29TH TUESDAY HOMILY OF ORDINARY TIME — YEAR B
HOMILY THEME: DISMANTLING WALLS, BUILDING BRIDGES
BY: Fr. Obinna Ezeaputa
Ephesians 2:12-22, Ps. 85:9-14, Luke 12:35-38
Today, we celebrate the memorial of Saint John Paul II, a champion of unity and compassion. Our readings remind us of God’s plan to reunite humanity.
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In our first reading (Ephesians 2:12-22), St. Paul writes about Christ breaking down walls between Jews and Gentiles, creating one body. This unity transcends cultures and backgrounds.
In our gospel text (Luke 12:35–38), Jesus teaches vigilance and readiness. He emphasizes the importance of serving others.
Three key points stand out: Christ bridges the gap between us, creating one body; we’re called to embrace unity, transcending divisions; and we must serve others with love and readiness. Pope John Paul II’s life exemplifies these principles.
His historic visit to the Western Wall in Jerusalem (2000) sought reconciliation between Catholics and Jews. He apologized for the Catholic Church’s past wrongs in “Memory and Reconciliation” (2000). He engaged in interfaith dialogue with Muslim leaders and visited mosques, advocating for human dignity and rights through encyclicals like “Evangelium Vitae” (1995) and “Centesimus Annus” (1991).
Other notable examples from his life include establishing World Youth Day to promote unity among young Catholics, forgiving Mehmet Ali Ağca (his attempted assassin), and advocating for the poor and marginalized.
As we celebrate the memorial of St. John Paul II, may he inspire us to dismantle walls, reach out to at least one person from a different background, and serve with love and compassion. St. John Paul II, pray for us. Amen.
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