Tuesday, XXXII Week of Ordinary Time, Memorial of St. Francis Xavier Cabrini
(Luke 17:7-10)
If the current generation of young adults expects instant gratification, it is not difficult to understand why few are willing to commit themselves to the Catholic Church. A recent survey of Catholics shows only 17 percent of those born between 1961 and 1978 and 0 percent of those born between 1979 and 1987 having a high church commitment. The reason for some of this lack this lack of commitment is that Christ asks much of his disciples, sometimes apparently no promising any reward at all. The gospel today makes it quite clear that Jesus does not pander to his followers. Expect to be told that you will have to wait at table, he tells them, after they come in tending the field.
Why then does anyone bother to follow him? Of course, we hold in our hearts the promise of eternal life. The wise person realizes that this hope trumps instant gratification any day. Perhaps though our reason involves coming to know the person we serve. Expert university professors, although demanding much work, often have their classrooms overfilled. When students know that they will learn deeply, they do not mind working especially hard. So we follow Jesus who teaches us deeply, who promises eternal life, and who helps us all along the way.
Showing posts with label commitment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label commitment. Show all posts
Homilette for Friday, August 10, 2007
Friday, Feast of St. Lawrence, deacon and martyr
Fifty years ago martyrs enjoyed more popularity than today. People then enjoyed hearing the following story of the martyrdom of St. Lawrence. In a gruesome way to die St. Lawrence was roasted alive. Half way through the ordeal, however, St. Lawrence joked with his executioners. “I am done on this side,” he said, “you can turn me over.” To this day this saint is always pictured with a roasting brazier like we use to barbecue hamburgers.
Nowadays martyrdom is often ridiculed. If people call us a martyr, they likely mean to pay us no compliment. Rather, they probably think that we neurotically wish to suffer. Perhaps there is wisdom in not romanticizing martyrs as was done by frequent repetition of the story St. Lawrence’s brazier. After all, we pray “deliver us from evil” precisely to avoid the terrible choice between faith and premature death.
Yet it may be that we simplistically criticize former manners for their simplicity. The story of St. Lawrence’s martyrdom at least conveys the idea that there are values dearer than physical life. Eternal life is one such value and also our faith commitments. Whether it be priesthood, religious life, marriage, or just following the teachings of Jesus, young people today have great trouble committing themselves. Stories like St. Lawrence’s joyfully accepting his death for God may help everyone embrace these higher values more readily.
Fifty years ago martyrs enjoyed more popularity than today. People then enjoyed hearing the following story of the martyrdom of St. Lawrence. In a gruesome way to die St. Lawrence was roasted alive. Half way through the ordeal, however, St. Lawrence joked with his executioners. “I am done on this side,” he said, “you can turn me over.” To this day this saint is always pictured with a roasting brazier like we use to barbecue hamburgers.
Nowadays martyrdom is often ridiculed. If people call us a martyr, they likely mean to pay us no compliment. Rather, they probably think that we neurotically wish to suffer. Perhaps there is wisdom in not romanticizing martyrs as was done by frequent repetition of the story St. Lawrence’s brazier. After all, we pray “deliver us from evil” precisely to avoid the terrible choice between faith and premature death.
Yet it may be that we simplistically criticize former manners for their simplicity. The story of St. Lawrence’s martyrdom at least conveys the idea that there are values dearer than physical life. Eternal life is one such value and also our faith commitments. Whether it be priesthood, religious life, marriage, or just following the teachings of Jesus, young people today have great trouble committing themselves. Stories like St. Lawrence’s joyfully accepting his death for God may help everyone embrace these higher values more readily.
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