September 29, 2024 Virtually Sunday Reflection

Summary

In this reflection on the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Father Tim Schilcox emphasizes the importance of the message of the Gospel over the medium through which it is conveyed. He discusses the universal call to spread the message of Jesus Christ, regardless of who delivers it, as the Holy Spirit works through various people and situations. Drawing from the readings in Mark’s Gospel and the Book of Numbers, he highlights that the core message of God's love, forgiveness, and salvation remains constant and central, no matter the method or messenger.

Takeaways

• 📖 The message is the most important aspect of communication, especially when sharing the Word of God.
• 👤 Marshall McLuhan's concept that 'the medium is the message' is addressed, but Father Tim suggests that 'the message is the message' when it comes to the Gospels.
• ✝️ Jesus' message in the Gospel of Mark emphasizes inclusivity—anyone who acts in His name is part of the mission, regardless of their background.
• 🙏 Moses’ story in the Old Testament illustrates that God's Spirit can be bestowed upon anyone, even those outside of the expected group.
• 🕊️ The Holy Spirit is given to all Christians through baptism, enabling them to proclaim the Gospel regardless of their status or role in the Church.
• 🌍 Diversity of medium and voices is essential in spreading God's message, as the Holy Spirit works through a wide array of people and methods.
• 💡 Vatican II highlighted the universal call to holiness, stressing that everyone is called to share the Gospel, not just clergy.
• ⛪ Roman Catholics trust in the Church's tradition, but also recognize the need to be open to God's voice in other cultures and Christian denominations.
• ✂️ St. James urges believers to cut out distractions and attachments that hinder their ability to live out and share the Gospel.
• 🙌 The message of Jesus Christ is one of salvation, forgiveness, and the overcoming of fear and sin through God's grace.

Q & A

What is the primary message Father Tim emphasizes in his reflection?

Father Tim emphasizes that the message of the Gospel, especially the message of Jesus Christ, is constant and should not be overshadowed by the medium through which it is conveyed. The core message remains essential, regardless of how or by whom it is delivered.

What does Father Tim say about Marshall McLuhan's concept of 'the medium is the message'?

Father Tim recalls McLuhan's concept, which suggests that how a message is delivered can shape its impact. However, he argues that when it comes to the word of God, the message itself is the most important thing, and we should not let the medium obscure it.

How does Father Tim interpret Jesus’ response to John in Mark’s Gospel?

Father Tim explains that Jesus’ response to John, when the disciples tried to stop someone from using His name to expel demons, illustrates that anyone who truly accepts the message of the Holy Spirit can share it. The message is not limited to a specific group or person.

What is the significance of the story of the 70 elders in the Book of Numbers, according to Father Tim?

Father Tim points out that in the story of the 70 elders, God's spirit is bestowed upon a broader group to spread His message. This shows that God’s message can be communicated through different personalities and approaches, but the message itself remains consistent.

What does Father Tim suggest about the universality of Christian baptism?

Father Tim suggests that Christian baptism gives all believers a share of the Holy Spirit, enabling them to receive and announce God's message, emphasizing the universal nature of the call to spread the Gospel.

How does Father Tim view the diversity of Christian denominations?

Father Tim acknowledges the existence of 34,000 different Christian denominations and believes that God can speak through each of them in different ways. He encourages openness to hearing the message of God through various voices and mediums.

What does Vatican II’s document on the laity say about holiness, as discussed by Father Tim?

Father Tim references Vatican II’s document on the laity, which states that everyone, not just clergy, is called to holiness and to announce the Gospel through their lives. This underscores the universal mission to spread God’s message.

What does Father Tim say about what should be 'cut out' according to St. James?

According to Father Tim, St. James encourages believers to 'cut out' want, luxury, injustice, and the lack of compassion, which hinder the reception and announcement of God's message. These distractions prevent individuals from living out the Gospel fully.

What is the key lesson from Father Tim’s interaction with missionaries from another denomination?

Father Tim shares that during a respectful conversation with missionaries from another denomination, the focus remained on discussing the message of the Gospel. This demonstrates that respectful dialogue about faith can help clarify and reinforce the central message of Christianity.

What final message does Father Tim leave the audience with?

Father Tim concludes by reminding the audience that the core message of the Gospel is Jesus Christ—His life, death, and resurrection. He encourages believers to share this message faithfully and avoid letting the medium overshadow its importance.