Last Sunday, I felt moved to preach a homily at the 10:00 a.m. Mass that was different from what was preached at the first two Masses of the weekend.  I was fully aware beforehand, that some would probably have a negative reaction to some of what was said.  I decided to go ahead and preach what I did, firstly because I felt that the points that were made were true to the message of the First Reading and the Gospel of the day.  Secondly, I was inspired by the example of Jesus, Jeremiah and others who have spoken words that they knew would result in some negative feedback, but who felt that what they said spoke a message that was consistent with the mind and heart of God.

I must say that I was surprised to receive far more positive than negative comments about points in the homily or the homily in general.  Nevertheless, given what some people "thought" they heard me say or given some people's interpretations of what was said, I decided to send a clarification out on Monday morning to the e-mail lists of parishioners who belong to parish organizations and our Knights of Columbus.  It was also put on the parish website. In case any of you didn't see this, I wish to repeat it in relation to this pastor's column for everyone to receive.  Refer to addendum article below this article.