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This disconnect between “what I say” and “what I do” is a continuous source of scandal. It can cause some to judge the faith as somehow being unworthy rather than the lives of the inconsistent sinner/church goer.
The reality of any human organization is that it will be quite similar to today’s Gospel and its parable of the wheat and tares. Every congregation is a swirling mix of the good and the bad. Moreover, the truth is that we as individuals also possess an inextricable mix of good and bad motives and behaviors. As a parish family, we exist within the human reality and its spectrum of behavior ranging from saintly to demonic. As individuals, we are subject to this same brokenness. Out of our human hearts can rise the most sublime, beautiful and divine thoughts. Our hearts can also produce the most heinous, shocking and dreadful thoughts and actions.
We are simultaneously saints and sinners. The result of this religious schizophrenia is that we are all inconsistent in practicing our faith and living out all its implications in our daily lives. None of us can claim perfection. All of us are constantly in need of a change of heart that brings us closer to the Lord.
None of this should be scandalous to anyone. Rather it should be expected. This is quite different than saying that it should be condoned or accepted as the norm. Rather, we face a life-long challenge of reforming our lives. The fundamental task of our Christian lives is to conform our lives to the Word of God.
Like the field in today’s Gospel, not only our parish, but also our hearts are a mix of the good, bad and the ugly. Blondie, Tuco and Angel Eyes would feel right at home here. Perhaps together we can stumble towards the Kingdom of Heaven!
God Bless,
Father Michael
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