Homily for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

 

Is 35:4-7

Ps 145:6-10

Jas 2:1-5

Mk 7:31-37

 

St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, Burkburnett, TX

St. Paul Catholic Church, Electra, TX

Christ the King Catholic Church, Iowa Park, TX

 

Once upon a time, a class of young students was asked if they could name the 7 wonders of the world. As expected, there were some disagreements among the students, but the list they compiled included things like the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Wall of China, the Grand Canyon, the Taj Mahal, St. Peter’s Basilica and the like. The teacher noticed that one little girl was lost in thought and hadn’t contributed to the class discussion. When asked, the little girl said she could not make up her mind, so the teacher asked her to share her list and the class could help her decide. The little girl then said “I think the 7 Wonders of the world are: to see, to hear, to touch, to taste, to feel, to laugh, to love.” Not a sound was heard in the classroom. This little girl reminded them that the most precious things in life cannot be bought or built.

The Gospel reading today is an illustration that Jesus’ work of salvation involves the entire human being, both body and soul. Throughout the ages, the Bible has caused scandal for many people because of its profound respect for the human body. Some would prefer God act purely in a spiritual manner. They would prefer to discard the body as a mere crude shell. But the healing of the deaf and mute man illustrates clearly for us that the human body has a sacramental quality – it can be a visible sign and instrument of divine grace.

When Jesus moved to heal the man in the Gospel passage, He pulled him away from the crowd to be alone with him. Jesus wants us to spend time with Him in a special way as his disciples. The Christian life is one of communion, friendship, and formation with Christ. But, the many distractions of ordinary everyday life and the extreme noisiness of the world can impede our ability to focus on the Lord and foster a loving, trusting relationship with Him. While it can be uncomfortable and intimidating at first, we must on occasion leave behind the comforts of our social, professional, and familiar environments and be alone with Jesus. We need silent time for Him to speak to our hearts, alone. This is why we seek out retreats, pilgrimages, and parish missions. It is also why we crave more time in silent adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. Disciples are responsible to seek out opportunities to grow in their faith, to grow their relationship with Jesus. Jesus healed the man with his Word after placing His finger in his ear and touching his tongue. These intimate physical gestures demonstrate that discipleship is not possible without a personal connection to our saving Lord. Faith is first and foremost a relationship of trust in the Living God.

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus used signs and touch in his healing miracles. Since Pentecost, it is through the sacramental signs of the Church that the Holy Spirit continues the work of sanctifying His people (CCC 1152). It is easy to overlook the fact that Jesus Christ established a sacramental Church. What that means is that God pours out His graces on us largely through the seven sacraments. Six of them include touch. The seven sacraments “purify and integrate all the richness of the signs and symbols of the cosmos and of social life.” (CCC 1152) Since the sacraments are the normal mode of grace from God, doesn’t it make sense for us then, to seek them out whenever possible?

Parents – do not delay your child’s baptism. Encourage others to have their children baptized as soon as possible. See that your children receive their other sacraments of initiation as soon as they are permitted. First Holy Communion can be made at 7 years old and Confirmation in this diocese is at 10^th grade. If you or your children have missed or skipped a sacrament, enroll in the RCIA so you can receive them at Easter together. We should all go to confession frequently and try to find a regular schedule. Perhaps monthly on a certain day. Always go to confession immediately if you are aware of having committed a serious sin. Receive the Eucharist often – even daily if you are able to. Be sure that family members receive the Anointing of the Sick if they are seriously ill and especially if they are in danger of dying. If you are married, recall that the marital act which is open to life is a renewal of your sacramental covenant with God.

The deaf and mute man in the Gospel today was fortunate to have a community around him that cared for him enough to bring him to Jesus Christ so he could be healed. We also are to be part of a community of faith which works to being others to the Lord. We are reminded to be open and hospitable as a faith community and to be inviting and welcoming to those in our lives that are not active members of our parish. When we encounter people throughout the day, consider how Jesus desires to touch their lives. But they may not ever meet him if we do not invite them to travel with us on this sacramental journey. The gift of discipleship is intimate and deeply personal, but Jesus never intended for us to keep His gift private and to ourselves. Invite someone to join us next week.

 

St. Joseph, Glory of Home Life, Pray for Us!