19th Sunday in Ordinary Time (B) 2024

INTRO: Interesting story about “murmuring.”

I remember being in the third grade at our small catholic school. Our teacher was a sister of Notre Dame. Very tall and most likeable. School students were seated in the classroom alphabetically, so that means I was seated next to my twin brother!

We were all seated for class and there was a knock on the classroom door. In walked the principal with a girl student who was to be new in our class.

Well, I immediately turned and whispered to my brother, “I THINK I AM GOING TO LIKE HER!”

Without missing a beat, the principal sternly said,
“JAMES, WHAT ARE YOU WHISPERING ABOUT?”

Well, now I am caught!!!!! And of course I had to tell her what I said. Oh, the embarrassment!

We all “whisper” or “murmur” or “talk” about people. Sometimes it is a good thing, but I know many times it is gossip, or opinion, or cruel judgements.

Today Jesus sternly says,
“STOP MURMURING AMONG YOURSELVES.”

I read that in the Jewish tradition this “murmuring” is a GREAT sin. It began with the people in the desert, murmuring against Moses and God as they travelled to the promised land. It was an action that needed to be stopped. And here years later the people are STILL DOING IT! STILL MURMURING!!!

We have all learned that if we do not have something good to say about someone then say nothing at all. Always find the good in all others.

And today, is not there a lot of talk going on, people murmuring about:
Politics
Candidates
Issues
I know I cannot STOP IT. It is what it is.
But we pray in the EUCHARISTIC PRAYER AT MASS
“Remember, Lord, your church,
Spread throughout the world,
And bring her to the fullness of charity.”

As I pray those words, I think all the time,
okay everybody CALM DOWN,
stop yelling,
use quiet voices,
forgive and accept your brothers and sisters.

CONCLUSION

So, when you go home today, after receiving the precious body of Christ, think before you speak, act, and speak as Jesus. Make it a charitable day!