Saturday, August 27, 2011

Homily for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A Jeremiah 20:7-9/ Psalm 63/ Romans 12:1-2/ Matthew 16:21-27

THEME: THE PARADOX OF PAIN

Everyone, sooner or later, in varying degrees suffers. The pain flows from loneliness, isolation, uselessness, loss, abandonment, failure, sickness and death. We all go through a period of desolation and such periods can either draw us closer to God or lead us farther away from God.


In the First reading, in boldly terms, Jeremiah’s lament expresses the deep anguish every man feels when he experiences pain. Jeremiah feels seduced and deceived as he suffers insult and derision. He is a laughing stock among his contemporary. There are moments he toys with the idea of giving up but always remain faithful to his prophetic calling. He complained, “O Lord, you have enticed me and I was enticed; you have overpowered me, and you have prevailed. I have become a laughing stock all day long; everyone mocks me” (Jeremiah 20:7). I guess Jeremiah was fascinated by who God is and he could not resist it.



The reason for Jeremiah’s frustration was that he had been sent “… to root up and to tear down, to build and to plant” (Jeremiah 1:10). What broke the Carmel’s back was the fact that Jeremiah had only started out on his mission. He had not made any significant strides. Here he was despairing. Failure was staring him in the face because according to human standards, he has failed. It is against this background that he cries unto the Lord. He says “… for the Word of God has become for me a reproach and derision all day” (Jeremiah 20:8b).


The Word of God has become a reproach and derision to Jeremiah because his contemporaries who are false prophets are prophesying hope but anything that comes out of Jeremiah’s mouth is destruction. Human as he is, he is tempted not to prophesy but like he says, “ If I say, ‘ I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name, then within me there is something like a burning fire shut up in my bones. I am weary with holding it in and I cannot (Jeremiah 20:9).



No matter what people say about us; no matter how we wish to do our o
wn will, we can only find true peace when we present ourselves as living sacrifice to God. St. Paul mentions three important elements that will aid us in having a fruitful relationship with God namely our body, our mind and our will.



Offering our bodies as living sacrifices presupposes that we have yielded our bodies to sinful desires. The body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and so when we yield our bodies as living sacrifice; it means that for us, everyday is a worship experience when our bodies are yielded to God. The verb “present” is a once and for all action, an action that has an enduring effect.


We are also supposed to give our mind to God. So Paul says, “Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your minds…” (Romans 12:2). The world wants to control our minds especially when speak against the follies and foibles in our society. If the world controls your thinking then you are a conformer; if God controls your thinking, you are a transformer.


In the will of God, we find our true peace. Paul says, “… be transformed by the renewal of your mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God- what is good and acceptable and perfect” ( Romans 12:2). Your mind controls your body and your will controls your mind. Many people think that they can control their will by will power but usually they fail. It is only when we yield the will to God that His power can take over and give us the will power that we need to be victorious Christians.



In the Gospel reading of today, Jesus demonstrates to us that even though we are assailed by challenges in our quest to do his will our pain can be meaningful if only we recognize that what gives fullness of meaning to the cross is to carry it behind Jesus, not in a journey of anguished solitude, hopeless wandering or rebellion, but rather in a journey sustained and nourished by the presence of the Lord. Jesus asks us to courageously choose a life similar to his own. Those who would follow Jesus cannot avoid suffering. God's ways are not our ways ... today we are encouraged to conform our ways to God's. Jesus presented his body as a living sacrifice; his mind was one with his Father and he submitted his will totally to God even to the point of dying; dying on the cross (Philippians 2:5-11).



Like Peter, Jesus will call us Satan because we fail everyday to submit our body, our mind and will to him. It must be emphasised that our suffering can only be meaningful if daily we submit to Jesus. You cannot submit today and like Peter become a stumbling block tomorrow. Let us join the Psalmist in saying “ O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you as in dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you” (Psalm 63:1-3).



In sum, today, the cross is an accepted symbol of love and sacrifice. But in the days of Jesus, it was a horrible means of capital punishment. To deny oneself means to give oneself totally to Christ and share in his suffering; it means to identify with Christ in His rejection, shame, suffering and death. Man must expect to meet God at the centre of his pain. This demands courage not to take the easy way out, nor pick the comfortable but destructive option when the alternative hurts but heals. This is the Paradox of pain.

Friday, August 19, 2011

Homily for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A Isaiah 22:19-23/ Psalm 138/ Romans 11:33-36/ Matthew 16:13-20

THEME: Exercise your ministry in love and sincerity.

