31st Sunday A
St. Colman’s Cathedral, Cobh
5th November 2023
“Practice what you preach”
My friends,
The readings to-day are tough on priests and religious leaders. Both the prophet Malachi and St. Matthew.
How more direct can you be?
“And now, priests, this warning is for you.
If you do not listen if you do not find in
your heart to glorify my name (says the Lord of host),
I will send the curse on you and curse your every blessing”
The words of Jesus in the Gospel are no less critical of the scribes and Pharisees he advises “Listen to what they say; but do not be guided by what they do: since they do not practice
what they preach”
My friends, the reason for the sharp criticism is their failure in care and leadership.
“You have strayed from the way:
You have caused many to stumble by your teaching” (Mt. 2:8)
“They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on people’s shoulders, but will they lift a finger to
move them? Not they!
Jesus concludes his words on a positive note
“The greatest among you must be your servant
Anyone who exalts himself will be humbled
And anyone who humbles himself will be exalted”.
While these words of critique of religious leadership were first uttered and written down centuries past, they continue to have a contemporary message for those of us in leadership in the Church to-day. But not just those in leadership but all of us who seek to walk the path of Christian disciples to-day. Together we seek to be a light and a leaven for the world.
Last Sunday the first phase of the Synod in Rome drew to a conclusion after close to a month long gathering of Cardinals, bishops, priests, religious men and women, lay men and women at the invitation of Pope Francis. In total 365 participations.
What were they talking about for a month?
Everything – any issue of concern for the Church wherever it finds itself.
The gathering was the first of its kind for the Church. It consisted of prayer, reflection, dialogue, discussion and sharing of insights. While all kinds of issues were discussed no decisions were made. The concluding document can be read on the Catholic Bishops website.
In the overall we can see that the exercise of authority was being scrutinized. The role of the laity in Church structures especially that of women was at the centre of discussions. Co-
responsible leadership and discernment is deemed to be an issue that needs to be addressed with a sense of urgency.
The Synod will gather again in 2024 – having given the Catholic Church throughout the world time to consider the urgent issues we face in our time. We in our turn in the diocese and in parishes, schools and in our own families need to ask serious questions about our personal faith journey and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit search for a new path to enable us and others to experience the good news of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ who promises to be the Way, Truth and Life for us.
So much has changed within and outside the Church. The scandals gave many the excuse to walk away from our shared pilgrimage of life in Christ – sad reality.
Under the guidance always of the Holy Spirit through Pope Francis, the servant of the servants, we’re invited to renewal of life, of faith, of attitude individually and as a community of faith in order that we can offer humble witness to the joy and hope in our hearts.
