Second Last Sunday after Pentecost 15 Nov 2020 Sermon

Second Last Sunday after Pentecost 15.11.20  Conversion

On a busy road there are cars going one way, and cars going the other way. We might wonder where the other side is going. Maybe they are getting out of the place where I am going?

Life is like that. We have to pick which road we are on, and work out if it is the right one, or do we need to change direction?

Everyone has some kind of creed or philosophy on which to base their lives, but it is very easy to pick on the wrong one.

There are so many conflicting opinions and beliefs out there in this age of too-much.

Then there are all the temptations to false gods: Come this way, and find happiness. False promises. Try this, try that; try anything and everything. The false gods have a way of looking true, but they will not satisfy.

We need the right road; only one will do. We know we have discovered it in Jesus Christ - the Way, the Truth, and the Life (Jn 14,6).

The Church has its own version of the roads going in opposite directions. Some people are coming in, while others are going out. Some people are just discovering the truth, and others are abandoning it at the same time.

We need people to come, but not to go.

Today’s parable of the mustard seed. We can call the Church a tree, or a flock, or  a building, or a banquet… all these images convey unity in the truth, a refuge secure because it is based in Truth;  actual reality , and not just someone’s opinion.

But how do we make the right decision? How can we help others do that?

If we look only at the human level, it is easy to find fault with the Church, and hence to leave, or not to join.

There are the scandals, keeping us mindful of too much humanity, and too little divinity at work!

Then, many Catholics lose their faith on encountering some alternative, articulately offered.

 Every argument against the Catholic faith can be answered, but it sometimes takes a certain amount of patience and time. Not everything can be dealt with in a few seconds.

It is a good idea to turn off all electronic devices and spend time in prayer.

Prayer is good for many reasons, including the likelihood of finding the one true God: and with that, the right road to be on.

Looking upwards, we have God and Our Lady and all the courts of heaven, beckoning us to join them.

We can clear all the distractions and falsehoods in one bound. It does not have to take a long time to find the truth. If we are really seeking, the true God will make Himself known.

Once in the right relationship with Him then all else falls into place.

There is no doubt we will stay in the Church. We have found the way in, and will not be trying to get out.

Now we have work to do – helping others to see why they should join us.

One thing we must do is remove the scandal; any excuse people find not to join us.

Yes, we have contributed to the sin, but no more.

And where possible, we evangelise and catechise.

Our Lord says, Come! This is before we have even repented. The coming and the repenting are one movement, as we become aware of our guilt on one hand, and the joy of forgiveness on the other. We hasten to our true home, now completely sure which road to take!