Our pastor, however, took the line, "A new teaching with authority." and ran with it.
I was so proud of him, because he talked about how the church stands firm despite the outside world on the power of Rome, euthanasia, abortion, and other isisues. He even talked about the attackers of the church and how they don't really talk about the issues, but rather try the tactics of politicians with ad hominem attacks!
It was almost a "standing ovation" homily! We are so fortunate to have him.
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Dt 18:15-20 / Cor 7:32-35 / Mk 1:21-28 In Moses’ time, the Israelites were afraid to draw near to God, what with all the fire and earthquakes reported in our first reading. His manifestations scared them. God did not correct them in this, either, but told them to keep a distance. Moses was able to draw near, showing that a soul could draw near Him and not be destroyed. Over time, the Israelites got more used to the presence of God among them, even to the point of ignoring Him and His prophets — of not seeing the special election they had in God’s plan. By the time we get to the Gospel for today, many of them were so “familiar” with God that the “special-ness” of their election as the People of God was diminished — not lost, but diminished. When Jesus spoke with the authority of God, they knew something was different, they just could not figure out what that difference was. How “familiar” has Jesus become to us? When we walk into His Eucharistic Presence, how overwhelmed are we? Are we aware of His true Presence as the demons were? Or have we been hanging around too long so that looking at Him is no longer that precious. Golem, in The Lord of the Rings called the ring “my precious.” Next time receive Him in the Eucharist — as you take Him to yourself — call Him “my precious.” His desire is that we long to see Him as Moses longed to see His face on the mountain. The encounter with God scared the Israelites, but attracted Moses. Let the attraction of Jesus in the Eucharist captivate you. My Precious Lord Jesus, open the hearts and souls of all who love You to a new attraction to Your humble Presence in the Eucharist. |
And the gospel is something that the world hungers for. In the homily today father spoke about how the modern world's pursuit of money, fame, power, glamor, is fleeting and unsatisfying. It is our commission to spread the good news, which shines the light of truth into the darkness that is so rampant.