A Woman Bought a Parrot in a Pet Shop. She Wanted Companionship and Someone with Whom To
HOMILY
FR O’GRADY
October22, 2017 29th A
A woman bought a parrot in a pet shop. She wanted companionship and someone with whom to talk. The next day she brought the parrot back and said to manager, “the parrot will not talk:. The manager said. “ Well here buy a mirror, Parrots love to talk In mirror”
The next day she comes back with same complaint, “He won’t talk”. So manger said, “Well, buy aa ladder. Parrots love to talk climbing ladders”..
The next day she returns again and says ,”The parrot still does not talk”. The manager said, “Buythis bells. They love bells and will talk”
Next day again she returns with same complaint and manager says “buy a swing. They love to swing and talk”. Ell next days she comes back with sad look on her face saying. “The parrot died”. “Oh I’m so sorry. Did he have any last words before he died?” Well yes he did and he said:
“ DON’T THEY SELL ANY FOOD IN THAT PET STORE?”
Life is all about priorities. As we know some things are far more important than others.
In the Gospel today Jesus tells us what is important and where our main priority should be. The Pharisees try to trick Jesus into siding with Rome for imposing the heavy tax upon the Jews. If he says yes, he risks alienating the Jews. If he says no then he risks being charged with sedition by Roman authorities .
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So Jesus answers the classic way. GIVE TO CAESAR WHAT IS CAESAR’S AND TO GOD WHAT ISGOD’S”
In other words, we have to be responsible citizens but God’s law and God’s desires must come first and guide all we do whether personally, community or in government.
This means then that God and Caesar (or government)are not travelling along a parallel course and never the two shall meet.
It does not mean that our contribution to God’s interests and our contributions to worldly interests do not converge.
IT MEANS THAT AS COMITTED CHRISTIANS OUR FAITH AND MORALITY MUST INFLUENCE AND DIRECT HOW WE LIVE AS CITIZENS.
As you know we live in an age and culture where God is often taken out of the civic and community and family life. The fights for respect for life, health care issues.,public prayer, social justice, respect for the poor and immigrant, are unceasing
Just because a government’s laws are approved it doesn’t mean they are moral.
Morality is not determined by what is popular , democratic or voted in by the people, it is always determined by God’s law and love.
It’s not easy but as Christians we are called to make our voice heard in our world and society.
Over that past year we have seen many disasters and acts of violence,. The first reaction from many leaders is to say “they are in my thoughts and prayers”
Yet does that get them off the hook. Sometimes we can leave this simple greeting and then do nothing, namely, remember these victims in prayer and then let it all go.
NOT SO HERE IN THIS PARISH! All of you gave a great witness to the 10,000 donated after the flood and hurricane in Houston ant to mention the shelter dinner, Turkey drive, clothing collection, help for missions and Catholic charities. These are more than offering prayers..they are bringing the power of faith into our streets and lives and government.
WE REMEMBERED THEM IN PRAYER BUT WE ALSO DID SOMETHING OF GREAT VALUE.
Having God as our priority and following the lead and example of Jesus the Shepherd, being people of prayer and faith..we can change the world and truly give to God and make a difference in our culture and society.
So a few questions to ponder this week:
-Are there things in our lives that compete with our primary allegiance to God and faith?
= How strong in my faith when I see injustice done at work, community. Government?
-Does my prayer life lead to action ?
-Does my religion and faith life carry over to my responsibilities as acitzen?
REMEMBER! LIKE THE PARROT STORY : OUR FAITH IS A LOT MORE THAN BELLS, MIRRORS AND SWINGS.ONLY GOD CAN BE THE TRUE FOOD FOR OUR LIFE AND OUR WORLD.
MAY GOD ALWAYS BE FIRST IN MY LIFE, MY COMMUNITY, FAMILY AND COUNTRY.