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WOF Radio > Sermons > Sermon Archive for 2009 > Sermon 609 : The Deafness of Secular Man : 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Current rating: 4.4 (21 ratings)

Sermon 609 : The Deafness of Secular Man : 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

9/9/2012

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The healing of the deaf mute indicates not only a display of Christ's divine power to heal, but provides an image of how ideological secularism dulls our spiritual senses and inhibits our capacity to receive God's life and presence. Faith in Christ empowers us to become sensitive to the life and presence of God as he makes himself known in our lives and in the world.

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Comments

Basilio

Dear Rev.Father,
your reflections are so creative and original, thank you very much for your effort to communicate the Goodnews in the internet. I appreciate that, and pray that God bless to have you many more years
with pryaers n love Basilio

9/2/2009 6:43:37 PM

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Basilio

Dear father
I congratulate you for your creative and original reflections. May god bless the church many more years with your proclamation of His Gospel with love n prayers basilio

9/2/2009 6:45:28 PM

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msvg

Another great omily as usual. Thank you.
I have a question: Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks says that God called himself "I will be who I will be" and not "I am who I am" to Moses at the burning bush. He says there is an error in the translation. Does this make any difference? If true, how would that affect the fact that Jesus says "I am" so many times in John´s Gospel and it´s interpretation?

9/4/2009 5:36:17 AM

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Deacon Edwin C. Santiago

As a prison chaplain your words on this particular gospel reading is spiritually uplifting in visualizing the purpose of prison ministry. In our presence to the inmates we are helping the inmates have eyes that can see and ears that can hear by ourselves being a conduit for both the humanity and divinity of Jesus Christ.

9/4/2009 10:40:54 AM

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Fr. Greg Menegay

Fr. Barron,

A sincere thank you for all of your great work. May God continue to bless your efforts.

9/4/2009 9:43:19 PM

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rgeorge

excellent on secular men and women. may the grace of god open all our hearts.

9/5/2009 10:17:04 AM

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Patrick Browne

Another great reminder. "Be open"
Why does the field of science have to be contrasted so often with religion? There are some questions which can be answered through science, but at the end of the day our deepest longings are not addressed by science. Anyone past the age of 12 knows we have deep questions which can't be answered except through faith. Helping others realize these "unanswerables" are part of the human condition establishes a need which cannot be filled by science and thus forces us to be "open".

9/5/2009 1:00:06 PM

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Nana

I was taught that since the Hebrew texts contained no vowels, both translations are possible. I never thought about the gospel of John, which is not Hebrew but Greek...but the idea of present and future tense existing simultaneously in a very stimulating idea and would seem to support the flavor of that gospel. Thanks for the comment!

9/5/2009 6:51:09 PM

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Ray

Thank you Father! Very good as always. I really appreciate the work you do and always am inspired by your homilies.
Ray

9/6/2009 2:02:30 AM

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Giovanni Secchi

Father Barron,
Thank you for the very profound explanation in your homily. Isn't it tragic, that secularists artificially limit their intellectual horizon in such questions? Platonic thinking made use of the human drive for causality and pointed to the fact that the chain of causes must have an absolute beginning, that is not caused by another cause: a cause, whose nature is to be not caused. It was thought that the ladder of causes (c. of. c. of c. ...) could not exist, actually, without the "prima causa". We experience by the reality of the surrounding creation, how stable that causalistic "ladder" is. The mind must be open to see, what surpasses the narrow human mind. Then, God grants the means of spiritual graces that enable us to recognise the spiritual reality of God. The Creator can be intellectually approached as the cause of all that is not caused and therefore of infinite nature, surpassing human reason logically ;-) Heureka!

9/6/2009 10:36:18 PM

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Jake

first off, great job father! you have some very refreshing and new ideas. although 2 things are bugging me a bit. the first being, if god is this core of things, then it seems to me that god becomes an idea, much less a divine figure...unless thats what your trying to say of course. and secondly, i noticed how in your examples you only mentioned good things...but it would make sense to me that all the "bad things" would be god as well. although...what is good is often bad and what is bad is often good. i would appreciate any feed back you have! btw- if anyone else might have some answers feel free to post :)

9/7/2009 2:30:36 PM

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Basilio

Thank you very much for the Spirit filled reflections, you give us such a blessed and thought provoking sermons, May god bless you

9/8/2009 1:30:36 PM

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Grace

The beauty of the Truth in its entirety! Thanks so much for your ministry, Father!

10/14/2009 10:32:51 PM

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Kaycie

Now we know who the senbisle one is here. Great post!

