HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE 28TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF YEAR II
THEME: Do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. I will tell you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has the power to cast into hell.
BY: Fr. Diotacious Chikontwe SMA
HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OCTOBER 14 2022
*READINGS OF THE DAY*
Ephesians 1:11-14
Psalm 32:1-2,4-5,12-13
Luke 12:1-7
*LITURGICAL COLOUR*
GREEN
*ABOUT OUR FIRST READING*
In todays first reading, we heard how the Apostle reminded the faithful there, composed of both Jews and Gentiles alike, had been made to be the children of God, and they had all been made sharers in God’s New and eternal Covenant through their baptism, sealed by the Holy Spirit, and by the will of God Himself. That is why all of them had been called and chosen from the world, and consequently, they should all reflect that change in state in their lives, by showing that change through their own actions and examples, so that they are truly worthy of being God’s faithful and beloved children.
*FROM OUR GOSPEL READING*
In today’s gospel reading, Jesus makes a distinction between two kinds of fear, false fear and true fear. His disciples are not to fear their opponents who can only kill the body. Rather, they are to fear God, who has power over both body and soul. However, this ‘fear’ of God is more akin to a sense of awe and reverence before God. Jesus goes on to speak of God as the loving Creator who is aware of and cares for the smallest of his creatures, such as the humble sparrow, five of which could be sold for two pence in the village market. Jesus goes on to declare that each one of us is worth more than hundreds of sparrows.
*CONCLUSION*
Dear brethrens, there is no question of fearing such a God in the ordinary sense of the word ‘fear’. Jesus reveals a God to whom we can entrust ourselves with great confidence. We can let ourselves go to God in the assurance that God wants nothing but the best for us. This loving, confident, relationship with God makes us fearless in the face of those who are hostile to our faith and the values and attitudes our faith gives rise to. The Creator God’s loving relationship with us does not make us arrogant in any way, because we are aware that we can and do sin against God’s great love. Yet, it gives us a confidence to live our faith in God and in God’s Son publicly.
I wish you a Blessed weekend ahead. God bless you.