What did I say?

I went along to the cathedral on Sunday prepared to preach on the readings for the 32nd Sunday of the Year. Instead I discovered that it was All Saints Day in Thailand. So I had to do a last minute change on my homily. This I did and I thought what I had to share was somewhat just okay given the circumstances.

What did I discover instead?

People were commenting on the homily and telling me that it is one of the best ever. I think - Really? What was it about Sunday that was different?

I think it is that I touched on a 'raw nerve', a relevant topic. My first line was to present my view on the issue of family planning in the Philippines and the Church's strong reaction to act. I hinted at the Church's own hypocrisy and its lack of response to injustices like the children on the street that I see in Manila.

The people seemed impressed that I would publicly touch on such a delicate issue as a priest and that I would speak honestly, presenting a different view from the party line. Still this was me being me - naming as it is and why not? Maybe this speaks of what people are hungering for in Church, in the world - not just to be told but to be trusted so that they can do their own reflecting and decision making.