6/15/2011 5:53:53 AM

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Kathline Haugh

Thank you, Father, for an illuminating sermon. You mention that Jesus takes the deaf man away from the crowd and common opinion. It seems to me that Sunday is a "place" apart too. I've often observed that seemingly inconsequential things (like not going shopping on Sunday) can have a big impact on people's behaviour. It seems to me that if we could all go back to observing the Sabbath we would gradually bring about the transformation of the culture. A lot of our violations of the Sabbath are'nt imposed on us by the culture. We've just given in and don't insist that freedom of conscience includes the observance of one day of worship in the week. A Sunday spent pondering the things of God can make us discontent with (not disdainful of) the world as it is and move us to make the changes necessary (probably in ourselves) to infuse the culture with more grace.

12/11/2011 4:48:42 PM

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Anthony Bamber

Lovely sermon.
God bless Fr Barron.

9/7/2012 11:19:35 AM

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Carla

I was listening to a child who had joined a prayer vigil at the Democratic National Convention, talking about her effort to quietly pray, in opposition of the others demonstrating for freedom of choice. This child was verbally attacked by the demonstrators. She stated that one of the things they were screaming at her about was that "a baby isn't a baby until it is born."

I can't think of a more profound example of being deaf and blind, than to think that a baby isn't itself until it moves from one place to another. This shocking inability for minds to measure life, and the blindness and deafness, caused by turning away from God and toward sin, is profound and sad.

To turn away from God and towards sin, strips so many people of their basic senses. I think there are degrees of abilities, but some people are so disabled due to their failure in choices, that it is shocking.

As believers, we need to meet people where they are at, and help with spiritual growth, if possible, while recognizing that people may not desire to work toward their own spiritual rehabilitation, due to free will. We shouldn't look at these as personal failures, but as another example of why Christ died on the cross. That is why is is so important for us to say "your sins are forgiven," instead of "rise, pick up your mat and walk." Some people lean on their disabilties, and don't recognize and desire a need for working toward a change of heart. God saves and transforms those who desire it. God yields to free will, and so must we.

I struggle with the concept of free will sometimes, because I want people to recognize their need to be whole, and I want people to set aside their sinful ways. Sometimes, I catch myself wanting to say to "God, cant you just make them choose the better half?" But I have to stop myself, because I already know His answer....it's "Everyone has free will." The discipline to follow free will is sometimes excruciatingly painful, but one of God's laws we must yield to, also.

9/7/2012 1:55:04 PM

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Lisa Kelly

Thank you, Fr. Barron, for all that you do for God, including using sound logic.

9/7/2012 2:56:44 PM

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Lucia

One of the best and deepest sermons of yours in that miraculous "epheta" where God pluged that man to Him. May all the noise of today in the empty promises and vanishing glamour become transformed by The Lord's touch so we can hear His Word. Thank you Fr. Barron

9/7/2012 6:06:45 PM

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Anne

Fr. Barron - how blessed we are in your vocation! I found you by accident in a television interview, bought the Catholicism set after viewing the trailer, I send many of your YouTube/WOF commentaries to family and friends, and find it difficult to believe (well maybe not) that you are attacked in the YouTube comments.

Father, I want you to know my dad has dubbed you the Bishop Sheen of our time. I know you refer to him often as one of your "heroes" and I've always wanted to tell you that. This sermon could not have come at a better time with the just completed conventions - a sad display of the many who could use some 'opening' but are instead spellbound by lies and untruths.

Thank you, thank you, thank you Father Barron. You are in my prayers daily - keep spreading the faith!

God Bless you and Keep you!

9/7/2012 8:31:15 PM

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Fr. Justin

Excellent fr. I'm from India a catholic priest who listen to your sermons on regular basis. so spiritual and practical. Thank you fr.

9/8/2012 5:14:03 AM

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Avila Power

Your homilies are so inspired Fr and I thank you for all the wonderful insights you give to us. Food for thought and meditation.

9/8/2012 5:39:53 AM

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Katylee McInerney

How does one recognize the fine line separating witnessing from "casting pearls"?

9/8/2012 9:54:10 AM

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vito benigno

Peace be with you Father Barron!And thank you for this most brilliant sermon on the truth itself Jesus the Christ.I explained to an intellectual atheist your teaching on knowledge,truth,and our will.i explained that as much knowledge he has aquired or will aquire will always be to a limited degree.The knowledge he has attained has already been thought into being.That we as human beings are simply re thinking what God has already thought into being.What St.Augustine said when we say that we understand God ,that is not GOD.PRAISE BE JESUS MI IMMACULATA

9/8/2012 11:06:29 AM

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Kirk

Dear Fr. Barron,

I really appreciate all that you do, thank you! Your Catholicism series is perfect for this generation and your sermons hit home with me. Please contine your excellent work!

9/8/2012 11:55:50 AM

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Mary Coate

It is difficult to find quiet and truth and wisdom. May God continue to Grace you, so you can continue to lead us. I have seen the negative responses to religious stories. Some of us are listening, desparetly. Thank you, Fr. Barron!

9/8/2012 4:36:28 PM

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Paul Diemert

Even now in this day and age when we encounter God through the Eucharist, He opens souls much in the same manner as we read about with the deaf man in the Gospel today. Thank you for your insights and evangelizing, and may God continue to bless you.

