Pastor's Letter -- January 23, 2022

Dearly beloved parishioners,

Have you ever read or heard any passage of Sacred Scripture read to you that brought you to tears? 

What happened afterwards? Have you ever heard a homily that spoke directly to you, calling you to make difficult life style changes not previously thought about? Do you come to Mass with the openness of heart, and the expectation to be transformed by the Good News that you hear? Or are your expectations to be intellectually stimulated and no more? What do you look for in a homily?

The above are some questions any preacher, who intends for the Word of God they proclaim to change hearts and mind would reflect on. Not infrequently do I hear parishioners compliment my homily after Mass. The short time spent with parishioners as they walk out of church is often insufficient for much meaningful discussion. These feedbacks are very much appreciated. But I often wonder what about my homily spoke to these parishioners. Although the same Word of God is spoken to the hearing of everyone, it speaks to each one of us differently. The parable of the sower found in Matthew 13 and Mark 4 makes me think that some of us listen and reflect further on what they hear and seek to act on it, some of us listen and applaud what is said but do no more, some others might listen, critique what is said, and not allow the Word to permeate their lives. These responses are not exhaustive, but it seems to me that they could be applicable to every group of people. 

Our readings this weekend focus on the Word of God. The First reading speaks of an event that could easily be described as the ancestor to our present Liturgy of the Word. The priest-scribe, Ezra, reads from the Book of the Law on a wooden pedestal/platform that has been built for the occasion. He then admonishes the people, who responded with an emotional outburst and a bodily gesture that signaled their self-humiliation before God. These people, who had returned from exile, heard once again from the book of the law and reflected upon their lives, which was a far cry from what the Law commanded.  Like the people who listened to Peter’s preaching on the day of Pentecost, they were cut to the heart when the Word of God was proclaimed. They were driven to remorse, and repentance for their wrongdoing.

The Word of God is alive and active. As in Biblical times, so it is even in our own time. It has the power to save. It has the power to convert hearts and to turn people’s lives around. But we must be open to let it act in us. We must not wish only to hear what pleases or excites us. Sometimes, the Word of God might make us happy, and at some other times, it might challenge us to change our ways and repent of any wrongdoing. The Word of God is Good News. This Good News does not always mean joyful news, as some of us like to think. Even when it brings us to tears, the result is always Good News, which is repentance and right relationship with God and with our brothers and sisters. 

Please remember the Listening Session of the diocesan phase of the Synod. For our vicariate, it is being held at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Granger on February 3rd beginning with the Holy Mass at 6:00 pm. See last week’s bulletin insert or visit diocesefwsb.org/synod/
for reflection questions. Everyone is welcome! 

May Jesus bless you, and may Our Lady protect you!