Father Michael Whelan's homily reflects on the 31st Sunday of ordinary time with a focus on the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 23, verses 1-12. In this passage, Jesus criticizes the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy and self-promotion. Michael Whelan points out that this critique is unique to Matthew and may reflect tensions between Jesus and the Pharisees that were still present in the community decades after Jesus' death.
Michael Whelan emphasizes the importance of examining our motivations in life. He contrasts the superficial motivations of the Pharisees, such as seeking honor and titles, with the deeper motivations exemplified by Biblical figures like Samuel, Isaiah, Mary, and Jesus himself, who expressed a willingness to listen to God and to serve His will.
The homily suggests that while it is normal to initially be driven by superficial motives such as status, power, and security, it is crucial to move beyond these to find deeper, more genuine motivations that are not self-made but discovered within ourselves.
Michael Whelan warns against the 'thicket of unreality' that can envelop adults, hiding superficial or even life-denying motivations. He encourages a journey toward discovering what truly moves us, which involves hard work and introspection.
He talks about those who have found their deep motivation, or 'cry of the depths,' which manifests as a strong sense of integrity and concern for others. These individuals, often seen as having a vocation, have motivations that transcend the self and are outwardly focused.
For Christians, Michael Whelan posits that the ultimate motivation comes from baptism and the movement of the Holy Spirit within, prompting us to live out the Paschal rhythm of life — the cycle of dying and rising to new life, which is emblematic of the Christian experience.
Michael Whelan concludes by citing St. Paul in Romans 8:1-16, suggesting that those who live by the Spirit will embody the selfless cycle of giving and receiving, dying and rising. This is not achieved by force of will or mastery, but as a gift of grace, moving towards the life where Christ lives within us.
The message of the homily is a call to discernment and transformation, urging believers to look beyond the superficial and to seek out the motivations that align with the teachings of Christ and the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
