Episodes
Sunday Mar 22, 2020
Homily for the 4th Sunday of Lent
Sunday Mar 22, 2020
Sunday Mar 22, 2020
Several years ago, my sister Kelly sent me an email with a story about two brothers. You may have heard it. The brothers - Ryan, age 6 and Dan, age 4 - were sitting at the breakfast table one Saturday morning as their mother was preparing pancakes for them. Ryan and Dan began to argue about who would get the first pancake. As the argument escalated, the mother decided that this would be a good time to teach her sons a lesson in Christian charity.
She turned to her sons and said, "You boys should really think about how Jesus would act in this situation. Do you think Jesus would be arguing about who should get the first pancake? Of course not! Jesus would say, 'I don't need the first pancake. I can wait. I will let my brother have the first pancake.'"
The mother turned back toward the stove satisfied that she had put some food for thought in their heads. Then she heard Ryan turn to his younger brother and say, "She's right, Dan. You be Jesus."
You be Jesus - Ryan's three-word admonition to his younger brother, while funny, is the heart of our baptismal acceptance of the role of a disciple of the Risen Jesus, helping others to see God in all things and in all people; helping others to not be blinded to the presence, love, and providence of God in difficult times, especially during this time of crisis for our world.
So, as parents struggling to care for your children in these days of upheaval in our lives and in our homes: you be Jesus in your love and patience.
As neighbors and citizens: you be Jesus in your commitment to justice and the common good, helping those who are especially challenged by the coronavirus pandemic.
In seeking to bring the love of God into every life we touch: you be Jesus.
In seeking to do God’s will in all things: you be Jesus.
In embracing the Spirit of humility that opens up new possibilities for reconciliation and healing: you be Jesus.
God has not abandoned us; God is in all of us and acts through all of us if we allow Him to do so.
Each of us is called to be a messenger of the love and peace of Christ. Each of us is called to help others to see with the eyes of faith. We do this through our imitation of Christ in all things, in all situations, and toward all peoples.
Let us pray that our words and actions in imitation and on behalf of Jesus, may fill our hearts and our souls with the genuine and constant desire to bring Christ's presence to all people and that we may all be a part of leading others to the kingdom of God.+
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