THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME  
Theme: What gospel are you preaching? Is anyone listening?

1. When the New England Patriots defeated the Colts last week, over 50,000 gathered in a cold stadium. It was snowing, they yelled and cheered as a leather ball was taken from one end of the field to another.  What made them bear the cold? What made them stand and yell for nearly three hours and never even come close to the football? It is interesting to know what set those fans on fire.

 Our first reading is a similar picture. The time period is twice as long. From early morning till noon. The people stood, they were filled with emotion. They shouted Amen, Praise the Lord. But there was no football. Ezra the prophet read and the people listened in awe and reverence. And yet the scene seems so American: the place was called Watergate.

2. Both groups set on fire - totally wrapped up in something that gripped their souls. One would last an evening, and we will probably forget it by the time the Super Bowl comes around. The story of Ezra however is still remembered 3500 years later. They were a people who were moved by a spirit, by a history by a dream.  It was a memory that they were a people who once flourished under the famous King David. But those who followed David were weak kings, and the People of Israel were taken captive. They were in a foreign land for 70 years. The elders had died, the babies had grown up, had families of their own. They in turn had died. The new generation had only a memory and a pride of being the Chosen People. But now there was new hope. They had returned to their native land. They were about to build their temple again. They would re establish their customs and traditions. No wonder they would get goose bumps when they heard their glorious history and the promises made by the Lord to them. No wonder they would stand up for over six hours listening in awe and reverence.

3. The Americans go crazy over football. The Canadians go wild with hockey. The Freed Israelites were inflamed with their history? What is it that sets our hearts ablaze as Christians? The sad story is that we do not seem to be so gung ho about our faith. Quite the contrary, our children often say, “Do we have to go to Church?” - or as little Charmaine said to her mother after the offering was taken up, “Mom, we have paid our fare, can we go home now. Do we really have to wait till the end?”

And hence we have to take a look at What Gospel is being preached today and who is listening to this Good news. The message is Jesus Christ who touches the hearts of all. Each of our Gospel portrays a different image of Jesus so that no one can say that his or her needs are not met.

4. Matthew showed Jesus in all his majesty.  Jesus heals everyone by word of mouth. Jesus is above all. He does not touch anyone. He does not mingle with the crowd. He is never hungry. Jesus is never angry.

Mark shows a Jesus who is full of might and power. He teaches with authority unlike the Scribes and the Pharisees. He commands the stormy sea, the shouting devils, the high strung and screaming sick people. All came under his power.

Luke shows Jesus as a person of mercy. He is full of compassion, slow to anger. He is the prodigal Jesus who has limitless patience. He allows children to come to him. He touches the lepers and allows the bleeding woman to touch him.

John shows Jesus as a man of mystery. He reveals himself to us through signs. The first of which we read only last Sunday: the Wedding at Cana.

5. Our Gospel today is the beginning of the Gospel according to Luke. We will be walking with Luke through this Year C. And right from the beginning, we are given the manifesto of Jesus.

He is sent to bring the Good News to the poor

He is sent to bring sight to the blind.

He is sent to proclaim freedom to all.

This is precisely what people are hoping for - whether in Ireland or the Middle East, whether in Sri Lanka or China & Taiwan. If this is the good news that is being preached. Then it seems strange that we should have the young and old saying: Why do we have to go to church.  The problem does not lie with the Message, nor with Jesus. In his own time, the people were not willing to listen to him because

his message affected their comfort zone.

They had to give up their fringe benefits.

They had to give up the security of their customs and nuances of the law.

They had to give up their manipulation of God’s command of love - which they had twisted and turned to suit their selfish needs.

6. There are plenty of men and women in our own time, who like Ezra are prophets - speaking God’s word and message to us. The Good news is being brought to us. But we would rather not listen. I prefer to discuss the plight of the hungry in the comfort of the Royal York Plaza, then go down a block or two and give the hungry a cup of coffee and a sandwich. I would rather E-mail letters to the Government ministers about the need to house the homeless, then take my car and drive them to the shelter. I would rather call some one sick in the hospital over the phone, then go out into the cold, find a parking spot and sit by  the bed of some one who is sick and lonely - and would appreciate the touch of my warm hand. The Good news is being preached to us. But I would rather sit with a beer and chips before the TV and watch the Panthers and Patriots - then take myself to the church and with my presence be a witness to my brothers and sisters who are glad to see me.

7. Ross Perot who tried to run for President is often laughed at by many of us. But he came for a rich family who in a quiet way preached the Good news. During the depression, many a homeless or hungry man who come to the Perot residence for a sandwich and they never went away empty. Some one had marked the residence with a large cross as a sign for the homeless that they would never be turned away. Young Ross tried to wipe away the mark - so that they might not be disturbed. But his parents would not allow him. That sign is not for the rich and famous - but for those who really are in need. And they will never be turned away.

The Good News is being preached in our day. Hopefully we will have ears to hear and eyes to see.