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Father Muench Says...

Are we loving as we’re called to love?

Feb. 6, 2019

By Father William Muench
NCC columnist

Today, I would like to start by describing for you where I am writing this column. I am very comfortable, but this makes me a bit uncomfortable, because I know that you folks back home are being barraged. I must tell you that I often watch the weather channel, so I can keep track of you and your old-fashioned winter.

I am now sitting on the patio outside a gorgeous Italian bakery on a sunny, warm day. I just ordered a cappuccino and a biscotti. They are playing this great music. All of this just for me; no one else is here today.
I am now looking over the Scriptures so that I can prepare a homily for this Sunday, Super Sunday. As you read this you have already celebrated Super Sunday (football reference, but every Sunday is a Super Sunday). So, as I look over the Scriptures for my homily, I will be reminding you of what you have already listened to and prayed over.

As you remember, the Second Reading at Mass on Sunday was St. Paul’s ode to love, First Corinthians, Chapter 12. I am certain that this is the most favorite Scripture reading of most Catholics. I have noticed recently that many families choose this Scripture for a funeral Mass for a loved one. It has become a tribute to their loved one’s loving spirit.

This continues to be a favorite reading at weddings, of course. I like to consider this wonderful Scripture reading as a challenge for us all. How am I doing as a dedicated Christian loving person? Well, how did I do yesterday? Was I patient? Was I kind? Or did I think only of my own personal interests? Was I an unselfish person?
St. Paul’s message in this reading could be a perfect way to start the day. Will I be a good person today? Will I rejoice only in the truth? Will I remember that love bears all things? “So, faith, hope, love remain, these three but the greatest of these is love.”

And what about the Gospel reading. It is really a shocker, isn’t it? Here is Jesus in his own home town synagogue. Some people find Jesus most admirable. Others, however, find him too much, the Gospel tells us. Jesus mentions two miracle stories from Elijah and Elisha. However, in both stories it is a Gentile who is benefited. The people seem to think Jesus likes those guys better than us guys. So, they prepare to throw Jesus out of town.

Religious conflicts continue to be part of our world. I remember when the Second Vatican Council encouraged the Ecumenical Movement – meetings and services with those of various religious groups. We were all encouraged to develop better relationships with other faiths. However, there were many who didn’t like this idea at all. They seemed to miss Jesus’ message. The Lord came to this world for us all, to save us all.

Here is a possible example: doing a jigsaw puzzle. When was the last time you did a jigsaw puzzle, taking a bunch of small pieces and putting them together to form a beautiful picture? It can be a good test of patience, an adventure of finding the right colors that go together, noticing how they fit together, understanding each piece’s place in the whole picture. Could our relationships with others be a bit like a jigsaw puzzle? Do we truly understand those who are different from us? Some days, everyone seems to fit together so well. Other days, we cannot find one match.

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