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Installation of State Officers My dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: After almost fifty years of pastoral ministry in a northern diocese, a priest friend of mine was looking forward to his coming retirement. The teachers in the lower elementary grades of the Catholic school instructed the children (first, second and third graders) to write down three suggestions that each of them wished to make to their pastor so he could enjoy his retirement. A few of the many suggestions they made were interesting: 1. You could sleep late every day. 2. You could visit your grandchildren. 3. You should retire now because you are so old you could drop dead in the middle of Mass. 4. You should get married and start a family of your own. These comments of little children are amusing but not very practical. They come from their hearts and they are certainly sincere. But they come out of immature minds and we therefore understand immediately what they mean. Words are important precisely because they have meaning. But words must be understood not only in their objective meaning but also the intent of the one who utters the words. Today’s Gospel tells us about the Word of God. In order that we might properly receive and understand the Word of God, Jesus compares the Word of God to a seed. In doing this, He challenges us to receive the Word of God properly and to nurture it so that it grows and produces an abundant harvest. The Word of God is powerful. It is creative. It is redemptive. The Word of God is most generously spoken to us in countless ways every day of our lives. The Word of God is like a seed. A seed carries a certain mystery about itself. We do not see the seed grow yet we know it will do so only if it receives proper nutrients, adequate moisture and sufficient sunlight. Likewise, the Word of God is mysterious but real. We cannot fathom the majesty of God. We do not fully comprehend how God can create, i.e., make something out of nothing. Nor do we understand the depths of His love in redeeming us. Yet we experience all this when we humbly receive the Word of the Lord and faithfully follow His Word in His teachings and commandments. The Word of God invites us to a new and better life – the life for which we were created which is why we are here on pilgrimage. Many, many years ago, a young priest named Father Michael McGivney heard the Word of God. He received God’s Word in faith and nurtured it in prayer and sacrifice in his priestly ministry. God’s Word developed in him and inspired him, as it always does, to reach out and to help others. In nineteenth century New England, Father McGivney witnessed much suffering and deprivation. Men died at early ages, leaving young widows with little children and no means of support. Inspired by the Word of God, Father McGivney organized a benevolent society. He formed and established the Knights of Columbus. This fledgling organization, which began as a small assurance to people in need, grew to become a major insurance company today. Much more important that the great insurance program of the Knights of Columbus is the spiritual structure given to men, women and children as the Word of God continues to nurture this faith filled fraternal organization. One hundred years ago when the Diocese of Oklahoma was established, the Knights were already on hand. They were an important part of the first parishes, schools and institutions. Throughout the one hundred year period, they have continued with the same generosity, enthusiasm and faith. They are a blessing and an inspiration to the Church and to our wider society. Let me mention now just a few of the many reasons we recognize the Knights for their allegiance to our Catholic faith and to our society at large. 1. Their deep respect and firm support of our Holy Father, the Pope. 2. Their support of priests and nurturing of priestly and religious vocations. 3. Their strong commitment and their leadership in the pro-life movement as they uphold the dignity of the human person from conception to death. 4. Their defense of the sacrament of matrimony and their active support of family life. 5. Their dedication to the principles of truth, justice and peace. Tonight, after this Mass, the members of the Knights of Columbus will remain for the installation of the State Deputy, Paul Weigl and the other officers for another year of service. The good work of the Knights of Columbus will continue across Oklahoma. Knights and families of the Knights, I thank you for your dedication to our Catholic faith and assure you of my own support and prayers. Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, the Knights are not alone in this ministry of love and service. I remind you that we are all one in Christ. We all share the same responsibilities we received from our baptism. We are all called to a life of holiness. We are called to become saints of God. The Parable of the Seed and the Sower applies to each of us. Every one of us must become the good soil to receive God’s Word so that we will have life and have it more abundantly. True and abundant life, the fulfillment of our human life, is accomplished only when we are saints in the eternal presence of God. I began tonight by quoting humorous words of immature, little children. I will close with the account of the words of another child. These words capture the real meaning of human life: One sunny summer morning, a little child stood in a cathedral. The sunlight streamed through the beautiful stained glass windows. The pictures of the saints were bright with brilliant colors. The child asked: “Who are those people in the windows?” They are saints she was told. The child quickly responded: “Saints are people who let the sun shine through.” How right she is! We were created and are alive on this earth, not to soak up the transitory good life here. We are placed here by God to light up the paths of our brothers and sisters so that they, together with us, can reach to our eternal home in heaven as Saints of God forever. |