By: Fr. John Jasica
SUMMER SERIES--GOD'S HOUSE IS FOR OUTSIDERS
HOMILY #1 - GOD ALONE SATISFIES
In the first homily of this series, I reflected on the fact that only God can fill our hearts completely. Despite knowing this, we so often try so many other things that are momentary distractions that end up making us feel more empty than before. As St. Augustine said, “You have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.”
Nothing and no one can separate us from God as He “leans in” seeking to dwell in our hearts. We too are called to respond by “leaning-in” towards Christ through our daily faith and our family of parishes. When we connect with Christ, our lives are changed and in our small and subtle ways become instruments of grace that the Lord multiplies and magnifies. What an amazing grace!!
HOMILY #2 - KEEPING OUR EYES ON CHRIST
The second homily of the series last weekend reminded us that we need to seek the voice, presence and love of God in the sheer silence of our lives like Elijah from the first reading and that keeping our eyes on Christ we can walk on water and do the impossible. I also shared the heroic and courageous faith of Deacon Dennis Rivest, a permanent deacon and friend from my previous appointment.
Our lives are too busy and too noisy. Our fears and the bombardment of our culture today can dissuade us from stepping out of the boat to follow the Lord. Only when we trust, hope and take the leap of faith will Christ allow us to do the impossible. May we always courageously move forward being saints of today. We should also remember that if we falter, if we doubt and if we begin to sink—we should cry out to the Lord and He will always save us!!
GOD’S HOUSE IS MEANT FOR OUTSIDERS
In the first reading this weekend from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, we hear, “...for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.” (Isaiah 56:7). This famous line from the Old Testament tells us that God says outsiders and foreigners who keep His covenant will be welcome. God’s inclusive promise that salvation, worship and relationship with Him are extended to all nations and backgrounds—not just a single group of people.
In the gospel this weekend we have a Canaanite woman (an outsider and gentile) approach Jesus asking him to heal her daughter who is possessed by a demon. Jesus initially refuses, telling her that his mission is only to the lost sheep of Israel. Yet the woman is persistent and pleads with Jesus for a miracle. Amazed by her great faith, Jesus grants her request and her daughter is healed instantly.
This gospel passage reminds us that Christ offered his compassion, mercy and love to all those who were persistent and demonstrated great faith—no matter where they were from, what they did for a living, their social status or failures they made. Jesus welcomed all those who sought grace, healing and peace.
CHATHAM CATHOLIC—WELCOMING ALL
There are so many people in our world today and in our faith community that feel like “outsiders” and “foreigners”. This includes immigrants and refugees new to our country, the elderly, addicts, homeless, poor, sick and the homebound. We must also remember the unchurched, those who have drifted away from faith and a large percentage of our sacramental families. So many feel like they are on the fringes of society and quite often also on the fringes of faith and our family of parishes.
The Chatham Catholic Family of Parishes strives to make sure everyone is welcomed, loved, valued and empowered to share the Good News. The structure of our pastoral plan and everything we do in the family of parishes is rooted in making room at the table for all “outsiders”. In fact, we strive to form disciples who actively reach out, engage and welcome “outsiders” so that they feel at home. We do this through our outreach ministries, Disciple’s Road, school visits, sacramental preparation, family events, Mass Connections at Mass, live-streaming of celebrations, projecting songs/Mass parts at our Masses, social media, podcasts and so much more.
