Homily Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C - Sunday, October 6, 2019
First reading. Habakkuk 1:2-3,2:2-4
Responsorial Psalm. Psalm 94:1-2,6-9. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
Second reading. 2 Timothy 1:6-8,13-14
Alleluia, alleluia! The word of the Lord stands forever. It is the word given to you - the good news.
Gospel Luke 17:5-10
First reading. Habakkuk 1:2-3,2:2-4
Responsorial Psalm. Psalm 94:1-2,6-9. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
Second reading. 2 Timothy 1:6-8,13-14
Alleluia, alleluia! The word of the Lord stands forever. It is the word given to you - the good news.
Gospel Luke 17:5-10
Image licensed by Shutterstock: By Lazarenka Sviatlana. stock photo ID: 1354734821, Doorman at the door on the background of blurred people.
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Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C - Sunday, October 6, 2019 by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/27c-faith-hope-and-love-ep-180/s-d6FQK
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Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C - Sunday, October 6, 2019 by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/27c-faith-hope-and-love-ep-180/s-d6FQK
(EPISODE: 180)
+++++
Prologue: God always answers our prayers. However, sometimes the answer is a loving but firm NO! Amazingly, in the Gospel this weekend, the Apostles ask the Lord what seems a fairly sensible thing... they ask the Lord to increase their faith. Our Lord basically says, NO. Its not the amount of faith you have, its your application of whatever faith you have. Faith is about action, and living consistently in the values of the faith. Our Lord says, even a small seed of faith can produce astounding results, if we put ourselves in God's hands and set about the work of service we have been called to. God's grace is more than sufficient. Let us humbly set to work in this excellent task.
++
In this weekend's gospel, Our Lord teaches that in the life of a community all people must deny their own self-focused designs, and develop a healthy detachment from "self."
We are indeed heirs to God's Kingdom and sons and daughters of God…. But Our Lord warns us that pride is the beginning of many sins…. If we develop a sense of entitlement or presumption// if what we do fills us with a sense that God owe us something…or that others owe us something, this is can be highly corrosive…// Everything we do must be for the building up of God's Kingdom alone, or else it will unwittingly contribute to the building up of the "Kingdom of ME," at the expense of "the Kingdom of God"…. It becomes a form of "idolatry,"
Our Lord uses the example of the servant. In those days, a servant could not merit anything of their own. The master, (often hard and demanding, but hopefully fair), was entitled to the servant's efficient service. This was expected as the "norm." It was not normal to thank a servant for doing what was merely their job. The servant could often be the hardest working, most dedicated labourer in his master's house, and unquestionably fully committed to everything that was for the good of the family they worked for,-- but should this person demand gratitude and extra reward for this? ... Isn't the servant only being diligent in performing what is expected of them?
Looking at things from a self-serving mindset is the opposite of what Our Lord is teaching his disciples… And it also taints and lessens all the good work that a Christian disciple can do, if they turn around and expect something other than merely the sense that they may have helped build up God's values.
I think we can benefit from this gospel teaching very much……. Just think of all the good work done by so many. And then imagine if, later on, down the track… a person who has done so much for the community, metaphorically 'calls in the debt' by demanding something be done for them and citing, (as a reason of their demand), all the work they had done in the past -- suggesting that all that work entitles them to demand a benefit…. In doing so, they have absolutely, (according to this parable), cancelled out all credit for the Kingdom of God…. And forgone reward in the Kingdom…… And also this undermines the original good motive of doing what was needed simply for the sake of doing good itself, and helping build God's Kingdom….. we need to be on guard for this always….. in ourselves and in others…. As it derails the real direction of the community's efforts – towards God's priorities.
