THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Her Doctrine and Morals Sunday after the Ascension 20 May 2012

The Sunday Sermon

Dear Friends,

The Word of God should be given great respect because it is sacred. We show great reverence and care in receiving the Body of Christ in Holy Communion, so likewise we must reverence the word of God. God’s words reveal Himself to us in a very profound manner. When we even speak the Name of Jesus every head should bow, so likewise when we hear those commissioned by God to speak in His name we should be very respectful and attentive. 

How often when the preacher of the sacred Word begins do we relax, stretching out and making ourselves comfortable as if we were being entertained, like watching the television or listening to the radio? How dare we receive our God; our Lord and Redeemer, our Sanctifier in this attitude! Is it any wonder that we take so little away from so many sermons? People show more respect for the words of others than for the words of God.

The prophet Amos foretold the day when there would be a famine of not bread or water but of the Word of God (Amos 8, 11). When God’s words are treated so carelessly is it any wonder that He has taken them away? Men have taken with “itching ears” (2 Tim 4, 3) the fables of heretics as mentioned by St. Paul. Many preach using the name of Jesus but they do not really preach Jesus, rather they preach themselves. On that last day they will say, “did we not preach in Your Name?” and Our Lord will say “Depart from Me you workers of iniquity. I know you not.” (Matt 7, 23) 

Too often we approach the sermon or spiritual reading without the proper attitude or intention. This is not a time to relax or daydream. It is rather a time to sit up erect and pay attention trying to absorb every word because it is coming from God Himself directly to us through His minister. Listening to recordings of these sermons should be given the same attention and respect. Likewise, when we read the sermons of our pastors and the sermons from the many Fathers and Saints we should give all our attention in like manner. 

There are many who cannot attend Mass personally in these days, and are forced to rely upon internet broadcasts of the Mass and sermons. We have invited these people reminding them that God accepts the desire for the deed. We encourage these souls to attend and receive spiritually. Those forced by circumstances such as these are encouraged to show proper respect and attention just as if they were present. Let us not watch the Mass while we are cleaning house, doing the dishes, reading a book, or just lying in bed. We should make the extra effort to wash and dress just as if we were physically present in the Church before Our Lord in the Tabernacle. If we are able let, us kneel, stand, and sit at the proper times just as if we were physically present. We should give our full attention to the words of God not only in the Epistles and Gospels, but also in the Words of the Holy Ghost spoken through His ordained minister who is inspired and guided by Him for our own salvation. 

If the preacher were handing out jewelry: strings of pearls, chains of Gold, bracelets, rings, necklaces, etc. people would line up and show the greatest decorum so as to obtain the most precious items to decorate their bodies. The decorum would come naturally once they know that it is the condition necessary to obtain the best gifts. The preacher though, is not giving out adornments for our bodies, but for our souls, which are much more important. 

We must thirst for this word of God with all eagerness. Very often the preacher is unaware of the appropriateness of his words for this or that particular soul. It is the Holy Ghost that gives to each soul what is most essential for him at that moment. Let us open up our hearts to Him at every sermon or spiritual reading with full attention and eager love so that we may receive the greatest benefit.