"Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!" Homily Reflection - 21st Sunday OT

“Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!”  - 21^st Sunday OT

When I was a little boy, I loved the TV show, Gomer Pyle. Gomer was a simple country boy drafted into the Marines. There, he faced a different world than the one he was accustomed. When something unexpected happened, Gomer would exclaim “Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!” Then he’d find the lesson in it.

How about that as the theme for today’s readings? Surprise! … Surprise! … Surprise!

Surprise! Salvation is not promised to everyone. Lord open the door for us. And, He will say in reply, I do not know where you are from. You are not guaranteed heaven because you’re Catholic or Baptist or attend the Assembly of God.

Surprise! Outcasts will be welcome; maybe those we think are super religious will not.

Surprise! Look who is being saved. “Some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.” Salvation is not promised to priests, deacons, preachers, or other religious.

To the surprise of those outside the door the ones who recline at the table in the kingdom of God will not be them. But, it will be those who gave everything for God and their neighbor. Heaven will be full of those who’ve seen their lowest points. It will be full of sinners who fell to their knees before the Lord, our Redeemer. Heaven will be missing many who dressed in their finest; tithed great sums; and, said they had been saved. Convinced of your salvation, then you may be surprised.

For most, the surprise will be He lets us in. But first, He will ask us to do something. Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.

The faithful are telling the Good News. Christ is witnessed for the world to see. Deeds of the past continue to tell the Good News today. The faithful tell the Good News of Christ every day. They tell His goodness by their daily lives. Even those you would never expect witness God’s goodness.

If you have watched the Olympics, you will see Christ witnessed to the world.

God spoke through the Prophet Isaiah. I know their works and their thoughts and I come to gather nations of every language; they shall come and see my glory.

If you look at Rio de Janerio’s skyline, you will see a witness standing above the city; a statue of Christ the Redeemer stands at the summit of Mt. Corcovado. Hands outstretched, Christ welcomes all who come to him.

It was erected after WWI to witness Christ to the people of Rio de Janerio in the battle against Godlessness. At this Olympics, it witnesses to the world. The rector of the Christ the Redeemer Sanctuary said, “The Christ with his open arms welcomes and protects all the peoples of the world…” Praise the Lord of all nations; glorify him, all you peoples!

Even deeds from the past continue to witness the Good News today.

The Olympic torched was blessed by Rio’s Cardinal Tempesta at the base of the statue. A blessing not sanctioned by the Olympics, but, requested by mayor of Rio. These are true witness for Christ.

God will use those we never expect. Some of these I will take as priests and Levites.

Athletes can be elitist, pompous, and egotistical; at these Olympics, God has used athletes from every continent as His witness. They can be seen praying before they compete and giving glory to God in their victories. Many wear crosses, miraculous medals, or other sacramental.

In interviews, athletes give Glory to God and witness their faith. These athletes tell how Christ is most important in their lives and how He has saved them. Many are Catholics.

I don’t know about you; but, I’m not the most athletic figure in the world. But, I can give glory to God.

All of us are to do the same. Don’t wait too long because many will stand outside the locked door knocking, saying Lord open the door. We ate and drank in your company. He will say I do not know where you are from.

Proclaim God’s Glory to bring others to the Lord. You and I may not have the world’s stage but Go out to tell the Good News?  Get people’s attention!

No, we’re not these amazing dynamic figures of athletic ability on the Olympic stage. We are amazing and dynamic figures that can bring the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Everything the Church gives makes us ready. Every Sacrament, every mass, every sermon, every hymn, every bit of priesthood, ministry, or liturgy brings us to Christ, holiness made flesh.

Live a holy life. Live a life of charity. Live a life with respect for human dignity, kindness, courage, and truthfulness. Shout goodness. You want to bring someone to Christ, be Christ like. 

The parable tells us that to be with Christ is to enter the narrow gate. It is a place of lovingkindness, forgiveness, and the mercy of God. Many think it’s easy, they’ve done it; and, they will be surprised.

So, Go out and tell the Good News. Tell of Jesus Christ, the most marvelous story of all time. Tell the world about Christians by the way you live. Tell the world that through love the unexpected happens.

He lets us in: Surprise! … Surprise! … Surprise!

The only thing left is to find the lesson. I think it’s a pretty simple lesson summed up - Y’all be good, y’all be holy, always preach the gospel by the way you live and love. Amen.