Paul Diemert

9/8/2012 5:09:13 PM

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Christine A.

This would be great for YOU TUBE viewers, or routing them here . . . Please know how much we respect, support, acknowledge your giftedness and thank you so much for all the amazing insights and ongoing education you selflessly share with us. Please be strong and ignore the negative pundits who 'pummel' you with their hostile feedback. Where do you get your strength? I'm a prayin' for you!

9/8/2012 7:07:24 PM

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vito benigno

Kathline Haugh,
My dear Sister in Christ,thank you for your most brilliant observation of our country.By not keeping the day of the LORD Holy it has left a profoundly negative impact on our land.GOD Blesses what is of GOD.GOD does not Bless what is not from him.2Chronicles7:14 If my people who are called by my name humble themselves,and pray and seek my face,and turn from their wicked ways,then I will hear from heaven,and will forgive their sin and heal their land."take courage to renew that battle which their fathers began,so that truth...and Christian Virtues might not be extinguished from the land...let me entreat you to come to the truths that are in the Declaration of Independence.-President Lincoln .We must turn to GOD and pray for the healing of this Nation.We can only do it through the Grace that comes only from JESUS our LORD and SAVIOR.We must be united and of one heart and one mind.peace be you Kathline!

9/9/2012 9:28:32 AM

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Arteaga

Wow Absolutely A Masterpiece!!!!!!!
Thank You My Lord & My God for Saint Father Barron.
No one can see God & live, Father u r not alone.

9/9/2012 10:53:51 AM

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Gary

"The Lord" by Romano Guardini says this about Christ healing, be it blindness, deafness or whatever the case may be, it fits in perfectly with todays readings and exactly what Fr. Baron speaks to us about. "He alone is the gateway to the essence of human existence. Anyone who would reach that essence must come through him. This is not meant figuratively, but literally. The intrinsic form of all Christian being is Jesus himself. He who would penetrate to man's heart, to the core where all descisions form, must pass through Christ The thoughts of any other must be purged to blend with Christ's thoughts, his words with Christ words. Then that other will think and speak truly, and his teaching will strike home. His intentions must be carried out as Christ would have wished them; his will must be fused with Christ's love. It must be Jesus Christ who speaks, not he; Jesus Christ who is present, and no other. Then the depths of the soul, which "know" the Lord and obey his voice, will respond."

9/9/2012 11:03:36 AM

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Felix Chau, MD

Dear Father Barron,
Fantastic message. You've hit the nail on the head regarding the sciences and their relationship with Christian faith. Wonderful meditation on the Lord Jesus Christ's work in opening us up to God and connecting us with God... Keep up the great work!
Best Regards,
Felix Chau, MD

9/9/2012 4:12:01 PM

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d.a.g.

Its true I did not know how to listen until I was presented 'with an offer I couldn't refuse' & the timing was not of my choosing.

The process of begining to listen again is awkward. To be kept away from the crowd and our familiar & comfortable situations, thinking this was the way things were meant to be.

But am I glad that I've come to realise now that the Church has Substance & its not only about my casual 'devotion' to saints & recitation of prayers as I've come to know the church from my childhood. It has substance, the source that makes the saints. The Church has so many teachings which can help organise my thinking & my behaviour. Now hearing again has really been music to my ears.

As someone once said 'Children have to be educated, but they also have to be left to educate themselves'
The difficult part now is my cooperation with what I hear, to be disciplined.

At the moment I'll stay with the words of St. Charles Borromeo 'Be sure that you first preach by the way you live.'
'When we remove all obstacles to his presence he will come, at any hour and moment, to dwell spiritually in our hearts.'
'The tiniest fire of divine love has been lit in you. Then do not rush to make a parade of it. Do not take it out into the icy blast. Keep the furnace door shut on it so that it does not die out. Keep your mind fixed on God.'

9/9/2012 8:52:34 PM

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BC

Dear Father Barron,
What a gift to be able to listen to you talk about the One Who is love, week after week! It's really wonderful. You allow me to reconnect with Him and to refocus my thoughts, my life.
I loved how you ended this homily: "we need to be plugged into Jesus..."
Thank you so much for allowing us to do that!
God bless you, Father.

9/10/2012 7:21:51 AM

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Isabel

Thanks be to God for Father Barron

9/11/2012 10:38:06 AM

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Dante

What a beautiful sermon, father! I've been listening to your podcasts for years now and this is one of those sermons I find very enlightening. I've been a Catholic all my life and this is actually the first time I understood the idea that God is not just one being among many... but is Being itself; and Truth, Beauty, and Goodness Itself... And that every time we search for things that are true, good and beautiful, and we perceive, realize or experience those truths, God has actually already "grasped" us... Such an awesome insight.

9/13/2012 9:51:33 AM

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