Homily for Saturday of the 4th Week of Lent

Jesus came to proclaim a Gospel that is more than many bargained for. The reign of God Jesus proclaimed is founded on a concept of justice and an attitude of reconciliation that can scare some, that shatters our sometimes-self-centered approach to the world

To those who really understood him, Jesus’ teachings did not suggest comfort and joy; they objected to him as an idealistic radical who had no understanding of the complexities of the world.

And it's true: Jesus' Gospel is not one of comfort (at least to the comfortable), nor is it a Gospel of peace to those at war with themselves and those around them, nor is it a Gospel of love to those who are concerned only with themselves.

Love your enemies and pray for them, invite to your table the poor and those who cannot repay you, forgive seventy times seven, seek the lowest place, take up your cross and follow. To the Scribes and Pharisees back then (and to like-minded people today), these are dangerous, radical and revolutionary teachings that will definitely challenge comfortable and complacent lifestyles and threaten what the world often holds dear.

May we have the courage to look deep within our hearts and souls and look deeper into the Gospel message of Jesus and turn to Him for the support, help and guidance we need to follow in His ways.+