HOMILY FOR THURSDAY, 1ST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME – YEAR B

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6TH SUNDAY HOMILY [YEAR B] IN ORDINARY TIME 



HOMILY FOR THURSDAY, 1ST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME – YEAR B

THEME: Sacramentals: Windows to Grace, Not Magical Talismans

BY: Fr. Anthony O. Ezeaputa

In our first reading (1 Samuel 4:1–11), the Israelites experienced a catastrophic defeat at the hands of the Philistines, losing a staggering 30,000 soldiers, including Eli’s sons Hophni and Phinehas. Despite bringing the sacred Ark of the Covenant to the battlefield, they were defeated, and the Philistines captured the Ark.

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This event serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of cultivating a genuine relationship with God beyond mere reliance on symbols or external objects. It should prompt us to reflect on the teachings of the Catholic Church on sacramentals. It is an invitation to examine our own understanding and use of sacred symbols.

The Israelites mistakenly believed that the presence of the Ark of the Covenant would guarantee their victory, but they were tragically wrong. This teaches us that sacramentals, like the Ark, are not magical talismans that guarantee success or God’s favor. Rather, they are sacred symbols that point us to a deeper relationship with God.

As Catholics, we believe that sacramentals, such as icons, statues, and rosaries, can be powerful channels of grace, but they are not a substitute for a personal relationship with God. We must not reduce our faith to superstition or mere ritualism. Instead, we must cultivate a loving and obedient relationship with God.

As we reflect on our use of sacramentals, let us ask ourselves one basic question: Are we treating them as a shortcut to holiness or as a means to deepen our relationship with God?

Let us learn from the mistake of the Israelites and approach sacramentals with a humble and loving heart, knowing that true power lies not in the symbols themselves but in the God who loves us. May we learn from their mistake and deepen our relationship with God through authentic faith and obedience through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

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