27th Sunday of the Church Year – October 6, 2024 – Respect Life Weekend – Mark 10: 13-16 – Fr. Chris Heller
A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of celebrating the baptism of 2 young boys. And, as you may remember, after people are baptized by pouring water over their heads, we light a candle for each of them. I reminded those present that we get the light from the Christ Candle, also called the Easter Candle, to be sure that we, as older people, understand that Jesus is ALIVE in these baptized children, and that IF they allow Jesus to guide them into life, he will provide them with the REAL lasting truth, not LIES or half-truths. We say the same to our Confirmation candidates today: if you have an ongoing personal friendship with Jesus, he will help you grow into a holy & healthy person.
So, as we lit the candles for those newly-baptized boys, there was a little girl who was about 4 years old in the congregation. Her eyes got very wide, and a smile covered her face. & before I could say the special candle prayer, that little girl sang out with all her might: “Happy Birthday to You!” We all doubled over in laughter, & although she couldn’t have known it, St. Francis of Assisi said that baptism WAS a 2nd birthday, a birthday into the Church & God’s family! That little girl was a life-giver for the rest of us, and that’s what Jesus meant about honoring children, who by the way in the 1st century, were NOT honored at all! That little girl’s joy & wonder & openness & enthusiasm lit up everyone’s spirit, & served as a reminder of the precious gift of human life.
On another deep level, Jesus says that His Father’s Kingdom is open to those who come humbly & joyfully, as opposed to those who think they’re entitled just because they’re Catholic or Christian. You probably know what I’m about to say, but let me say it loudly & clearly: those who put others down, & put others BENEATH them, as if God shouldn’t bless them with love & mercy, are NOT living in step with the Gospel message we heard today from Jesus.
But WHY does Jesus preach His Father’s love SO clearly? It’s really about an expectation Jesus has for each of us: He expects us to build bridges of unity between people, & not tear them down. I just got home from a conference in Pittsburgh, PA, which is called “The City of Bridges.” & it occurred to me while crossing one of them that you & me building bridges is very much in the spirit of the words to a famous church song: “Let there be peace on earth, & let it begin with me!” So, let’s do our best this week to love others as Jesus loves US: there’s NO reason to wait or procrastinate, because we CAN live heavenly love right here on earth, when we make decisions in the Spirit of Jesus! Love, Father Chris
