Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

Mass Celebrated by Archbishop Denis Hart
at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Melbourne,
on Sunday, 30th October, 2005, at 11.00am

Introduction

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The Readings today challenge us to find Jesus Christ as our only Lord and Master.

We are united also with those adult candidates from the Archdiocese, who will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.  This is the sealing of the love of God for them and of their adult response to that love.

As we call to mind our sins, let us ask the Lord for pardon, light and strength.

Homily

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Today the Lord invites us to focus our intention on the scribes and Pharisees.  Those who presumed to tell others what to do without doing it themselves; to be esteemed, to be called Rabbi, and yet were totally insincere.

We, as disciples of Jesus Christ, must avoid all behaviour, which would completely distort the relationship upon which the community of believers is built.  Haven’t we only one Master, Christ, and one Father, God?  Are we not all brothers and sisters and fundamentally equal?

Today, because we are disciples of Christ, we welcome our brothers and sisters who are coming to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation; the seal of the Holy Spirit.  For them, they will renounce Satan and acknowledge God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, given to us as the Lord of all our life.  They will receive the gifts of wisdom, understanding, right judgement, courage, knowledge, reverence, wonder and awe, so that God will work in them and through them in all their lives.  The seal of Confirmation is the active presence of God who comes to them and stays with them forever.

As we welcome them and pray for them, let us remember that this Sacrament is permanent and powerful, as we call to mind its effect in our lives and the invitation to be sincere with words and actions corresponding with one another.

Continue with Homily for Confirmation ……

+ Denis J. Hart,
Archbishop of Melbourne.