11th Sunday in Ordinary 2008

It goes without saying it but football is a popular game. It is not easy to break it down why people like it so much . It is a game where individuals are important but also where playing as a team is important. It is a game of strategy and tactics, you could have the strongest of teams but of you strategy is wrong then you won’t win the game. It’s a game where fitness, skill, concentration and determination are important. People have their teams which they are passionate about, people support their national teams as we see over this last week. People are passionate when the team is up, they are up when the team is down they are down. For some people it takes over their life and for some people it is their religion.

One of the things that I have noticed is that football has rules, if it didn’t have rules then it would descend into chaos. People can’t start the game when they want, they have to listen for the whistle. Players can’t foul one another without the consequences, a foul, or even a yellow or red card. Players must throw the ball in a certain way or again it will be a foul. Players can touch the ball with their hands in the course of play. Players must stand so far back when a foul or free kick is being taken.

Rules allow for fair play. Rules stop a free for all. Rules allow the spirit of the game to come out.

In our Catholic faith there are lots of rules. There are the 10 commandments. If you break these rules you are liable to get a yellow card. But we are surrounded by rules: rules about coming to Mass, going to confession, fasting, moral guidance, social justice, who can go to communion and so on. Many people like that, clarity, know where you stand. But in times where there is greater personal freedom, people don’t like rules.

These rules don’t exist for their own sake. They are rules which keep us right, on the right track. The rules remind us of our religious and moral teaching and what it means to be a Catholic, it is not meant to be pick and mix. They are the rules taught be the Church built on the apostles and sent into the world, as we hear from the Gospel. We are a Church not of rules but a Church with rules. It doesn’t mean we are regimented, we are thinking beings, these rules and commandments are given for our own good.

It would be easy to pick and choose hat ones we like and prefer. Of course the game is not over if we should break them. Our aim is to win the game, be the victor and along with rest of the Church these rules will help us to victory.

Intercessions 11 Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)

Priest

Almighty God places his word in our heart, may we follow his words and commandments

Intercessor

God gives us guides to teach us and lead us, may we listen to what they say.

Lord hear us

God has given us the Church to be our light and guide, may we recognise that we are joined together by the grace of baptism and are on the same journey of faith.

Lord hear us

We have been given the commandments and the teachings of the Lord may we measure our actions by these.

Lord hear us

For those who are lost in the midst of life, that they may find light and guidance in troubled times.

Lord hear us

For all who have died and all those whose anniversary of death occurs at this time – that all may know the mercy of God.

Lord hear us

Priest

Heavenly Father, your divine son founds his Church by calling the apostles and sending them out. May your whole Church live up to his teaching by listening to and keeping his word. Top Comment on this Homily