Homily: Fifth Thursday of Easter
Fifth Thursday of Easter (Acts 15:7-21) “Which Way Should We Go”
The first council in the history of the church was the Council of Jerusalem. It was the model for the ecumenical councils that followed. Sometimes I am asked why there has not been an ecumenical council in the Church since the early 1960’s. It seems logical that there should be one every ten years or so.
The reason that they do not happen more often is that they are reserved for extraordinary circumstances. We might even say they are held when there is a perceived crisis in the church. Vatican Council II was held from 1962-65. The important issue the church dealt with was how the Catholic Church was going to relate to the modern world.
At the Council of Jerusalem, the question was whether Gentiles were going to have to become Jews in order to follow the Christian faith. Would the males need to be circumcised? Would women need to celebrate rites of initiation? Would Gentiles need to adhere to Jewish dietary law? If this was the case, evangelization was going to be a lot more complicated. The church would grow much more slowly.
The church leaders who got together listened to each other. They prayed to the Holy Spirit and listened for an answer. But the most important thing they did was compromise. According to the story no one thought that they had all the answers. In the end, Gentiles were free to be Christian and had few prohibitions and restrictions.
Pope Francis wants the church to be a more synodal church. He wants Church members to dialogue with one another and ask the ongoing question of, “What direction do we need to go today?” We cannot be afraid to move in new directions. The church was never meant to be stagnant, but the church was always meant to evolve as needed.
Let’s pray that the synodal process will produce much good fruit. That can only happen if we are willing search for the path the spirit is pointing to.
Reflection Questions:
- Has the Holy Spirit guided me in my life? When and how?
- Am I afraid of change? What holds me back?
Dear Parishioners,
The Seton Catholic School Walk-a-thon is this Friday. This is one of the major fund raisers for the school during the year. If you have not sponsored a child, this is the time to call the school and find out how. You can also sponsor a student by going on the Seton home page. Everyone is welcome to make a donation as well.
I have always been impressed by the enthusiasm of the students as they walk for their school. This year the Seton students will be walking to Alleman, and the high school students will be cheering them on. Thanks to all who support this effort.
May Our Lady of Peace pray for an end to violence in our world.
Fr. Mark