Homily Fifteenth Saturday of Ordinary Time (Mt. 12:14-21) “An Iron Hand in a Velvet Glove.”
Homily Fifteenth Saturday of Ordinary Time (Mt. 12:14-21) “An Iron Hand in a Velvet Glove.”
When Mother Teresa was establishing ministries in Latin America in the 1980’s, the government of Guatemala invited her to establish a home for the dying in that country. The government offered Mother Teresa a central location where those in need could find her sisters easily.
After an agreement was struck, the Guatemalans changed their mind because the wanted to build a market on the spot that had been designated for the hospice. They did not want indigent people in the area around the proposed commercial space. A representative came to Mother Teresa and asked her to accept property away from the center of town.
Mother Teresa objected saying another site would not serve the poor well. A low-key argument ensued. Finally, Mother Teresa said she did not want to move, but she would if forced to. Mother Teresa said she and her sisters would be praying to stay where they were.
In the end, Mother Teresa received permission to stay for fifty years and she got more property than she had requested. No one wanted to disappoint this living saint.
Jesus had the same kind of demeanor. In the Gospel of Matthew, we read how he comes into conflict with the Scribes and Pharisees, but he does not choose to get into a messy argument. He withdraws instead and waits for another time to press his point.
Jesus had a way of achieving his ends without threat, but with patience and forbearance. He was the epidemy of what a non-violent protestor tries to be like.
Reflection Questions:
1. Is it better to bide my time to achieve my goals? Or, is it better to bulldoze my way through?
2. Does non-violent resistance work? Does non-violence denote passivity, or does it revolve around another way of fighting for what is right?
Dear Parishioner,
We give thanks this weekend for those who will receive First Communion. This will occur on Sunday at 2 p.m. This will be a livestream Mass, so I invite you to watch and rejoice with the children who receive.
The rise in COVID 19 cases throughout the nation is alarming. We must worry that we will be required to close our churches for public worship again. With that concern in mind, we received a letter from Bishop Jenky today.
The Bishop restated that we must remain vigilant in adhering to all protocols that have been issued by the diocese. We are to wear masks, sanitize the church, refrain from communion on the tongue, etc. If we let up on these practices it will be detrimental for those who are vulnerable and for our ability to celebrate sacraments.
The people of Sacred Heart have been most cooperative in following the protocols. I have heard and observed relaxed practices in other places. Let’s remain committed to protecting each other. This is the loving thing to do.
May Our Lady and the Angels and Saints protect you today.
Fr. Mark