Homily, Feb. 27, 2022

8th Sunday of Ordinary Time (Year C) 

Eccl. 27:5-8; Cor 15:54-58; Luke 6:39-45

On Wednesday this week we will enter into the season of Lent. As we think about what practice of penance we will embrace it is often easier to come up with penances for other people- our spouse, children, colleagues, or friends than it is for ourselves. Jesus knew the human propensity to point out others’ faults. And today’s gospel, he counsels us; “Remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly/ to remove the splinter in your brother’s eye”. 

From experience we know that people can greet criticism with numerous reactions that vary from eye raising to terrible arguments. How do you tell the truth to people without stealing their dignity or leaving them in the casualty department? Again, the Gospel says; “From the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks’ Which leads to the question, what fills our hearts? What kind of heart is behind the way we criticize others? The way we offer criticism depends on the condition of our heart. When people know that our heart is behind our censure, that what we say comes from a genuine attempt to help them, they might take heed. But if they doubt that, they appeal to us: Oh, have a heart!

Dear friends, speech is one of our most precious abilities as humans. Travelling in a foreign country or visiting a neighborhood where one does not speak the language quickly shows us how much we miss out on when we cannot communicate with others. As with all precious gifts, there is the possibility of misusing this ability. If we wish to make good use of God’s gift of speech, an interior attitude of charity is necessary. This week, take some time to reflect on how you use speech in your daily life. Perhaps your Lenten practice could include fasting from speech that tears others down, and bestowing words that uplift as a way of giving alms. May we strive to produce good fruit that causes our family, friends, coworkers, classmates, and strangers to appreciate what we generously provide.

BAA

I am blessed to be pastor of such a generous and caring faith community. With your time, talent, and treasure you support our liturgies, sacramental growth, service to the community and operations of the parish. By your support to our Living our Faith, Building to Serve Capital Campaign, we have the momentum in our growth plan. We are at 88.5% towards our goal. This is impressive! Thank you. Many of you have already responded to the bishop’s request to support this year’s BAA. If you have already donated, Thank you! 

The Diocese provides support where no one parish alone can meet the needs of the faith community. The BAA supports more than 30 ministries that include among others faith formation and education, seminarians and vocations, Prison ministry, Catholic Charities and Outreach. Your gift makes a difference! Here at All Saints, some of our discipleship retreats and workshops like “Joyfully gifted’ have been sponsored by the Adult Formation Department at the Diocese and two summers ago we had a seminarian to help serve our parish.

As we respond to our baptismal call, we are asked to use what we have been given to grow closer to God and care for others, living a life full of gratitude, acting as good stewards. This weekend I humbly request all families to prayerfully consider your support to the great works of the Bishop’s Annual Appeal across Eastern NC. 

Our goal this year is again $99,595 As of today 77 families have contributed $ 14,531 (14.5% of our goal). I am grateful to our pacesetters. Please join them today. The Good news! If we attain our BAA goal, whatever we raise above the goal will put into building our new church.  Our last year’s rebate of $5,929.62 has just been received and will go towards our new Church. So, please consider this when making your donation. 

You have two ways to donate today! ONLINE which is fast and secure. It reduces mailing and processing fees. Go to united.dioceseofraleigh.org follow the prompts to make a one-time donation or recurring gift. You can also scan the QR code on the back of your BAA brochure in the pew. If you do not have a phone, or you wish to pay by check or cash, please fill in that BAA commitment card that will be picked up by the ushers at the end of this exercise. Let’s recite together the BAA prayer located inside your brochure.

Thank you again for your selflessness and generous support of all those who benefit from the ministries supported by the BAA.