Homily

There is a saying: “There are no exceptions to the rule that everybody likes to be an exception to the rule.” This is what is called a paradox. Today’s readings, indeed our lives as Christians, are full of paradoxes. Paradoxes are not contradictions, though they may seem to be. Rather, paradoxes express a mystery, a truth which appears to be a contradiction.

As a people, we all desire serenity, that seemingly elusive state of being that is calm, peaceful and untroubled. The quest is one of paradox. Yet, our ways to gain it are too often a contradiction. What do I mean?

A contradictory search for serenity involves the quest via the path of frenetic work to gain it. It seems to me that, in general, we are a very busy people. In fact, I think that we might be too busy. The frenetic pace that we put ourselves through, the demands of our jobs, the pressures of financial stability all contribute to our being busy. Many of us recognize this fact while some of us are still wondering why we are so tired or near burnout. What is our quest by such work? Serenity. That is the contradiction. We work to find serenity. We busy ourselves to find peace.

My brothers and sisters in Christ, the quest for serenity which we all strive for is right in front of us. Isaiah recognized that our hearts and minds are veiled or hidden from recognizing the fruits of such a life. We have bought into the cultural belief that more money, entertainment, or comfort will be our source of joy. Paul, a very busy and traveled man, caught hold of the key to serenity. Remember what he wrote? He thanked the Philippians for their help while he went through a difficult period. But, he tells them that it wasn’t ultimately their aid that strengthened him. The Gospel parable wasn’t so much about wedding attire as it was about the dressing or disposition of our hearts.

And there lies the paradox of serenity. In order to acquire serenity, we must give up the panic and anxiety that holds us captive. Yet, it is our feelings of panic and anxiety that we hold on to that drive us to be free of them. It is a “catch-22.” It is is a lack of confidence to confide. It’s a fear of fear. It’s not trusting in Trust. It is possibly a sin about sin. “I can’t let go because I keep holding on.” This is the paradox for the quest of serenity.

The key to serenity, then, is to focus on the one who is the author of all creation. When Jesus was speaking his parables, especially the latest ones we’ve been hearing in these past several weeks, the chief priests and elders wanted to kill him. Jesus didn’t stop preaching or challenging in order to find peace in his life. He didn’t run away from his responsibilities or go on a vacation because he was feeling burned out. Nope. He knew what was necessary and placed his confidence in his Father. And that is what we are supposed to do. This is not to say that we shouldn’t take breaks or go on vacations. But, if those activities are merely geared to escape and not also geared to reconnect with Jesus, then our time off will be only a respite in the storm and not a salve of healing for the battle.

So, having serenity is not the quest for stoicism. A stoic is a person who strives not to care about anything so that nothing can affect them. Christianity is not the quest for indifferentism. In fact, too many of our men have slipped into this state of being as a way to express their masculinity. This is a disorder of love, and we men must fight against it. We will not find peace and serenity in being brick walls who never cry. If you don’t believe me, look around in this church. Who is most populous in our congregation today? Our women! Why? Because they have simply outlived our male population. And why is that? Because society has not told them, and so they have not bought into the lie, that real women don’t show their feelings. You see, the stress in our lives builds up and we must either let it out or it will take us out. And until that time, we men will experience all kinds of problems: high blood pressure, anxiety attacks, fits of rage, abusive behavior, and eventually early death. These are the consequences of a lack of serenity in one’s life.

So, back to Jesus. He had all kinds of stress around him, yet he didn’t run away from it. What did he do? He kept his focus on the one who is the giver of serenity, his heavenly Father. That is the key to the Christian life. Amidst all the chaos and confusion, amidst all the calamities, news headlines, and reports that the sky is falling, we can have serenity. Simply put, focus your hearts on Jesus.

The reason the man was kicked out of the wedding banquet wasn’t because he was unfairly thrown into a formal setting. Rather, according to the custom of the day, he would have had plenty of time and knowledge about what was necessary to wear. His issue was that he didn’t care enough to prepare and change into something appropriate. It seemed that everyone else knew this. Maybe he also was a stoic. Clearly he had done nothing to prepare, to dress his heart so that he would be ready for the banquet.

Now is our time to dress our hearts. Now is our time to focus on that which is most important. A relationship with Jesus will give you serenity in the chaos of your life. A relationship with Jesus will give you a greater appreciation of the gift of the Eucharist. A relationship with Jesus will give you the knowledge and serenity that he will comfort you in your stress, wipe away all your tears, give you courage when under persecution, and ultimately destroy death forever.

Do you want serenity? Then, keep your life focused on Jesus. He will guide you through the darkest valleys of your life. You will fear no evil, for you will know that he is there at your side to guide you. For not only will you be invited, but you will also be chosen.