Homily for Saturday of the Fifth Week of Easter, Year A

         

First Reading: Acts 16:1–10

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 100:1b–2, 3, 5

Gospel: Jn 15:18–21

Seminarian Residence Chapel, Crowley, TX                               

          I was fortunate to study preaching under a wonderful priest who happened to have a doctorate in homiletics. There is one thing in particular he taught me that sticks in the forefront of my mind as I write my homilies. He said “What you preach should have an effect on those hearing it. You should aim to comfort the afflicted and to afflict the comfortable.” It is easy to give a warm fuzzy homily that makes everyone feel good about themselves. It is quite another to preach the whole Gospel, including those parts that make people squirm in their pew just a little. Yet that is exactly what we clergy are called to do. Like St. Paul in the reading from Acts, we must proclaim the Good News. Sometimes preaching the Good News convicts a person. And when we do just that, we will on occasion be confronted after Mass, receive nasty anonymous letters, and nastygrams in our voicemails.

          Jesus promises us in the Gospel…promises us…that we will be hated by the world and persecuted if we say yes to his call (Jn 15:18). He was run out of town when he preached in the synagogue (Lk 4:28), his authority to preach was questioned by the elders (Mk 11:28), and many of his followers turned their backs on him and left when he preached a hard truth to follow (Jn 6:66). How can we expect it to be different when we preach? One week our flocks will welcome us with proverbial palm branches and the next week, some of the same people may be figuratively calling for our crucifixion.

          My brothers, as we live out this vocation to which we have been called, as we continue to respond with our Yes to Jesus’ call to proclaim the Good News, may we not let fear of rejection constrain us. If we receive only warm affirmations and glowing feedback every time we preach, then we are doing it wrong. We are to meet people where they are, but like Jesus, we are not to leave them there. Preach the Good News of the Gospel. Preach the truth with charity and compassion. But, preach all of it. When we are hated for preaching the truth, remember that Jesus was hated first. Rejoice on account of his name.