Homily For The 30th Sunday In Ordinary Time, Year C Ecclesiasticus 35: 12-14,16-19 /Psalm 34/ 2 Timothy 4:6-8,16-18/ Luke 18:9-14
AGORSOR AARON AGBESHIE
Theme: humility is demanded at prayer
Our Liturgy for today draws our attention to the need to have the right attitude towards prayer. Humility is demanded at prayer otherwise we only pray to ourselves and a prayer made to oneself cannot see the light of day.
In the first reading, Ben Sirach reminds the man at prayer of divine justice. This justice of God is spelt out clearly when he says that “…do not offer him (God) bribe, for he will not accept it; and do not rely on a dishonest sacrifice; for the Lord is the judge and with him there is no partiality (Sirach 35:14-15).”
The man at prayer, realizing Yahweh is a God of justice must keep far from himself the thought of bribery and sacrifice without sincerity. He must serve God with his whole heart and such prayer will pierce the clouds where God dwells. He will not be consoled until his prayer has reached that height. Can you imagine man bribing God and yet sometimes in our prayer we appear to bribe God; we become insincere. Ben Sirach warns us to be honest and humble with our dealings with God because a humble and sincere prayer pierces the clouds.
The sincere and humble prayer that the First Reading draws our attention to is what the Gospel reading captures in the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican. We are told that two men went to the Temple to pray. The Pharisee we are told “… stood there and said this prayer to himself, “ I thank you God that I am not grasping, unjust, adulterous… and particularly that I am not like this tax collector here…” (Luke 18:11). The text says he said a prayer to himself meaning that he did not pray to God after all. A prayer not prayed to God is useless and avails nothing. Again, he justifies himself before God and even condemns his fellow Jewish man in God’s presence. In fact, he has no idea of Psalm 130:3-4 which says “If you o Lord should mark our iniquities, Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with you, so that you may be revered.”
The Pharisee was swallowed up by his accomplishment and successes and he thought he could please God with his achievements. God is not interested in our accomplishments and successes but in our availability. For Mother Teresa of Calcutta God has not called us to be successful but to be faithful.
Jesus praises the Tax Collector for recognizing the fact that if God should mark our guilt no one will survive. We are called upon to imitate the attitude of the tax collector; an attitude of total dependence on God, humility and reverence for we are told that “This man, went home again at right with God, the other did not (Luke 18: 14a).” The whole essence of prayer is to be at right with God and so if your prayer would rather make God angry, then you are sure that your request will never be answered. What is your own attitude towards prayer?
In the Second Reading, Paul becomes an epitome of the right attitude at prayer. Paul acknowledges that his work has come to an end and he has been faithful to his work but unlike the Pharisee in the Gospel, Paul acknowledges that it was the hand of God at work in him that makes it possible for him to accomplish what he accomplishes and Paul is quick to add that because God is a righteous judge, the reward is also meant for all who remain faithful to their calling for he says, “ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day and not only to me but also all who have longed for his appearing” ( 2Timothy 4:7-8). St Paul trusted in God’s providence so much so that he was not perturbed at all about the fact that people betrayed him when he needed them most. For he says “ But I am not ashamed for I know the one in whom I have put my trust and I am sure that he is able to guard until that day what I have entrusted to him” ( 2Timothy 1:12).
We have also come to the Temple to pray and whether we like it or not, there are some Pharisees and Tax collectors among us. I wish to remind you that the entire Mass is a prayer and so sometimes our attitude towards people during Mass leaves much to be desired. For some of us think that we are better than others because of the way we have dressed, our expensive mobile phones, hair do; others think that they are more prayerful than others and so they are better than others; better still, others considering their status think that certain groups of people should not sit by them even in Church and the like. Jesus is telling such people that they are praying to themselves and not to God and such prayers cannot see the light of day.
Again, Jesus invites us to imitate the attitude of the Tax collector. This is because God knows us than we know ourselves. He accepts us for who we are. Narrating our accomplishments to him will not change his mind about us. He remains the same yesterday, today and forever (cf Hebrews 13:8). Indeed, it is not even the words of the Tax collector that won Jesus’ admiration but his humble attitude for Luke says “ But the Tax Collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven but was beating his breast and saying ‘Lord be merciful to me, a sinner!’”(Luke 18:13). Jesus himself gives an example of reverent and humble prayer during his life time for “ In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death and he was heard because of reverent submission” ( Hebrew 5:7).
