Homily Notes from the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2018
24th Sunday of Ordinary Time, “Catechetical Sunday”
All students hate tests. When we take a test what we know about a subject is quickly shown. Whether or not they have paid attention becomes abundantly clear. We all know there are different types of tests. Some students dread certain kinds.
The tests I disliked the most in graduate school were oral exams. A multiple-choice test was easy because the response was always written for you. All you had to do was pick out the proper answer. You might even guess and get it right. With S.A. tests it was harder. You must formulate your thoughts. But once you put your answer down on paper the instructor must interpret what you were trying to say. Sometimes you can be nebulous enough that you might be able to cover several possible answers.
With oral exams though you must sit down across from the instructor. He/she asks the questions. The student must answer. You cannot run away. You cannot give your answer and walk out of the room. But the most threatening thing is that the professor can ask follow-up questions. He/she may ask you to explain what you have said.
Jesus lived in a world where the only real communication was face to face. He was a rabbi. He was a teacher, but most of his students could not read or write. Jesus, then, had to use oral exams. He gave his disciples one in the middle of the Gospel of Mark that we read about today. “Who do people say that I am?” Peter gave the answer wanted. “You are the Messiah.” But then came the follow up. What kind of savior am I? Am a triumphant Messiah. Or, am I a suffering servant?
Peter got that part of the exam wrong. He did not want a savior who was nailed to a cross. He also did not want to think about carrying a cross himself. But that is who Jesus is, our savior died on a cross. When we think about it that is what makes Jesus unique. He is unlike the founder of any other religion. Jesus did not die in his sleep at an old age like the inventers of other religions like the Buddha, like Muhammed. Such leaders were revered to the end of their life. Jesus died a violent death, an apparent failure. He is the savior who give us the example of how to be courageous in suffering. He died for what he believed, a martyr for the cause. He did not just talk about sacrifice in life. He lived it. And that is how he taught about faith.
Today is Catechetical Sunday. We begin the academic year by blessing our religion teachers. Our teachers make many sacrifices to teach others about the Catholic faith. And they must answer one question all the time. Who is Jesus? A teacher in a classroom cannot hide. No, they are on stage. A religion teacher cannot say one thing and do another, or they will not be an effective teacher. Perhaps that is why teaching religion is so intimidating.
The teachers who come before us this morning, probably are worried, if they will have all the information they need, but teaching religion is not just about knowing data. No, it is about actions. St. Francis had a little saying we remember today as we begin the year. “Preach the Gospel always. Sometimes use words.”
If we are examples of Christian living and charity that is the main thing that is necessary. We also give example to others if we are steadfast in our faith in the face of adversity. Do we renounce our faith at the first sign of trouble or do we hold on to it? Peter heard what Jesus said about the cross, then he saw Jesus carry his cross. When he heard he pondered what Jesus stood for? When he observed Jesus live day to day, when he saw him die, he was inspired to imitate Jesus. We teach by living as Jesus did. If we all act on our faith we will be not only be followers of Jesus but chosen disciples who teach as he taught.