Oct. 20/2002 - 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

This Sunday the gospel begins with people asking Jesus a question. “What do you think? “ This, after the scene is set to catch him in a dilemma about money to support the government (nothing new for us in Canada or any where else).

I am reminded of a story probably not new but it goes like this.

Jeffrey the oldest by a year and a half over his brother Mike at 6 years were often fighting over rights to privileges and treats in the family.  This time it was over a single ice cream bar.

The mother had heard enough of there squabbling for more than the usual time .  She intervened with an idea that has been used especially with young people.  She spoke about how they were really a Christian Catholic family and Christ was the center of there life.  A short talk followed, about how Jesus showed concern for others even to the point of dying for us.  The final line of her talk dealt with WWJD (What would Jesus do?). A pause ensued and Mike the youngest wishing to show that he had caught the message even before Jeff, piped up, “Jesus would give the ice cream up for the other person”.  That answer while coming out before Jeff could respond nevertheless turned on a light. “OK, Mike, you can be Jesus!

At least Jeff knew how to set up the situation for his advantage.  We are called to do and say what Jesus would do as we talk about the Good news of the Gospel. When we are honest about proclaiming the Good News, the Gospel, it can be hard for us to talk about it. I need to be “accepting and comfortable” about myself then I can reveal my faith and tell stories of what nourishes and sustains my faith.  I can speak about what  was behind my own choices and actions.  How do I respond to a “call to speak my faith to others -- by service to others”.

These are the thoughts that are part of my own “World Mission Sunday” preparation.

Yes we are to give – Today in an appeal to garner vocations to the service of the Lord, the appeal is not only for what is in our wallets and checkbooks but for those who can hear it, a call to walk with the Lord.

Let us embrace the message of today’s Gospel with conviction, giving to God the things that are God’s  and witnessing wherever we are to God’s presence in our lives.

Fr. Bruce Schute