Finally, Jesus is not condemning our successes and accomplishments. He teaches us that humility at prayer is prominent in the life of any Christian. Indeed even if we boast about our success, like Paul, we should acknowledge that it is the Lord’s doing and not because of your own effort or holiness. We must not condemn others because of their situation as the Pharisee did for we are what we are simply because of the grace of God.
In sum, our aim should be service not success for whoever exalts himself would be humble and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. The proud will be humiliated by God on purpose that he (God) cannot hear their prayers.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Friday, October 15, 2010
Homily For The 29th Sunday In Ordinary Time, Year C
Homily For The 29th Sunday In Ordinary Time, Year C Exodus 17:8-13 / Psalm 121 / 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2, / Luke 18:1-8
AGORSOR AARON AGBESHIE
Theme: With Prayer All Things Are Possible
The readings for today’s Liturgy, especially the First and Gospel, invites us to a deep prayer life because with prayer all things are possible. We are invited, again, to let our prayer be action oriented and never lose heart under any circumstances even if it seems hopeless.
In the First Reading, we are told that the Israelites won a battle over the Amalekites due to a persistent and persevering prayer offered by Moses on behalf of God’s people with the help of Aaron and Hur. What really necessitated the battle with Amalek was the fact that the Israelites were attacked by them without any provocation. Perhaps the Amalekites were men of military might who saw the Israelites to be weak.
Moses was aware of the fact that the Amalekites were really strong. He could not sit down unconcerned. Therefore, he instructed Joshua to pick out men and engage Amalek while he stood on the hill top with the staff of God in his hand (Exodus 17:8-9). Moses believed in what he once said when he led the Israelites through the Red Sea that “The Lord will fight for you and you have only to keep still (Exodus 14:14).
Moses also demonstrated that prayer must necessarily be backed with action. Persistence and perseverance in prayer may often be uncomfortable but it yields a harvest of fruitfulness. Moses had to be in an uncomfortable situation together with Aaron and Hur. Indeed, they recognized that the battle was the Lord’s. A reliance on God as symbolized by the raising of Moses’ hands show that our God is a dependable companion and if we rely on Him, we will not be disappointed. Therefore, the Israelites won a resounding victory over the Amalekites despite their military might.
It is this faith in the power of God to do all things that is demonstrated in the Gospel reading of today. The Gospel Reading also teaches about persistence and persevering prayer. We are told that there was a widow in a certain city who wanted justice to be granted her against her enemies but the judge refused her this request “In that city, there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying ‘Grant me justice against my enemies’ For a while he refused…” (Luke 18:3-4a).
Women in the Jewish culture were not involved in the day to day decision making process. Their husbands spoke on their behalf. Therefore, to be a widow in such a society is to be in a hopeless situation. Jesus drew attention to her persistent attitude to have justice. In the same way with God all things are possible, even hopeless situations.
The Gospel Reading says: “In that city, there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people (Luke 18:2). It is obvious that goodness cannot flow from a judge who had no regard for God who is the source of all goodness and his creature (man). This meant that the widow could not get justice under normal circumstances. However, we are told that the judge gave her speedy justice because of her persistent plea.
It was not his goodwill that brought justice to the widow but because the widow was a nuisance to him. If a poor widow got what she deserved from a judge, how much more will God’s children receive what is right from a loving heavenly father. Let us consider the fact that the woman was a stranger, but we are children of God and he cares for his children (Luke 11:13).
Furthermore, we not only have God’s unfailing promises, but we also have the Holy Spirit, who assists us in our prayers (Romans 8:26-27). The greatest contrast is that the widow came to a court of law but God’s children come to the throne of grace (Hebrew 4: 14-16). That should encourage us to pray. The judge rendered justice to the poor widow because he was afraid she would wear him out. God answers prayer for His glory and for our good and He is not bothered when we come.
We are told again that the judge delayed but the widow did not give up until justice was done her. “For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, ‘Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming’(Luke 18:4-5).
Remember that God’s delays are not delays of inactivity but of preparation. Indeed, God works in all things at all times, causing all things to work together to accomplish his purposes. The moment we send him a request that is in accordance with his will, God begins to work. We may not see it now but it shall come to pass. Habakkuk says, “though the vision may tarry, wait for it, it will surely come” (2:3).
In this month of the Rosary, let us ask our Mother to hold our hands and lead us gently to her son as we pray fervently. With her intercession we are assured of God’s support in all things.
