HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE30TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR II.
THEME: When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take your seat in the place of honour.
BY: Fr. Diotacious Chikontwe SMA
HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OCTOBER 29 2022.
*READINGS OF THE DAY*
Philippians 1:18-26
Psalm 41:2-3,5
Luke 14:1,7-11
*LITURGICAL COLOUR*
GREEN/WHITE
*ABOUT THE FIRST READING*
In today’s first reading, we are given a wonderful insight into a deeply personal struggle within Paul. Writing from prison with the prospect of death before him, he finds himself pulled in two directions, each of which is very praiseworthy. He feels a desire, a pull, towards death because it means a being with Christ. He feels another desire or pull to stay alive in order to continuing serving the church in Philippi by helping them to progress in the faith.
*ABOUT THE GOSPEL READING*
In the gospel reading Jesus is critical of those who seek honour for themselves. At the meal to which he had been invited, he noticed how some of the guests went out of their way to pick the places of honour. In response Jesus speaks a parable that is critical of this kind of self-promoting behaviour. Jesus suggests that his followers should not be concerned about seeking honour from others. What really matters is the honour we will receive from God. We are to live in such a way that God will honour and exalt us.
*CONCLUSION*
Dear Friends, We are to live in such a way that God will honour and exalt us. God’s honouring of us may not happen in this life. However, if we live in a way that is shaped by the gospel, God will certainly honour us after death. As Jesus says in the gospel reading, repayment will be made when the virtuous rise again. The various honours we might receive in this life fade into insignificance compared to the honour that God wants to confer on us. That is why as followers of Jesus we are not to be concerned as to whether or not the good we do is recognized by others. The Lord calls on us to be faithful to the good we are doing, even when we are not recognized, even if honour does not come our way. We do not worry about recognition from others, because what really matters to us is the honour we will receive from God.
Have a Blessed weekend and God bless you.