25TH WEDNESDAY HOMILY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B
25TH WEDNESDAY HOMILY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B
HOMILY THEME: PURSUING THE THINGS OF HEAVEN
BY: Fr. Isaac Awe
Prov 30:5-9; Psalm 119:29, 72, 89, 101, 104, 163; Luke 9:1-6
“Therefore, if you have risen together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God”. (Colossians 3:1)
Dear friends in Christ, it is worthy of note that we are on a journey to a particular destination in which the destination is heaven. We can only get to the destination if Christ is known as the only way, truth and life.(John 14:6) Therefore, the ladder to the destination is through determination, self discipline and prayer. Having this in mind as the necessary implements needed to achieve our mission, one should not overlook the virtue of contentment precisely stated in our today’s first reading. Many of us are stagnant because of comparison which brought in the vices of jealousy and envy. To this, we compete with one another to claim who is the richest or poorest forgetting that this world is not our own. Hence, we can only achieve the mission of Christ if and only if we are contented, determined, disciplined and prayerful.
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How do we handle power and authority, both spiritual and temporal? Jesus gave his apostles both power and authority to speak and to act in his name to cast out evil spirits, to heal, and to speak the word of God. When Jesus spoke of power and authority he did something unheard of. He wedded power and authority with love and humility. The “world” and the “flesh” seek power for selfish gain. Jesus teaches us to use it for the good of our neighbour.
Why does Jesus tell the apostles to “travel light” with little or no provision? “Poverty of spirit” frees us from greed and preoccupation with possessions and makes ample room for God’s provision. The Lord wants his disciples to be dependent on him and not on themselves. He wills to work through and in each of us for his glory. Are we ready to handle the power and authority which God wishes us to exercise on his behalf? The Lord entrusts us with his gifts and talents. Are we eager to place ourselves at his service, to do whatever he bids us, and to witness his truth and saving power to whomever he sends us?
REFLECTION: But God said to him: ‘Foolish one, this very night they require your soul of you. To whom, then, will those things belong, which you have prepared?’ (Luke 12:20)
PRAYER: Lord, make us channels of your grace and healing love that others may find life and freedom in you. Free us from all other attachments that we may joyfully pursue the things of heaven. May we witness the joy of the gospel both in word and deed. Amen
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