About three weeks ago I got curious about what readings I would preach on during my first weekend at Saint Joseph. I got on my computer and pulled up the US Bishop’s website, I found the 14th Sunday of Ordinary Time, clicked on it and began to read.
I first read a passage from the prophet Ezekiel. I thought it was appropriate for me to meditate on as I arrive to preach at a new parish, even though I hope and know you are not “hard of face and obstinate of heart,” like the Israelites poor Ezekiel was sent to preach to.
Then came Saint Paul. It was one of his most beautiful passages, one that always fills you with hope, rejoicing in the mercy and power of God despite frailties and weaknesses.
Then I read the Gospel. I immediately found myself laughing out loud, “God, you’ve got some strange sense of humor.” No prophet is without honor except in his native place. And here I am, back home in Augusta after twelve years of college, seminary and one parish assignment at Warner Robins.
I might as well sit down and let the deacon preach for today, I hope you prepared a homily.
The fact is we know the word coincidence does not exist in God’s vocabulary. In His infinite Wisdom, He moves all things and lines up all things for His purpose. So rather than dismissing this as chance or a freak coincidence, or ignoring the Gospel passage all together, the question to be raised is: what is God’s message at this present moment? Why does He have me here today preaching on this Gospel?
Let’s take a look at Saint Paul’s powerful words.
Saint Paul is very clear when he writes, “When I am weak, then I am strong.”
How hopeful these words are! In our hardships, weaknesses, yes even in our sinfulness, we are called to an encounter with God. In the most difficult times, we find strength, grace, mercy and forgiveness in Him. In our weakness, we are made strong by Him alone. God restores us to grace through forgiveness, so when I am weak, then I am strong.
Saint Paul speaks of the thorn in his flesh which he asked God to remove three times. Yet Saint Paul rejoices over the thorn, since his weakness, whatever it may be, keeps him humble before God and allows God’s power to manifest itself. God utilized Saint Paul to spread the Gospel not because of his great qualities, (he was killing Christians after all when He was called), but Paul was called despite his weaknesses and downfalls. God’s ability to use a weak, sinful man makes His power, God’s power, shine even brighter.
Jesus is clear; coming home is not a strength, but rather a weakness. No prophet is without honor except in his native place. No way around it.
Like Jesus in Nazareth, those who know you well may be tempted to dismiss your words and actions. “Isn’t he the son of the carpenter? Isn’t he the son of Mary? Why do we have to listen to him?”
Not only priests, but for every faithful Christian, it can be most difficult to preach to his or her own family and friends, to those in their native place, especially when they are going down the wrong path. “That’s just Susie saying it, we don’t have to listen to her,” or perhaps, “oh, there goes dad again saying how I need to straighten up.”
Coming home as a priest to minister to the local church that raised me, the Church here in Augusta, is a great privilege and something I never imagined would happen. It is a concrete opportunity for me to give back to a community from which I have received much.
Jesus’ words are a reminder to keep always in mind the purpose for which I was ordained – to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Whether at home or in a distant country, the mission is the same – to preach the Gospel.
Being at home will present challenges, but I trust in God’s strength and power to aid me in accomplishing His intentions here. I pray that my weakness becomes a strength as I begin my time with you, here at Saint Joseph.
The Lord has now called me here. I am here to be your priest. I am here to pray for you and with you. May the Lord strengthen us all in our weaknesses, may the Lord strengthen us in our witness to the faith, especially among our family and friends, that we may become worthy vessels of the Gospel.
Pictures are mine, all rights reserved.
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