Difficult Teachings and the Faith of a Child | One-Minute Homily

by | Oct 3, 2021 | One-Minute Homily, Videos

Jesus gives some challenging teachings in today’s gospel and also challenges us on how to listen. Fr. Eric Sundrup, SJ, reflects on what it means to receive the Kingdom like a child. Based on the readings for Sunday, October 3, 2021

Context really matters…

Hi, I’m Father Eric Sundrup and this is my One-Minute Homily.

Today’s readings could be hard to hear for anyone who has suffered through the pain of a divorce.

Anytime I preach on this, I remind everyone how much context matters. That’s why I prefer the longer version of today’s gospel. In the longer version, this passage ends with Jesus placing a child in their midst.

Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.

So, what is Jesus doing here? First, Jesus blows up the expected power structures of a highly patriarchal society. Second, Jesus refocuses us on the sacramental nature of marriage… the two become one flesh. It’s a lot and it requires context to apply and understand…

So how does Jesus do that? He puts someone powerless, who has no ability to order people around and says: apply it like this, receive it like this.

So what can I tell you in a one-minute homily about this gospel? NOT enough.

Go read some solid commentaries, reflect on this and remember… be open like that child.

I have faith that God will work with us all.

esundrupsj

Eric Sundrup, SJ

esundrupsj@thejesuitpost.org   /   @sunnydsj   /   All posts by Eric

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