Date: June 6, 2020 ()

Bible Text: 2 TM 4:1-8; MK 12:38-44 |

Series:

It is definitely understandable why priests always have some new thoughts to share every day in the Mass though they have been reading the scriptures, the gospel, and the epistles for 25 or 50 years, like Father John or some other jubilarians. Giving a homily, more than a job or a ministry, has become the very life of a priest; and most importantly, the Word of God is a stream of flowing water that doesn’t run out of wisdom and inspiration. But if things don’t go by this way, the very least motivation through which the priest acts upon it is to think of it as a job or an obligation.

Our first reading today basically addresses Timothy of his obligation to proclaim the word. But, we also know that this is not only an obligation assigned to the apostles and the priests but also to all disciples, making it our common obligation: The letter to Timothy says: “Beloved, I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus: “Proclaim the word, be persistent whether it is convenient or not.”

We are not passive followers of the Word; and if we are to live as active disciples of the Word, we can always take upon ourselves the burden of participating in the propagation of the Word of God. When we feel it is our sworn responsibility before God, reading the bible every day feels like a “to-do-list” that can’t just be easily neglected.

Today we honor St. Norbert, bishop. As a young cleric he resided at the court of the Archbishop of Cologne; hence, almost like living in the emperor’s palace where he allowed himself to be influenced by the spirit of the world. But he was won back by grace; caught by a storm during a journey on horseback he made up his mind to take his clerical obligations seriously. After ordination to the priesthood, he devoted himself to itinerant preaching.

How great was the resolve of St. Norbert? In fulfilling the duty of proclaiming the gospel, he had to leave his worldly security behind; gave his properties away to those in need and rather poured in all his energy going from place to place to preach the gospel. Spreading God’s word is every Christian’s duty.