This is the House of God's Mercy (Sunday homily)

The sin of the first reading—the “sin of Sodom”—
is not something we like to talk about.
But that means other voices dominate the discussion.

Some say, “who cares?”

We do insist that marriage is,
by nature, for a man and a woman.
It’s not only about the couple, it’s also about children;
so it’s not just a private arrangement,
it’s also a foundation of society.

Meanwhile, others look down on “those people.”
What some people call “morality” is really prejudice.

The most important conversation
we can ever have on this
happens when someone we know comes and tells us,
he or she is struggling with homosexual feelings.

But if people hear put-downs or harsh judgments from us,
will they even come to us in the first place?

Instead, they need to hear that they can be chaste,
and faithful to Christ—and we will help them do it!

Keep in mind what St. Paul says in his letter.
We are all sinners, equally in need of God’s mercy.
We are all dead to sin, until we are born again in baptism.

Today’s reading about the sin of Sodom
Reminds us how often we may say, at the water-cooler,
or the dinner table, or in the locker-room,
“Such-and-such is the worst sin there is.”

But before you say that, realize how many people
are already convinced that applies to them:

Women who’ve had an abortion…
Homosexual persons…
Addicts, people who fail their marriages…
Tell themselves God has no mercy left for them.

That first reading is not God’s last word on the subject!

The Cross is God’s final word!
And every day, you and I are sent by the Holy Spirit
To share that Word with everyone, everywhere:

You’re a sinner? So am I;
God has a remedy—let him nail our sin to the Cross!

The world around us has a short supply of mercy;
But God has an abundance—more than enough for you!

In baptism, you and I are immersed into that mercy;
we become members of the Church,
the household of mercy;
Here, we live because God’s mercy sustains us,
through the sacraments and the life of the Holy Spirit.

We see many problems in our parish and our community.
But really, God’s remedy—and our task—is very simple:
we have been given Faith—share that faith.
This is the house of mercy—
God sends you to fill this church
with everyone who needs mercy.