This week there are two homilies:
Do you like all the extra daylight we have had this week? Wednesday was the longest day of the year. The contrast between darkness and light is a perpetual theme in Scripture and in life. It mimics, and sometimes represents the battle between good and evil. So, it seems appropriate, somehow on this week where light dominates our days that our readings turn to the contrast between good and evil – a contrast of the life God calls us to and the darkness of the Evil One’s lies.
Our first reading from Jerimiah being persecuted for his prophesies. There are those who would do him harm – who would like him to change his message. But Jerimiah is a Prophet of God and remains true. In contrast to the darkness around him, the prophet relies on God for protection and trusts in His power.
In our second reading – Paul to the Romans – Paul recounts the entry of sin into the world by one man – Adam, and the disastrous effects this had on humankind. Sin entered the world, and with it death. He contrasts that with the great gift of Jesus Christ who would conquer death. Once again it is a darkness and light story with Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.
Our Gospel reading carries this theme forward. In it, Jesus is sending the12 out on their first missionary journey. He has warned them that He is sending them out where they will be persecuted. But in our Gospel, He tells them to “Fear no one”. The Gospel continues the darkness/light theme by saying all that is hidden will be revealed. Jesus encourages them to say in the light and from the rooftops what is whispered. Finally, Jesus says if you acknowledge me before others, I will acknowledge you before my heavenly Father.
Clearly, Jesus is encouraging the apostles to be open about what they preach – but to realize they will be persecuted for it.
What does this mean to us today? Yesterday I had the opportunity to participate in the Diocese of Trenton Evangelization Conference. That we would even have one of these might surprise some. But if we look realistically at our Churches throughout the US, we must admit that things are not like what they might have been in the 50’s or 60’s. Even in the almost 30 years my wife and I have lived here in Hamilton, the attendance at Church has shifted drastically. At OLS, we have gone from a time when we needed multiple masses running upstairs and downstairs, to a reduced schedule where our masses are still not full – something has changed. Similar things are happening in St Anthony’s. We are not unique. It is happening all over. And so, the Church is asking herself – what is happening? And what we are realizing is that we need a new evangelization here – a new reaching out. We are like a missionary territory again. And our diocese, like many, is exploring different ways of doing that. We are seeking new ways to invite family, friends, and strangers back.
The speaker at the conference yesterday first warned us – not unlike the words of Jesus in our Gospel today, that the way to Truth is often the way to the Cross. We are to reach out in Love – but the greatest act of Love the world has ever known was the Cross. It will not be easy and there will be dangers there. There are those who do not like the Truth we stand for, and the Evil One cheers them on. But we know that Jesus promised that the gates of hell will not prevail against the Church. The speaker’s 3-point plan was simple. Begin with Prayer. We need a relationship with Jesus to know Him and spread the Good News. Second, frequent the Sacraments – especially Eucharist and Reconciliation. Finally, we should turn to Mary as advocate.
Filling our Churches again will not be easy. But it is not the job of some committee. Like the 12 being sent out on their first missionary journey in our Gospel today – it is up to each of us – clergy and laity alike - beginning with our friends and families. The work of conversion of heart is the work of the Holy Spirit. Ours is but to invite and offer opportunity. We must be a voice today against the darkness of the world – the tricks of the devil who prefers to twist the truth to make evil sound good. He’s been doing it since Adam and Eve and continues today. We must begin anew to bring people to the Light of Christ – the Light that dispels all darkness and the source of Love, and we must do it by showing that Love to others. Something to think about this week. God Bless.