Homecoming (2025.01.26 - Sunday - 03)

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 [__ver-04.new__]   Homily – Jan. 26, 2025 /  3^rd Sunday

● Nehemiah 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10 ● Psalm ● 19 Corinthians 12:12-3- ●  + Luke 1:1-4, 4:14-21 ●

Title:    Coming Home

 [__01/02/03_]   In Luke chapter 4, Jesus returns to His hometown of Nazareth, a moment of homecoming. Similarly, I attended a family funeral near Chicago, where relatives from across the country gathered to honor a loved one. While it was bittersweet, coordinating accommodations proved challenging, as only a few still lived locally.

Some family members rented an Airbnb to stay together, but trouble arose when they violated house rules: they brought a pet, exceeded the guest limit, and parked improperly. The owner, alerted by cameras, threatened to evict them within an hour. With the funeral the next day, this caused great distress. Thankfully, after apologizing and pledging to comply, they were allowed to stay.

Homecomings, while meaningful, can also bring challenges.

[__04_]    Jesus, in the Gospel this Sunday, has come home to Nazareth, to his hometown synagogue and he has been appointed to read from God’s word, from the scroll of the prophet Isaiah – from which our Savior reads a prediction that God will save His people – save you and me – by the suffering and death of 1 virtuous servant, the anointed one, the Messiah.

          The Jewish people – in Jesus’ hometown of Nazareth and everywhere – had been waiting for such a rescue, such redemption.

 

[__05_]      In the history of Israel, the people had experienced being conquered by neighboring countries, by Babylon and Persia, being on the losing end of these battles where their land was taken and they themselves were taken into exile and also they had seen their Temple destroyed about 600 years before Jesus was born.

          This Temple destruction and exile are the reasons Jesus is in a synagogue today and why there are still synagogues.

          Prior to the Temple/people going away, all worship centered in 1 place: Jerusalem and the Temple, a place of sacrifice to honor God, especially on Passover and other days of atonement (??? How to describe??)

          But, due to exile and conquest, the Temple was lost. Thus, synagogues – which is not a Hebrew word but a Greek word – meaning “gathering place.”

          A gathering place for a people no longer in 1 place, a people dispersed, for the Jewish people of the diaspora. A diaspora that exists to this day.

          And, there are still synagogues, in West Orange, in NJ and throughout the USA and world.

 

[__06_]    Jesus comes home to 1 of these synagogues in the town of Nazareth and proclaims himself to the Messiah, the suffering servant.

          It is true that some of his own people at that moment and in subsequent encounters struggled to understand his role as Suffering Servant.

          This was true for Jesus’ closest disciple: Peter denied the Suffering Servant 3 times.

          Sometimes, we may struggle to receive and recognize Him.

 

[__07_]     Jesus comes home to you and me, each day, by making Himself present through the Church, the priest, the sacraments to hear your – our – repentances in confession, to give us His Body and Blood in Communion.

          Of course, it is true that many of us as Catholics do not come home to God or to Sunday Mass / church. We may stay away. Or, we know someone who is staying away.

          I urge you to pray for this person or persons in your life, including prayers for those who died separate from or far from the practice of our faith.

[__08_]     Who is the largest religious group – numerically – in the United States?

          You might say, “Catholics”

          But, to more exact Catholics who are not practicing actually outnumber Catholics who are practicing.

          The largest religious group in the United States is non-practicing Catholics.

          Have you not spoken to seen, sat at table with a Catholic who is “lapsed” or not going to church?

          What do you say to them? What do they say to you? Some may behave sarcastically  regarding the practice of going to church, following the Commandments. Have you heard this self-description:  “I am a recovering Catholic”.  That’s my quote unquote favorite  because it really shows someone who is diminishing the value of faith and also trying to get under your skin, maybe to hurt your feelings.

          Do not take the bait in this trap.

          This is an opportunity to love your enemy and pray for the one persecuting you a bit…

          Do not get riled up with anger or disappointment. Been there. Done that. It does not work.

 

[__09_]    why have they walked away? Do they have legitimate reasons?     Some have been hurt by someone in the church.

          Some may complain or feel disenchanted with the church because there are “too many rules”.

          Or, because they may want to re-write the rules.

          In such conversations with those who are not feeling at home in church, I just urge you to love them first, invite them first.

          One day you might particularly remind them of – and invite them to – is Ash Wednesday this year on Wednesday March 5^th

          Because Ash Wednesday puts a focus on something that even non-churchgoers can get on board with..

          Fasting – we are all called to sacrifice not be too materialistic.

          Charitable giving – we can call give something if only our time to those in need.

          And, this can help lead all of us to trust and prayer.

          And, all of us need time for reflection.

          Jesus our Savior invites all of us home to him, and stay in his house.

          It is true that you’ll never get anyone to stay in your house or be your friend if you lead or read with all the rules.

        Jesus, our Savior does have a plan for our lives, but he leads by first laying down his life, by loving us to the end, and letting us know we can can come home and are invited to do so as soon as possible. [__fin_]