I must admit, as jarring as this image is, I really, really like this concept. It is a refreshing antidote (and corrective) to a world where 'what's in it for me,' and a sense of 'entitlement' can pervade every corner of society. Pride and an inflated sense of one's own importance is often at the centre of a lot of conflict, misunderstanding, disunity, frustration and resentment. In the gospel this weekend Our Lord reminds us that we are servants and disciples of God's word…. Our duty is to teach, to witness and to live the values of the gospel, no matter how challenging these values are, and irrespective of the opposition or the ridicule we will receive from some sections of secular society. And certainly despite of any criticism or praise, cost or reward that comes from doing our job.
I think of our own communities, with the increase in the legal requirements for safeguarding, all workers and volunteers have had to undertake even more compliance courses, and fill out and provide more information for the ministries they conduct. This has been very demanding and difficult for many people. And we are so grateful for the patience and generosity of so many. But there has been some outrage, too, because it has been a very trying and demanding process. This gospel, though, made me stop and think. Are we to be too outraged? Yes, there are many volunteers… yes, it is out of the goodness of one's time and energy. But, as Christians, is anyone really just a volunteer… or are we all doing what is needed to ensure the work of the gospel is fulfilled in this place? At any cost.
Living the gospel is difficult… and challenging… and it will often meet with opposition or challenges……. The Apostles realise the seemingly impossible demands of discipleship. So, they in today's gospel that Our Lord "increase their faith."
Our Lord' reply to his disciples is a stinging rebuke. In effect, he says, 'More faith? If you had any faith at all - faith as puny as a tiny mustard seed - you could do great things!' But doing great things is not the point, as the parable goes on to explain. What is required is merely doing what is expected. A servant's job is not in itself extraordinary, and nor is it dramatic or "histrionic." The work of a servant does not draw attention to itself. A faithful worker does what the master commands, namely, both the fieldwork as well as serving at the table. Similarly, disciples who are servants of the Lord must do what they are commanded, even forgiving others seven times a day if necessary. Though this may seem extraordinary, it is in fact merely part of our daily job.
Our Lord using a striking, dramatic and rather outlandish example….of the mulberry tree, when commanded to be uprooted and transplanted in the sea. Naturally, there is nothing to be gained by a mulberry tree in the sea… it would die there../ but it is an ancient version of our modern military saying.. "if your senior officer commands you to jump, don't ask why, just ask: how high?- or, even better, ask no questions and do it immediately" The Lord calls his disciples to listen to his gospel and DO what is asked of them.. . even if it seems quite difficult or confusing or even if it seems mundane.
So, surprisingly, Our Lord says NO to the disciples when they ask for more faith. Instead, he reminds them (and us), that abundant faith is not required for discipleship. Even a little bit of faith is sufficient to do great things. It is not the quantity of faith, it is how one puts it into action. If we put even the smallest amount of faith into action and place our efforts in the hands of God's grace, astounding and good things will be produced.
People of faith are not only those who do great, dramatic or extraordinary feats of wonder and bravery for God and Church. Actually, faith is as readily expressed in ordinary, everyday acts of service, love and kindness.
Our Lord instructs disciples that 'faith' is expressed in action… and even more precisely in obedience to him. THE GOSPELS teach us that obedience to God is not something that lessens us or demeans us but is actually an expression of love, and of faith.
This image of the servant disciple is put forward by Our Lord as the ideal image of how we should see our calling as disciples – to be servants with tasks in relation to God and God's Kingdom, rather than any sense of entitlement, reward, or even the idea that we can somehow earn or merit God's love or that God should thank us for doing what is merely necessary for our wonderful task of building up God's Kingdom, and for giving unceasing thanks to God for what is rightfully God's. (And, what is rightfully God's is…- "Everything!")
+++++
References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly
SHARING THE WORD THROUGH THE LITURGICAL YEAR. GUSTAVO GUTIERREZ.
Living Liturgy – Homily reflection notes.
Prepare the Word, reflections 2013.
