Jubilarians Are Honored

During the homily of the Diocese of Evansville’s 2014 Golden Jubilee Celebration Mass, Evansville Bishop Charles C. Thompson told a parable of sorts – the story of an old, very worn violin that went up for auction.

“Someone finally said they’d give a quarter for it,” he said. “Someone else bid 50 cents, and another person bid a dollar. The auctioneer was about to lower the hammer and sell it when a man spoke up, asking to hold the violin for just a moment before it sold.”

The bishop went on to explain that, although highly unusual, the auctioneer agreed, and the man took the violin in hand. He wiped it off, tuned it, and played the most beautiful music anyone at the auction had ever heard. In just a moment, bidding on the instrument skyrocketed into the thousands.

“What just happened?” one bidder asked another. “That violin barely got to a dollar; and now, the bidding is up to several thousand dollars.” “It was just an old, worn instrument when the bidding started,” the second bidder replied. “But once it was in the master’s hands, it became invaluable.”

“The theme of Respect Life Sunday this year is, ‘Each of us is a masterpiece of God’s creation,’” Bishop Thompson noted. “Each of you is created in the image of the Master.”

Noting that, thousands of miles to the east in Rome, the Extraordinary Synod on the Family had begun just a few hours earlier at the Vatican, Bishop Thompson mentioned the call Pope Francis had made to those participating. “The Holy Father said there can be no room for arrogance … only humility and courage,” he said. “You know that; you understand that – or you wouldn’t be here today.”

The bishop also discussed the day’s Gospel, in which Jesus tells the parable of the vineyard leased by an owner, whose representatives are rebuked when they attempt to collect what is owed from the harvest. The tenants kill the owner’s son because they want to keep the vineyard for themselves, and they see everyone – including the owner’s flesh and blood – as threats.

“When we fail to recognize each other as brother and sister,” he said, “we are going to feel threatened by others. When we see others as threats, we lose our sense of family. Certainly, you can’t do that in marriage; you wouldn’t be here today if you did that.”

Couples came from all across the diocese for the celebration, which was sponsored by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Evansville. Couples attending received a commemorative book that recognized those celebrating 50 years or more of marriage. Those listings filled 26 of the book’s 32 inside pages, and included couples married from 50 years to 74 years.

As a result, the interior of Good Shepherd Church was filled to overflowing with celebrating couples, their families and friends.

“We gather here today to celebrate marriage and what you have shared,” Bishop Thompson said. “Not just what you have shared with your spouse, but with your family, your grandchildren, your parish community.”