Here are my - notes - from my homily this weekend:
Pope Francis front page of Times again
Really stirring things up
Benedict a brilliant teacher
Francis a long time pastor
Other day Pope spoke about – how Christians sometimes close doors
1) young couple comes to parish office – tells secretary – we want to get married.
Instead of saying – that’s great – take a seat – you know it will cost – or you are going to need documents instead of rejoicing – wonderful!
2) or single mother comes to parish – want my child baptized - told no – you are not married - and yet, she had great courage – did not end child’s life when it might have been easier to do so closing doors instead of opening doors.
Christian must find ways to open doors, not close doors.
Thinking that the other day – group of Warwick clergy having lunch – talking about common concerns -- realize that we have many differences - but there is also much that unites us - common belief in the Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – and it challenges us to do good.
Meals on Wheels – Food Pantry – Emergency Fund
On Thursday, Francis suggested that each person has this commandment in their heart – do good and do not do evil.
He was asked – but what about atheists - yes – Christ has redeemed all of us – all are created in the image and likeness of God - we have a duty to do good
But I don’t believe – I am an atheist - but do good – we will meet one another there.
Raises the question – so none believers can go to heaven?
Well – if God wants them to go to heaven – they will go to heaven.
If so, why bother with faith at all??? Why bear the burden of living out our faith?
Why don’t I just follow this easier way of doing good?
Remember parable of the workers in the vineyard?
Took some it first hour – later another groups, and still later another group.
Time to get paid - last group 1 denarius - 1st group 1 denarius
Upset -- we worked hard all day and got the same?
Yet – is it really a burden?
Where would I be if I could not pray?
Sacraments have lifted me up time & again
Faith has been a light in darkness -- given meaning and hope.
And one of greatest – blessing of walking together on this journey
So many - little words – how are you doing? – I’m praying for you – make a difference.
My yoke is easy and my burden light.
Blessing of Trinity
Creating Father - Redeeming Son – and Sanctifying Spirit
Open the Doors!!!!