Gulf Pine Catholic • February 13, 2026 5 Compassionate Service 228-374-5650 Bradfordokeefe.com Opening Reflection: Story Before Billy Graham became a world-famous evangelist, he preached in many small towns. One day in one such town, he wanted to mail a letter and asked a young man for directions to the nearest post office. After receiving directions, Graham decided to do some evangelizing. “Son, I’d like to invite you and your folks to come out to the First Baptist Church tonight. I’ll be preaching and telling people how to get to heaven.” The young man replied, “I will not be coming to hear you preach tonight.” Graham asked, “Why not?” He answered, “How would you know how to get to heaven when you don’t even know how to get to the post office?” The young man’s reply reflects a dilemma the church has always faced. In effect, he was saying, “Why should I believe you? You are only one among many (contradicting) voices. Why indeed? An overview of today’s readings will help us explore the “why.” Sirach writes, “He (God) has set before you fire (death) and water (life); to whichever you choose, stretch forth your hand” (Sirach 15:16). With life and death within reach, most of us would choose life, yet still struggle to identify who has the answers to lead us there. More from Sirach, “If you trust in God, you too shall live,” assuring that others have trusted in God and lived. The Psalmist uses action words to describe life: “Blessed are those who walk in the law of the Lord.” “Blessed are those who seek (the Lord).” Right action is our choice to please God and demonstrate our faith. Paul contrasts God’s wisdom with human wisdom. “Eye has not seen, and ear has not heard, and what has not entered the heart, what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). Paul declares, “We (the Church) speak God’s wisdom” (1 Corinthians 2:7a). In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks about truth and life, “I have not come to abolish but to fulfill the law and the prophets.” Teaching authority belongs to Christ. He established the Church to speak for Him. Like the young man in Graham’s story, the question remains, “Why should I believe you?” Pope Benedict XVI caused a stir when he said, “We are building a ‘dictatorship of relativism’ that does not recognize anything as definitive and whose goal consists solely of one’s own ego and desires.” In his book Without Roots, he wrote, “While appearing to be the very essence of neutrality and equity -- all views are equal and equally valid -- it undermines both the freedom of thought and the freedom of religion. As to the latter, it does so (ironically) as a new religion itself, a new ‘denomination’ that places restrictions on religious convictions and seeks to subordinate all religions to the super-dogma of relativism.” Wow, that gives us a lot to think about. Truth or Consequences: The popular quote, “If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything,” invites further explanation. Standing for the wrong thing can be harmful, even worse than standing for nothing. Today’s readings make the case not just for making choices, but for making the right choices. For not just forming and expressing an opinion, or acting based on emotion, the latest fad, or crowd mentality, but for building on the firm foundation of truth by modeling our lives on God’s commandments and the church’s moral and ethical precepts. Steven Covey wrote, “It’s easy to say ‘no!’ when there’s a deeper ‘yes!’ burning inside.” What is your deeper “yes?” What or who is its foundation? Does it align with Christ’s teaching authority and that of His Church? Jesus came to fulfill the commandments (Matthew 5:17). He said, “You have heard it said, ‘You shall not kill, you shall not commit adultery, etc. But I say” (read what Jesus said in Matthew 5:1737). Without the Lord’s teaching authority, truth can become subjective. Does Jesus know the way to the post office? Is His word trustworthy? Will we, like the Pharisees of Jesus’ day, ignore His authority as He speaks the truth? Should we listen to Jesus and act on His teachings? Will you choose the religion of relativism to justify sinful actions rather than embrace the Church’s voice speaking on Christ’s authority? God, our Father, you have promised to remain with those who do what is just and right. Help us to live in your presence now and forever. For Reflection: 1. To what do you attribute unjust or sinful actions? (Sirach 15:20). 2. How would you advise someone to follow the law of the Lord? (Today’s Psalm response). 3. How does God reveal His will to us? (1 Corinthians 2:10). Deacon Ralph Torrelli lives in Hattiesburg and is assigned to St. Thomas Aquinas Parish. Visit his website: www. homilypearls.com. 1st Reading: Sirach 15:15-20 Psalm: 119:1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33-34 2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:6-10 Gospel: Matthew 5:17-37 Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time Truth or consequences! Deacon Torrelli Sunday Scripture Commentaries
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