Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr
Readings: Romans 4:1-8; Psalm 32:1b-2, 5, 11; Luke 12:1-7
Summary
Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed on the housetops (Lk 12:2).
Reflection
It is spiritually uplifting to serve in a Franciscan community. One attribute of a franciscan homily is the emphasis on the positive way of reading sacred scripture. For instance, the “Ten Lepers (only one gave thanks)”. I am not discounting my own charism or the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in my own expression of the divine love, still though, I find the Franciscan emphasis to be compelling of itself.
When I preached ‘Seven ways we don’t thank the Lord‘ – a Franciscan would preach the opposite – the reverse of the negative – “Seven ways we can know the Lord“.
A careful listen would know its the same topic but with a different horizon path. Same end, different path, and one can argue a more inviting path. It isn’t easy to do in every sacred portion we read. It takes a bit of inspiration and reflection. And, I dare say, training.
The work of a Franciscan can be encapsulated in today’s gospel portion – in their unique way.
Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light – speaking light in the darkness, to a person in the darkness, is the only way to penetrate the soul. The invitation. An invitation whispers to the heart in the midst of whatever slavery a person is in. This encounter is not without effect. The words of liberation are heard as truth and as light. The evidence is the resulting proclamation on the housetops – not by the Franciscan – by the one the Franciscan offered the word of encouragement.
Easter Vigil
There was a man going through preparation for baptism who was depressed. When asked why he replied, “I don’t want to have to tell anyone about my baptism.” In that moment the Catechist said, “You don’t have to.”
Months later, at the Easter Vigil, the man was baptised.
After being baptised, and after the Mass, he went running from person to person saying…
“I’ve been baptised and I don’t have to tell anyone!”
Wonderful!
Divine whispers become rooftop proclamations!
Personal Reflection
As for the cleric, we must ever be willing to see anew the divine imperative. Saint Ignatius of Antioch offers the same insight. A rescue in darkness by entering the darkness and whispering truth and hope.
Become more diligent than you are. Observe well the times. Look for Him that is above seasons, timeless; invisible, yet, for our sakes, becoming visible; who cannot be touched; who cannot suffer, yet, for our sakes, accepted suffering, and who on our account endured everything. (St Ignatius of Antioch, Letter to Polycarp [3,2] [ca. A.D. 110].
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101725.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry