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Appleton, WI

February 6 Homily Connect

FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 

Scripture Is 6:1-2a-3-8   1Cor 15:1-11   LK 5:1-11

WAY BACK WHEN

  • Before I officially became your shepherd, I met with the Leadership Team 
  • Talked about knowing why we do what we do- it’s more important than how we do it
  • Jesus is the ground from which all ministry grows – Nothing more important 
  • All we do is centered in our love for Jesus
  • Apart from Jesus –  what we do is without real effect

A LITTLE PARABLE I TOLD AS I CELEBRATED EVENING PRAYER

Here is the story of two brothers, one single and one married with a family. They shared a farm and, as success would have it, each year they harvested their abundant grain. And each year, they stored their grain in their own barns. But both brothers were dreamers and paid attention to the promptings of the Lord through their dreams. The single brother dreamed about his brother, with his large family and so many mouths to feed. He was inspired to share some of his grain with his brother. So, often in the middle of the night, the single brother would get up and grab some of his bags of grain and place them in his married brother’s barn. At the very same time, the married brother dreamed of his single brother, growing older without the gentle care of a family tending to him. He was inspired to get up in the middle of the night and transfer some of his grain into his single brother’s barn. Each morning the brothers would awaken to discover their grain was miraculously restored in each of their barns. And then what was bound to happen, happened. In the middle of the night, under the bright light of a full moon, they met each other on the pathway between their barns, each carrying bags of grain. The brothers laughed. The brothers cried. And on that very meeting spot, the brothers built a temple.

 

PARABLE – ESSENCE OF CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY –  PARISH FAMILY

  • We care for each other and place each other in the other person’s place

 

AS A CHURCH, WE WILL HAVE NO CREDIBILITY WHATSOEVER WHEN WE GO OUT INTO THE MISSION FIELD TO SHARE JESUS AND THE GOOD NEWS, IF WE ARE NOT CARING FOR EACH OTHER AND BEING JESUS FOR EACH OTHER,

 

A TYPICAL PARISH  

  • At most 20% of its members are involved in ministry
  • A huge first step is to be a regular worshiping member at Mass on the weekends
  • Worshiping and acknowledging the goodness needs to be at the center of our lives
  • Heartfelt worship needs to spill over upon other people –  I see Jesus in the other person
  • I choose to be Jesus to that other person – THIS IS MINISTRY!
  • How am I being Jesus during the week? How am I reaching out of myself to be a blessing to others?

 

ON THE BANKS OF THE SEA OF GALILEE

  • Jesus wants to tough the hearts of large crowd with his Father’s love
  • Jesus steps into boat so listeners can hear Him – Pours his heart out
  • Jesus invites those in his boat and other boats to go into deeper waters
  • Jesus is always stretching us – Inviting us to be and do more for Him
  • Standing on shore not enough – challenged to get our feet wet – go further out

 

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO FOR YOUR PARISH FAMILY?

  • Ask the Spirit, “What is it, Holy Spirit, that you want me to do for Jesus
  • If everyone of us listened, what a tidal wave of goodness!
  • The Holy Spirit will always answer the question 

 

WHEN WE RESPOND AS PETER – A SINNER?  

  • Pope Francis says “God is not frightened by our sins.  God is greater than our sins.
  • God is love.  God is love.  God is tender.

 

THE HOLY SPIRIT HAS GIFTED YOU

  • When gift is placed in your heart – your combination is like no other
  • Do you have the gift of compassion, writing or proclamation as a reader with passion?
  • Do you relate well to children or young people – Have the gift of art, music, patience
  • Do you have the gift of listening well, the gift of numbers, technology or computers?
  • Have you weathered personal storms could you share those stories – The list is long
  • How can you minister to others using the grace of your gift?
  • Jesus reassures you and me “Don’t be afraid.  I am with you!”

 

Holy Spirit, set me on fire!  Holy Spirit, set our Parish Family on fire!

 

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION 

  • What impacted you from the readings/homily?
  • What are the special gifts you use to serve your parish family?
  • What might be holding you back from serving?  
  • How might your parish family be stronger if you used your gifts?

 

LIVE CONNECTED  Say a prayer of gratitude for your parish family and for all who share their gifts to make it strong. If you have yet to share your gifts, ask Jesus to encourage you and the Holy Spirit to reveal your unique way to make a difference in the life of your family.