Homily for Saturday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle II
Theme: Keeping the Faith
By: Fr. Benny Tuazon
Homily for Saturday July 18 2020
(Mt. 12:14-21) Saturday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
In today’s Gospel Jesus was being threatened by the pharisees. But He would not be stopped from His ministry of preaching and healing. The Gospel writer, Matthew, mentioned the words of the prophet Isaiah referring to Jesus as the Messiah who would be the hope of the Gentiles, meaning all the nations and not only Israel.
This was foretold in the Epiphany when the magi visited the newborn King, Jesus. While Jesus was born a Jew, it was the plan of God to begin the work of salvation in Israel and then spread it to the whole world. The Jews, the chosen people, were given the privilege to receive the grace first. But the Jews did not welcome Jesus as expected. Yet, the plan of God would not be derailed or halted. In the course of succeeding events, God in Jesus Christ, fulfilled His plan.
Today, Jesus continues to be the hope of all nations. His teachings are very relevant and effective. Forgiveness against revenge. Peace versus adversity. Simplicity rivaling luxury. Prayer and charity. Martyrdom than preserving life. Love over hate. Spirit first before laws. Humility embraced over fame. Salvation and not damnation. The more we veer away from the Christian way, the more tue world will decay.
Jesus is our hope and our light. With Him, we will never be in darkness. With Him, the end of the tunnel is certain. There He will be to welcome us who persisted and kept the faith.