+++++
Prologue: God always answers our prayers. However, sometimes the answer is a loving but firm NO! Amazingly, in the Gospel this weekend, the Apostles ask the Lord what seems a fairly sensible thing... they ask the Lord to increase their faith. Our Lord basically says, NO. Its not the amount of faith you have, its your application of whatever faith you have. Faith is about action, and living consistently in the values of the faith. Our Lord says, even a small seed of faith can produce astounding results, if we put ourselves in God's hands and set about the work of service we have been called to. God's grace is more than sufficient. Let us humbly set to work in this excellent task.
++
In this weekend's gospel, Our Lord teaches that in the life of a community all people must deny their own self-focused designs, and develop a healthy detachment from "self."
We are indeed heirs to God's Kingdom and sons and daughters of God…. But Our Lord warns us that pride is the beginning of many sins…. If we develop a sense of entitlement or presumption// if what we do fills us with a sense that God owe us something…or that others owe us something, this is can be highly corrosive…// Everything we do must be for the building up of God's Kingdom alone, or else it will unwittingly contribute to the building up of the "Kingdom of ME," at the expense of "the Kingdom of God"…. It becomes a form of "idolatry,"
Our Lord uses the example of the servant. In those days, a servant could not merit anything of their own. The master, (often hard and demanding, but hopefully fair), was entitled to the servant's efficient service. This was expected as the "norm." It was not normal to thank a servant for doing what was merely their job. The servant could often be the hardest working, most dedicated labourer in his master's house, and unquestionably fully committed to everything that was for the good of the family they worked for,-- but should this person demand gratitude and extra reward for this? ... Isn't the servant only being diligent in performing what is expected of them?
Looking at things from a self-serving mindset is the opposite of what Our Lord is teaching his disciples… And it also taints and lessens all the good work that a Christian disciple can do, if they turn around and expect something other than merely the sense that they may have helped build up God's values.
I think we can benefit from this gospel teaching very much……. Just think of all the good work done by so many. And then imagine if, later on, down the track… a person who has done so much for the community, metaphorically 'calls in the debt' by demanding something be done for them and citing, (as a reason of their demand), all the work they had done in the past -- suggesting that all that work entitles them to demand a benefit…. In doing so, they have absolutely, (according to this parable), cancelled out all credit for the Kingdom of God…. And forgone reward in the Kingdom…… And also this undermines the original good motive of doing what was needed simply for the sake of doing good itself, and helping build God's Kingdom….. we need to be on guard for this always….. in ourselves and in others…. As it derails the real direction of the community's efforts – towards God's priorities.
I must admit, as jarring as this image is, I really, really like this concept. It is a refreshing antidote (and corrective) to a world where 'what's in it for me,' and a sense of 'entitlement' can pervade every corner of society. Pride and an inflated sense of one's own importance is often at the centre of a lot of conflict, misunderstanding, disunity, frustration and resentment. In the gospel this weekend Our Lord reminds us that we are servants and disciples of God's word…. Our duty is to teach, to witness and to live the values of the gospel, no matter how challenging these values are, and irrespective of the opposition or the ridicule we will receive from some sections of secular society. And certainly despite of any criticism or praise, cost or reward that comes from doing our job.
I think of our own communities, with the increase in the legal requirements for safeguarding, all workers and volunteers have had to undertake even more compliance courses, and fill out and provide more information for the ministries they conduct. This has been very demanding and difficult for many people. And we are so grateful for the patience and generosity of so many. But there has been some outrage, too, because it has been a very trying and demanding process. This gospel, though, made me stop and think. Are we to be too outraged? Yes, there are many volunteers… yes, it is out of the goodness of one's time and energy. But, as Christians, is anyone really just a volunteer… or are we all doing what is needed to ensure the work of the gospel is fulfilled in this place? At any cost.
Living the gospel is difficult… and challenging… and it will often meet with opposition or challenges……. The Apostles realise the seemingly impossible demands of discipleship. So, they in today's gospel that Our Lord "increase their faith."