Last week Sunday, St. Paul reminded all Christians that the God’s call and gifts are irrevocable. God chooses us in our human imperfections and strengthens us for mission. However, when God empowers us for His work, some of us easily forget our past and even have the audacity to want to usurp God’s authority. The readings for today call on every Christian to exercise his or her ministry in love and sincerity.


The first reading forms part of the book of the Prophet Isaiah which is called the book of judgment. Isaiah reminds all who hold positions of importance especially spiritual positions and who arrogate to themselves certain privileges that make them demy- gods to beware because their fall is imminent. Isaiah told Shebna “The Lord will remove you from office and bring you down from your high position” (Isaiah 22:19). Like God did to Shebna, He is doing same to many men of God today.


As if that is not enough, “The Lord said to Shebna when that happens, I will send for my servant Eliakim son of Hilkiah. I will put your official robe and belt on him and give him all the authority you had. He will be like a father to the people of Jerusalem and Judah” (Isaiah 22:20-21). It is interesting to note that in our pride, we forget the God who has made us what we are is able to take that glory and our ending becomes worsened than the first.


In the light of this, the Psalmist is right when it says, “For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly; but the haughty he perceives from far away” (Psalm 138:6). Therefore, God’s purposes are not defeated through the infidelity of his human instruments. God can replace a faithless agent by another who is faithful to him.


In the second reading, St. Paul as a theologian confesses the inadequacy of his work. He says, “O the depth of the riches and wisdom of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and inscrutable his ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor” (Romans 11:33-34)? St. Paul was overwhelmed at the riches and wisdom of God and he draws the attention of all in positions of importance to be humble to draw from this fountain of wisdom. Like Shebna in the first reading, any leader especially in the household of God who fails to acknowledge the depth of God’s wisdom will be stripped of his position and reduced to nothing for who are we to dictate to God what He should do?


Again, by asking all these questions, St. Paul is humbled by the fact that God has condescend so low in order to make men the dispensers of His mysteries. This should make all religious leaders humble and avoid the tendency of making themselves celebrities in the household of God.


The foundation of the Church is dependent on Peter’s confession at Caesarea Philippi. Jesus took his disciples to a Gentile territory, in a region of Caesarea Philippi. They were about 120 miles from Jerusalem in the northern part of Palestine. The region was strongly identified with various religions: it has been a center for Baal worship. It was in the midst of this pagan superstition that Peter confessed Jesus as the Son of God. And it was probably within sight of Caesar’s temple that Jesus announced a surprise: He would not yet establish His Kingdom, but He would build His Church.


I am wondering why Jesus will ask such a question in a pagan dominated territory. What answer was he expecting? Jesus wanted to make the disciples aware of the fact that a true experience of him is not dependent on popular opinion but a right confession of who he is. This is basic to salvation. One thing is clear: we can never make a true decision about Jesus Christ by opinion polls even though some men of God do. The important thing is not what others say but what you and I personally say about Jesus. The decisions of the crowd can never be a substitute for personal decisions about who Jesus is.


In today's Gospel we also hear of the keys to the kingdom of heaven. The image of the keys is probably drawn from today's first reading from Isaiah 22:15-25 where Eliakim, who succeeds Shebnah as master of the palace, is given "the key of the house of David," which he authoritatively "opens" and "shuts" (Isaiah 22:22).
Like Eliakim, Jesus assured Peter “And so I tell you, Peter: you are rock and on this foundation I will build my Church and not even death will ever be able to overcome it” (Matthew 16:18). In the midst of the challenges of the Church today, let us take heart and realize that Peter is given the keys that unlock the gates of heaven. Our faith assures us that Hell will not prevail against the church because God will be powerfully at work in it, revealing his purposes for it and imparting the heavenly power to fulfill these purposes.


Everyone at some stage must come to Caesarea Philippi and answer the question, "You, who do you, say I am?" Where are the Caesarea Philippi places in my life where I have been challenged to identify Christ for whom he really is for me, for the Church and for the world?


In sum, I am on my way to Caesarea Philippi to answer Jesus because no follower of Jesus can escape the question that Jesus asks today: “Who do you say that I am?” We have to answer individually. No one can do it for us. We can only answer this question with Peter’s faith namely sincerity and Love for, sincerity and love are the foundation upon which our Church is built. Jesus is waiting for you.

