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Homily stories

22 Aug 2010 - Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C

People who organize parties and banquets report a crisis of sorts that affects their planning. More and more people don't bother to respond as to whether they will attend. And so the planners are left guessing how many who say they are coming will not show up, how many will arrive unexpectedly, and how many people those unexpected arrivals will be bringing along with them. Obviously this makes planning a banquet difficult-whether it's for a dozen people or hundreds. When the apostles ask Jesus how many people will be saved, Jesus refocuses the question. It's not how many will be saved, but how you will be saved. Salvation is offered to all. What it takes is a decision to respond, followed by the actions to back up that decision. Have you sent in your RSVP to Jesus?

apostles Salvation responses

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Homily themes

15 Jan 2012 - Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B

Here I am. Biblical figures use these words frequently to respond at important moments, especially when God calls them. In addition to today's readings from 1 Samuel and Psalm 40, "Here I am" comes from the lips of Abraham (Genesis 22:1); Jacob, when the Lord speaks to him in a dream (Genesis 31:11); Moses, when God calls to him from the burning bush (Exodus 3:4); Isaiah, who answered God's question, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" with "Here am I; send me!"; a disciple in Acts named Ananias who sees the Lord in a vision (Acts 9:10); and the Blessed Virgin Mary, who at the Annunciation says, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word" (Luke 1:38). In these stories, the response of those God calls is immediate. Homily points To be called is an invitation to participate in the drama around us. Great vocation stories, like that of Samuel, begin with a clear sense of being summoned by God to respond personally and with commitment. Some disciples begin their call by trailing Jesus, but not exactly following him. When are we going to embrace the invitation and listen to the sound of God's voice?

Authors Joel Schorn

here i am responses invitation call

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Homily stories

31 Jul 2011 - Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A

Today's gospel assures us that we will be fed and that nothing, not even Jesus' own grief, will separate us from God's love. Christ is always on call for us, ready to heal and console. How many of us can say the same? Last week a friend of mine had to take her son to the hospital after a nasty fall. As she sat in the crowded emergency room she quietly observed the folks around her. Most stared at a blaring television set while a few others talked in low tones to companions. But one young woman's voice could be heard above the din, hushing and scolding her 4-year-old, who had a deep cut above her eye and a bloody nose. "Quit whining. Hold still. Put your head back. Wipe your eyes. Be quiet." The mother's harsh commands were relentless. My friend wondered how the woman could be so mean to her little girl, who was obviously scared and uncomfortable. Eventually she heard the woman complain: "This is not how I planned my day." "Her daughter's injury wasn't part of her schedule?" my friend questioned in disbelief. "Does she think the rest of us pencil in accidents on our calendars?" This angry young woman, like many of us, has yet to learn that no plans are definite. The best we can do, if we want to follow Jesus, is be prepared each day for a compassionate response--come what may.

Authors Patrice J. Tuohy

god's love Grief hospital accident responses

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Exploring the word

15 Oct 2017 - Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A

You didn’t have to be a scout to know their motto: “Be prepared.” Jesus tells a string of stories with this punch line. However we might plead our case at the end of the age, the one defense we cannot make is that we weren’t forewarned. Each tale of withered fig trees, negligent bridesmaids, or jealous tenants reminds us that, when the call is issued, we’d better come up with the goods. Jesus walks through town and invites potential disciples to follow. There’s no evidence he ever returns to repeat the offer. This week, we hear the story of another wedding banquet. It’s the invitation of a lifetime: to sit at the king’s table for a royal celebration! Whether your aim is ultimate networking, gluttonous dining, fashion ogling, or simply advertising allegiance to your king, this is the one offer you can’t refuse this season. Yet many do. Folks go out of their way to rebuff the invitation with an air of self-importance. A few abuse the messengers, even to the point of death. How surreal is that? The king replies with a slaughter of his own. It doesn’t pay to be too busy to honor your monarch. Having dispatched the original guest list, more servants are sent out to recruit every random citizen they can find. These, fortunately, have nothing better to do and fill the royal hall. Yet we soon learn that making an appearance isn’t enough. Attendance at this affair demands real investment. One guest, at least, is banished in appalling style. Of course, none of this is journalism, the record of yet another royal wedding gone awry. This parable is about being called and knowing how to respond. It’s about responding and recognizing the gravity of what you do. Religion isn’t a bill to be paid, or a game played to win a prize. Faith involves irrevocable allegiance to an ultimate authority. It’s about recognizing the sacred summons when it comes and responding without hesitation, holding nothing back. Faith requires that we’re serious about this, not sloppy or self-deceived about slipping one by past the Almighty. The stakes are high, and of all the aspects of our life that require a genuine personal investment, we really don’t want to get this one wrong. Isaiah puts it another way. On the one hand, rich food and choice wines await those of us who invest our confidence in God. In addition, the terrible web of death that hangs precipitously over us with grim foreshadowing all our lives will be cut loose to liberate those who attend this feast. Is there any good reason to deny yourself the fullness of life you were born for? Your invitation is already in the mail. Related scripture links Three parables of judgment: Matt. 21:28-32, 21:33-43, 22:1-14 God's ongoing invitation to grace: Rom. 1:16-17, 5:20-21; Col. 1:13-14 Church as sign of greater reality: 1 Cor. 12:12-13, 27; Eph. 1:22-23, 4:4-6 Paul's freedom in Christ: Rom. 5:1-5, 6:3-11, 18-23; Gal. 4:1-7, 21-31, 5:1, 13; Col. 3:11; 2 Tim. 2:9 Catechism links Eucharist: CCC 1322-1344; 1382-1405; 2042; 2177-2183 Wedding feast: CCC 545-546; 796

Authors Alice Camille

wedding banquet guests responses invitations

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