HOMILY OF 19TH TUESDAY OF ORDINARY TIME — YEAR A
HOMILY THEME: THEME: WHOSE GLORY DO WE SEEK?
BY: Fr. Isaac Awe
Deut 31:1-8; Psalm (Deut 32:3-4, 7-9); Matt 18:1-5, 12-14
We are in the world where seeking self glory has become the order of the day to the extent of using others as stepping stones to secure the future that is not ours. Let us keep in mind that TOMORROW SHALL TELL!
Are we surprised to see the disciples discussing with Jesus who is the greatest? Don’t we do the same thing? The appetite for glory and greatness seems to be inbred in us. Who doesn’t cherish the ambition to be “somebody” whom others admire rather than a “nobody”? However, we are created to seek God’s glorification so as to be sanctified through our services to God and humanity without looking for the downfall of others.
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Jesus made a dramatic gesture by placing a child next to himself to show his disciples who really is the greatest in the kingdom of God. What can a little child possibly teach us about greatness? Children in the ancient world had no rights, position, or privileges of their own. They were socially at the “bottom of the rung” and at the service of their parents, much like the household staff and domestic servants.
What is the significance of Jesus’ gesture? Jesus elevated a little child in the presence of his disciples by placing the child in a privileged position of honour at his right side. It is customary, even today, to seat the guest of honour at the right side of the host.
REFLECTION: Whose glory do we seek and how do we go about it?
PRAYER: Lord, teach us your way of humility and simplicity of heart that we may find perfect joy in you. May your light shine through us that others may see your truth and love and find hope and peace in you. Amen.
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