Homily: October 12, 2024, Saturday of the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time (United)

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“For you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Over the past few days, we have been reading from the letters of St. Paul to the Galatians. Today’s reading we see him pleading with the community to be united in Christ. 

What is happening to the Galatian community?

Didn’t we read in Acts of the Apostles, “All the believers were one in heart and mind”? That was how the early Christians lived during the Pentecostal event despite strong persecution. But the Galatians were living differently.

It seemed that their society then, like ours today, was greatly divided, separated by ethnicity, social status, gender discrimination, and differences in culture and tradition. St. Paul emphasized and reminded them that they are ‘all one in Christ Jesus’.

What about our society?

Recent surveys show that more than 80% of Americans feel that the country is more divided than united. Although we are a Christian nation, we are polarized in our political stands, religious views and many other life issues.

At St. Ambrose, however, we may not feel this so strongly. When I preside at the 8:30 or 11 a.m. Mass on Sundays, it feels like I am addressing the United Nations. I see a beautiful diversity worshipping in unity, all praising the same God. It would be perfect if the rest of the country comes together the same way.

Jesus warned that, “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.” And at the Last Supper, He prayed, “…that they will all be one, just as you and I are one.”

This is the prayer of Christ. This is the plea of St. Paul. This too shall be our wish for our church, our society, our world.

Let’s start with ourselves, baptized Catholics. We are all one in the name of Christ. We may have different opinions, life experiences, stories, and situations, but we are united in our faith. We have received the same baptism, the same sacraments, and share the same cup at every Mass.

We pray and believe that this vision of Jesus, this desire of God, will be fulfilled.  Amen.


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