26th Sunday in Ordinary Time - September 25, 2011

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This week's homily was written by Deacon Jeff Mevissen.

Jesus makes the shocking statement to the chief priests and elders that, “tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom before you.” The gospels are full of stories that support this warning of Jesus. Many public sinners accepted the appeal of Jesus to be reconciled and were saved. In contrast, the religious leaders who opposed Jesus never did perceive the invitation of God to be renewed. This calls to mind the prologue of the Gospel of John: “to his own he came but his own did not receive him. But to those who did receive him he gave power to become children of God.”

Jesus levels a severe criticism of his opponents when he quotes the prophet Isaiah: “you pay me lip service but your hearts are far from me.” Before we heap contempt on the chief priests and elders, however, we should examine how our own heart has wandered far from God. How have we grown complacent in the exercise of our faith?

One opportunity for growth is to sign up to receive the traveling chalice into your home to pray for vocations. Only a small percentage of people have wanted to receive the chalice – why is that? If the number of priests and religious has declined is it because God chooses to call fewer people or because we have grown slack in our prayers for vocations? Does God need our prayers for vocations? NO, God can raise up men and women religious from the rocks in our meditation garden (personally, I would like to see this). This is not God’s way, however, because God wants US to participate in the process of raising up women and men to serve God. God knows sociology and we will not value our religious unless we participate in praying for them and make sacrifices for them.

I have heard that some folks may believe the chalice is too sacred to have in their home. It is not a matter of being worthy, but of being chosen so you must listen for God’s call to take the chalice home. Jesus was criticized for eating with sinners—but he was not defiled by them. Rather, he made them holy by his presence. In the same way you will not defile the chalice but will receive the blessing of its presence as you pray for vocations.

Another opportunity for growth is to sit closer to the altar during Liturgy. Some folks always sit in back and I am curious why that is. Try sitting up front where you can see and hear better: the deacon does not bite (not any more). The Mass is not a spectator sport – we are called to participate fully, actively, and consciously in the liturgy. Sitting close to the front will be a sign that you want to be more fully engaged in the mystery and joy of the Word of God and the sacrament of Christ’s body and blood.

Other opportunities for growth are to participate in religious education, parish missions, and faith sharing groups. Again, I am curious why some parishioners have never considered attending these sessions. How can we witness to our faith if we are not informed about and discussing our faith? A faith-life that is not continuously challenged and expanded grows stagnant and that is when our heart can wander far from God. You might me thinking that the deacon is mighty cranky today—there is nothing new about that. But you know that I love you very much and I want to offer you affirmation in charity and challenge in Christian charity.

When Susan and I were in Lourdes a year ago, I marveled at how the rock in the grotto was worn smooth by the touch of pilgrims. This is not soft rock but hard bedrock and how many touches of human hands has it taken to wear the rock smooth? This shows that people become pilgrims to touch the sacred. Then become a pilgrim yourself within the community of St. James to reach out and touch the sacred. Shake off your complacency to embrace opportunities for growth in the community. Accept the motto from Romans 12 that I adopted as a deacon: “do not grow slack but be fervent in spirit – the one you serve is the Lord.”