Homily for Friday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle I
Theme: Salvation through faith
By: Fr Francis Onwunali
Homily for Friday October 15 2021
We celebrate today, the Memorial of St. Teresa of Avila, virgin and doctor of the Church. St. Teresa (1515- 1582) was born in Avila and died in Alba, Spain. At age seven, she ran away from home ready to give her life in death for Christ. At 18 years, she joined the Carmelite Order and chose Christ as her heavenly spouse. She was honoured by the Church as *virgo* *seraphica* – “seraphic virgin”, and with the help of St. John of the Cross reformed the Carmelite Order. Through prayer and in her writings, she gave clarity to the mysteries of inner mystical life, which earned her the title *doctrix* *mystica* – “Doctor of Mystical Theology”.
In the first reading (Rom 4: 1-8), Paul continues with his teaching on salvation through faith. Paul uses Abraham, the father of the Jewish people and the “Father of nations”, to demonstrate faith depicted in action. Abraham’s actions are reflections of a living faith. Faith, as a gift given to us by God, our lives should be that of gratitude in response to this unmerited gift. We have been chosen for this gift. Yes, you are!
Jesus in the gospel (Luke 12: 1-7) addresses His disciples, warning them to avoid the negative teaching style of the Pharisees and foretelling that they will be proclaiming the Good News openly and courageously because they have been chosen by God who cares for them more than they can imagine. When challenges come in the course of proclaiming the goodness of God, hold unto God’s word, for “every hair on your head has been counted. There is no need to be afraid: you are worth more than hundreds of sparrows”.
Dear friends, our lives should be all filled with gratitude, for inspite of our unworthiness, God has chosen us. The Psalmist said: Blessed the people the Lord has chosen as His own” (Ps 33: 12). In good time and in bad, let us praise God who knows us through and through.
I pray that this relationship God has initiated with us out of love, will continue to bear fruit in our lives so that we can make it known to others. “By the power of the Spirit, may I bless the Lord at all times; may His praise be ever in my mouth” (Ps 34: 2). Have a gratitude-full day!
Fr Francis Onwunali