22ND FRIDAY HOMILY IN ORDINARY TIME — YEAR B
HOMILY THEME: REIMAGINING PIETY AND DEVOTION
BY: Fr. Obinna Ezeaputa
1 Cor 4:1-5; Psalm 36(37):3-6, 27-28, 39-40; Luke 5:33-39
In our gospel reading today (Luke 5:33–39), Jesus was surrounded by crowds of people who were eager to hear his teachings and witness his miracles. But the Pharisees, who were strict observers of Jewish law and tradition, were critical of him and his disciples for not fasting like they did.
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Fasting was a significant spiritual discipline among Jews, serving as a means of expressing repentance (Jonah 3:5-10), mourning (2 Samuel 1:12), or preparation for important events (Exodus 34:28).
However, the Pharisees’ undue emphasis on fasting as a demonstration of piety and devotion to God reveals a flawed understanding of faith, which reduces the divine-human relationship to a transactional exchange.
It means that human actions can merit divine favor, which undermines the gracious nature of God’s love. In contrast, Jesus’ teaching challenges this transactional mindset and reveals a God who freely offers grace, forgiveness, and joy, irrespective of human endeavors.
Jesus illustrates this new reality using the metaphor of the bridegroom and wedding feast (Luke 5:34–35), emphasizing the gift of salvation and the joy of communion with God. He says that while he is with them, it’s not the time for fasting, but rather for feasting and celebration, signifying the arrival of God’s kingdom. Since wedding guests don’t fast while the bridegroom is present, so should His disciples.
This passage remains highly relevant for us today, particularly in our understanding of piety and devotion. Here are some key takeaways:
Piety and devotion are not just about external practices: We are reminded that true piety and devotion involve a deeper relationship with God, beyond mere external practices.
Avoid a transactional understanding of faith: We are encouraged to embrace a more gracious understanding of God’s love, where salvation and joy are freely offered.
Emphasize the gift of salvation: We are reminded to focus on the gift of faith and the joy of our relationship with God, rather than relying solely on our own efforts.
Celebrate the presence of God: We are encouraged to cultivate a sense of joy and gratitude in our faith, recognizing the presence of God in our lives.
Balance spiritual practices with joy and celebration: This means finding a healthy balance between prayer, fasting, and feasting, and recognizing that joy and celebration are essential aspects of their faith.
Altogether, our gospel passage today invites us to embrace a more authentic and joyful faith, one that prioritizes our relationship with God over external practices. May we learn to celebrate the gift of salvation, to balance our spiritual disciplines with joy and gratitude, and to trust in the gracious love of God.
May we remember that we are not just disciples of a set of rules, but beloved guests at the wedding feast of the kingdom, where the bridegroom is always present, and the celebration never ends. Amen.
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