Today’s Thoughts: It is truly an unusual day. The Fourth Sunday of Advent in the morning and then by late afternoon the beginning of the celebration of Christmas. It makes it difficult for parishes as they move so quickly from Advent to Christmas. Mass schedules are often turned upside down and a question that is often asked is – “Will this mass fulfil my obligation for Sunday and Christmas?” Truly an unusual day!
So, with that thought in mind I began my homily last evening by talking about a television program called Scorpion. Yes, an unusual way to begin a homily. The show was inspired by a true story about a man named Walter O’Brien who has an IQ of 195. He brought together a group of friends who are also brilliant, and they work as a team helping Homeland Security. Each person on the team has a special gift. In the show they solve problems not by fighting or the use of guns but with their intelligence. However, they have one major struggle as a team, they find it very difficult relating to people who are not as intelligent as themselves. Helping them with this aspect of life is Paige a young woman who is not intellectually brilliant like the others, but she knows how to relate to people. Paige has a gifted son, so the team helps Paige understand her son and she helps the team relate to people. This might seem like an odd way to begin a homily, but my point is that our readings today and at this time of year remind us of the human element in the story of the Incarnation. Yes, it is a mystery and yes, nothing is impossible for God. However, Mary’s yes; Joseph’s yes, the stories of Elizabeth and others long the way are important to us because they remind us of the need to have faith, trust and hope in the presence of God. Like the character of Paige in the Scorpion the unexpected heroes and heroines of our faith story help us to understand God’s plan for us! May we be God’s unexpected heroes and heroines who respond with a yes and bring God’s faith, hope, joy and love to a world that so desperately need it. Have a faith filled Sunday everyone and don’t forget it is Sunday in the morning and Christmas late in the afternoon, two different celebration, two different obligations. So, don’t forget to give God a little extra love and time today! Have a great Fourth Sunday everyone!
1 Comment
Mary E
12/24/2017 05:16:28 am
I love a mystery!
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
Fr. Paul R. Fagan, C.P. "Preacher on the Run"Just a few thoughts to help you on your journey through life...let me know from time to time what you think... Archives
April 2024
Categories |