17th August 2008
Last week the Pope took part in one of his question and answer sessions with a group of priests from the Diocese where he was on his holidays. One of the priests questioned the Pope about giving the Sacraments to those who it appears have little or no faith. The Pope replied that in his earlier days as a priest he was stricter than now, but now after the passing of the years he is of the opinion that we should be over generous especially if there is but a spark of faith. That reply may well surprise those who remain his fiercest critics and who are constantly trying to demonize the man. We hold meetings four times a year with the priests in the local Deanery made up of about 12 parishes and the meetings invariably get stuck on the question on who and who should not be administered the Sacraments. I am glad I can now quote the Pope and hopefully the meetings will now run smoother.
The Gospel today at first glance seams rather strange as it presents an almost petulant Jesus as he replies to the Canaanite Woman who wants him to help her daughter. However remember he was sent to gather the lost sheep of Israel and only when that was complete then he could move further. The Woman was not deterred and speaks about even just getting the crumbs from the master's table. Her persistence is rewarded and Jesus recognises her immense faith and heals her daughter. It was as if he was giving her a chance to prove herself, and she more than rises to the challenge.
The Pluralistic Ireland we live in today may at times appear almost pagan. Yet we need to remember how we the 21st Century Disciples of Christ can be a force for good in the world. Our faith in it's early days spread because those who followed the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth were so transformed after his Resurrection. 'See how they love one another' was the constant refrain from onlookers. They almost appeared intoxicated with joy. As people see us exit from Mass today what message will our words and actions display to them? What crumbs can we give for the life of the world? Amen.
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Homilies Archive
2009 HOMILIES
25th December 2008
Christmas
21st December 2008
14th December 2008
8th December 2008
Immaculate Conception
7th December 2008
2nd Sunday of Advent
30th November 2008
1st Sunday of Advent
23rd November 2008
Christ the King
16th November 2008
2nd November 2008
All Souls
1st November 2008
All Saints
26th October 2008
12th October 2008
5th October 2008
28th September 2008
21st September 2008
14th September 2008
7th September 2008
31st August 2008
24th August 2008
17th August 2008
15th August 2008
Assumption
10th August 2008
3rd August 2008
20th July 2008
13th July 2008
29th June 2008
22nd June 2008
1st June 2008
23rd March 2008
Easter Sunday
22nd March 2008
Easter Vigil
2nd March 2008
24th February 2008
17th February 2008
10th February 2008
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