\u00a0(Interior of Nazareth synagogue where Jesus preached to his native people)<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
About three weeks ago I got curious about what readings I would preach on during my first weekend at Saint Joseph. \u00a0I got on my computer and pulled up the US Bishop\u2019s website, I found the 14th Sunday of Ordinary Time, clicked on it and began to read.<\/p>\n
I first read a passage from the prophet Ezekiel. \u00a0I 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 \u201chard of face and obstinate of heart,\u201d like the Israelites poor Ezekiel was sent to preach to.<\/p>\n
Then came Saint Paul. \u00a0It 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.<\/p>\n
Then I read the Gospel. \u00a0I immediately found myself laughing out loud, \u201cGod, you\u2019ve got some strange sense of humor.\u201d \u00a0No prophet is without honor except in his native place. \u00a0And here I am, back home in Augusta after twelve years of college, seminary and one parish assignment at Warner Robins.<\/p>\n
I might as well sit down and let the deacon preach for today, I hope you prepared a homily.
\nThe fact is we know the word coincidence does not exist in God\u2019s vocabulary. \u00a0In His infinite Wisdom, He moves all things and lines up all things for His purpose. \u00a0So 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\u2019s message at this present moment? \u00a0Why does He have me here today preaching on this Gospel?<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s take a look at Saint Paul\u2019s powerful words.<\/p>\n
Saint Paul is very clear when he writes, \u201cWhen I am weak, then I am strong.\u201d<\/p>\n
How hopeful these words are! \u00a0In our hardships, weaknesses, yes even in our sinfulness, we are called to an encounter with God. \u00a0In the most difficult times, we find strength, grace, mercy and forgiveness in Him. \u00a0In our weakness, we are made strong by Him alone. \u00a0God restores us to grace through forgiveness, so when I am weak, then I am strong.<\/p>\n
Saint Paul speaks of the thorn in his flesh which he asked God to remove three times. \u00a0Yet Saint Paul rejoices over the thorn, since his weakness, whatever it may be, keeps him humble before God and allows God\u2019s power to manifest itself. \u00a0God 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. \u00a0God\u2019s ability to use a weak, sinful man makes His power, God\u2019s power, shine even brighter.<\/p>\n
Jesus is clear; coming home is not a strength, but rather a weakness. \u00a0No prophet is without honor except in his native place. \u00a0No way around it.<\/p>\n
Like Jesus in Nazareth, those who know you well may be tempted to dismiss your words and actions. \u00a0\u201cIsn\u2019t he the son of the carpenter? \u00a0Isn\u2019t he the son of Mary? \u00a0Why do we have to listen to him?\u201d<\/p>\n
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. \u00a0\u201cThat\u2019s just Susie saying it, we don\u2019t have to listen to her,\u201d or perhaps, \u201coh, there goes dad again saying how I need to straighten up.\u201d<\/p>\n
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. \u00a0It is a concrete opportunity for me to give back to a community from which I have received much.<\/p>\n
Jesus\u2019 words are a reminder to keep always in mind the purpose for which I was ordained \u2013 to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. \u00a0Whether at home or in a distant country, the mission is the same \u2013 to preach the Gospel.<\/p>\n
Being at home will present challenges, but I trust in God\u2019s strength and power to aid me in accomplishing His intentions here. \u00a0I pray that my weakness becomes a strength as I begin my time with you, here at Saint Joseph.<\/p>\n
The Lord has now called me here. \u00a0I am here to be your priest. \u00a0I am here to pray for you and with you. \u00a0May 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.<\/p>\n
Pictures are mine, all rights reserved.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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