Weekly HOMILY for September 7, 2014: 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A

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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/

23^rd Sunday OT-A

 Bon Secours Associates Retreat

September 7, 2014

A Bottle of Booze ++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  Dad finds ½-empty wine bottle: reacts, “How’d this get here?” Son, “I don’t know.”

Ø  Father angrier: “Give U 1 minute 2 come up w/ better answer.” Son: “It belongs to a friend”

Ø  “You expect me to believe that?”  Immediately son walks out of house & slams door behind him

Ø  Dad calls counselor who asks, “Why concerned?”

Ø  “I don’t want him to get into trouble”

Ø  “Why didn’t U want son 2 get into trouble?”

Ø  Getting addicted to alcohol could ruin his future

Ø  Counselor pushes re reason 4 concern & finally, “I love my son and I want the best for him”

Ø  Asks, “Do U think your son got that message?” 

Ø  Father sadly replies, “I see what you mean.”

1^st PRINCIPLE +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  Gospel Shows how 2 address situations where one’s doing wrong, or harm or being offensive

Ø  We’re given 3 helpful principles to guide us

Ø  Be sure R motives for responding R pure and not trying to put others down or get back at them

Ø  R motive needs 2B either wellbeing of person (~ father 4 son) or reconciliation (~ talking w/ spouse re what’s bothering U in relationship) 

Ø  As Paul says, “We need to be grounded in love”

Ø  So we need to ask not accuse, speak quietly not loudly, & 2 seek agreement not argument

2^nd PRINCIPLE +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  We need 2 begin trying 2 work things 1-on-1

Ø   This = most respectful & least confrontational & it minimizes defensiveness in other person

Ø  If doesn’t work, then bring in 3^rd parties, e.g. family member, friend, or counselor

Ø  Goal must B pure: 2 respectfully persuade that s/he going in wrong direction or 2 help reconcile 2 people

3^rd PRINCIPLE +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  We never give up on the person

Ø  J says if person won’t listen 2, 3^rd party à“treat them as you would a tax collector or Gentile.”

Ø  How does Jesus treat tax collectors/Gentiles?

Ø  He hangs out w/ them, gives them time, & dines

Ø  The direction Gospel allows for change of heart

Ø  Goal = inclusion & growth, not exclusion

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

Ø  So, Scripture gives practical principles on how 2 proceed in real-life situations

Ø  The suggestions are common sense and they R also confirmed by psychology

Ø  We can easily forget them, but coming from J could make a difference how handled

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