FR. JUSTIN’S HOMILY FOR THE 25TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C
THEME: DECIDE WHAT IS MORE IMPORTANT IN YOUR LIFE
BY: Fr. Justin Nzekwe
HOMILY FOR SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2022
In the business world, people can convince you with their adverts to buy even something you don’t need, but when it comes to the business of God’s kingdom, instead of using the same energy, we rather give excuses. We give excuses not to go to Church on a Sunday, we give excuses for not having the time to pray, for not doing charity, we give so many flimsy excuses just because God has given us the freedom to worship him according to our consciences. Jesus in the gospel reading of today uses the example of a dishonest steward to teach us about being creative in our journey towards God’s kingdom. This dishonest steward after squandering his master’s possession was laid off by his master. He quickly devised a way of making friends with his customers so that they will welcome him after he must have been fired. He shrewdly cancelled some of the debts they owe his master, so that they can remember his kindness to them when he finally loses his job. However, Jesus said, “The children of this world, in fact, are more shrewd towards their peers than the children of light.” Jesus praised this dishonest steward not for being dishonest but for being astute enough to use the little time he has to plan for his uncertain future. Jesus also expects Christians to use greater wisdom in planning for the things of heaven.
We have been entrusted with a huge responsibility by God as stewards of his kingdom. However, if God should call you today to give an account of how you have lived your life as a Christian, will God be proud of your performance? If we can give attention to earthly possession that doesn’t last, why shouldn’t we give greater attention to heavenly treasure which will lasts forever? We must decide what is more important in our lives. Jesus told us in the gospel reading that, “No servant can serve two masters, because either he will hate one and love the other, or he will become attached to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.” We should be able to search through our hearts to know between God and wealth which is more important. Saint Paul reminds us in the second reading that there is, “Only one, in fact, is God and only one is also the mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all.” Jesus died for all of us, and we can never allow his sacrifice at Calvary to be in vain. Saint Paul further advised, “I recommend, first of all, that we ask questions, supplications, prayers and thanks for all men, for kings and for all those in power, so that we can lead a calm and peaceful life, dignified and dedicated to God.” We must always pray especially for our Church leaders, since they have the first responsibility to preach the good news through their lives and words. We need to pray that God may give them wisdom to be able to guide the Church in her spiritual journey.
Finally, we pray in this holy mass that God will renew in our hearts with the wisdom and the desire to value, and to serve him in faithfulness and love all the days of our lives, Amen.