[Greetings, Blog fans! Hey, FB go their software figured out and so now I can download videos again. Here’s the vid and the text. Blessed Independence Day. God bless you and God bless America.]
I’ve heard some complaints that the supply of dad jokes in the homilies has diminished somewhat. To remedy this sad situation, here are three dad jokes to help you celebrate Independence Day…
- Did you hear the one about the Liberty Bell? – Yep, it cracks me up!
- What did one flag say to the other flag? – Nothing. It just waved.
- Why are there no “Knock Knock” jokes about American Independence? – Because freedom rings!
In ancient and medieval times, the king and his court were always on the move, riding from town to town and village to village. There were very practical reasons for this. First, it was important that people physically saw him so that they would remember that they had a king. Secondly, it was a practical way for the king to be available to render justice and to resolve legal disputes. But before he came to a place, he would send a herald. The herald had a twofold mission. First, to proclaim that the king is coming, and second, to instruct the people on how to properly receive their sovereign and to get the town ready for his arrival. To make sure the herald was credible, he was dressed in the finest raiment of the court. His announcement was preceded with great pomp, perhaps even the blowing of trumpets to get the people’s attention. There could be no doubt that the message was real and the king was actually coming. Once that was done, he would enlist the local authorities and townspeople to clean up the town and get it decorated. Finally, he would instruct them on the proper protocol on how to receive the king and how to address the nobles of the court that accompanied him. It was a big deal.
In the sending of the seventy-two that we hear proclaimed in today’s gospel, we see Jesus doing essentially the same thing. He is sending his heralds to prepare the towns and villages that he intended to visit. But how very different are the heralds of the Kingdom of God! They are sent as mendicants without fancy clothes, not even any sandals or spending money. They are totally dependent on God and on those who will receive them for food and lodging. There can be no doubt that the Kingdom proclaimed by Jesus is very different from any earthly kingdom. Its worth cannot be given a monetary value.
While the simplicity of the messengers’ life gives them a certain credibility, how much more so does the power of their message. Their message is accompanied by powerful works. In short, they are doing the very things that Jesus is doing. they cure the sick, they expel demons, they proclaim that the Kingdom of God is at hand. Who would not believe a message accompanied by such miracles. Even the seventy-two are amazed.
While the times have changed, the power of the message has not. Jesus still sends out messengers to proclaim the Kingdom in this time and in this place. The only difference is that now those messengers look a lot like me and like you. By our baptism, each one of us is called to be a herald of the Kingdom.
The character of that witness will differ for each one of us. Why? Because just like the early disciples, each one of us has a different experience of the Risen Christ in the life of the Church.
So here is a little tip on how to do that. So often when asked about Christ or the Church, we don’t know where to start? Do you start with the Nicene Creed? The Apostles Creed, the Catechism? The Liturgy? Dogma?
Well, you can, but before you do, remember these three things:
1. The first question people ask is seldom the one they want answered.
I’m fortunate to have learned this early on in ministry.
When I was Fr. Young Priest, people would come up to me and say something like, “Hey, Father, what does the Church teach about annulments?”
And I always answer, “That’s a very good question. Why do you ask?”
“Well, my sister is going through a divorce and she was wondering about her status in the Church.”
“Ahhh…” I reply, “Let’s talk about your sister…”
2. Unless you have a particular expertise in a particular ecclesiological field, do not feel like you have to articulate every theological article or defend every aspect of the history of the Church.
However, you are the world expert in one thing…your own faith. Tell them how you have experienced Christ in your life. Tell them of your significant moments of conversion and how you live your faith here in the midst of your parish family. Keep in mind that you may be the only Gospel this person will ever hear.
3. Take a genuine interest in your interlocutor’s life and desires. Ask lots of questions. And always…always be kind. People will seldom remember what you say. They will never forget how you made them feel.
In the end, we are the present-day heralds of the Kingdom of God. Jesus has sent us to every place and person he intends to visit. The credibility of our witness, and the power of our proclamation will rest on how well we have come to know Christ, so that we may make him known.