Start again. Don't give up. Homily March 3, 2024

Summary

In this heartfelt message, the speaker, broadcasting from the St Rita Shrine in Chicago, invites listeners to join in the Lenten journey, emphasizing the importance of prayer and reflection. The script recounts Jesus' righteous anger in the temple and draws parallels to the actions of St. Katherine Drexel, who used her wealth to address social injustices, particularly in education for African-American and Native American children. The speaker encourages the audience to recognize and act on injustices in their own lives, inspired by the examples of Jesus and St. Katherine, and to continue their spiritual growth throughout Lent.

Takeaways

• 🙏 The speaker is delivering a message from St Rita, Shrine in Chicago during the third Sunday of Lent.
• 🌟 The sermon emphasizes the importance of prayer, especially for those in need and for peace in the world.
• 📖 A reading from the Gospel of John is highlighted, focusing on Jesus' cleansing of the temple and his righteous anger.
• 🕌 Jesus' actions in the temple are contrasted with the construction of the physical temple, foreshadowing the resurrection and the spiritual temple of his body.
• 🔍 Jesus' ability to understand human nature and his discernment of people's hearts is noted.
• 🚨 The story of St. Katherine Drexel is shared as an example of someone who acted against injustice, using her wealth to support education for marginalized children.
• 💪 The sermon encourages the congregation to reflect on their own commitments during Lent and to strive for faithfulness, not perfection.
• 🙇‍♂️ The importance of the sacrament of reconciliation is mentioned as a means to continue the journey of faith despite imperfections.
• 🌈 St. Katherine Drexel's legacy is celebrated, and her actions are presented as a model for addressing social injustices.
• 📅 The speaker announces upcoming events, including a parish mission in West Palm Beach and the monthly St Rita, Nova Mass.
• 🙏 The message concludes with a call to continue the Lenten journey and a blessing from the Holy Trinity.

Q & A

Where is the speaker coming from in the script?

The speaker is coming from the St Rita, Shrine in Chicago.

What is the significance of the day mentioned in the script?

It is the third Sunday of Lent, a period of fasting, prayer, and penance in the Christian tradition.

What is the main theme of the Gospel reading according to John?

The main theme is Jesus' righteous anger as he cleanses the temple, driving out those who had turned it into a marketplace.

What was Jesus' response to the Jews asking for a sign?

Jesus responded by saying that he would destroy the temple and raise it up in three days, referring to the temple of his body.

Who is St. Katherine Drexel mentioned in the script?

St. Katherine Drexel was an American heiress who used her wealth to fight injustice, particularly in educating African-American and Native American children.

What did St. Katherine Drexel do after Pope Leo XIII declined her offer to fund missionaries?

She founded the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament at the age of 31, an order dedicated to serving black and Native American children.

When was St. Katherine Drexel canonized?

St. Katherine Drexel was canonized in the year 2000.

What is the speaker's upcoming event mentioned in the script?

The speaker will be at St. Paul of the Cross in West Palm Beach, Florida for a parish mission from the 4th through the 6th.

When is the next St. Rita, Nova Mass mentioned in the script?

The next St. Rita, Nova Mass is on Thursday the 7th at 7:00 PM at the St Rita Shrine.

How can one participate in the St. Rita, Nova Mass if they cannot attend in person?

They can join via live stream or watch it anytime after at StRitaShrineChicago.com.