HOMILY FOR 33RD WEDNESDAY IN ORDINARY TIME — YEAR A
HOMILY THEME: Trusting God and Using Your Gifts
BY: Fr Deotacious Chikontwe SMA
2 Mac 7:1, 20-31; Psalm 17:1, 5-6, 8b, 15; Luke 9:11-28
*Introduction*
Good morning, brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today’s liturgical readings are challenging, but they teach us two simple and important lessons: Where is your hope? and What are you doing with what God gave you?
ALSO RECOMMENDED: HOMILY FOR 33RD WEDNESDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
*The Mother’s Great Trust*
In our first reading, we hear a heartbreaking but inspiring story about a mother and her seven sons. They were tortured and killed because they refused to break God’s laws.
When her last son was about to die, she told him: “The Creator of the world, who made all of us, will be kind and give you back your life, because you are dying to keep his laws.”
This mother had amazing faith in the resurrection. She didn’t believe that death was the end.
She believed that God would give her sons life again. Her actions show us that following God’s commands is more important than anything in this world, even life itself. When we trust God, we know that our sacrifices now lead to eternal life later.
*The Parable of the Money*
In the Gospel, Jesus tells a story about a nobleman who goes away to become king. Before he leaves, he gives ten servants one gold coin (a mina) each. He tells them, “Use this money to do business until I come back.”
These coins stand for the gifts, time, skills, and opportunities that God gives each of us. We are not the owners; we are just the ones who manage them for Him.
When the nobleman returns, he asks what they did with the money.
• The good servants used the money and earned more. They were praised and rewarded. They took a risk and worked hard with what they were given.
• One servant kept his coin wrapped up and hid it. He earned nothing. He was afraid and thought the nobleman was too strict. He was punished for doing nothing with his gift.
This story teaches us that we must not hide our gifts because of fear. We must use them for good!
*The Simple Lesson*
The brave mother and the rewarded servants show us the same truth: Our best life and our greatest treasure are with God.
• The mother risked her children’s earthly lives because she was focused on Heaven.
• The good servants risked their money because they were focused on the Master’s return.
Let’s look at our own lives. Are we hiding our gifts?
• Are you keeping your faith silent, afraid to talk about it or stand up for what is right?
• Are you holding back your time or talents from helping others?
• Are you afraid to try something new for God because you might fail?
*Conclusion*
God has given you everything you need. Don’t be the fearful servant! Be brave like the mother. Use the gifts you have been given with courage and generosity. Our King is coming back, and He wants to find us working!
*May the almighty God bless us all, through Christ our Lord . Amen*