October 3rd, 2010 A.D. 27th Sunday of the year Lk 27/5-10

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 Luke combines two parables in today’s Gospel, that of the mustard seed and that of the useless servants. The former is perhaps the better subject for a homily because its meaning is clearer. However, the second is deeper and richer. There is no such thing as a little faith any more than there is a little pregnancy.

 Faith is an overwhelming power no matter how weak it may seem. Given half a chance it will take over and direct our lives, comforting us when we are discouraged and challenging us when we are complacent. The second parable is at first glance hard to reconcile with Jesus’s claim that his apostles are friends, not servants in St. John’s Gospel. Perhaps he is being ironic here: you can’t earn my love, it’s already given to you. Respond to my love with love of your own, but don’t run around trying to impress me with how diligent you are.

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 Once upon a time it was a mother’s fiftieth birthday (oh, horror of horrors!). Her children who loved her very much were determined to make the birthday party truly spectacular. The rented a hall, hired an orchestra, invited a huge crowd, and ordered dinner from the best caterer in the neighborhood. Each one of them presented a little speech about how wonderful their mother was. So hard did they work to make the party a complete success that they wore themselves and bickered through the whole evening.

 Each one tried to outdo the others in professing love for their wonderful mother.  The mother cried through the whole party she was so happy. Well, said her husband, after it was all over, now you know how much your children love you. Oh, she said, with a sigh, I knew that all along. They didn’t have to prove it to me. I’m very grateful to them. Still, wouldn’t it have been much nicer if was only you and me and them sitting around a table and enjoying ourselves and the love we all have for one another.

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Psalm 95:1-2,6-9

1 O come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
2 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!
6 O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker!
7 For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.  O that today you would hearken to his voice!
8 Harden not your hearts, as at Mer'ibah, as on the day at Massah in the wilderness,
9 when your fathers tested me, and put me to the proof, though they had seen my work.

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