Daily HOMILY for August 26, 2014: Tuesday of the 21st 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/

Tuesday 21^st Week OT

St. Luke’s Institute

August 26, 2014

1^ST THINGS 1^ST ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  Jesus wants us to understand that the first things need to be first

Ø  Once we decide what is most important, do we reinforce that through our daily choices?

HERBS & SEEDS ARE NOT 1^ST IN COOKING ++++++++++

Ø  Too many Pharisees were caught up in the secondary things

Ø  It seems they lost sight of what was most important

Ø  Again, Jesus warns them, “Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, you frauds!

Ø  “You pay tithes on mint and herbs and sees while neglecting the weightier matters of the law…”

Ø  He simply wants them to realize what is more important and then act on that realization

WORSHIP IS NOT 1^ST IN LIVING +++++++++++++++++++

Ø  Ho does that warning relate to our lives?

Ø  Coming to Mass each day is certainly a very worthwhile and a good practice

Ø  However, it cannot substitute for treating people the way that Jesus’ disciples ought to treat everyone

Ø  Jesus’ first priority is to preach a Gospel of reconciliation

Ø  The people needed to be reconciled with both God and their neighbor

Ø  God wants us to be of one mind and one heart

Ø  So rather than focusing on the law and exacting ritual, we are called to build bridges that connect us heart-to-heart and to break down any walls or fences that separate us

Ø  Building bridges of acceptance of others and a healthy respect of diversity

Ø  All within a living, breathing community of men and women

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

Ø  The Mass and our Catholic worship should support that great mandate of first things first

Ø  Yes, Jesus is telling us, our religious practices – as good as they are – must come after we have shown compassion, reconciled with our neighbor, and reached out in love to those who need us

Ø  First things first – that’s what we need to understand … and live!

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