No to Clericalism, Yes to Jesus

Greetings on this the Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time (OCIA)
Readings: Mal 1:14b-2:2b, 8-10; Ps 131:1, 2, 3; 1 Thes 2:7b-9, 13; Mt 23:1-12
Notes: This homily is for the 10:30 AM Mass.

Clericalism – Clericalism is the application of the formal, church-based, leadership or opinion of ordained clergy in matters of either the church or broader political and sociocultural import. Clericalism is usually, if not always, used in a pejorative sense. (Wiki). Generally, I understand this to mean that the [inaccurate] applying of personal preference or personal opinion as though it is a divine revelation. Still others apply clericalism as if an establishment of a caste system of membership and, in particular, decision making of any and all types of decisions. Something like that, a broad definition.

Clericalism – https://www.ncronline.org/opinion/ncr-voices/pope-francis-reminds-us-again-reject-clericalism

The 9:00 AM Mass Homily with attention to the OCIA candidates: https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/no-to-clericalism-yes-to-jesus.pdf

In today’s gospel portion Jesus makes clear our responsibility to be informed by G-d and be formed by G-d. It is not the responsibility of others to make us well. We make ourselves. We decide for ourselves. We don’t do it alone, of course, but it is not for us to ‘hand over’ our conscience and decision making to others. Not even clerics.

The first reading from Malachi brings out the ignorant and/or deceitful things we do:

1. Duplicitous use of the honoring of Father and Master casually and inappropriately.
2. We do not listen to G-d, we do not take to heart His Voice, nor do we do honor the word of the LORD.
3. We teach false things, useless traditions and novel customs as divine precepts.
4. We show partiality to our friends and not treat all fairly.
5. The list goes on. Eek! Remember the LORD does not speak of these things to harm us but to heal us.

Cross Reference elsewhere in Malachi and the Prophet Isaiah.

A son honors his father, and a servant fears his master;
If, then, I am a father, where is the honor due to me?
And if I am a master, where is the fear due to me? (Mal 1:6a).

The Lord said: Since this people draws near with words only and honors me with their lips alone, though their hearts are far from me, And fear of me has become mere precept of human teaching (Isa 29:13).

How do we fall into such a state of being!! Whether we are sincere or devious, we are responsable for our actions. Our actions are an outward expression of our conscience. Growth is key. When I was a child, I used to talk as a child, think as a child, reason as a child; when I became a man, I put aside childish things. (1 Cor 13:11).

Who do I trust and What should I learn? (Who is Teacher, Master?)

• Conscience – we are the responsible party of ourselves. We should strive to responsive to the inspiration from the LORD.
• Sacred Scripture, particularly, the words gospel places in the mouth of Jesus.
• Catechism – an excellent compendium.
• Church Teaching – extension of the application.
• Preaching – localized application.
• Teaching – renewal of thinking. Exercising the brain and soulful being – unified!
• Modelling – I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do. (Jn 13:15).
• Treatment – Brothers and sisters: We were gentle among you, as a nursing mother cares for her children. With such affection for you, we were determined to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our very selves as well, so dearly beloved had you become to us.

All of these things are for your relation with G-d and with one another. Our intention should be to point you to G-d, not to ourselves.

Gently, by example, with authentic teaching, by exhortation in the here and now, by the authority of the Church, firmly based in the sacred Scriptures and especially in the words of Jesus where now I can choose freely G-d. (Did you see I took the list and reversed the order of presentation – very scriptural practice).

G-d is my Father. Jesus is my Master. You are my brothers and sisters. Then I can honor everyone with a right intention of honors.

First Reading
Have we not all the one father? Has not the one God created us? Why then do we break faith with one another, violating the covenant of our fathers?

Responsorial
In you, Lord, I have found my peace.

O LORD, my heart is not proud, nor are my eyes haughty; I busy not myself with great things, nor with things too sublime for me. Nay rather, I have stilled and quieted my soul like a weaned child. Like a weaned child on its mother’s lap, so is my soul within me.

Second Reading
We were gentle among you, as a nursing mother cares for her children. With such affection for you, we were determined to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our very selves as well.

Gospel Acclamation
You have but one Father in heaven and one master, the Christ.

Gospel
You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers. Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven. Do not be called ‘Master’; you have but one master, the Christ. The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry