HOMILY FOR 27TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – YEAR A
By: Fr Anthony C Ohaekwusi
HOMILY THEME: We are Caretakers, not Renters
Most of us have rented or leased something, such as a car, house, furniture, office equipment. We rent them because we don’t own them, but we need to use them for a certain period of time. There is always a temptation to get full value for our money by using it anyhow, just like when we book a hotel, flight or car and take advantage of all the offers until the last minute. Taking something on lease requires a certain level of agreement and commitment. We have to sign a contract, pay rent, which is renewable, and in some cases pay a fee, which can be refundable or non-refundable. Being a tenant, however, requires responsible action in taking care of the property in question while it is in use. Therefore, a security fee is often required as collateral for the obligation to take care of the property. Tenants hold the property temporarily in trust from the property owner, who requires them to use and care for the property in the same way. A good tenant pays rent on time and takes proper care of the property, while a bad tenant defaults on rent, fights with the landlord and handles the property carelessly. But what could cause someone not to take care of something they need and use?
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This Sunday’s readings call on us to be responsible caretakers of life and not to behave like careless renters. As caretakers, we are obligated to take care of the gifts we receive and use them in a careful way. The first tenants in the Gospels behaved like irresponsible mercenaries who did not care about the property or respect the owner. They thought that as tenants with keys to the property, they had total ownership and freedom to use it as they wished, without reference to the landlord. And because the landlord does not interfere with their freedom of use, they think he has relinquished ownership and does not deserve their attention. However, this is not the case. The life we live is a gift from God, who has given us the freedom to take care of it and be responsible for it. If we think that the freedom God has given us means that He doesn’t care about the way we live, then we live like bad tenants. We abuse the freedom and privilege we have, we don’t take responsibility, and we fight God the way a bad tenant fights a landlord. To enjoy the gift of life and freedom, we must be responsible.
Remain lifted and do have a great Sunday
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