HOMILY FOR TUESDAY OF THE 10TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II
THEME: We are enriched by enriching others.
BY: Fr. Francis Onwunali
HOMILY FOR TUESDAY JUNE 7 2022
“Jar of meal shall not be spent, jug of oil shall not be emptied, before the day when the Lord sends rain on the face of the earth” (1 Kgs. 17: 14). We continue to hear of God’s benevolence as central to today’s readings. However, God most often situates us to be agents and channels of His wondrous deeds. How true is this in my life?
In the first reading (1 Kgs. 17: 7-16), still in the midst of drought, Elijah was sent to a widow in Zarephath, a gentile woman, to be cared for (Jews and Gentiles have nothing in common). God breaks barriers and when we respond to such unconventional and selfless demand, goodness flows henceforth. How have I been responding in crisis or challenging situations? Has my attitude been selfish or selfless?
In the gospel (Matt. 5: 13-16), Jesus in continuation of His Sermon of the Mount reminds His disciples that they are to be the light of the world and salt of the earth. Jesus uses these two images to highlight that we are the channels through which God’s love and mercy permeate the world.
Dear friends, the Zarephath widow in her response to unconventional demands became light and salt to Elijah’s life in time of drought. We are enriched by enriching others. G7232Very unfortunate that some individuals and governments have used crises situations or their positions to enrich themselves at the expense of the less privileged. Note that abundance of “corn” and “new wine” cannot offer greater joy to our hearts (Ps. 5:8), but only when our face radiates the light of God. Have I been accumulating or have I been sharing?
I pray as we journey in life today, we will allow the fragrance of Christ’s love (2 Cor. 2: 15-16) to permeate every aspect of our lives so that from the treasure store of God’s goodness we can lighten up and sweeten the life of others. May the light of our life not shine under a cover, rather on a lamp-stand for all to see and give glory to God’s Name. Have an open-minded-full day!
Fr. Francis Onwunali