Homily for January 24

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We are all bombarded by a cacophony of voices and sounds as well as a kaleidoscope of flashing scenes that both attract and confuse. Many of us have a difficult time discerning how to interpret them and how to respond. This Sunday we are being reminded of the centrality of the Word of God. Prior to the celebration of every liturgy, it is highly recommended that we spend some time not just glancing at the readings but letting their power seep into our very being. A long time ago, I was taught a method of contemplative prayer based on the Word of God. The method is simple; it involves a process outlined by five words that begin with the letter “p.”

Place – where am I most comfortable to be myself alone with God?
Position – in what position am I most attentive?
Passage – read and re-read out loud a passage from Scripture.
Presence – close the book and listen; perhaps breathe in and out the name “Jesus.”
Passage – re-read the passage

Were you to take the first words we hear Jesus speak in Mark’s gospel, might they both convict and commit us?

“This is the time of fulfillment.
The kingdom of God is at hand.
Repent, and believe in the gospel.”
(Mark 1:15)

Belief is an on-going process of “going beyond the mind you have” – in other words, “conversion.” God often asks us to do the last thing we would ever imagine. The prophet Jonah resisted preaching to his enemies in Nineveh. He could not imagine that God would want to save the arch-enemies and persecutors of his people. A contemplative heart that practices “lectio divina” (pondering God’s Word) cannot avoid the obvious implications of Paul’s words to the people of Corinth: “the time is running out!” (1 Corinthians 7:29) How does God’s word today challenge me to allow my horizons to be expanded? How might my conversion affect others?

Yours in Christ,
Fr. Bill Foley