Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Homily)
June 19, 2016 11:00 am · Sergio Muñoz Fita
Are we ready to hit the 120 degrees? That's a lot. When I told my parents, they couldn't believe that we were going to have 50 degrees because in Spain we use the Celsius system. I guess that a some point they got the impression that I was working as a priest in hell not in Arizona. That's something they never have experienced. I think it's also a beautiful opportunity to practice many virtues. The virtue of patience for example, also the virtue of modesty in the way we dress. It is a beautiful way to bear witness of Jesus in the world, especially in today's world. I'd like to also welcome those of you that are coming to the parish for the first time. This is our Come and See Sunday. We have had many families between the 9 and the 11 am Mass, and we are thrilled to have you here with us. I also wish all of our fathers today a very happy father's day. Thank you so much for never giving up on your children, and thank you for understanding that our faith is the most important thing in our families, thank you for all of your hard work, for your families and for our community as well.
A devoted father used to pray with his children and sing to them before they went to sleep. But he quit singing one evening when he heard his 5 year old tell his 3 year old, "If you pretend you are sleeping, he'll quit singing." Devotion doesn't get much respect these days. Anyway, thanks to all our fathers for their devotion and their dedication.
Today's Gospel reminded me of that old joke, when the Holy Father one day was visit the local hospital, which he would do on special occasions, by accident he got on the Psych floor, and walked into the room of an old man, who gave him little recognition. Even as the Pope tried to make a little conversation, the man ignored him. So finally the Pope asked, "Do you know who I am?" The old man said, "Nope, but if you ask the nurse at the desk, she will tell you who you are."
So when Jesus asked his Apostles, "Who do you say that I am?" It wasn't because He didn't know Himself, who He was. He was very aware of who He was. His actions show that awareness as He taught with authority, healed the sick, cast out demons, forgave sins, quieted a storm, walked on water, or fed thousands of people with five loaves and a couple of fish. The Gospels picture Him as a person who is convinced He can speak and act for God, with the power that is beyond ordinary human experience. Jesus knew who He was.