Friday, August 12, 2011

Homily for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A Isaiah 56:1, 6-7/ Psalm 67/ Romans 11:13-15, 29-32/ Matthew 15:21-28 THE

THEME: The universal call to salvation


Religious people of all persuasions have always had problems with those not of their persuasion. Jews at the time of Jesus and Christians now, Protestants and Catholics alike, seem rather particular about those to whom they are willing to grant salvation. The readings of today bring to the fore the universalism of God’s saving works.


It is important to put the first reading into its proper context so that we can better appreciate it. The Book of the Prophet Isaiah is divided into three sections namely: First Isaiah which is called the Book of Judgment (Isaiah 1-39) ; Deutero (Second) Isaiah which is also called the Book of Consolation ( Isaiah 40-55)and Trito(Third Isaiah) which is also called the Book of Restoration (Isaiah 56-66).


The first reading is taken from the book of restoration (Isaiah 56-66). The Israelites have just returned from exile and they had to deal with an acute practical problem arising after the return and the restoration of the Temple. This chapter is a prophecy foreshadowing the universalism of the Gospel. Isaiah says “Thus says the Lord, maintain justice and do what is right for soon my salvation will come and my deliverance be revealed” (Isaiah 56:1). The salvation Isaiah is talking about now is one which is universal in character and not the sole preserve of the Jews.


All the discrimination that characterized Israel before they went into exile as regards temple worship was to end with the advent of the returned exile. Foreigners and eunuchs were not allowed to enter certain places in the temple because it was the preserve of the Israelites, the chosen people. Thus the Lord says “ And foreigners who join themselves to the Lord, to minister to him, to love the name of the Lord, and to be his servants, all who keep the Sabbath and do not profane it, and hold fast my covenant; these I will bring to my holy mountain and make them joyful in my house of prayer…” (Isaiah 56:6-7).



The universal aspect of God’s salvation is made explicit when God says that the burnt offering and sacrifices of foreigners will be acceptable on His altar “For my house shall be called my house of prayer for all people” (Isaiah 56:7). Rejoicing in being a member of a redeemed people was one thing. Using that prerogative as an excuse for excluding others from salvation was something else. Today’s reading seem to indicate that there is no basis whatsoever in God’s mind for such parochialism. Thank God our Church is Catholic which means universal. It is a Church which excludes no one.



In the Gospel reading, Jesus who is a perfect revealer of God fulfills the mission of his father that salvation is for all people of all persuasions. It is the pagan, a Canaanite lady of the Gospel who is the star of today’s liturgy. She is definitely not a Jew; but she is a human being, a mother possessed of the best human virtues, compassion, persistence and the like. It is not her religious persuasion which wins Jesus admiration but her faith in Jesus. Jesus told her “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish” (Matthew 15:28).


Non- Christians may not have a personal knowledge of Jesus Christ; they may not possess the fullness of truth, but if they “Keep justice and do righteous,” (Isaiah 56:1), if they recognize their dependence on God and trust Him and treat their neighbor with compassion; above all, if they honestly and sincerely follow the directions of their consciences, God’s salvation will come; His deliverance will be revealed. Karl Rahner, one of the greatest theologians of our Church calls them “Anonymous Christians,” Christians whom God uses for his own good purposes.



It is interesting to note that God has not revealed much about the fate of people who die without baptism; but three very consoling truths can be distilled from the Bible namely: God wills and desires all men to be saved; Jesus died for all men; no one is lost or condemned except through free, deliberate, malicious rejection of God’s love.


The second reading affirms the fact that God salvation is for all. St. Paul says that “For the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable” (Romans 11:29). By the death of Jesus on the cross, everybody is a potential witness to Christ. “Because of the unbelief of the Jews, you Gentiles were saved,” said Paul. “Now, may it be that through your salvation Israel will come to know Christ” (Romans 11:30-32). It must be emphasised that Paul repeatedly reminded the saved Gentiles that they have a spiritual obligation to Israel to “provoke them to jealousy”
The same is true for us Christians. Instead of becoming a stumbling block to people who desire salvation, let our Christian life provoke them to jealousy; a kind of jealousy that will draw them a little closer to their salvation.


Some of us behave as if it is we who have the right to be saved. As a result, we think that others do not matter. God is, indeed, not pleased with such attitudes. Let us repent because we know today that salvation is universal. If you want to be saved, then you have the responsibility to bring others to the fold. Be on your guard against anything that threatens the universal nature of salvation.



