HOMILY FOR THE 24TH TUESDAY IN ORDINARY TIME — YEAR A
HOMILY THEME: A GOOD HEART AND A STRONG FAITH
BY: Fr. Deotacious Chikontwe SMA
1 Tim 3:1-13; Psalm 100(101):1-3, 5-6; Luke 7:11-17
Introduction
Today’s readings show us two things that are very important for our faith: what it means to be a good leader and how God’s love works.
The First Reading: A List for Leaders
In the first reading, Saint Paul gives us a simple list. He tells us what kind of person should lead the Church. He says they should be honest, calm, and kind to others. They should not be quick to anger or greedy for money. He even says a person who wants to lead the Church must first be able to take good care of their own family.
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This isn’t just a list for popes and bishops. It’s a list for all of us. Each of us is a leader in some way—in our family, at work, or with our friends. These qualities—being honest, calm, and caring—are things we can all work on. They show that our faith is real and that we are good people at our core.
The Gospel: Jesus’ Compassionate Heart
In the Gospel, we see Jesus on a journey. He comes to a town and sees a sad funeral procession. A young man has died, and his mother is a widow. She has lost her only son. You can imagine her deep sorrow and how lonely she must have felt.
When Jesus saw her, the Bible says “he was moved with pity.” He felt her pain so deeply that he had to do something. He went to the coffin, touched it, and said to the dead man, “Young man, I tell you, arise!” And the man came back to life.
The most beautiful part is what Jesus does next: “He gave him back to his mother.” This wasn’t just a miracle; it was an act of pure compassion. Jesus didn’t just show his power; he showed his love. He brought comfort and hope to someone who had lost everything. This reminds us that our God is not distant. He is a God who feels our pain and wants to heal us.
The Saints: A Lesson in Unity
Today we also remember two great saints, Cornelius and Cyprian. Cornelius was the Pope, and Cyprian was a bishop. They lived in a difficult time when Christians were being persecuted. They worked together as a team to keep the Church strong and united. They were friends who showed the same kind of strong character Saint Paul talked about. And in the end, both of them gave their lives for their faith. Their lives show us what it means to be a good leader and to have a strong faith, even when facing great fear.
So, as we go for mass today, let’s remember these three lessons:
* Let’s try to live with the same good character that Saint Paul described.
* Let’s have the same compassion for others that Jesus showed the grieving mother.
* Let’s be strong in our faith, just like Saints Cornelius and Cyprian.
Saints Cornelius and Cyprian! Pray For Us .
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