Homily Twenty-third Saturday of Ordinary Time (Lk. 6:43-49) “How’s Your Foundation this Week?”
Homily Twenty-third Saturday of Ordinary Time (Lk. 6:43-49) “How’s Your Foundation this Week?”
The other morning, I woke up and an alarm was going off in the basement. I went downstairs and the basement was slowly filling with water. One of our sump pumps had died and the other was on life support. Fortunately, a parishioner came to the rescue.
When I read the Gospel today, I think of that experience. There is so much damage water can do. I don’t think our rectory is going to be sinking into the ground anytime soon and I am sure we all have our own water stories, basements flooding, foundations leaking, etc.
Certainly, in Biblical times there were no sump pumps and other modern tools like we use to keep our houses dry. People had to be very careful where they constructed their houses. High ground was a priority as was good drainage.
I remember camping out what I was a scout. We learned pretty quickly to pitch our tents at the top of a hill. Otherwise, we would wake up in a pool of water.
Shouldn’t we be just careful about how we construct our religious lives? We need sound religious teaching. Many times, people say things about their faith that does not have much relationship to the Gospel Jesus preached. We can twist the words of the Scripture to justify our actions. We need to make sure the Gospel we follow is authentic.
Do we take up the challenge of the Gospel or do we water it down? Let’s build our religious lives on the rock of true Gospel teaching.
Reflection Questions:
- If my faith is wavering today is that a sign that I might not have sound understanding of what Jesus taught? What can I do about this?
- Faith in God is really about a relationship. How is my friendship with God going?
Dear Parishioners,
This weekend we will hear about the Annual Diocesan Appeal. The appeal funds most of the ministries of the Diocese of Peoria. The pandemic has caused many charities to really struggle. If we have resources now is the time to share them.
Sacred Heart could use your help to make its ADA goal. Please pray over what you might be able to donate. Every gift will be greatly appreciated.
May Our Lady and all the Angels and Saints watch over you.
Fr. Mark