HOMILY FOR THE 24TH TUESDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B
HOMILY FOR THE 24TH TUESDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B
HOMILY THEME: JESUS’ EMPATHY AND SYMPATHY
BY: Fr. Isaac Awe
1 Cor 12: 12 – 31, Psalm 99(100), Lk 7: 11 – 17
Going through our first reading, we are reminded of the prayer of Jesus in John 17:21, “That they may be one” hence, oneness is one of the four marks of the church. Even though we are unique and different from each other, the love of God has brought us together. If this love is put in place, then we can experience total healing of mind and body (spiritual and physical).
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How do we respond to the misfortunes of others? can we respond to each other’s misfortunes in the absence of love and unity? It’s a capital NO!. In a number of places the gospel records that Jesus was “moved to the depths of his heart” when he met with individuals and with groups of people. Our modern use of the word “compassion” doesn’t fully convey the deeper meaning of the original Hebrew word which expresses heart-felt “sympathy” and personal identification with the suffering person’s grief and physical condition. Why was Jesus so moved on this occasion when he met a widow and a crowded funeral procession on their way to the cemetery?
Jesus not only grieved the untimely death of a young man, but he showed the depth of his concern for the woman who lost not only her husband, but her only child as well. The only secure means of welfare in biblical times was one’s family. This woman had lost not only her loved ones, but her future security and livelihood as well. The scriptures make clear that God takes no pleasure in the death of anyone ( Ezekiel 33:11) – he desires life, not death because he purposely came to give life and it’s necessary for him to protect life. (John 10:10)
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, your healing presence brings life and restores us to wholeness of mind, body, and spirit. Speak your word to us and give us renewed hope, strength, and courage to follow you in the midst of life’s sorrows and joys. Amen.
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