Our Lord' reply to his disciples is a stinging rebuke. In effect, he says, 'More faith? If you had any faith at all - faith as puny as a tiny mustard seed - you could do great things!' But doing great things is not the point, as the parable goes on to explain. What is required is merely doing what is expected. A servant's job is not in itself extraordinary, and nor is it dramatic or "histrionic." The work of a servant does not draw attention to itself. A faithful worker does what the master commands, namely, both the fieldwork as well as serving at the table. Similarly, disciples who are servants of the Lord must do what they are commanded, even forgiving others seven times a day if necessary. Though this may seem extraordinary, it is in fact merely part of our daily job.
Our Lord using a striking, dramatic and rather outlandish example….of the mulberry tree, when commanded to be uprooted and transplanted in the sea. Naturally, there is nothing to be gained by a mulberry tree in the sea… it would die there../ but it is an ancient version of our modern military saying.. "if your senior officer commands you to jump, don't ask why, just ask: how high?- or, even better, ask no questions and do it immediately" The Lord calls his disciples to listen to his gospel and DO what is asked of them.. . even if it seems quite difficult or confusing or even if it seems mundane.
So, surprisingly, Our Lord says NO to the disciples when they ask for more faith. Instead, he reminds them (and us), that abundant faith is not required for discipleship. Even a little bit of faith is sufficient to do great things. It is not the quantity of faith, it is how one puts it into action. If we put even the smallest amount of faith into action and place our efforts in the hands of God's grace, astounding and good things will be produced.
People of faith are not only those who do great, dramatic or extraordinary feats of wonder and bravery for God and Church. Actually, faith is as readily expressed in ordinary, everyday acts of service, love and kindness.
Our Lord instructs disciples that 'faith' is expressed in action… and even more precisely in obedience to him. THE GOSPELS teach us that obedience to God is not something that lessens us or demeans us but is actually an expression of love, and of faith.
This image of the servant disciple is put forward by Our Lord as the ideal image of how we should see our calling as disciples – to be servants with tasks in relation to God and God's Kingdom, rather than any sense of entitlement, reward, or even the idea that we can somehow earn or merit God's love or that God should thank us for doing what is merely necessary for our wonderful task of building up God's Kingdom, and for giving unceasing thanks to God for what is rightfully God's. (And, what is rightfully God's is…- "Everything!")
+++++
References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly
SHARING THE WORD THROUGH THE LITURGICAL YEAR. GUSTAVO GUTIERREZ.
Living Liturgy – Homily reflection notes.
Prepare the Word, reflections 2013.
Image licensed by Shutterstock: By Lazarenka Sviatlana. stock photo ID: 1354734821, Doorman at the door on the background of blurred people.
+++++
+++
Archive of homilies and reflections: http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au
To contact Fr. Paul, please email: paulwkelly68@gmail.com
To listen to my weekly homily audio podcast, please click this link here.
NB - It is often a week or so Ahead: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks
You are welcome to subscribe to Fr Paul's homily mail-out by sending an email to this address: paulkellyreflections+subscribe@googlegroups.com
Further information relating to the audio productions linked to this Blog:
"Faith, Hope and Love, A time of Christian worship and reflection" - Led by Rev Paul W. Kelly
Texts used in this programme are for the purposes of worship and prayer for listeners wherever you are.
Prayers and chants are taken from the English Translation of the Roman Missal, edition three, © 2010, The International commission on English in the liturgy.
Scriptures are from the New Revised Standard Version: © 1989, by the national council of Churches of Christ, USA. , //adaptations to conform with Catholic liturgical norms, © 2009, by the same.
[{selected psalms } - ***Psalm verses are (also) taken from "The Psalms: A New Translation" ©1963, The Grail (England), published by Collins.. **]
Prayers of the Faithful are adapted from Robert Borg's 1993 book " Together we pray". Published in Sydney Australia By E.J. Dwyer. (out of print).