AGORSOR AARON AGBESHIE
Theme: With Prayer All Things Are Possible
The readings for today’s Liturgy, especially the First and Gospel, invites us to a deep prayer life because with prayer all things are possible. We are invited, again, to let our prayer be action oriented and never lose heart under any circumstances even if it seems hopeless.
In the First Reading, we are told that the Israelites won a battle over the Amalekites due to a persistent and persevering prayer offered by Moses on behalf of God’s people with the help of Aaron and Hur. What really necessitated the battle with Amalek was the fact that the Israelites were attacked by them without any provocation. Perhaps the Amalekites were men of military might who saw the Israelites to be weak.
Moses was aware of the fact that the Amalekites were really strong. He could not sit down unconcerned. Therefore, he instructed Joshua to pick out men and engage Amalek while he stood on the hill top with the staff of God in his hand (Exodus 17:8-9). Moses believed in what he once said when he led the Israelites through the Red Sea that “The Lord will fight for you and you have only to keep still (Exodus 14:14).
Moses also demonstrated that prayer must necessarily be backed with action. Persistence and perseverance in prayer may often be uncomfortable but it yields a harvest of fruitfulness. Moses had to be in an uncomfortable situation together with Aaron and Hur. Indeed, they recognized that the battle was the Lord’s. A reliance on God as symbolized by the raising of Moses’ hands show that our God is a dependable companion and if we rely on Him, we will not be disappointed. Therefore, the Israelites won a resounding victory over the Amalekites despite their military might.
It is this faith in the power of God to do all things that is demonstrated in the Gospel reading of today. The Gospel Reading also teaches about persistence and persevering prayer. We are told that there was a widow in a certain city who wanted justice to be granted her against her enemies but the judge refused her this request “In that city, there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying ‘Grant me justice against my enemies’ For a while he refused…” (Luke 18:3-4a).
Women in the Jewish culture were not involved in the day to day decision making process. Their husbands spoke on their behalf. Therefore, to be a widow in such a society is to be in a hopeless situation. Jesus drew attention to her persistent attitude to have justice. In the same way with God all things are possible, even hopeless situations.
The Gospel Reading says: “In that city, there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people (Luke 18:2). It is obvious that goodness cannot flow from a judge who had no regard for God who is the source of all goodness and his creature (man). This meant that the widow could not get justice under normal circumstances. However, we are told that the judge gave her speedy justice because of her persistent plea.
It was not his goodwill that brought justice to the widow but because the widow was a nuisance to him. If a poor widow got what she deserved from a judge, how much more will God’s children receive what is right from a loving heavenly father. Let us consider the fact that the woman was a stranger, but we are children of God and he cares for his children (Luke 11:13).
Furthermore, we not only have God’s unfailing promises, but we also have the Holy Spirit, who assists us in our prayers (Romans 8:26-27). The greatest contrast is that the widow came to a court of law but God’s children come to the throne of grace (Hebrew 4: 14-16). That should encourage us to pray. The judge rendered justice to the poor widow because he was afraid she would wear him out. God answers prayer for His glory and for our good and He is not bothered when we come.
We are told again that the judge delayed but the widow did not give up until justice was done her. “For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, ‘Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming’(Luke 18:4-5).
Remember that God’s delays are not delays of inactivity but of preparation. Indeed, God works in all things at all times, causing all things to work together to accomplish his purposes. The moment we send him a request that is in accordance with his will, God begins to work. We may not see it now but it shall come to pass. Habakkuk says, “though the vision may tarry, wait for it, it will surely come” (2:3).
In this month of the Rosary, let us ask our Mother to hold our hands and lead us gently to her son as we pray fervently. With her intercession we are assured of God’s support in all things.
Homily For The 29th Sunday In Ordinary Time, Year C
Homily For The 29th Sunday In Ordinary Time, Year C Exodus 17:8-13 / Psalm 121 / 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2, / Luke 18:1-8
AGORSOR AARON AGBESHIE
Theme: With Prayer All Things Are Possible
The readings for today’s Liturgy, especially the First and Gospel, invites us to a deep prayer life because with prayer all things are possible. We are invited, again, to let our prayer be action oriented and never lose heart under any circumstances even if it seems hopeless.
In the First Reading, we are told that the Israelites won a battle over the Amalekites due to a persistent and persevering prayer offered by Moses on behalf of God’s people with the help of Aaron and Hur. What really necessitated the battle with Amalek was the fact that the Israelites were attacked by them without any provocation. Perhaps the Amalekites were men of military might who saw the Israelites to be weak.
