Daily HOMILY for August 13, 2014: Wednesday of the 19th Week of Ordinary Time

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In 2014, I am facilitating a 12-week interactive online course in contemplative prayer and action for priests with Saint Luke Institute.  Please visit SLIconnect.org to learn more:  https://www.sliconnect.org/product/living-god-program-contemplative-life-2/

Wednesday 19^th Week OT

Bon Secours Retreat

August 13, 2014

FIVE PONIES ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  A new tavern owner named his inn “The Five Ponies,” but he had the artist paint six horses on the big sign over the tavern door

Ø  Passersby delighted in coming inside to point out the mistake, but, as the owner suspected, most of them stayed for a beer!

Ø  Business was humming

Ø  There’s something in the human heart that thoroughly enjoys correcting the errors of others

SIN NOT SINNERS ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  In sharp contrast, God is preoccupied not with sin or the mistakes we make, but rather with sinners

Ø  Repentance and the return of sinners, Jesus says, are the reasons he has come into the world

Ø  In today’s Liturgy of the Word, sin and the call to repentance come to the fore.

Ø  Ez’s vision and Jesus’ directive underscore the Lord’s intention to go after the lost sheep and bring them home

Ø  It’s the same goal the tavern owner had to bring customers “home” to the tavern

MOVE FROM LOVE ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  When Jesus advises our correcting an erring sister or brother, he does not intend to feed our egos or make us feel better by pointing out others’ faults

Ø  His concern is the return of the one who is lost

Ø  Pointing out someone’s fault must flow from love for the other person or I must keep my mouth shut

Ø  Good parents, out of love, correct their children

Ø  Christians must do the same for fellow believers

Ø  Prayer for sinners or the errant is never out of place, that is prayer for their change of heart or perhaps our own so love could ground or comments

CONCLUSION +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  Those eager to send others to hell have missed the message

Ø  Criticism and condemnation motivated by pride are destructive

Ø  Self-righteousness fails

Ø  Let us remember that it is the loving invitation to return home that brings back lost sheep

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