Homily for the 12th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
    
On this first weekend when we begin the slow process of opening up the Church, we are both most excited and filled with a profound sense of caution. The deadly virus is still among us; yet we long to be in touch with the one who says to us “be not afraid.” This is also “Father’s Day” weekend. This “Son” has come among us to cement us more intimately in our relationship with “the” Father. Their “Spirit” breathes within us and urges us to proclaim God’s presence in word and deed.
     On the day of baptism, the sacred chrism is placed upon our heads and we are anointed to share in the priestly, prophetic, and governing offices of Christ. Our Scriptures today focus on the role of the prophet. It often is a very lonely and dangerous vocation, but one that the individual feels compelled to fulfill. Jeremiah was entrusted with the task of warning his fellow citizens of Israel that they would be exiled and it would be better to surrender to the forces of Babylon than resist. No one wanted to believe Jeremiah. He was thrown into a cistern and left to die; yet the king eventually released him. Prophets often say things we do not want to hear. “Stay home!” “This is dangerous!” “Repent!”
     The prophetic voice is also uttered by people together whose message cannot be ignored. “Life is sacred!” “Black lives matter!” Often this voice is expressed more by actions than words – long lines of people seeking financial help, groups kneeling for nine minutes in silence. When Jesus first appeared on the scene to begin his public ministry he spoke few but powerful words:
 
“This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:5)
 
The word “repent” means literally “to go beyond the mind you have.” (metanoia) It is an on-going process of conversion. This defines the life of faith. Have we not been asked these last few months to expand our horizons, to persevere, to have faith? Our faith, however, is not so much in a creed as it is in a person, who promised to be with us at all times, and urges us not to be afraid – such is the “Gift” of whom Paul spoke so eloquently to the people of Rome.
 
“…how much more did the grace of God and the gracious gift of the one person Jesus Christ overflow for the many.” (Romans 5:15)
 
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Bill Foley