In the first reading today, St. Peter talks about how the prophets were testifying to Christ. He says that they “were not serving themselves but you.” In the Gospel reading today from Mark 10, Jesus talks about how those who have faith in Him will be repaid. And He says, “But many that are first will be last, and the last will be first.”
In these days, the Church gets laughed at an awful lot. Not just by “the world,” but even by many of Her own members. Since the days of the sexual revolution, so many see the Church and Her message as antiquated; out of date and out of touch. Why? Because She continues to preach the message that we hear St. Peter offering in today’s first reading. The same message that Jesus preached. “Do not act in compliance with the desires of your former ignorance but, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in every aspect of your conduct.”
This may be the most unpopular message of all time. But it is the message of Christ. The Church is tasked with continuing to preach the message. Even in the face of ridicule. she cannot water down or dumb down the message. Christ will have no part of that. And we, as memebers of Christ’s Church, are called not only to live out that message, but to share in the preaching of it. Be holy. This message will not make you the most popular person around; even in your church. But it is more important now than ever before. Be holy. Live it. Preach it.
Father, give us the grace to strive for holiness. Help us to stop acting in ignorance as we did before, but to be always mindful of Christ’s call for us to be holy. Amen.
0 comments