Sunday, September 11, 2016

Good News for us Sinners: 24th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Listen to the homily here.

Notes:

Tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus…”
·      Isn’t that good news for sinners?
·      Yes…sinners…every one of us
·      We sinners must draw close to listen to Jesus Christ
And Jesus welcomes us sinners even before we seek him
·      the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
Listen to some inspiring words from God for us sinners
·      St. Paul said (to a letter to St. Timothy): “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.”
·      Jesus said in the Gospel of Luke:
o   there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.”
o   there will be rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
Two thoughts through God’s Word for us individually and the way our family can grow
·      1.)  If you think you are perfect…“righteous”, you are wrong
o   Listen to what Jesus taught (not me!)
§  I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
§  Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
o   Listen to Jesus!
o   Seek repentance, forgiveness and Confession
§  This is a free gift and it will take a couple of minutes to be forgiven for all of your sins
·      2.)  Many have “drifted away” from Church and religion in our country
o   Catholics, Lutherans, Christians, religions in our country
o   Our goal is to welcome people back
§  Back to Church
§  Back to our Catholic family
§  Back to forgiveness
§  Back to Confession
o   As a priest one of my goals to meet people, grow in a relationship to grow as them as people, and then invite them to Church and Confession
§  But you can get many more people than I can!
§  The more you listen to Jesus, the more you will share the Good News
§  The more you seek forgiveness in your sins, you can welcome many, many people as a family
Are we each sinners?  Yes.
Is Jesus Christ the one who wants each of us in a relationship?  In love?  In forgiveness?  In salvation?              Yes.
Listen to Jesus Christ as sinners…and invite many other sinners that are not here…because Jesus wants them back


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