27th Sunday in Ordinary Time -- Respect Life Sunday

October 3, 2010

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time -- Respect Life Sunday
Church of the Incarnation, Sarasota, FL
Priest: Father Mike

First reading: Habakkuk 1: 2-3, 2: 2-4 "The rash on has no integrity; but the just one, because of his faith, shall live."
Psalm 95: "If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts."
Second reading: 2 Timothy 1: 6-8, 13-14
Gospel: Luke 17: 5-10 "Increase your faith" "When you have done all you have been commanded say, 'We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.' "

Notes from Homily (Respect Life Sunday)

We can use the life of Christ as our example for respecting life.

Annunciation (Luke 1:31-35) This shows us the very beginning of life. From the very moment of conception, there is life within the mother's womb.

Visitation (Luke 1:41-44) This shows that even in the womb at the earliest stages of pregnancy there is life growing within the mother's womb.

Presentation at the temple (Luke 2:25-32, 36-38) Through Simeon and Anna's interactions with the infant Jesus we see a respect and dignity for the elderly and those who are advanced in years.

The Samaritan woman at the well (John 4: 1-42) It is through Christ's interaction with the woman at the well that we see a respect for all life regardless of gender but especially in the dignity of woman.

The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Matthew 18: 12-14) It is through this parable that we learn a respect for those who are lost and seeking to return home again including the homeless and those who have no one to pray for them.

Jesus' interaction with the lepers. It is through this that we have a respect for those who are considered outcasts in our communities.

Jesus' interaction with the poor, downtrodden, and vulnerable. It is through this interaction that we see a respect for the sick and dying.

As we follow and look at the life of Jesus, we see and learn a respect for all life in all stages, backgrounds, status, and situations in life.