Homily for Sept 27th

Dear Fellow Pilgrims:

Jesus frequently expressed his frustration with those whose minds seemed to be closed. The rebuke in today’s gospel is particularly harsh: “I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you” (Matthew 21:31). Many years ago, a parishioner asked me to meet a friend who was a minister in another Christian Church. While I did not expect this person to agree with my assessment of Scripture, I thought that at least he would pray with me. He refused saying that he could not pray with a “non-believer.” Not too long ago, a person refused to listen to the message of a speaker because of the words written on the speaker’s shirt. We all make judgments about one another; but, hopefully, we can allow our “first impressions” to change once we spend more time with one another. This requires, of course, a process of listening not only to the words expressed but also to the intentions within.

Who were those “tax collectors and prostitutes” that were so hated by the society of Jesus’ day? Tax collectors not only took the people’s hard-earned money and sent it to the hated occupiers’ emperor in Rome, but they also kept a fair amount for themselves. Prostitutes used the precious gift of sexuality to make money. What leads people to engage in self-demeaning behavior? The answers are complex and vary with each person; but, eventually, they are unable to save themselves. In January, I was asked to participate in a rescue mission for a dear friend. He had relapsed a third time into the depths of addiction and depression. When we arrived at his home, this man’s family and neighbors begged us to act immediately. He was literally at death’s door. An arrangement was made to place him in a treatment center. He flew there that very day. Six months later he emerged renewed and hope-filled. He described the process of healing as a participation in the dying and rising of Christ.

Why is it that when being interviewed after his election Pope Francis described himself as a “sinner?” Perhaps he knows intimately his need for the Savior! Might the divisions that threaten to render us asunder be lessened if more of us heeded the admonition of Paul to the Philippians “Have in you the same attitude that is also in Christ Jesus, who though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped?” (Philippians 2:5-6)

Yours in Christ,
Fr. Bill Foley