St. Phoebe and Shared Homily Time September 2 & 3

On September 3, every year (which falls on a Sunday this time around), the Church celebrates the Feast of Saint Phoebe.  Phoebe was a notable woman in the Church of Cenchrae during the time of the apostles.  The apostle Paul entrusted her to deliver his Letter to the Romans, as noted in Romans 16:1-2.  In Paul’s Letter to the Romans, he commends to the Romans “our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon (diakonos in Greek) of the Church of Cenchrae.” 

He also asks them to give his greetings to Prisca and Aquila, who were his “fellow workers in the service of Christ Jesus, and even risked their lives for the sake of mine.”  Paul also says, “not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.” 

In the spirit of Saint Phoebe and the labor countless women pour into the Church, we will hear a reflection on Word of God at all Masses the weekend of Sept 2-3. 

During this weekend, the homily time will be shared by Fr. Michael and two women from our parish community.  This will also happen with other lay men and women, a few times a year.  This will give an opportunity for all of us to hear reflections on the weekend scripture from diverse perspectives and experiences. 

When someone becomes a member of clergy, they make promises to share the Word with God’s people.  It is the responsibility of the clergy to give homilies at Mass.  There is also a priesthood of the baptized, and every single baptized Catholic shares in the Body of Christ as priest, prophet and king.  All of us are called to share the Word in our own unique way and in our vocations.  Inviting lay women and men to share during mass will help all of us realize how we share the Word with others. 

The synod listening sessions across the globe have pointed toward the need for the church to share women’s leadership and voices.  This is just one way we are responding to the movement of the Spirit in our parish community. 

“We are all a Word of God that has never been spoken before, and will never be spoken again.”  (unknown)