HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 17TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II. (1)
HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 17TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II.
THEME: The beheading of John the Baptist.
BY: Fr. Diotacious Chikontwe SMA
HOMILY FOR SATURDAY JULY 30 2022
Memorial of St Peter Chrysologus, Doctor of the Church.
*READINGS OF THE DAY*
Jeremiah 26:11-16,24
Psalm 68;15-16,30-31,33-34
Matthew 14:1-12
*LITURGICAL COLOUR*
Green
*FROM OUR FIRST READING*
In our first reading today, we heard from the Book of the prophet Jeremiah, how the prophet Jeremiah is almost put to death because he spoke God’s word to the people, a word they did not want to hear because it required them to change their ways.
*FROM OUR GOSPEL READING*
Today’s gospel is about the execution and death of John the Baptist. He died in a horrible way by beheading his head due to the command of King Herod. So John’s head was presented to a young girl on a platter as a reward for her dancing skills. And why did King Herod end up doing such an unjust act? It is because he did not have the guts to take back a rash oath which he had made.
*WHAT WE LEARN FROM THE LITURGICAL READINGS OF TODAY.*
Both readings show that God’s ways are often in conflict with human ways. What God asks of us can sometimes be heard as too demanding from a human point of view. Jesus was understood as a prophet in his lifetime.
*CONCLUSION*
How many of us end up doing things we really do not want to do all because of a false sense of shame? We are ashamed to do what is right, yet we end up ashamed to do what is needed to correct our error. How easily we sin. How difficult to be sorry and then confess our sins. Let us not be like King Herod but be like St. John the Baptist who courageously preaches sinfulness and evil deeds. Let us be like St. Peter Chrysologus, a great priest, preacher and later on named as a Doctor of the Church.
St. Peter Chrysologus devoted his life and effort to care for his flock and he was also very committed in combatting and opposing heresies and all false teachings that were rampant back then, guarding his flock against the corrupting forces of those who sought to mislead the people of God.
*BLESSINGS*
May the Lord continue to help and guide us in our journey. May God bless all, through the intercession of St Peter Chrysologus. Amen.
Fr. Diotacious Chikontwe SMA
