HOMILY OF 10TH TUESDAY IN THE ORDINARY TIME — CYCLE II
HOMILY THEME: LIGHT IN THE CHURCH; DARKNESS IN THE WORLD!
BY: Fr. Benedict Agbo
1 Kings 17:7-16, Ps. 4:2-5,7-8, Matthew 5:13-16
There still appears to be a painful disconnect between what is proclaimed in the Church and what is experienced in society, even after many years of Christianity. In pastoral experience across different parishes, one notices that many commandments of God are constantly undermined by what may be called social structures of sin. These are organized cultural, economic, or communal systems that make disobedience not only easier but almost “normal,” while obedience to God can attract ridicule or even isolation.
ALSO RECOMMENDED: HOMILY OF 10TH TUESDAY IN THE ORDINARY TIME
For example, an SS3 WAEC candidate may be pressured by classmates to contribute money for examination malpractice (“expo”). Refusal to participate may lead to victimization or exclusion, making moral resistance extremely costly. In such cases, sin is no longer merely personal; it is socially reinforced.
In some trading communities, similar pressures exist. Economic survival is sometimes tied to practices that conflict with the Gospel: protective charms for business success, oath-taking among trading groups, or market meetings scheduled in ways that exclude Christian worship and instruction.
Beyond commerce, there can also be social patterns that weaken monogamous family life, normalize corruption, protect offenders, and promote alcoholism, gossip, jealousy, fraud, and injustice. Ironically, even where Christians form the majority, Christian values may still remain socially ineffective.
One major reason for this situation is a form of Christianity that is increasingly detached from the Word of God. When believers are not deeply rooted in Scripture, faith becomes weak and easily overwhelmed by cultural pressure. The Word of God must be studied and lived from two essential dimensions: Divine promises (e.g., Is 58:10–12) and Divine instructions (e.g., the Sermon on the Mount, Matt 5–7). Without this grounding, Christianity risks becoming powerless and merely nominal.
In today’s first reading, Elijah confidently tells the widow of Zarephath: “Do not be afraid… make me a little cake first” (1 Kg 17:13). This act of trust becomes a lesson that obedience to God’s Word brings life even in times of scarcity. Elijah’s confidence was not in human systems but in divine promise.
Jesus in today’s Gospel describes the identity of believers in a troubled world: “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world” (Matt 5:13–14). Salt that loses its taste and light that is hidden both fail in their purpose. In the same way, a Christianity without visible moral impact in society has lost its transformative power.
The challenge before us is clear: Christianity must not only illuminate the Church but also transform the world. Where the Word of God is truly lived, darkness cannot prevail. Where it is ignored, even a religious society becomes morally dark.
May God grant us the grace to be true light in our families, workplaces, and communities. May our faith not only be professed but also visibly lived. Amen.
FOR A SIMILAR HOMILY, CLICK HERE>>>>>