Monday, September 1, 2014

The Simplicity of the Gospel: Daily Mass Homily--Monday, September 1st, 2014


           The same theme of all of Paul’s writings was stated in our first reading: “When I came to you, brothers and sisters, proclaiming the mystery of God, I did not come with sublimity of words or of wisdom.  For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified.”  The message of St. Paul, both in his writings and in his preaching, was Christ crucified.
            This is important for us to remember.  At one and the same time our faith can is very simple yet can seem very complicated.  Think about all we have to offer—2000 years of Church history, moral teachings, philosophy, theology, apologetics, dogmas, doctrines, rubrics, etc.  We have a whole lot we can learn, at times it may be overwhelming.  Here is when we must be like St. Paul and keep things simple.  Everything we do and are comes from Jesus on the cross.
            Pope Francis is a great witness to the simplicity of the Gospel.  He has even said that we cannot let work within the church—as good as it can be—to become a distraction to Jesus himself.  He specifically stated that we have preached so much against abortion and for our morality that people may lose sight of Christ.
            As we go about our day, let’s focus on the core of the Gospel—Jesus came to die and rise again for each one of us.

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