Moses was aware of the fact that the Amalekites were really strong. He could not sit down unconcerned. Therefore, he instructed Joshua to pick out men and engage Amalek while he stood on the hill top with the staff of God in his hand (Exodus 17:8-9). Moses believed in what he once said when he led the Israelites through the Red Sea that “The Lord will fight for you and you have only to keep still (Exodus 14:14).
Moses also demonstrated that prayer must necessarily be backed with action. Persistence and perseverance in prayer may often be uncomfortable but it yields a harvest of fruitfulness. Moses had to be in an uncomfortable situation together with Aaron and Hur. Indeed, they recognized that the battle was the Lord’s. A reliance on God as symbolized by the raising of Moses’ hands show that our God is a dependable companion and if we rely on Him, we will not be disappointed. Therefore, the Israelites won a resounding victory over the Amalekites despite their military might.
It is this faith in the power of God to do all things that is demonstrated in the Gospel reading of today. The Gospel Reading also teaches about persistence and persevering prayer. We are told that there was a widow in a certain city who wanted justice to be granted her against her enemies but the judge refused her this request “In that city, there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying ‘Grant me justice against my enemies’ For a while he refused…” (Luke 18:3-4a).
Women in the Jewish culture were not involved in the day to day decision making process. Their husbands spoke on their behalf. Therefore, to be a widow in such a society is to be in a hopeless situation. Jesus drew attention to her persistent attitude to have justice. In the same way with God all things are possible, even hopeless situations.
The Gospel Reading says: “In that city, there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people (Luke 18:2). It is obvious that goodness cannot flow from a judge who had no regard for God who is the source of all goodness and his creature (man). This meant that the widow could not get justice under normal circumstances. However, we are told that the judge gave her speedy justice because of her persistent plea.
It was not his goodwill that brought justice to the widow but because the widow was a nuisance to him. If a poor widow got what she deserved from a judge, how much more will God’s children receive what is right from a loving heavenly father. Let us consider the fact that the woman was a stranger, but we are children of God and he cares for his children (Luke 11:13).
Furthermore, we not only have God’s unfailing promises, but we also have the Holy Spirit, who assists us in our prayers (Romans 8:26-27). The greatest contrast is that the widow came to a court of law but God’s children come to the throne of grace (Hebrew 4: 14-16). That should encourage us to pray. The judge rendered justice to the poor widow because he was afraid she would wear him out. God answers prayer for His glory and for our good and He is not bothered when we come.
We are told again that the judge delayed but the widow did not give up until justice was done her. “For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, ‘Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming’(Luke 18:4-5).
Remember that God’s delays are not delays of inactivity but of preparation. Indeed, God works in all things at all times, causing all things to work together to accomplish his purposes. The moment we send him a request that is in accordance with his will, God begins to work. We may not see it now but it shall come to pass. Habakkuk says, “though the vision may tarry, wait for it, it will surely come” (2:3).
In this month of the Rosary, let us ask our Mother to hold our hands and lead us gently to her son as we pray fervently. With her intercession we are assured of God’s support in all things.
AGORSOR AARON AGBESHIE
Theme: With Prayer All Things Are Possible
The readings for today’s Liturgy, especially the First and Gospel, invites us to a deep prayer life because with prayer all things are possible. We are invited, again, to let our prayer be action oriented and never lose heart under any circumstances even if it seems hopeless.
In the First Reading, we are told that the Israelites won a battle over the Amalekites due to a persistent and persevering prayer offered by Moses on behalf of God’s people with the help of Aaron and Hur. What really necessitated the battle with Amalek was the fact that the Israelites were attacked by them without any provocation. Perhaps the Amalekites were men of military might who saw the Israelites to be weak.
Moses was aware of the fact that the Amalekites were really strong. He could not sit down unconcerned. Therefore, he instructed Joshua to pick out men and engage Amalek while he stood on the hill top with the staff of God in his hand (Exodus 17:8-9). Moses believed in what he once said when he led the Israelites through the Red Sea that “The Lord will fight for you and you have only to keep still (Exodus 14:14).
Moses also demonstrated that prayer must necessarily be backed with action. Persistence and perseverance in prayer may often be uncomfortable but it yields a harvest of fruitfulness. Moses had to be in an uncomfortable situation together with Aaron and Hur. Indeed, they recognized that the battle was the Lord’s. A reliance on God as symbolized by the raising of Moses’ hands show that our God is a dependable companion and if we rely on Him, we will not be disappointed. Therefore, the Israelites won a resounding victory over the Amalekites despite their military might.
