Father Bill says...Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

to: all of my friends
from: Father Bill Muench



Okay, it is winter – and today was very cold – this is a look at the scene over at Gore Mountain ski area – I have not gotten out on the slopes as yet – and when I stepped out this morning – and breathed in below zero air – I began to wonder if I would make it at all – we shall see – I did escape winter for a bit – but for those of us who have spent so many years up here – winter is a way of life.

The Scriptures for this Sunday – the Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time – are a curious mix – the Old Testament reading from Jeremiah and the Gospel story from Luke have a similar theme – but the second reading from Paul Letter to the Corinthians goes in a different direction. This Sunday you will here this most familiar reading First Corinthians 12:31-13:13. You have probably heard this reading at every wedding you have attended – it is Paul’s reading – first of all on spiritual gifts – and then on “love” – truly a celebration of the qualities of love.

He begins by warning us that even the greatest spiritual gifts and actions that are done only for self interest are worthless. “ If I have faith so as to move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.”

Then, Paul gives us that poetic but piercing reminder of just what love is about – I am certain you remember it all. Love is patient, love is not pompous, not inflated, not rude, does not seek its own interest, is not quick tempered. It is the stuff for long contemplation – it is a perfect examination of conscience. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. “So – faith, hope, love remains, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

So, how does you love match up – can you listen to this reading and nod your head in agreement – and happily say, I am with you, Paul – this is the love that I have. Or will there be things to change in the way your love – your spouse, your family, the people in your lives.

In our Old Testament reading, Jeremiah – proclaims his vocation – his readiness in love to accept his place among the prophets of the Lord – although he knows it will demand boldness and sacrifice – and also suffering – and his sufferings were great – but he accepts this – out of love for the Lord, his God.

The Gospel reading describes the beginning of Jesus’ vocation – his ministry – and also the misunderstanding of so many about his ministry and his vocation. He comes in love and peace – but the people in his hometown want him to be a wonder worker – they want signs and miracles – he would rather be accepted as a caring and loving teacher and guide – always ready to support and help all peoples.

Part of today’s message is the question for each of us – What is Jesus for you? When you think of Jesus what do you think of – what do you expect – what do you want? Is Jesus only some wonder worker for you – a miracle Savior – is this why you pray, why you go to Mass? Have you listened to Jesus – Have you heard his word – have you followed his guidance so that you may be a loving and caring person, living a good life in the spirit of our Savior?

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father – I thank you for the presence of Jesus in my life, in my Church, in my world – help me always to recognize the message of Jesus – so that I may live a good life, so that I may truly live in his Spirit, in the Holy Spirit, in the spirit of love – that I may make a difference in this world. This is my prayer. Amen.

Please join me as we say together the Lord’s Prayer.