Homily for the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B: World Day for Consecrated Life

+AMDG+

Jb 7:1-4, 6-7; 1 Cor 9:16-19, 22-23; Mk 1:29-39

In addition to being the 5^th Sunday of Ordinary Time, today is also the World Day for Consecrated Life, a day dedicated to pondering the optional vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.  The fact that the Church dedicates a Sunday to these three “evangelical counsels” suggests that they have some significance for the whole Church—not just for priests and monks and nuns. 1) Why does the Church celebrate this “alternative lifestyle”?  2) What is its significance for the whole Church?  Happily, today’s scripture readings provide us with rich material for reflection.

1) So why does the Church promote the lifestyle of poverty, chastity, and obedience?  The most basic answer is one of fact.