Homily for Tuesday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time

Throughout His ministry, Jesus experienced growing opposition from the religious leaders as His popularity among the people grew. The leaders were afraid the people would mount a rebellion if they arrested Him. So, instead of attacking Jesus directly, they would go after Him with a succession of questions in an attempt to catch Him in a way that would discredit Him either with the people or with the Roman authorities. On the face of it, it appeared the leaders were sincere, but they had hidden agendas, including their own opinions about what the Messiah was supposed to do and what it means to be a part of His kingdom.

We, too, come to Jesus with our own agendas. Yes, all of us come to Jesus with things that we need or want in life, and that is good. But, so often, throughout the history of the Church, people have used our religion as an excuse for violence, hatred, bigotry, discrimination, and censure, simply to support and promote their own narrow and, sometimes, warped sense of world order.

Genuine prayer is always inspired by the Holy Spirit. It required setting aside our own agendas, prejudices, and fears, and letting the Spirit enter our minds and hearts and guide us in the way to live and to pray.+