Homily: Eighth Tuesday of Ordinary Time
Eighth Tuesday of Ordinary Time (1 Peter 1:10-16) “Gird Your Loins?”
“Gird up your loins.” That line appears in Sacred Scripture in several places. It is not a command that we use much in our modern world. What does it signify we might ask?
In ancient times people wore tunics which were like big night shirts. Over that garment they would wear a poncho like garment that was their jacket or over coat. These were loose free flowing garments. If you were going to run, climb, or do heavy labor such apparel was not practical. You could easily trip, or you might get clothing caught on bushes or sharp objects.
If someone was going to work in the field. If they were going to be involved in an athletic contest or if they were going into battle, they would gather up the hem of their garments and tuck them into their belt. That way they would be able to run. A man might take off his outer garments so his arms would be free. This was what is referred to as “girding one’s loins.” It took a few moments to make these adjustments to one’s attire, but it was necessary if a person was going to be involved in intense physical activity.
We might all take these lines to heart today. Are we girding our loins so that we might be ready for the rigors of Lent? If Lent is going to be like any other time of year, then we don’t have to worry about such things, but if we are going to fast, pray and engage in charity that is going to demand sacrifice we may have to steel our will and get ready.
My thoughts turn to the people of Ukraine today. I have watched their soldiers enter battle to defend their homeland. I have observed, as you probably have, woman and children fleeing for their lives. All they may have, is a suitcase that they are dragging behind them. Maybe they have only a few moments to decide what they will take with them. But they seem to be deeply resolved that they will hold on to their homeland. They have girded their loins to do what they must do. Might we gird our loins and do penance offering our sacrifices for them? Can we do anything less?
Reflection Questions:
- Are their Biblical expressions I do not understand? What would be some of them?
- Have I decided on my Lenten Penance? Might I attend Mass and pray for the people Ukraine?
Dear Parishioners,
Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday. Masses will be at 6:30 and 8 a.m. There will be a school Mass at 10:15 a.m. There will be a 5:45 p.m. Mass with a simple soup supper after.
Pope Francis has asked that this Ash Wednesday we offer our penance for the people of Ukraine. The penance for Ash Wednesday is to abstain from meat and to eat one full meal and two small meals. We also are asked not to eat between meals. I hope everyone who is physically able will participate.
May Our Lady and all the Angels and Saints watch over all of us to today. May we have peace that is based on justice in our world.
Fr. Mark