Homily for June 19

Image source

Homily for the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time
(Scriptures for today's Mass)

Audio for homily

When Jesus himself asks us such a direct question,

 “Who do you say that I am?”   - we can’t ignore it.

True enough, in the gospel he’s asking his disciples - but who are we

but those who claim to be his disciples, his followers, today?

To help us respond to the Lord’s question, I want to reflect with you,

on some other questions to help us answer what Jesus is asking us.

Some might find it helpful to close their eyes for this…

Who do I say you are, Lord?

That’s a great question!

It might be the most important, the most critical question

anyone has ever put to me.

Of course, I say you are God.  I say that every week here in church.

But who do I say you are outside of church, in my daily life,

on all the days between the times I come here to pray?

• When confronted with the tragedy in Orlando –

when I ponder the slaughter of innocent life,

when I pray for those who died: who do I say that you are, Lord?

• When those 21 young men were beheaded in Libya,

- because they said you were their God –

when I think of them: who do I say that you are, Lord?

• When I look at all I have and think of all I want to have -

and then consider the needs of the poor: 

who do I say that you are, Lord?

• When I’m making important choices and decisions

and I know my faith has a part to play:

who do I say you are, Lord?

• When bias and prejudice shape my thinking and how I see the world:

who do I say you are, Lord?

• When I watch the political scene and hear the candidates speak,

when I listen to what they promise and pledge:

who do I say you are, Lord?

• When I’m struggling and facing a crisis

and the easy way out sure looks good:  who do I say you are, Lord?

• When I’m really at odds with family or friends

and stubbornly digging my heels in: who do I say you are, Lord?

• When my pride blurs my vision and blinds me to wisdom:

who do I say you are, Lord?

• When I have to decide

between comfort for me and compassion for others:

who do I say you are, Lord?

• When I’m choosing my entertainment (G, PG, PG-13, R or X):

who do I say that you are, Lord?

• When I’ve got the scoop on my neighbor’s problems

and I’m dying to spread the word: who do I say you are, Lord?

• When I’m tempted to be less than honest, faithful and loving

in keeping promises I’ve made: who do I say you are, Lord?

• When faced with the option

to tell the truth and face the consequences – or lie:

who do I say that you are, Lord?

• When it’s me and my neighbor and whose needs come first:

who do I say that you are, Lord?

• When I stand before you (who know well who I am:)

who do I say that you are, Lord?

Jesus, I want to say you’re the Lord of my life,

God of my soul, the Spirit of all my hopes and desires.

But to say all that is to carry the cross of sacrifice

and to follow you:

to deny what I often think is life

and to seek and find my true life in you.

Who do I say you are, Lord?

I say you are my brother who gave his life for me on his Cross

and calls me now to his table

to nourish and strengthen me to carry my burdens, my cross,

and to say, from my heart: “You are my Lord and my God.”

That’s who I say that you are, Lord.

Tweet  

   
Subscribe to A Concord Pastor Comments