In conclusion, the purpose of the universality of God’s salvation is so that all nations will praise Him. The Responsorial Psalm should fascinate every Christian not become a stumbling block on the way of anyone who desires to become a part of the people of God. “May God be gracious to us and bless us and His face to shine upon us that your way may be known upon earth, your saving power among all nations” (Psalm 67:1-2). Go fulfill this mission of God that all nations may recognize God’s saving works and praise Him

Friday, August 5, 2011

Homily for 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A 1Kings 19:9a, 11-13a/ Psalm 85/ Romans 9:1-5/Matt 14:22-33 THEME: The storm is over now

The readings of today brings to sharp focus the challenges that God’s chosen instrument face in their bid to carry out the mission entrusted to them by God. We see a prophet’s depression in Elijah; an Apostle’s grief in Paul and a disciple’s fear in Peter.
In the first reading, we see a prophet who is depressed as a result of an attack on his life by Jezebel. Elijah was depressed so much so that he wished himself dead. His depression even clouded his vision and perception of a faithful God. This is realised in the answer he gave God when God asked what he was doing on the mountain. The answer Elijah gave leaves much to be desired. In fact, he did not answer the question but complained by saying “I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of host; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left and they are seeking my life to take it away” (1Kings 19:10).
The fact that we are chosen instruments of God’s grace or sons and daughters of God does not mean that it is going to be all rosy. Perhaps, Elijah felt that he should not go through these difficulties after doing the will of God. He was, therefore, depressed to realise that a woman was seeking her life after his victory over the prophets of Baal at Mount Carmel. Like Elijah, many of us are depressed, fatigued, and afraid because of imminent failures in life. We easily forget about the successes that God has enabled us to accomplish. Sometimes, when we are at the verge of success that is when we begin to lose faith in God. We are assured of the fact that the storm is over now.
To prove to Elijah that the storm is indeed over, God told Elijah “Go and stand on the mountain before the Lord” (1Kings 19:11). There was a great wind, and then an earthquake, then a fire but God was not found in them. There was “a sound of sheer silence” (1Kings 19:12). It was in this silence that Elijah found God. This is to tell us that we cannot find God when all we do is to complain and complain. We will find Him in our silence. So Blessed Teresa of Blessed memory is right when she says “It was when I discovered my true self that I found God. Our self- discovery must aid us rise above the storms in our lives.
What happened to Elijah happens to us, especially when we pay much more attention to negative events than to all the good things that are happening around us. It happens when we are very hard on ourselves, and take ourselves too seriously, and God not seriously enough! God intervened in Elijah's state and reminded him that his vision of life, his understanding of events, and his view of God were terribly distorted. Elijah did not know that God was present even in his seemingly hopeless situation. So is God present in our daily struggles, anxieties and fears.
Today's second reading (Romans 9:1-5) presents us with Paul, a man who had an unbelievable willingness to be sacrificed for his people. He was willing to be accursed, separated from Christ, if it would save his people. He was willing to swap his salvation for their doom if it would lead to their salvation. Paul felt the deepest emotion, love, and concern for his own people. Paul addresses himself to the essential question of how the divine plan could be frustrated by Israel's unbelief.
Paul’s decision to sacrifice his own salvation for his brothers and sisters stems from his grief for a people who have all the channel’s to be saved but have just refused to acknowledge it. Whereas Elijah wished that God takes his life, Paul wishes to sacrifice his salvation for his people. How many of us will do this?
In the Gospel reading, Jesus demonstrates to us that he is even closer to us in our troubled state than we can think about or imagine. Jesus demonstrates to every Christian that He has not come to promise us a problem free Christianity but He promises us a safe landing. St. Paul is right when he says that “I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is about to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18).
Many Christians have the mistaken idea that obedience to God’s will produces “smooth sailing.” This is not true. “In the world you shall have tribulations,” Jesus promised (John 16:33). When we find ourselves in the storm because we have obeyed the Lord, we must remember that He brought us here and he can care for us. this calls for rejoicing in the heart of every Christian.

In conclusion, how timely is today’ Gospel for us all. The boat is the Church which Jesus has launched on a voyage through time. It is often beaten by waves, for the wind is against it. We are tempted again and again to cry out for fear. But the voice of Jesus is there, ringing through the storms “Take heart, it is l, have no fear.” Our faith does not rest on the wisdom, the competence and the intelligence of our leaders. It rests on Jesus Christ; on his presence in the Church. He assures us that the storm is over now. What is the storm in your life? He is waiting for u