Sunday, May 5, 2024

5th Sunday After Easter Homily (Extraordinary Form)

The month of May is devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Prior to this Mass we held a May crowning ceremony as a reminder of this. When we look to the life of Mary we are able to see one who not only hears, but puts into action what was heard. She was a woman of great faith and as was stated by the archangel Gabriel in reference to her, “full of grace.” She came to give her “yes” unto God which shows that she was willing to put her faith into action.


We must also foster such devotion unto her that our heart and mind may come to dwell with her Son always. Devotion to the Blessed Mother does not end with her, but flows outward to her Son. It is her Son that we must come to love more intimately by how we choose to live and order our life on this earth. So often people are found chasing after things which lead them further and further away from her Son.


To be people of faith requires much from us. This reality transcends sitting in a church and listening with our ears. We must be willing to open our heart and mind up to the gift of God’s grace in order that we may be found receptive of such a gift. Some see the life of faith to be that which is lived in the church for a moment, but instead that which we receive here must be brought out into the world and lived.


In the words of the Epistle of Saint James, “Be ye doers of the word and not hearers only.” These words testify to the fact that the faith which has been handed down to us must be lived. It is not to be lived in segregated realities, but in the totality of who we are and what we do. How we choose to spend our time, our money, and the company that we keep must be reflective of this verse.


Do we believe in Jesus and the faith that has been handed down to us or do we see it as some social club that lacks merit? The early Church took these words to heart. We see this through the countless amount of martyrs who were willing to lay down their life for Christ. Martyrdom might not be something that will be required of us, but do we truly desire to live our life for Him or would we rather live it for something else?


As we are also told in the Epistle of Saint James, “Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you (falsely) because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.” Let us set our sight upon this Heavenly Kingdom and strive to get there with God’s help. This is truly a serious reality that cannot be taken lightly because we must be “doers of the word and not hearers only.”


May the Blessed Mother intercede for us that we may live our life in such a manner. Saint Mary, pray for us!

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