Homily 22nd Sunday in Ordiany Time year A

22nd ord year A

I love when I see my brother priests and they tell me I'm fat. Thanks for that helpful tip guys, haha.

Sometimes we are afraid to speak words of correction to each other, even our family. We fear that they won't like us or that we will hurt them.

Or maybe we are on the other side, maybe we love correcting people, telling them what Is wrong in their lives. This gospel may seem right up their angle!

In today's Gospel, Jesus was actually being merciful. It was the practice of the time that if anyone did anything wrong they were brought to public humiliation. It's kinda like the news media today. Can anyone explain to me how it benefits society to know that Joe smith murdered somebody?!?! Sure it's good for us to know that someone died, was murdered even, but smearing the murderers name all over the country changes nothing. This needs to be between the family, those affected and God, and that's all.

So Jesus was firstly condemning public shaming. He teaches us to quietly, and in a loving way, speak one on one to the person. He didn't say to gossip or talk behind their back, but to talk to them. Then, if they don't listen, sit down with a couple people. It's like an intervention haha. This is the year of the family. How often in our families do we sit around at the dinner table and truly talk about what's going on in our lives. This is what Jesus meant. Conversion first happens at home. And finally it says come see the pastor. Talk with each other, talk with family and friends, and finally, come see me. And I hope you can feel comfortable enough to come and speak with me. Not because I have all the wisdom and can fix everything, but for two reasons: it's good to have an outside perspective. Someone who is neutral and not involved. Second, because I'm there to represent God and the Church. And ultimately this is all about us growing together in our love relationship with god and growing closer as church.

The Gospel ends by saying that if nothing changes, let that person be to you as a sinner and tax collector. So what does that mean? Do You cast them out of your family or church? NO! How does Jesus treat sinners and tax collectors?! He loves them for who they are and doesn't try to change them. He knows that their faults will only lead them to unhappiness but he doesn't force anyone to change. He loves them, and it is love, that ultimately causes people to change.

Finally, something we don't want to face, is that often we are the one who needs to change. People tell us and we just don't listen.

Let us pray for hearts, open to God's voice of love, calling us closer to himself. And let us pray for the courage and strength to be that voice of love to others, calling them to a closer relationship with God.