By Fr. Andrew Kelly
There is a basilica in a large city known for its beautiful and well-executed celebrations of the Lord’s Word, body and blood.
The Scriptures are rehearsed for good proclamation. The music is carefully selected so the basilica resounds with sound appropriate for a people in love with God. Even the 7 a.m. worship has a cantor present to lead the psalm responses, acclamations and service music.
The basilica’s professional liturgical director is known nation wide for putting together successful community worship.
It happens the basilica is located about two blocks from an interstate highway underpass where the homeless, addicts, hungry, poor, naked and the marginal gather together to live.
The liturgical director once remarked: “I will know that I finally have put together a successful liturgy when the ministers and congregation all recess and head directly to the underpass to begin ministering to the Christ present there.”
This is the meaning of Sunday’s Gospel (Matthew 25:31 – 46):
“Lord, when was it that we saw you … and did not take care of you?”…Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.”
(Father Andrew Kelly is pastor of St. Mary Parish in Mechanicsville.)
