Homily Seventh Friday of Easter (2020) “Feast of St. Paul VI Pope”
Homily Seventh Friday of Easter (2020) “Feast of St. Paul VI Pope”
Somehow it seems apropos that we celebrate the Feast of Saint Paul VI Pope as we finish the Easter season. Paul the VI was pope in the 1960’s and 1970’s. He picked the name Paul because he wanted to be a pope that evangelized as St. Paul did. He wanted to be a pope that engaged the modern world.
The Popes in the decades before Paul VI were reluctant to leave the Vatican. They were protesting the fact that the papacy had lost control of the papal states in the 19th century. The only territory the popes ruled over were the few small acres around St. Peter’s Basilica.
Popes like Pius XII never left the Vatican grounds. They lived like hermits. Most of the time they ate alone. Many times, they said Mass privately. If the faithful wanted to see the pope, they had to travel to Rome.
Paul VI longed to change the status quo. He did not want to withdraw from the world, so he began to jet around the world. He flew to the Orient. He went to Africa. He was the first pope to travel to the United States. He changed the customs of the Papacy. Pope John Paul II and Francis traversed the world to spread the Gospel. This is something we have grown to expect of the Bishop of Rome.
Paul VI also spoke out strongly about Social Justice. His most famous words were put on a bumper sticker that many a Catholic displayed proudly on their car during his time as pope. He said, “If you want peace work for justice.” He saw peace and justice as intimately connected.
Paul VI was very wise. When violence erupts, we need to ask what unjust situation has prompted it. Maybe, then we can end the savagery quickly.
Reflection Question:
1. Does the Pope need to speak to injustice in the world? What are some topics you would want Pope Francis to address?
2. Pope Francis seems to draw a lot of criticism when speaks out about climate change and economic disparity in the World? Are those things Jesus might be preaching about today?
Dear Parishioners,
This Sunday we were scheduled to have an 8 a.m. live stream Mass. We were notified this week that the Governor has stated that we could have Masses outdoors. I have decided that rather than have a live stream Mass we will have a public Mass in the green space in front of Culemans Hall at 8 a.m. Sunday. The altar will be set up on the steps leading into the building. It is supposed to be a beautiful day. What better way to celebrate Pentecost Sunday than to come together as a parish Community for the first time in several months?
I would remind those who are in at-risk groups that you are to remain at home according to the CDC guidelines. There still is no Sunday obligation to attend Mass, but if you feel comfortable you are invited. I have been working on the details of this Mass the last couple days with some parishioners. We hope this goes smoothly. We cannot control bugs, sunburn or a few stray raindrops.
This will be a rather simple celebration. Here are some practical considerations. We will not have the buildings open therefore there will be no restrooms available. You are asked to keep a physical distance of 6 feet from others. Parishioners can sit with the people in their household. Please respect desire of others to have their space. Everyone should wear a mask. You must bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. We cannot bring chairs in and out of the buildings. The buildings are shut down. We would also have to sterilize every chair used.
The idea behind celebrating Mass outdoors is that it is safe if we keep physical distance from each other. We will announce other considerations on Sunday. You are asked not to congregate after Mass, but to move back to your cars as soon as possible. Remember there is parking in the old bank parking lot behind Culemans Hall as well as in our other parking lots.
After Mass, we will toll the bell as we have since the pandemic began. We also will distribute communion to those who want to receive it after Mass is over. This will take place by the Blessed Virgin Mary Statue behind the rectory. This will happen after the tolling of the bell. If you want to watch Mass at home on Sunday, the Saturday Mass will be posted on Facebook and on our website. As we move through the summer an outdoor Mass might be one of the main ways we can pray together. We will see how this Sunday unfolds. I ask you to be patient and reverent if you come to join us Sunday.
May the Our Lady and All the Angels and Saints watch over you today.
Fr. Mark
P.S. The One Bread One Body booklets are in the box behind the rectory marked Easter Water.