It is this faith in the power of God to do all things that is demonstrated in the Gospel reading of today. The Gospel Reading also teaches about persistence and persevering prayer. We are told that there was a widow in a certain city who wanted justice to be granted her against her enemies but the judge refused her this request “In that city, there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying ‘Grant me justice against my enemies’ For a while he refused…” (Luke 18:3-4a).
Women in the Jewish culture were not involved in the day to day decision making process. Their husbands spoke on their behalf. Therefore, to be a widow in such a society is to be in a hopeless situation. Jesus drew attention to her persistent attitude to have justice. In the same way with God all things are possible, even hopeless situations.
The Gospel Reading says: “In that city, there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people (Luke 18:2). It is obvious that goodness cannot flow from a judge who had no regard for God who is the source of all goodness and his creature (man). This meant that the widow could not get justice under normal circumstances. However, we are told that the judge gave her speedy justice because of her persistent plea.
It was not his goodwill that brought justice to the widow but because the widow was a nuisance to him. If a poor widow got what she deserved from a judge, how much more will God’s children receive what is right from a loving heavenly father. Let us consider the fact that the woman was a stranger, but we are children of God and he cares for his children (Luke 11:13).
Furthermore, we not only have God’s unfailing promises, but we also have the Holy Spirit, who assists us in our prayers (Romans 8:26-27). The greatest contrast is that the widow came to a court of law but God’s children come to the throne of grace (Hebrew 4: 14-16). That should encourage us to pray. The judge rendered justice to the poor widow because he was afraid she would wear him out. God answers prayer for His glory and for our good and He is not bothered when we come.
We are told again that the judge delayed but the widow did not give up until justice was done her. “For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, ‘Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming’(Luke 18:4-5).
Remember that God’s delays are not delays of inactivity but of preparation. Indeed, God works in all things at all times, causing all things to work together to accomplish his purposes. The moment we send him a request that is in accordance with his will, God begins to work. We may not see it now but it shall come to pass. Habakkuk says, “though the vision may tarry, wait for it, it will surely come” (2:3).
In this month of the Rosary, let us ask our Mother to hold our hands and lead us gently to her son as we pray fervently. With her intercession we are assured of God’s support in all things.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
HOMILY FOR THE 28TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
AGORSOR AARON AGBESHIE
2KINGS 5:14-17 / PSALM 98 / 2 TIMOTHY 2:8-13/ LUKE 17:11-19
THEME: INGRATITUDE IS A VICE
Our Liturgy for today draws attention to the need for us to show gratitude to God for his goodness to us.
Naman the Syrian in the First Reading shows us that in our bid to give gratitude to God for blessings he has bestow on us, we receive and everlasting gift; the gift of salvation. Naaman turned right around and asked for a gift for himself instead. “Give me two mule loads of dirt, for I want for I want to take that back to Damascus and there build an altar there for Yahweh.” Naaman identified the deity with the place where he was worshipped and to transfer the deity had to transfer the place (at least a portion of it) where he was worshipped. He did that because now he wants to be faithful to Yahweh.
The faith of the Christian is given him in Baptism in embryonic form and that faith must be nurtured and developed as Christian goes through life. A Christian does not do this all alone by himself, for no man is an island John Donne said long ago. He is helped by others in the community, who may not accept a gift from Naaman lest his faith suffers or as open as Naaman’s servant who told him where his faith was weak and needed a bit of shoring. The role played by the servant girl in bringing Naaman to faith in God is a symbol of how the Christian Community must help the weak in faith to come to believe in the person of Jesus himself in spite of the difficulties they go through. If a servant girl can lead her master to Jesus, what about us who by virtue of our baptism have become brothers and sisters in Christ? Remember that Jesus tells us that he no longer calls us servants but friends. Indeed, we have a greater responsibility because to him who much is given much is expected.
In the Gospel reading, Jesus teaches us the lesson of showing gratitude to God.
