(Hebrews 12)
Ken Untener was the bishop of Saginaw, Michigan. His episcopacy was legendary. For a long time he refused to have a permanent residence; rather, he would circulate around the different parishes of his diocese staying in their rectories in order to get to know the people. He not only preached well, but he also memorized the gospel – sometimes giving his homily as a few comments before a dramatic recitation of the gospel by heart. Bishop Untener also gave workshops to priests on preaching around the country. He told them that their homilies should not last longer than four minutes. Why only four minutes? Because, he said, Mass in a Catholic church has much that speaks to the people besides the homily. The readings themselves are often self-evident. The stained glass windows tell their stories. The hymns relate a message. The prayers convey much meaning.
The Letter to the Hebrews today refers to of the Christian liturgical assembly – what we call the Mass. Like Bishop Untener’s description, it speaks of it as a setting of peace and light. It is where, most of all, we meet Christ who comes to save us, not to condemn us. The Christian assembly differs dramatically from the Hebrew assembly in the desert. That was a terrifying experience where God had to soften and shape an unruly lot. We can be grateful that we were not part of it.
I know that I am speaking to the choir, but even we can grow weary of Mass. It is possible – better people than we have done it – that one Sunday we just not come and then allow that irregularity to become the norm. It would be a tragic mistake worse than riding in a car with bad brakes. It is not that everyone in church is a saint, but here we come to remind ourselves that sainthood is our destiny. Even more importantly, here we hear the Word of God and receive His nourishment so that we may become what we are destined to be.
