Archbishop Wilton Gregory's Installation Mass and Great Homily in DC

Now that Archbishop Wilton Gregory has been installed as the 7th Archbishop of Washington perhaps healing can begin after the confusion, disappointment and turmoil that archdiocese had to go through. Sin and evil cause chaos and disruption and no where is that more apparent than there.

  I loved Archbishop Gregory's homily and his delivery of it.  It was heartfelt, real, Christ-centered and touching. Everyone seemed to love it, there was clapping when he finished and the bishops in attendance seemed to rejoice in it as well. 

...."Pope Francis has now summoned the Church-and by that I mean all the baptized to leave our comfortable confines and to encounter and welcome the poor, the marginalized and the neglected and to place them at the very heart of Christ's Church. Beginning today that is my task here in the Archdiocese of Washington. 

He pledged his fraternal affection for Pope Francis, who has given the Archbishop a great call and opportunity. 

He had kind words for Archbishop Pierre (the Pope's representative in the U.S.)who he called a "friend to our nation and a brother to the bishops of the United States. " I heard Archbishop Pierre speak at the installation Mass of Bishop Richard Henning (Auxiliary Bishop of Rockville Centre), which I attended,  and I was impressed with Archbishop Pierre as well. He seems genuine and likable. 

But my favorite part of the homily was when Archbishop Gregory spoke about the gospel. ....."He wisely chose his first disciples from among those who made their living on the sea, selecting individuals adept at handling their boats and nets certainly but also at using their wits....He recognized their fierce tenacity to get the job done and eventually redirect their focus from fish to families......"

He spoke about trusting in Jesus and how when the squalls came and the wind picked up, they became afraid, as we all would. 

"We too, like those frightened disciples tossed about by the wind and the waves have cried out, 'Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing? Jesus' questions to them are also meant for us: 'Why are you terrified/ Do you not yet have faith?'

This was the part I loved the most......."In their anxiety they had discounted that Jesus was literally in the boat with them. ...That very One was in the boat with them and in a breath, He calmed the wind and the sea and He restored their composure."

All good. I'm sure the Archbishop will be a blessing to that diocese. 

And the gospel singers were the best. I hope they put their songs on You Tube. The song at the end of the Mass left me uplifted and hopeful.

NJA