FR. JUSTIN’S HOMILY FOR THE 23RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C
THEME: “YOU CANNOT BE MY DISCIPLE WITHOUT THE CROSS”
BY: Fr. Justin Nzekwe
HOMILY FOR SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 4 2022
This is the 23rd Sunday in ordinary time . To be a disciple of Jesus Christ entails discipline and wisdom. An undisciplined person has no wisdom. We are endowed with wisdom when we discern and know the will of the Lord. For wisdom comes from God. The book of Wisdom says: ” As for your intention, who could have learnt it , had you not granted wisdom…” (Wis. 9;13-18). The knowledge of God is the beginning of wisdom! This is sound teaching.
Thus, beneath the cross of Christ lies wisdom. To discover this hidden wisdom entails, self denial, suffering, hatred, courage and sacrifice. Anyone who follows Christ genuinely must endure all these. This is why Paul tells Philemon, “… I am in the chains that the Good News has brought me” (Phile. 9:10. 12-17). But with faith all these burdens would be light to carry. They are heavy where faith is lacking.
For this reason, Jesus tells the crowd following him, “Anyone who does not carry his cross and come after me cannot be my disciple”(Lk. 14:25-33). This time when people go after material things and forget about discerning the will of God is a dangerous time. The way of self denial or suffering is not an easy road to follow. Some are ready to kill in order to acquire wealth and power. They forget that no one can buy heaven with money. You cannot be a true disciple of Christ unless you give up your possessions, including pride. May God grant us the wisdom to understand this, amen. Happy Sunday.