HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE 25TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II (1)

HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE 25TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II

THEME: No one lights a lamp to cover it with a bowl or to put it under a bed. No, he puts it on a lamp-stand so that people may see the light when they come in.

BY: Fr. Diotacious Chikontwe SMA

HOMILY FOR MONDAY SEPTEMBER 19 2022

 

*READINGS OF THE DAY*
Proverbs 3:27-34
Psalm 14:2-5
Luke 8:16-18

*LITURGICAL COLOUR*
GREEN

*FROM OUR FIRST READING*
For the next two weeks, our first reading will be taken from books in the Jewish Scriptures that are known as the Wisdom Literature. Much of this literature is the fruit of long reflection on human experience; it can have a timeless quality to it. Today’s first reading calls on us not to put off an act of kindness for someone until tomorrow, if we can do it today. There is a wisdom in that instruction that is valid for every age.

*FROM OUR GOSPEL READING*
In today’s gospel reading, Jesus speaks as a kind of a wisdom teacher. He says that a lighted lamp is not meant to be covered by a bowl or put under a bed, but on a lamp stand so that people may see the light. This is a common sense observation, but what is Jesus implying by it? Perhaps he is saying that our light, the light of our faith, is intended to shine brightly before all, rather than be hidden away.

*CONCLUSION*
Dear brothers and sisters, lights of any kind have their source. Electricity turns on light bulbs. Matches use phosphorus to burn. Lightning bugs glow in the dark because they have chemicals, enzymes, and oxygen in their abdomens. If we want to be Christ’s light shining brightly from a lampstand, we must be connected to the proper source, Christ himself. We will know we have a good connection when we radiate the fruits of the Holy Spirit: charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, and chastity.

*LET US PRAY*
Lord, I want to be a light to those whom you place in my life so they come to know you. Help me to stay close to you so that I can bear the fruits of the Spirit in my dealings with everyone, especially those closest to me. I beg you to increase my faith. Bless our new week Lord.