THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT!
A catechist was teaching a group of young kids on the importance
of keeping quiet at Mass. The next day, the local bishop made a surprise visit
and sat in her class. The teacher called out her smartest student and asked,
“Why is it important to keep quiet when the bishop is celebrating Mass?” The
student replied, “Because people are sleeping.”
In today’s Gospel, we read
about how King Herod had John the Baptist arrested, imprisoned, chained and
later beheaded. And yet, the king secretly enjoyed listening to the prophet.
The Gospel says, “When he heard him speak, he was very much disturbed; yet he
felt the attraction of his words.” There lies the paradox — and the problem.
Herod was attracted but did not want the disturbance that the Baptist’s words
bring.
I remember a comment posted
by a friend on the Facebook wall of a priest-friend who is a very talented and
gifted speaker. It went: “I so love Father! When he celebrates the Mass, it’s
like being in a comedy bar!” If entertainment is the only thing we are looking
for when we go to Mass, it may not really be God’s Word we are looking forward
to hearing.
In a question-and-answer
portion of a vigil with the youth, Pope Francis was asked, “Why is it that
oftentimes I find the Mass too boring?” Pope Francis replied, “Because we focus
too much on ourselves.”
To the prophets reading this,
remember: It is not about you but about God’s Word. It is not your word, your
opinion or your world view that will save, but Christ’s. You are not there to
entertain but to proclaim. Do not water down the message of the Gospel. Do not
empty Christ’s words of the power to disturb and change hearts.
To the listeners reading
this, remember: The Mass is not about you but about receptivity to God’s Word.
Do not shy away from being disturbed by God, for that disturbance is the only
prelude to genuine and lasting peace. Fr. Joel Jason
REFLECTION QUESTION: What do you look forward to whenever you go
to Mass —entertainment or holy disturbance?
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