One of my changes

I was famous for my homilies (sermons). People used to compliment me for the way I used to deliver God's message. I was used in exposing the teaching of the church in a correct way. In other words, I was very good in repeating what I learned from my theological lecturers.

Now as a married man my priorities changed drastically. I had an adult relationship. I had a boy to take care of. I had to maintain my family. I had to look for all the needs of a house.

Looking at the way we spoke (as unmarried priests), we had in mind a different set of values. We preached, during most Sundays of the year, subjects which had nothing to do with today's problems. We were literally alienated by celebrating many feasts (very common in southern Europe). Most of them were unmarried! Even the choice of the biblical readings. I felt that there were many other reading more relevant for today's life. Yet, the liturgy seems to be the most alienating thing of them all! I remember that only once every three years we had a reading which mentioned marriage directly! And it was a reading from St. Paul! St. Paul has written many things which were conditioned by his culture so it wasn't all that edifying for the people of God!

Now I could speak more openly about married life. I comment on a recent event in my family and base the teaching on that occasion. I'm choosing many biblical reading which are left out from the official liturgy list! The choice of reading is not made on abstract theological principles but from the point of view of married people! Our criteria would be for example: communication, fidelity, love, understanding, encouraging, affection, working, sacrifice, respecting, growing up, challenges etc...in the choice of readings from the bible. We don't forget the newspaper neither. Daily national events concern us as well.

People now show more appreciation for liturgy as it is becoming a truly family celebration. Children are allowed with all their pranks, shouting, fists and mischievous looks!