Homily for Saturday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle I
Theme: Something Better Is Coming
Rainbow Along the Jordan River
By: Deacon Bill Frere
Homily for Saturday November 20 2021
Gospel – Luke 20:27-40
There was a young woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and had been given three months to live. So as she was getting her things in order, she contacted her pastor and had him come to her house to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes. She told him which songs she wanted sung at the service, which scriptures she would like read, and which outfit she wanted to be buried in. Everything was in order and the pastor was preparing to leave when the young woman suddenly remembered something very important to her.
“There’s one more thing,” she said excitedly. “What’s that?” came the pastor’s reply. “This is very important,” the young woman continued. “I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand.” The pastor stood looking at the young woman, not knowing quite what to say. “That surprises you, doesn’t it?” the young woman asked. “Well, to be honest, I’m puzzled by the request,” said the pastor.
The young woman explained. “My grandmother once told me this story, and from that time on, I have always tried to pass along its message to those I love and those who are in need of encouragement. In all my years of attending socials and dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say, ‘Keep your fork.’ It was my favorite part because I knew that something better was coming…like velvety chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie. Something wonderful, and with substance!”
So, I just want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand and I want them to wonder “What’s with the fork?” Then I want you to tell them: “Keep your fork…the best is yet to come.”
After a week of Scripture readings about the End Times, warnings of darkness and despair, of earthquakes and the stars flickering out, we actually hear some good news today! In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks of the coming Kingdom of God and He makes it quite clear: “those who are deemed worthy to attain to the coming age and to the resurrection of the dead. They can no longer die, for they are like angels; and they are the children of God because they are the ones who will rise.”
As we rise to face a new day, we also present ourselves before the Lord, praying for faithfulness and strength to endure the trials of life. Great Spirit, guide me today to hear and do Your Will! And remind me always that something better is coming!
Deacon Bill Frere