Homily for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

I am a huge fan of the late comedian Jack Benny. I enjoy listening to his radio show recordings from the 1930s, 40s, and 50s.

One of Jack’s running jokes depicted him as an extreme penny-pincher, always looking for ways to make money and even more ways to avoid spending it. Jack and his writers used this gag in every program.

In a classic scene, Jack walks down a dark alley on a rainy night. Suddenly, a figure comes out of the shadows, approaches Jack, and demands, “Your money or your life!” This is followed by a long and unexpected silence. So, the robber yells even louder, “Hey Bud, I said, ‘Your money or your life!’” Jack, clearly annoyed, says, “I’m thinking it over!”

Of course, the idea is that everyone hearing this encounter is shocked that the answer isn’t so obvious to Jack Benny.

Jesus must have been shocked that some of the people He encountered during His ministry could not recognize and appreciate what He was offering them. He wanted them to choose between life and death, but they really didn’t know which one to choose. In the end, many refused, turned, and walked away from Him, returning to their former way of life. They preferred not to know the truth rather than to live up to the challenges - and thus, the rewards - of the truth. It was easier.

However, some people recognized that Jesus had the words of everlasting life and that He was the Holy One of God, and they chose to stay with Him, realizing they had nowhere else to turn.

Some people view religion as a burden, something that ties us down with a list of rules and checks and balances, but it doesn't have to be that way. Jesus always followed the laws of His faith but not the “laws” that others made up for the people to follow. It was the “breaking” of these human-made laws that found Him in conflict with the Pharisees and Scribes, who could not accept the offer of life that He came to bring to us.

Let us recognize in the Scriptures, in our celebration of the Mass, and in our practices of faith the incredible offer Jesus makes in His invitation to His Father’s kingdom. May we recognize the great sacrifice He made on our behalf and be willing to make sacrifices that lead us to accept that offer while inviting others to do the same.