33rd Friday in Ordinary Time, November 24, 2023
Feast of St Andrew Dung-Lac, Priest, and Companions, Martyrs
Mc 4:36-37, 52-59, 1 Chr 29:10-12, Lk 19:45-48
Can you imagine walking into our church and finding it full of money changers, vendors, and those generally trying to make money off our faith? This is what Jesus walked into when He entered the temple. As we walk into our church, do we find a den of thieves, or do we find peace, solace, prayer, and celebration? I do not think we find the den of thieves Jesus was talking about, nor the money changers, vendors, and those trying to make money off our faith. I do think, however, that there are times when it is hard to find peace and solitude. No, I do not think others are being rude and not keeping a prayerful attitude, I think it has to do with the den of thieves outside of the church. We often walk into church with so many distractions and burdens, that it is hard to see the prayerful space it is. I need a job, my child is sick, my parent is dying, I am sick, I am losing my home, my car is broken down, I cannot afford even groceries… the list could go on. But the good thing is, we are here. We have walked into this house that has been rebuilt and re-dedicated, not by man, but by God.
Judas and his brothers celebrated when they walked into the temple. The temple was purified and rededicated, so they praised God for all the good things He had done. How often have we walked into our church and felt that way? Maybe it is time for us to see all the good things God has done for us throughout the year. As we approach the end of our church year, it is time to get on our knees and thank God for all the blessings He has given us. For providing this house of prayer for us so we can get away from our burdens, if only for a short time. They say even a 15-minute meditation is good for your soul, it allows you to regenerate, clear your head, and feel blessed again. What better place to do that than in God’s house, THE house of prayer?
Let us also remember St. Andrew Dung-Lac, priest, and his companions whom we celebrate today. We also remember some 130,000 Christians who suffered martyrdom during the 17th -19th centuries in Vietnam. Along with eleven Spanish Dominicans, ten members of the Society of Foreign Missions of Paris, ninety-six Vietnamese, (which include thirty-seven priests), and fifty-nine lay persons who were all martyred for their faith. These Christians who gave up their lives for us. They paved the way to allow us to walk into our own church, so we can freely kneel down, worship God, and thank Him for everything we have. St Andrew Dung-Lac, and all your companions, pray for us as we kneel here, and pray for you to the Lord our God.
Saint James Catholic Church 