Every child of God should cultivate the grace of gratitude. It not only opens the heart to further blessings but glorifies and pleases the Father. An unthankful heart is fertile soil for all kinds of sins. The story of the ten lepers leaves much to be desired. Before we begin to condemn the nine lepers who did not come back to thank Jesus, what is our own “Gratitude Quotient?” How often do we take our blessings for granted and fail to thank the Lord? “Oh that man would praise the Lord the Lord for his goodness and for his wonderful works to the children of men” (Psalm 107:8, 15, 21, 31). Too often we are content to enjoy the gift but we forget the giver. We are quick to pray but slow to praise. Like Naaman in the First Reading, who receive a gift from God (the Gift of faith) because he showed gratitude, the Samaritan Leper who returned to show gratitude to Jesus received something greater than Physical healing: he was also saved from his sins. Jesus said, “Your faith has saved you”, the same words He spoke to the repentant woman who anointed His feet (Luke 7:50). The Samaritan nine friends were declared clean by the priest, but he was declared saved by the Son of God! While it is wonderful to experience the miracle of Physical healing, it is even more wonderful to experience the miracle of eternal salvation.
St Paul in the Second Reading gives a message of hope to all Christians who are suffering or undergoing persecution for the sake of their faith. For Paul, the best way to magnify Christ is through the ministry of the Word. Paul was bound, but God’s Word cannot be bound. No one can take our will captive; in the same way no one can imprison our desire to serve God. Paul’s admonishing to Timothy is full of paradoxes namely death leads to life; suffering leads to reigning in glory. Indeed, we have nothing to fear because even our doubt and unbelief cannot change Jesus. He remains faithful forever because He cannot deny himself. Let us not put faith in ourselves, possession, our feelings and the like because they will change and fail. Let us put our faith in Jesus the great missionary. J. Hudson Taylor, often said, “It is not by trying to be faithful , but in looking to the faithful one that we win the victory.”
In sum, prayer must have qualities such as these. Otherwise, Shakespeare will ring true again: “My words fly up, my thoughts remain below: Words, without thoughts, never to heaven go.” Our faith is strengthened through help from the Christian community. It will fill our lives with suffering and must fill our hearts with gratitude. In these ways, “shall live with him” now and hereafter.
2KINGS 5:14-17 / PSALM 98 / 2 TIMOTHY 2:8-13/ LUKE 17:11-19
THEME: INGRATITUDE IS A VICE
Our Liturgy for today draws attention to the need for us to show gratitude to God for his goodness to us.
Naman the Syrian in the First Reading shows us that in our bid to give gratitude to God for blessings he has bestow on us, we receive and everlasting gift; the gift of salvation. Naaman turned right around and asked for a gift for himself instead. “Give me two mule loads of dirt, for I want for I want to take that back to Damascus and there build an altar there for Yahweh.” Naaman identified the deity with the place where he was worshipped and to transfer the deity had to transfer the place (at least a portion of it) where he was worshipped. He did that because now he wants to be faithful to Yahweh.
The faith of the Christian is given him in Baptism in embryonic form and that faith must be nurtured and developed as Christian goes through life. A Christian does not do this all alone by himself, for no man is an island John Donne said long ago. He is helped by others in the community, who may not accept a gift from Naaman lest his faith suffers or as open as Naaman’s servant who told him where his faith was weak and needed a bit of shoring. The role played by the servant girl in bringing Naaman to faith in God is a symbol of how the Christian Community must help the weak in faith to come to believe in the person of Jesus himself in spite of the difficulties they go through. If a servant girl can lead her master to Jesus, what about us who by virtue of our baptism have become brothers and sisters in Christ? Remember that Jesus tells us that he no longer calls us servants but friends. Indeed, we have a greater responsibility because to him who much is given much is expected.
In the Gospel reading, Jesus teaches us the lesson of showing gratitude to God.
Every child of God should cultivate the grace of gratitude. It not only opens the heart to further blessings but glorifies and pleases the Father. An unthankful heart is fertile soil for all kinds of sins. The story of the ten lepers leaves much to be desired. Before we begin to condemn the nine lepers who did not come back to thank Jesus, what is our own “Gratitude Quotient?” How often do we take our blessings for granted and fail to thank the Lord? “Oh that man would praise the Lord the Lord for his goodness and for his wonderful works to the children of men” (Psalm 107:8, 15, 21, 31). Too often we are content to enjoy the gift but we forget the giver. We are quick to pray but slow to praise. Like Naaman in the First Reading, who receive a gift from God (the Gift of faith) because he showed gratitude, the Samaritan Leper who returned to show gratitude to Jesus received something greater than Physical healing: he was also saved from his sins. Jesus said, “Your faith has saved you”, the same words He spoke to the repentant woman who anointed His feet (Luke 7:50). The Samaritan nine friends were declared clean by the priest, but he was declared saved by the Son of God! While it is wonderful to experience the miracle of Physical healing, it is even more wonderful to experience the miracle of eternal salvation.
