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Homily of the Day

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Other Articles by Monsignor Dennis Clark, Ph. D.
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The Decline of Civility Is Real, But Can Be Fixed

November 6, 2007

Rom 12:5-16 / Lk 14:15-24

For quite a few years now, a familiar theme in more thoughtful publications has been what is described as "the decline of civility." It touches upon every aspect of life, whether it be on the highway or on television or in debates in the halls of congress. In word and deed, people are oft times stunningly aggressive, outrageously insulting, and incomprehensibly insensitive to the feelings and needs of others. It's not the whole story of our early twenty-first century society, but it's a major strand that ought not to be ignored.

Jesus summed up a radically different vision of what society should be in his Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." And St. Paul, in today's first reading, fleshes out a particularly pertinent element of this: "Anticipate each other in showing respect." That idea of anticipating others' needs certainly turns the table from the "grab what you can" model of living. And there's a kind of pleasure in escaping the prison of one's self and one's hasty dash to the next whatever.

Take the time, usually just a few seconds are needed, to anticipate your neighbor's need of the moment, which is mainly just to be treated like a valuable human being, and respond as your heart dictates. It's remarkable how something so simple can change a day and a life.

Word Among Us

Tuesday, November 06, 2007

Meditation
Romans 12:5-16

"So we, though many, are one body in Christ and individually parts of one another." (Romans 12:5)

As members of the body of Christ, we should be aware that we are part of a bigger whole: Each of us has a unique role to play in supporting that body. But Paul reminds us here that on a smaller scale, we are called to relate to one another individually as well. How often do I think about the people in my parish, prayer group, or faith community? Each may have something special to offer me. One person may bring out a sense of humor I didn’t know I had, so that together we can laugh at life’s ups and downs. Another may honor me by pointing to the wisdom or patience I have learned over the years. I may not be aware of such gifts unless someone else mentions them, especially if I tend to focus only on my weaknesses and not my strengths.

It is also true that I have something to give other believers. If I approach each person with profound respect and openness, I may be able to see how God is calling someone forward or equipping them for a new challenge. Another person may draw out my compassion, leading me to pray for what he or she needs at this exact moment. As I look at my brothers and sisters with the eyes of Christ, I can help them develop the goodness I see unfolding within them.

The spiritual gifts Paul mentions—ministry, teaching, exhortation, generosity, leadership, acts of mercy—are most effective when they are nurtured by other Christians. It’s hard to exercise any gift without at least some kind of encouragement. Perhaps that’s why Paul advises us to be sincere and affectionate in our dealings with each other, and to “anticipate one another in showing honor” (Romans 12:9-10).

Which brothers and sisters will you encounter today? Who has meant a lot to you and encouraged you in the past? Have you thanked that person? Whom do you find challenging to love? May the Lord open our eyes to see each person’s unique gifts, and to honor every member of his body on earth.

“Lord, thank you for every person you have given me in your body. Show us all how to be a blessing to each other today.”

Psalm 131:1-3; Luke 14:15-24