Fifthteenth Sunday

You may have heard the report recently of the televangelist who asked his followers to buy him a 54-million-dollar private jet airplane. He already his three planes but he said God told him that he needed a much faster, more efficient plane to carry the gospel around the world. He said, “If Jesus was physically on the Earth today, he wouldn't be riding a donkey, He'd be in an airplane preaching the Gospel all over the world.” Apparently, he must have missed this passage of scripture which is today’s gospel. Of course, this is the preaching of the “prosperity gospel” – believe, pray, and pay, and God will make you prosperous in material ways. Last Sunday I spoke about our common vocation with all Catholic believers to engage in the Church’s mission to evangelize, and how we may feel wholly inadequate for such a calling, being neither theologians or scripture scholars. In today's gospel, Jesus is sending out the first evangelist striped down to just a tunic and the sandals on their feet. Clearly, the gospel of Jesus is not a prosperity gospel but a gospel of salvation for all who are of humble heart and true poverty of spirit; directing us to detach our hearts from worldly possessions so we may embrace the true blessings of heaven. Jesus does not want his evangelists to use just words, he wants them to "resemble" what they preach – not only a gospel to be heard but a gospel to be seen – the beatitudes on display in real persons. In Advent 2017, bishop Crosby gave us priest a copy of a book containing a collection of addresses Pope Francis had given to bishops and priest, entitled: With The Smell Of The Sheep. As ministers of the gospel, preachers must be seen among the people, must be among them, knowing them, loving them, and like any shepherd they will necessarily smell like them. As Catholics in today's secular society, we face the view that religion with its beliefs and practices should remain a private matter, confined to its own space, lest it interfere or offend others in what is deemed a pluralistic society. But as evangelists we must first be seen if we are to be heard. Peter tells us: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15 . But if they do not see the virtues of a faith fulfilled in a truly holy life, there in their midst, how will they ever know to ask? And to those who are offended by our witness, Peter concludes the verse with, “… keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil." Vs. 16-17 So let us put on our sandals and get out there and be seen.

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