Homily Queenship of Mary (Mt. 23:1-12) “Call No One Father”
Homily Queenship of Mary (Mt. 23:1-12) “Call No One Father”
This passage from Matthew has always challenged me to be humble. The Pharisees were learned experts in the Law of Moses. They were the educated religious people of their day. The law of Moses had 613 rules that governed everything from fasting to table etiquette to marriage. Most people were unable to read and had no time to study the law as they tried to survive from day to day, so they relied on the Pharisees to guide them.
The Pharisees were given respect because of their knowledge. But some expected privileges even if they were not all that moral. Jesus was disgusted with those who felt they deserved deference without earning it.
Jesus says that no one should carry special titles, yet when he was addressed as rabbi or teacher, he did not correct the person who talked to him. At other times people called him master, again, he did not seem to correct the persons who addressed him with these titles. He chose to call himself, “The Son of Man” which we might translate as “the human being.” Jesus, it seems, wanted to be regarded as a fellow traveler on the journey.
It would seem, that Jesus felt that the person who was addressed with a title should not demand or require this, but if someone voluntarily addressed you with a title that was another matter. In that case, the person speaking to you saw something in you that was worthy of respect.
I often think that addressing priests as “Father” is problematic. Why? Because so many people seem to have difficulties with the father figures in their life. There can be an underlying resentment that develops as “Father Issues” are projected onto a priest. I have experienced that in several relationships. I think it is better that people voluntarily address me with the title of Father if they choose to do so. If I try to follow Jesus, I should never feel like I deserve a title. The title that Christians rejoice in is that of “forgiven sinner.”
I do feel that at times certain individuals deliberately refrain from calling priests Father as a sign of disrespect. This is problematic as well. Ideally, we should never disrespect anyone. Hopefully, people are deserving of the title Pastor, Father, Doctor, Officer, President, or whatever title they carry. Titles are appropriate, but clericalism never is.
Reflection Questions:
- What titles do I carry? Do I feel worthy of those titles? If not, what might I do about it?
- How do I show respect for others? Do I ever disrespect anyone? What might I do about that?
Dear Parishioners,
I would like to remind you, once again, that Fr. Matthew and I cannot enter nursing homes or hospitals unless we are specifically requested through the institution’s staff. In other words, the hospital or nursing home must call us with a request from a patient. We still our anointing those who need the sacrament. I would encourage this strongly. It pains me greatly that some people are missing out on sacramental absolution of the church as they approach death.
If the sick person is a COVID patient, we must request a priest from outside the area who is not at risk and is trained with the personal protective gear. This may take a few days. This is a directive from the diocese and is necessary to assure the safety of the minister.
Please keep these things in mind.
May Our Lady and all the Angels and Saints watch over you today.
Fr. Mark