What unpleasant readings we have for mass today! If we’re seeking words of comfort we won’t find them in the readings for mass today, but that is ok. Too often we seek upbeat, positive and soothing words of affirmation, yet it is a credit to us if we go ahead and read the scriptures that we have for mass today anyway. Jesus said in today’s gospel, “Whoever listens to you listens to me.” It is important that we listen to our priests’ homilies at daily mass if we have the opportunity to do so. Many of us are unable to attend daily mass, but still follow the readings for mass every day and pray with the universal church though. Today’s scriptures can be best explained by the clergy but the bible is meant for everyone and even the average person can learn a lot from the timeless words contained in these books.
Both groups of people in the readings for mass today rejected God and rejected Jesus Christ as the son of God, but there is a big difference between these two groups of people. The first group of people admitted it and the second group did not. That’s pretty cut and dried. Both groups of people did wicked things and rejected God, but the people in the first reading who were exiled in Babylon, came to realize the grave error of their ways and acknowledged their sins openly. The people of Chorazin and Bethsaida that Jesus is so angry with in the gospel reading, did not acknowledge their sins at all. Even worse, they did not recognize the son of God who was present in their midst. Even the miracles performed in their towns did not deter them from rejecting Christ. They simply refused to accept the Lord, or accept the words that was spoken about Jesus, by his disciples.
People throughout the world today also reject Christ and his words, and reject his representatives on earth including the pope himself. All you have to do is look at the Pope’s Twitter website and read the comments that are left there to see the wickedness and rejection of Jesus and his most holy representative, that takes place there every day. Some of the comments are absolutely embarrassing and a disgrace in how people treat our Holy Father, or the way they talk about our priests on the internet. Some of these young people who leave obscene comments on Twitter for our Holy Father to read, should also read today’s gospel. Our Holy Father, Pope Francis might disregard their comments though, because the people in our world have wandered so far from Christ, that he may feel that only love can draw them back. Jesus tolerated a lot of abuse too, because of his love for us.
However, we should not be shy in speaking up for our priests, bishops and the pope when we hear others degrade them with their words, whether that is in person or on the internet. Some of our clergy, like some of the laity too, have committed sins, but they do not represent the rest of us. It is unfortunate that many people, including faithful Catholics, disregard what their priests, their bishops and the pope say though. Many of our pro-choice Catholic politicians are a prime example of this. Sometimes Catholics see our clergy’s faults and weaknesses and think that is an excuse not to listen to what they have to say. This is due in part, to the clergy sex abuse scandals, but this shouldn’t cause us to question whether or not our priests are holy or good guides for our lives. When one person sins, it does damage the body of Christ, but it is also true that when one person grows in holiness it helps to build up the body of Christ and this is something that is within our own power to do.
Today, let us listen to the gospel and what our priests, bishops and pope teach us and put it into practice in our lives. Can you remember what your pastor’s homily was about this past Sunday? Whether their words comfort us, or hurt sometimes, we do need to listen to them because they know the truth about Jesus Christ and eternal life and are only concerned with whether or not we make it to heaven. Life is short and we need good guides to help us find the way to our eternal home.
God bless our clergy and please remember to pray for them, because most assuredly, they are praying for us.
Daily Mass Readings:
Bar 1: 15-22 / Ps 79: 1-5, 8-9 / Lk 10: 13-16