St Paul in the Second Reading gives a message of hope to all Christians who are suffering or undergoing persecution for the sake of their faith. For Paul, the best way to magnify Christ is through the ministry of the Word. Paul was bound, but God’s Word cannot be bound. No one can take our will captive; in the same way no one can imprison our desire to serve God. Paul’s admonishing to Timothy is full of paradoxes namely death leads to life; suffering leads to reigning in glory. Indeed, we have nothing to fear because even our doubt and unbelief cannot change Jesus. He remains faithful forever because He cannot deny himself. Let us not put faith in ourselves, possession, our feelings and the like because they will change and fail. Let us put our faith in Jesus the great missionary. J. Hudson Taylor, often said, “It is not by trying to be faithful , but in looking to the faithful one that we win the victory.”
In sum, prayer must have qualities such as these. Otherwise, Shakespeare will ring true again: “My words fly up, my thoughts remain below: Words, without thoughts, never to heaven go.” Our faith is strengthened through help from the Christian community. It will fill our lives with suffering and must fill our hearts with gratitude. In these ways, “shall live with him” now and hereafter.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
HOMILY FOR THE TWENTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C
AGORSOR AARON AGBESHIE
HABAKKUK 1:2-3;2:2-4/ PSALM 95/ 2TIMOTHY 1:6-8, 13-14/ LUKE 17:5-10
THEME: OUR FAITH MUST BE QUALITATIVE
In our Liturgy for today, we are invited to develop a qualitative faith in God. This is because faith gives us a new vision of the world. Without it we see only the darker side of life. Indeed, we become slaves to our fears and anxieties. It is faith which liberates us and makes us see the Spirit of power and love at work in our lives. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Faith is a theological virtue by which we believe in God and believe all that he has said and revealed to us and that Holy Church proposes for our belief, because he is truth itself. The Church does not impose faith issues on us. This means that each one of us must strive to build his or her faith. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses are examples of Faith (Hebrews 11).
In the First Reading, the believer is impatient with God: “How Long, Yahweh am I to cry for help while you will not listen (Hab. 1:2)?” the believer sees injustice, tyranny, and violence. He sees all things, which come from foreign oppression and he believes that Yahweh stands by idly, will do nothing to right these wrongs. This is the complaint the believer has. God’s mill grinds slowly but with certainty. Yahweh answers the faithless believer “Write the vision down; inscribe it on tablets to be easily read, since this vision is for its own time only” (2:2-4).Qualitative faith has some characteristics:
The first is man’s realization that he is utterly dependent upon God for the good results of his deeds. As a school of thought once said ‘Work as if everything depended upon you; trust as if everything depended upon God.’ In order to speed up the plan of God we must cooperate.
The second quality of faith is that God alone knows man’s mind better than man does. If that is the case, then man should allow God to make the final decision in human affairs and should be patient with God until that decision is made. Such also was the philosophy of Mahatma Ghandi who said “God alone knows the mind of a person and the duty of God is to act as he is directed by his inner voice.
The Psalmist reminds us of the fact that it was due to the faithlessness of the Israelites that God was not pleased with them; that they did not see the Promised Land. That is how it will be for us if we do not have faith in God, we will not realize our destiny. We will miss every opportunity.
In the Gospel reading, the servant does the ploughing, and herding of sheep. When he returns, the master does not tell him to sit down and take it easy. He tells him, “Prepare my supper” and washes the dishes. St. Luke is by no means intimating that the master is a slave driver, but rather telling us subtly that the servant’s work is never finished. So it is with the work of the Priests and other Christians. They must constantly work to spread abroad Jesus’ Gospel in the Christian community. Indeed God owes us nothing for living good, Christian lives. His favours and blessings are matters of grace, they cannot be earned. We cannot even meet the basic requirement of discipleship from our own goodness and strength. Only through faith can we do what is required of us. Thus you can now understand why the disciples asked for an increase in faith.
In the second reading, Paul tells Timothy: “Guard the treasure put into your charge.” The treasure is the content of the deposit of faith handed onto us by our ancestors, the Apostles. In the same way Priests and Laity are to guard the treasure of faith given to them. Especially in these days, when much is changing in our Church and in our society at large; in this era of moral decadence, the Church must continue to be the conscience of society. Indeed, our understanding of that tradition may have to be purified, and then that purified treasure is to be handed on to posterity for guidance and their faith.
