are following God’s designs? We know as St. Irenaeus would say, “If we are a human person that is fully alive.” That is God’s will and that is how we know we are living and look forward to living in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Reflection Questions:
- Am I fully alive right now? What is holding me back?
- Have I asked what God’s will is for me lately? What would some of the answers to that question?
Dear Parishioners,
The plastering work is progressing in the Church. We anticipate that we will be back in the church for worship by Saturday. I appreciate everyone’s cooperation.
On the 28th of February there will be a relaxation of COVID protocols in our state. Mask wearing is not required in our churches or in public places. Therefore, if people are still most comfortable wearing a mask when they come to Mass they can. If they wish not to, they don’t have to.
Communion ministers will still be wearing masks to distribute communion for the time being. As numbers continue to drop, more protocols will be eased. I will try to keep up with what is happening. Please respect other people’s preferences.
May Our Lady and all the Angels and Saints watch over you.
Fr. Mark