Decisions Are Part of Christian Life

Decisions Are Part of Christian Life Before beginning the Homily, two announcements were made. Two New Montfort Priests Arrive at Shrine The first announcement: The Shrine now has three Montfort Fathers that will say Mass going forward. Fr. Bernard and Fr. Felix have joined the Shrine from Africa. In the near term, you’ll hear more about each priest. Second, The Shrine’s full name is The Shrine of Our Lady of the Island, Dedicated to Mary, Queen of All Hearts. On the first Monday of each month, an extended formation program(s) will be offered on Montfort’s Spirituality. For those that can attend, any part of the day’s conference, you are indeed invited. The only requirement is that you have already made your consecration according to St. Louis de Montfort’s approach, and you have enrolled within The Association of Mary, Queen of All Hearts. For those that do not live on Long Island, more information will be made available about these conferences shortly. Sooner or Later . . . Today’s reading places the issue of decision in front of us in a particular way. In today’s modern world in living the faith, there is a certain type of personalities than what was experienced in years past. The personality doesn’t practice any faith but is curious about all of them. Hear more in the Homily. On some levels, we see this in the Gospel reading today. The Pharisees come to Jesus as a group. They ask, under who’s authority are you teaching? The Homily also relates this question to the modern age’s tendencies. The Pharisees are threatened with Jesus’ teachings. They are threatened, because Jesus’ teaching is not always in line with the Pharisees. Where does the authority come from, asks the Pharisees. . . . We All Must Make a Decision The Pharisees do not really have a desire to know under what authority Jesus operates under, because they really do not want to know. Despite the actual question, they really do not want to know. They are not interested in understanding Jesus’ response. Hear more within the Homily. When we read this Gospel passage, we should recognize the human heart has this tendency. I like to have my questions answered, but I may like to make a commitment. The human heart likes to keep its options open. The Pharisees wanted to keep their options open by their response. However, sooner or later the human heart must make a decision. Sooner or later, it means nothing if we say I Love the Lord, but do not commit myself to Him. Listen to this Meditation Media. Listen to: Decisions Are Part of Christian Life ------------------------------------ Image: The Pharisees Conspire Against Jesus: French Painter: James Tissot ------------------------------------ Gospel Reading: Matthew: 11: 27-33