Today’s gospel is about Pharisees with fixed opinions. Here are a few fixed opinions that didn’t turn out to be very trustworthy:
They sound so sure of themselves—just like the Pharisees. The most intelligent, creative, or holy person among us can let our opinions become hardened. Jesus’ had to say “Stop it!” to the ones “murmuring” at how outrageous his claims are. “Don’t we know him and his parents? How can he say he came from heaven!” Jesus condemns this type of grousing, whining, or complaining in a negative way, because it blocks us from moving forward in life.
Our worldview as Christians must become more wise, compassionate, and understanding—not more negative and gossipy. St. Paul in todays passage from his letter to the Ephesians reminds us that we need to be “kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven us.” By responding to this passage, we continue to be open to God’s will and build his Kingdom.
Next Sunday, we celebrate the Assumption of Mary into Heaven. Next Sunday also begins the reinstallation of the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days. As always, people who are ill, who suspect that they may have been exposed to a contagious disease, have caregiver obligations or have serious anxiety about being in large groups at this time are not required to attend Mass.
Resurrection parish will continue to live-stream Masses. The times are subject to the availability of the volunteers who run the equipment. We are in need of volunteers to run the live-streaming equipment.