HOMILY OF FRIDAY 13TH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME – YEAR B
HOMILY THEME: “IT IS NOT THE HEALTHY WHO NEED THE DOCTOR, BUT THE SICK.”
BY: Bishop Anthony Ewherido
Amos 8:4-6, 9-12; Psalm 118(119):2, 20, 30, 40, 50, 131; Matthew 9:9-13
Quite often, we want to distance ourselves from God and run away, hide from Him if that were possible, because we feel unworthy and underserving of His presence. Jesus challenges us today to cultivate the understanding that we need to come closer to God when we hurt and are afflicted by our sins and frailty, so that we may be healed of our infirmity. For, if the world were soaked in righteousness, there would be no need for the Christ; no need for his passion and death either. He seized the opportunity of the expression of disgust for his association with those the righteous considered undesirables and unclean to teach the lesson that his saving presence is for the sick, spiritually infirm and the lost. Church needs to safeguard this need of sinners for the Lord. Sometimes, we act as if the Church is meant only for the righteous.
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Today’s gospel challenges us with the understanding that even Jesus accommodated dirty sinners with a view to drawing them to himself and transforming them. Even if he did not succeed in winning them over, he would not have done otherwise. Until we accommodate sinners in just the same way, our judgmental attitudes and self-righteous disposition will only push them further away from God. In today’s first reading, the Prophet Amos continues his indictments as he harshly condemns the oppression and exploitation of the poor by the rich. Sharp and corrupt practices abounded and went unnoticed by the religious authorities, who were themselves compromised and corrupt. Even the Sabbath became an “inconvenient interruption” of business and trading. The devastating and catastrophic consequences of such a life that is enslaved by material desires and wealth are underscored by the Prophet’s declaration of the judgment that would come on the Day of the Lord. That Day will be marked by God’s absence from amongst them, thus leaving them to be plundered and preyed on. While for the righteous, it would be a Day of vindication and rejoicing.
Lord, look not on our sins; in your love and mercy, draw us to yourself, heal and redeem us. Amen.
St. Antony Mary Zaccaria; Pray for Us.
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