Homily for 27 Oct 2016

27 Oct 2016

(School Mass)

The weather is starting to get colder, and before you know it, we’ll have snow on the ground.  The seasons are changing.  And, you know, you’re probably going to start your parents say, “Ok, make sure you put your coat on.  Where’s your hat?  Do you have your gloves?  Make sure you dress warm—you don’t want to catch a cold!”

And that’s sort of what Saint Paul is telling us, too.  The world we live in can be a very beautiful place.  But, you know, there are also some pretty bad things out there.  And we have to be careful.  So, Saint Paul says, “Put on the armor of God!  Use your faith as a shield!  And be sure to pray all the time so that you’ll be strong!” 

Now, just imagine if it was five degrees outside; it’s cold and windy.  But instead of putting your coat on, you’re just holding it in your hand.  Well, that’s silly!  Put the coat on so you stay warm!  Right?  And just imagine if we were sad or anger, or if something bad happened to us.  But instead of calling on Jesus, you just kept him in your pocket.  Well, that’s silly!  Call Jesus and ask him to protect you!  Right?

God isn’t just here in church.  He’s with us wherever we go.  That’s one of the great things about the Eucharist—we know Jesus is with us because he comes right into our bodies.  He’s always with us to protect us and to help us.  We just have to remember to call him when we need him.  Don’t forget Jesus!  You’re gonna need him!