February 18, 2024: Why Are You Here?

“Why do you come here?” This is the question that Father Loomis asks (between bicep curls) of the people that go to the gym only to stand around the front desk. The possibilities that facility has for them is untapped. It is also a question that can be asked of the Christian life. Why do you come to Mass every Sunday, baptize your children, and participate in the feats and fasts? Why does this space even exist at all. Father attempts to answer this question using the readings given for today’s Mass. Both Genesis and First Peter share the story of Noah- where we see Noah as the “new Adam” whom God saves by the water. This is a familiar theme in scripture as the Hebrews are saved with the Red Sea. Christ brings this full circle with the gift of baptism. “Just as for Noah there was life after the ark, and for the Hebrews there was life after the Red Sea. For Christians, there is life after baptism. That is why this place exists. Here, Jesus makes us new in that font…” Father Loomis goes on to say, “Yes there is life after baptism, but much of it is determined by the exercise of our free will in obedience or disobedience to this work of God in our life.” Is that why you’re here, to be about that work? Are you here to engage the efforts of salvation in your life? To participate in discipleship, to conquer the world, the flesh, and the devil in your life?… or are you standing by the door? First Sunday of Lent: First Reading: Genesis 9: 8-15 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 25: 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 Second Reading: First Peter 3: 18-22 Verse Before the Gospel: Matthew 4: 4b Gospel: Mark 1: 12-15