October 4, 2009 Cycle B - Youth Mass
Genesis 2:18-24 Hebrews 2:9-11 Mark 10:13-16 (Shorter)
Our Gospel today tells us about the way that we should resemble a child in our willingness to carry on the tasks of our mission. There is a story about a young boy by the name of Alex who witnessed the Baptism of his baby brother, Johnny in church. On the way home Alex was crying in the back seat of the car. His dad asked him what was wrong, and finally Alex crying, said “That priest said he wanted us brought up in a Christian home. And I want to stay with you guys.”
Well, we are all called to be Christians and grow up in Christian homes and that is really, for our youth today, the reason why we have them involved in our Religious Formation Programs. It is an opportunity for us to help one another pass on the torch of faith that was given to all of us on the day of our Baptism.
On this first weekend of the month of October, we also celebrate the feast of the great St. Francis of Assisi. St. Francis has been named by the Bishops of our state as our patron. But it is also a reminder of the beauty of Francis’ life who always sung about sister moon and brother earth and the beauty of God’s creation. When you down and look at the Riverwalk you’ll find a beautiful statue of St. Francis there surrounded at his feet by animals of all kinds, from a wolf to a bird. We know that Francis loved all of God’s creation. His life was an example of living simply and in his own personal life was a teaching for all people, whether they are called to be single, married or religious.
I wear today the brown vestments to remind us of the beautiful life of St. Francis of Assisi because his followers to this day are clothed in the brown robes that mark their simple way of life. We put a bit of orange on it to remind us that this is the month that we enjoy the beauty of the fall colors that will continue to be evident in the changing of the leaves.
I believe that the author to our second reading in the Book of Hebrews states well of the union of the Divine with the human person of Jesus Christ. And because Jesus was human He could identify with us. He made us brothers and sisters. We are all His children and we are called to the gift sharing those very important elements of our life.
I’m sure children that if I asked you about the things that Jesus shows us about God, you could come up with all kinds of ideas and characteristics. For isn’t it true that Jesus shows us love, forgiveness, mercy, truth, grace, and the list can go on and on. You know that if we ever wonder what God is like the best thing to do is to look at Jesus because He is the imprint of God’s very being.
As true children of one God we gather today to the Eucharistic Table, which has been set for us all. Christ comes to us again and He invites us to join Him at the Table to receive the gift of nourishment that will enable us to listen to His Word and to act on it in these days.
Amen. Amen. Msgr. Tom, Pastor, Christ the King