7th Sunday in Ordinary Time @ Ss. Francis and Clare

The first federal courthouse in Detroit was built in 1896 on Lafayette Street. The original cost of that building was roughly $1,000,000.

By the early 1930s, the federal courts had outgrown the original 19th century building, which was targeted for demolition, to be replaced by a newer, larger building.

Enter Chief Judge Arthur J. Tuttle, dubbed “The Judge who would not budge.” Tuttle refused to approve the destruction of the first building and the subsequent construction of the new building – unless that particular courtroom was preserved.

That room consisted of an elaborately carved judge’s bench made of East Indian mahogany; and flanked by two 12-foot columns made of white marble with pink marble bases; each capped with four lions holding up a globe. Around the room are symbols from Greek mythology and Biblical themes … all related to the administration of justice and the law.

By the 1930s, the value of the marble alone exceeded $1,000,000. Leading the press to refer to it as “The Million Dollar Courtroom.”

It currently sits atop the Theodore Levin courthouse, as rooms 732, 733, and 734; reserved for the chief judge of that federal court.

Today is the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Both the Gospel reading from St. Matthew and the first reading from Leviticus address the second half of the Ten Commandments – which address the laws on interactions with others. 

The Gospel is a continuation of last Sunday’s, where Jesus states the Commandment, but then raises the bar by changing the idea from one of external observance to one of internal conversion.

St. Paul, in his First Letter to the Corinthians, speaks of our role as being the “Temple of God,” filled with the Spirit of God. As in any building, it is important that we build on a proper foundation, using appropriate materials, following an approved plan, and doing so with proper motives.

For us, as Christians, the Foundation is always Christ and the Gospel. The materials are Scripture and Tradition. The plan is God’s will. And the motive is for the Greater Glory of God.

The overall goal can be found in the Greek word, DIKAIOSYNE. A word often translated as justice or righteousness; but which has a broader and deeper meaning that perhaps is best translated as “right relationship.” Meaning our relationship with God and with one another.

On Wednesday, we will begin the Season of Holy Lent. The time where we take 40 days to repent, renew, and rebuild our hearts, our minds, and our lives. 

In the 19th century, every day of Lent was a day of fast. Meat was off the schedule on Fridays and Saturdays; and for the rest of the week could only be eaten at the principal meal. 

Now, we are asked to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday; and abstain from meat on the Fridays of Lent. Sounds easy on paper, but is not always easy in practice.

Traditionally Lent is marked by Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving. 

I would encourage you to consider attending weekday Mass. 

Stations of the Cross will be prayed immediately following the Wednesday Mass. 

And starting March 1 (here) we will have Wednesday evening soup suppers and talks rotating among our church the other Christian denominations in Birch Run, Burt, and Taymouth.

As we approach this altar to receive the Sacred Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ; let us prepare ourselves for Lent. Let us take this coming period of 40 days, and seek to strengthen our relationship with God and with one other. Let us seek reconciliation with those we may be estranged from. And let us build up ourselves and our Church as a majestic temple to the greater glory of God.