Is it Right - Homily 1st Friday Mass, 2nd Friday in Lent

Praise be Jesus Christ, for ever and ever. Amen.

That story about Joseph being made to disappear by his brothers  is not something Christians would ever do.  The parable of the tower, vineyard, and murder is not about us. The people in those stories were sinners. But ask them, they thought they were righteous.

In the eyes of the brothers, it was right to take care of their family and heirs. In their eyes Joseph needed to disappear for the good of the family. 

The tenants in the vineyard felt it was their right to keep the vineyard and fruit. They ignored the owner, beat his messengers, and murdered his son. They did this because they thought it right.

The Chief Priests and Pharisees saw themselves blameless and right.

We can be just like them. So, those stories are for us. Look back on your life. Look back at your life in the Church. Look back at your life in Christ. Maybe, there has been misplaced righteousness.

Too many in presumed righteousness, look down on those who are different. We separate ourselves from sinners. We are not like them. 

But, people will do what they think is right. It is seen in ourselves and our leaders: for some, “right” is no change; and, for others, “right” is forced change. And any hatred, injustice, or violence that comes is righteous from that sides point of view.

It is the assumed order of things that makes people think good and wicked are separate. But, our transgressions and sins weigh upon us all, no matter if we are good or bad. We are all connected by this fact. It is who we are.

Before Jesus came died on the cross for the forgiveness of sins; God spoke about sin through the prophet Ezekiel.

·       The righteous shall not be able to live by their righteousness when they sin.

·       The wicked, if they turn from their wicked ways, if they turn from their sin and do what is right, they shall not die.

In that thought, hear Jesus’ words to those who assumed they were blameless, “The Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit.”

They knew Jesus was speaking to them.  We know, He is speaking to us.

Friends! Prepare for the Kingdom of God through prayer, fasting, confession, penance, and good works. Do this for the rightness of turning away from sin.

Do it this lent. Do it always.

Praise be Jesus Christ, for ever and ever. Amen.