Carmelite homily for Lectionary 486 – Tuesday, November 5, 2019
Saint Teresa of Avila has an interesting and thought-provoking line. She says, “What a pity it was to have left you, my Lord, under the pretext of serving you.” Oftentimes, yes, we’re busy with the chaos of our lives, our busy minds, you know; but sometimes we leave the Lord because we think we’re serving the Lord. It’s easier to do something than it is to pray. Or do something than it is to be silent. Or do something than it is to introspect. Yes, I think she’s right – it is a pity when we leave the Lord under the pretext of serving the Lord. This is an extra warning in today’s Gospel when Jesus talks about the Kingdom of God being like a banquet and all the invited guests bow out one by one. Are we doing the same?