HOMILY FOR THE 14TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C (10)




HOMILY FOR THE 14TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C

THEME: THE REASON TO REJOICE

BY: Fr A. N. Abiagom, CM.

HOMILY FOR SUNDAY JULY 2022

 

 

Readings: Isaiah 66:10-14c; Galatians 6:14-18; Luke 10:1-12, 17-20.

 

1. Dear people of God, brothers and sisters in Christ, among the numerous themes in the first reading from Isaiah and in the gospel according to St. Luke, is the “Invitation to Rejoice.” In the first reading, we are invited to rejoice for Jerusalem and be glad for her. The text reflects the the glory of Jerusalem after her shame. Jerusalem was ruined following its destruction by the Babylonians who also exiled some of her inhabitants.

The first reading gives us the picture of a new beginning with relation to Jerusalem. We can also have the experience of a new beginning in light of our respective lives and families. Marriages and vocations can experience a new beginning. Collectively as a people, a new beginning is possible as well. In God we can have a new beginning of good health, joyful soul, happy family, peaceful marriage and home. This is a message of hope, and it is a great reason for us to rejoice.

2. In the second reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Galatians, the theme of a “new creation” is evident. A new creation that comes to us through Christ. A new creation that does not discriminate between the circumcised and the uncircumcised. Saint Paul wrote about boasting in Christ Jesus. By implication, he is rejoicing for what God has done for us, the new life he has given to us in Jesus Christ our Lord.

3. In the gospel, Jesus sent out Seventy two disciples to bear witness to the new life which the kingdom of heaven requires. Coming back to report to Jesus on the success of their mission, Jesus noticed a limitation in the cause of their rejoicing, and he called their attention to that which ought to be the reason for their rejoicing.

Sometimes in our Christian life, we find ourselves rejoicing less over the things that are most significant in relation to our faith.
Jesus called the attention of his disciples to the main reason why they should rejoice: “they are to rejoice because their names are written in the Kingdom of heaven.” For one’s name to be written in the kingdom of heaven implies that a person is a member of the kingdom of God. What could be more joyful than to share in the eternal bliss of heaven after our lives here on earth? Absolutely nothing!

If we want to be sad, let us not forget whom we are. We are children of God through our baptism, and we are members of the Church. What a privilege to be God’s children! This is a great cause for rejoicing.

May the Lord bless his holy words in our hearts.

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