In these two lessons, we see that faith (a faith that is patient with Yahweh as Habakkuk draws our attention to and that is stirred up into liveliness as emphasized by Timothy is of primal importance. The Gospel affirms it when it begins with these words: “Lord, increase our faith.” What brought about the request of the Apostles? It was because Jesus asked to forgive one another as often as possible (Luke 17:3-4).The Apostles see the importance of faith and ask for more faith in order to fulfill this Christian obligation; the obligation to forgive one another even when in the sight of men it does not make sense. Jesus answers them, “If you had faith as small as a mustard seed you can do greater things. What Jesus emphasizes in this point is the fact that it is quality that counts and not quantity. Our faith, therefore, must be qualitative.
HABAKKUK 1:2-3;2:2-4/ PSALM 95/ 2TIMOTHY 1:6-8, 13-14/ LUKE 17:5-10
THEME: OUR FAITH MUST BE QUALITATIVE
In our Liturgy for today, we are invited to develop a qualitative faith in God. This is because faith gives us a new vision of the world. Without it we see only the darker side of life. Indeed, we become slaves to our fears and anxieties. It is faith which liberates us and makes us see the Spirit of power and love at work in our lives. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Faith is a theological virtue by which we believe in God and believe all that he has said and revealed to us and that Holy Church proposes for our belief, because he is truth itself. The Church does not impose faith issues on us. This means that each one of us must strive to build his or her faith. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses are examples of Faith (Hebrews 11).
In the First Reading, the believer is impatient with God: “How Long, Yahweh am I to cry for help while you will not listen (Hab. 1:2)?” the believer sees injustice, tyranny, and violence. He sees all things, which come from foreign oppression and he believes that Yahweh stands by idly, will do nothing to right these wrongs. This is the complaint the believer has. God’s mill grinds slowly but with certainty. Yahweh answers the faithless believer “Write the vision down; inscribe it on tablets to be easily read, since this vision is for its own time only” (2:2-4).Qualitative faith has some characteristics:
The first is man’s realization that he is utterly dependent upon God for the good results of his deeds. As a school of thought once said ‘Work as if everything depended upon you; trust as if everything depended upon God.’ In order to speed up the plan of God we must cooperate.
The second quality of faith is that God alone knows man’s mind better than man does. If that is the case, then man should allow God to make the final decision in human affairs and should be patient with God until that decision is made. Such also was the philosophy of Mahatma Ghandi who said “God alone knows the mind of a person and the duty of God is to act as he is directed by his inner voice.
The Psalmist reminds us of the fact that it was due to the faithlessness of the Israelites that God was not pleased with them; that they did not see the Promised Land. That is how it will be for us if we do not have faith in God, we will not realize our destiny. We will miss every opportunity.
In the Gospel reading, the servant does the ploughing, and herding of sheep. When he returns, the master does not tell him to sit down and take it easy. He tells him, “Prepare my supper” and washes the dishes. St. Luke is by no means intimating that the master is a slave driver, but rather telling us subtly that the servant’s work is never finished. So it is with the work of the Priests and other Christians. They must constantly work to spread abroad Jesus’ Gospel in the Christian community. Indeed God owes us nothing for living good, Christian lives. His favours and blessings are matters of grace, they cannot be earned. We cannot even meet the basic requirement of discipleship from our own goodness and strength. Only through faith can we do what is required of us. Thus you can now understand why the disciples asked for an increase in faith.
In the second reading, Paul tells Timothy: “Guard the treasure put into your charge.” The treasure is the content of the deposit of faith handed onto us by our ancestors, the Apostles. In the same way Priests and Laity are to guard the treasure of faith given to them. Especially in these days, when much is changing in our Church and in our society at large; in this era of moral decadence, the Church must continue to be the conscience of society. Indeed, our understanding of that tradition may have to be purified, and then that purified treasure is to be handed on to posterity for guidance and their faith.
In these two lessons, we see that faith (a faith that is patient with Yahweh as Habakkuk draws our attention to and that is stirred up into liveliness as emphasized by Timothy is of primal importance. The Gospel affirms it when it begins with these words: “Lord, increase our faith.” What brought about the request of the Apostles? It was because Jesus asked to forgive one another as often as possible (Luke 17:3-4).The Apostles see the importance of faith and ask for more faith in order to fulfill this Christian obligation; the obligation to forgive one another even when in the sight of men it does not make sense. Jesus answers them, “If you had faith as small as a mustard seed you can do greater things. What Jesus emphasizes in this point is the fact that it is quality that counts and not quantity. Our faith, therefore, must be qualitative.
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