What kind of sign? (Sunday homily)

 A few years ago, I made a trip to Germany;

I rented a car to get around. 

Even without speaking much German, 

I could figure out the speed limits and what exits to take. 

In other words, the signs did their job.

Today’s Scriptures talk about signs.

Elisha performs a sign, which points to what Jesus himself did later.

And in the second reading, 

Saint Paul tells the Ephesians, in effect, 

they are a sign by how they live their lives.

For the next five Sundays we will hear Jesus himself teach us

about the Eucharist, from Chapter six of the Gospel of John. 

That decision by the Church, to give so many Sundays to this, 

is also a sign: of how very important the Holy Eucharist is.

Now, speaking of highway signs.

The way they work is, they point you to the next major city, 

and then when you reach that, 

the signs refer to the next place, and so forth.

So, with I-75: when you get on, it’ll say, north to Toledo, 

or south to Cincinnati.

Not until you get beyond Cincinnati does it say “Lexington,” 

And so forth, all the way to Florida. 

That’s how God leads us through life. 

You and I move forward in stages,

and before you know it, we’re home.

When you and I talk about the sacraments,

They are more than merely signs.

A traffic sign doesn’t have any power in itself,

but the sacraments do: 

the power of God is at work through them.

And when we speak of the Most Holy Eucharist, 

Jesus’ Body and Blood, his true, full self,

What you and I are dealing with is now, 

not so much a waypoint, as our “destination.”

As you and I follow the path given us, 

responding to our hunger for Jesus, who is somewhat hidden,

stage by stage, we pass beyond the surface, beyond the ordinary;

and when we have that awareness that he’s real,

the Eucharist is Jesus himself! 

He draws us all the way to full union, and to heaven.

But now comes the challenge.

We’re not just given signs. You and I are signs.

We can either be good signs that point the right way,

or bad signs, that people disregard.

We’ve all had the conversation where someone

points to a bad priest or bishop,

Or a phony politician, or some other Catholic who is a bad witness,

And they say, “that’s why I won’t be a Catholic.”

There’s the bad sign!

What do we do? Give them another sign to look at.

A convincing sign. A sign that is bright with the Holy Spirit.

That sign is you.

See? This is what we’re talking about when we say,

our St. John Paul II family must become about evangelizing and welcoming.

This is it: you and I becoming that credible, attractive sign, 

pointing to Jesus.

Let me give you two ways to become that kind of sign.

The first way is to be a penitent. 

People aren’t drawn by who are boastful, 

who claim to have it all figured out. 

That’s not what you and I need to be.

Our family, friends and neighbors can identify with us 

when we admit our failings and demonstrate we are trying 

to become the best version of ourselves.

In short: go to confession! Make a habit of confession.

How powerful a sign it would it be if OLGH, SM and SH 

became crowded with people seeking confession and conversion?

How much will that help each of us 

to be convincing witnesses for Christ?

The second way you and I can be a powerful sign is by our reverence, 

at Holy Mass and specifically, in receiving Holy Communion.

Now, so many are doing that.

Your love for the Eucharist is a powerful sign to me!

That said, now is a good time to reflect and ask ourselves,

Does how each of us approaches Holy Mass, and the Eucharist,

Fully reflect what we believe.

So often people feel rushed; our mind is on the rest of the day.

We can treat what is special as too ordinary.

All of us, including me.

What can help is to pause, before Mass starts, and during Mass,

To remind yourself: I am in the presence of the God who made me,

And more than that, became human to die on the Cross for me.

God is giving himself to me.

And this is why it’s so important to have moments of actual silence – 

without talking or music – before and during Mass.

Also, remember that when we come to receive the Eucharist,

The bishops ask that everyone show some sign of reverence.

Some kneel. Others genuflect. 

Others bow or make the sign of the cross.

The idea is slow down and notice: my God, given to me!

Jesus forms us into his Body on Earth, the Church 

to be signs pointing to him.

You decide how powerful a sign you will be.