{ "Mass In Honour of St. Ralph Sherwin" -published 2011, Composed and Sung by Jeffrey M. Ostrowski
Featuring the….Gloria, The Creed, The Kyrie, The Mass parts, Psalms: http://www.ccwatershed.org/chabanel/ ]]] ] COPYRIGHT @ 2018 CORPUS CHRISTI WATERSHED. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. www.ccwatershed.org/vatican/Ralph_Sherwin_Videos/
"Faith, Hope and Love" theme Hymn: Words, based on 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, set to original music © 1996 by Paul W. Kelly.
For more details please visit http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au/
Contact us at paulwkelly68@gmail.com
Production by Kelly Enterprises Resources.
May God bless and keep you.
Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C
(Sunday, October 6, 2019)
(EPISODE: 180 )
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (or/ The Lord be with You)
+++++++++++++
{{Peace and Goodness to you all}}
Brothers and sisters, as we prepare ourselves to celebrate the Lord,s supper, let us recall our sins and acknowledge them in silence.?
Lord Jesus, you came to reconcile us to the Father and to one another: Lord, have mercy//You heal the wounds of our sin and division: Christ, have mercy// You intercede for us with the Father: Lord, have mercy//
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.
+++++++++++++++++++++
Memorial Acclamation
3. Save us, Saviour of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection you have set us free.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Sundays Ordinary VIII
Eucharistic Prayer III
Communion side. pwk: LH
++++
{I pray this week brings you an ever-deeper experience of his compassion and love. }
Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord.
+++++
+++
Archive of homilies and reflections: http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au
To contact Fr. Paul, please email: paulwkelly68@gmail.com
To listen to my weekly homily audio podcast, please click this link here.
NB - It is often a week or so Ahead: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks
You are welcome to subscribe to Fr Paul's homily mail-out by sending an email to this address: paulkellyreflections+subscribe@googlegroups.com
Further information relating to the audio productions linked to this Blog:
"Faith, Hope and Love, A time of Christian worship and reflection" - Led by Rev Paul W. Kelly
Texts used in this programme are for the purposes of worship and prayer for listeners wherever you are.
Prayers and chants are taken from the English Translation of the Roman Missal, edition three, © 2010, The International commission on English in the liturgy.
Scriptures are from the New Revised Standard Version: © 1989, by the national council of Churches of Christ, USA. , //adaptations to conform with Catholic liturgical norms, © 2009, by the same.
[{selected psalms } - ***Psalm verses are (also) taken from "The Psalms: A New Translation" ©1963, The Grail (England), published by Collins.. **]
Prayers of the Faithful are adapted from Robert Borg's 1993 book " Together we pray". Published in Sydney Australia By E.J. Dwyer. (out of print).
{ "Mass In Honour of St. Ralph Sherwin" -published 2011, Composed and Sung by Jeffrey M. Ostrowski
Featuring the….Gloria, The Creed, The Kyrie, The Mass parts, Psalms: http://www.ccwatershed.org/chabanel/ ]]] ] COPYRIGHT @ 2018 CORPUS CHRISTI WATERSHED. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. www.ccwatershed.org/vatican/Ralph_Sherwin_Videos/
"Faith, Hope and Love" theme Hymn: Words, based on 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, set to original music © 1996 by Paul W. Kelly.
For more details please visit http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au/
Contact us at paulwkelly68@gmail.com
Production by Kelly Enterprises Resources.
May God bless and keep you.
Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C
(Sunday, October 6, 2019)
(EPISODE: 180 )
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (or/ The Lord be with You)
+++++++++++++
{{Peace and Goodness to you all}}
Brothers and sisters, as we prepare ourselves to celebrate the Lord,s supper, let us recall our sins and acknowledge them in silence.?
Lord Jesus, you came to reconcile us to the Father and to one another: Lord, have mercy//You heal the wounds of our sin and division: Christ, have mercy// You intercede for us with the Father: Lord, have mercy//
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.
+++++++++++++++++++++
Memorial Acclamation
3. Save us, Saviour of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection you have set us free.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Sundays Ordinary VIII
Eucharistic Prayer III
Communion side. pwk: LH
++++
{I pray this week brings you an ever-deeper experience of his compassion and love. }
Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord.
