Homily for 31st Sunday
Early Saturday morning, the priests of St. William’s parish, Greg and Curt, were eating breakfast. Usually, they would make comments about local events, but not this morning. Greg was more pensive than usual. So, Curt asked “Greg, what’s the matter? You don’t seem to be yourself, enthusiastic and eager to tackle whatever might happen today!”
Greg replied “Have you read the readings for Sunday’s Mass yet? They’re brutal! The prophet Malachi, speaking the word of God, really attacks priests for not being true to their responsibilities to instruct and guide the people. Then Jesus in the Gospel goes after the scribes and the Pharisees for their failure to practice what they preach. Today the Church and the whole world with its wars and civil unrest is in crisis. People are leaving the Church big time. We priests have failed!”
Curt answered “That was then. The prophet and Jesus went after the leaders of their day. What does that have to do with us?” Greg broke in “Come on Curt. You know that the lessons of scripture are timeless. What was said then applies to us today. We priests have failed in our duty as well.”
Let’s take a closer look and try to understand what the LORD wants us to know and do. But first a little story. An exotic restaurant serving a wealthy clientele was named Eddie and the Dragon. A beggar came to the back door one day and said to the woman who appeared to be in charge, “I haven’t eaten in days. Could you spare me some food?” “Get out of here,” yelled the woman. “We don’t feed beggars.” The man left, but a few minutes later he was back. “What now?” the irritated woman asked. The beggar, looking up at the name of the sign over the door, Eddie and the Dragon, said, “I wonder if I could talk with Eddie this time?” Perhaps the key to understanding the scripture lessons might be found in the virtues of gentleness and humility.
We all are a little like the beggar in the story. Many are finding food, clothing, shelter more expensive and rapidly becoming beyond reach. To whom are we to look as security, peace and happiness become elusive causing anxiety? There was a time when many looked to God for help. Sadly, many have given up on God and have lost faith. Who is to be blamed for this loss? The LORD speaks through his prophet, Malachi.
The Lord says a great King am I and my name will be feared among the nations. And now, O Priests, this commandment is for you: if you do not listen, if you do not lay it to heart, to give glory to my name, … I will send a curse upon you and of your blessing I will make a curse. You have turned aside from the way and have caused many to falter by your instruction; you have made void the covenant of Levi. … I, therefore, have made you contemptible and base before all the people, since you do not keep my ways, but show partiality in your decisions.
The Lord God speaks these words to ordained priests today. Since the beginning of the 20th Century and now in this 21st Century, the Popes have called for a new evangelization of the Gospel. However, the truth of the Gospel is not being taught, the faith is not being handed on. There is much resistance to rely on God who seems to be disinterested. There is much talk about peace and justice and living in joy. Who is listening?
The prophet continues. I, therefore, have made you contemptible and base before all the people, since you do not keep my ways, but show partiality in your decisions. Have we not all the one father? Has not the one God created us? Why then do we break faith with one another, violating the covenant of our fathers?
While is it easy to criticize the ordained priests, we may forget that all baptized share in the common priesthood. The prophet warns us all! We pray in the words of Psalm 131: O Israel, hope in the LORD, both now and forever. In you, LORD, I have found my peace! We all share in the responsibility for teaching and living the Gospel.
In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus criticizes the scribes and the Pharisees. He was not questioning the legitimate authority of the leaders. What he questioned was their concrete behavior demonstrated in the way they carried out their duties. In essence, they preached but did not practice. In addition, they expected the people to show respect by titles of Rabbi, Father, and Master. Jesus has the expectation of consistency between the believer’s spoken word of faith and his or her action in faith. Many may profess faith but fail to really practice faith in humbly caring for the poor. Jesus warns: Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
The suggestion made at the beginning of this discussion is that the key to understanding the scripture lessons might be found in the virtues of gentleness and humility. All priests, both ordained and unordained, are to be humble. Whatever is to be achieved in preaching and living the Gospel begins with God who enables us to continue his presence and his creative work in the world today. As priests, ordained and unordained, we build up confidence with gentleness rather than overbearing force so that all will want to practice faith with charity and love for each other.
Fathers Greg and Curt came to understand that God is not so much angry as disappointed in us all. The challenge is to begin again with humility and gentleness thus giving glory to the LORD who wishes to bless rather than curse. Do you accept the challenge to not only profess the faith with your lips but to also practice the faith in caring for the poor?
God be blessed! Now and forever. Amen.