Homily Seventh Saturday of Easter (2020) “Feast of St. Paul VI Pope” “All Apostles are Important”

Homily Seventh Saturday of Easter (2020) “Feast of St. Paul VI Pope” “All Apostles are Important”

The Gospel of John was written for a community of believers in the early church.  The gospel was written at Ephesus in present day Turkey.  The community that the gospel was written for, was a Christian/Jewish community.  The community was in conflict with Jews and they were also at odds with each other. The community that produced the Gospel of John was known as the Johannine community.

Different Christian communities were tied to different Apostles.  Each community tried to make the Apostle look important, that was their favorite apostle. There were arguments about which apostle was closest to Christ.  We see this tension in the Gospel today.  The Johannine writer wanted to build up the importance of the Beloved Disciple.

We have this conversation between Jesus and Peter.  Peter seems to be building up his stature by asking what the importance of the Beloved Disciple was.  He asks, “Lord, what about him?”

The way we might interpret how Jesus responds to that question is to say that every Apostle has their role.  Most of the Apostles including Peter were called to be martyrs.  The beloved disciple lived out his natural life.  Perhaps some questioned whether this depreciated his status in the early church.

The beloved disciple’s task was to stay on earth and witness for Christ.  The church needed apostles who had known Jesus to pass on Jesus’ teaching.  The Beloved disciple was a primary source for Jesus’ Theology for many years.

The church needs witnesses in the world today.  We may not be martyred for Christ, but that does not mean we are unimportant. If we can give witness about how Jesus has touched our life and do so with passion, we can be as important an agent for Christ as anyone else.  Each of us must be an apostle in our own way. 

Reflection Question:

1. Does a long Christian life have as much value for the Church as a life shortened by martyrdom?  Which church martyr has special significance to me?

2.  We have what are called white martyrs in the church.  This is a martyr that chooses a difficult path to serve Christ in a profound way. Who have you known who has been a white martyr? 

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 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 if we had them outside for this Mass.

            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 do not come to the outdoor Mass and want to receive it after Mass is over. The distribution of Holy Communion 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. Someone will be in the office next week during regular office hours.  The office will be closed Friday afternoons.  The following week, the parish staff will be working their regular hours.  We ask you to wear a mask if you come to our office.  Remember there are confessions Saturdays in the church at 1 p.m.  Come to the East Door (by the Blessed Virgin Mary Statue) to receive directions about entering the church.