17TH THURSDAY HOMILY OF THE ORDINARY TIME: YEAR A
17TH THURSDAY HOMILY OF THE ORDINARY TIME: YEAR A
HOMILY THEME: THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN AMONG US!
BY: Fr Deotacious Chikontwe SMA
INTRODUCTION
My dear friends in Christ,
Today’s readings give us two wonderful pictures that help us understand God’s presence and His Kingdom.
ABOUT THE FIRST READING
From our first reading, we see Moses building a special tent called the Tabernacle. It was carefully put together just as God commanded. And when it was done, God’s glory filled it. This isn’t just a story about a tent; it tells us that God wants to be with His people. He doesn’t stay far away; He wants to be close to us, guiding us and living among us, just like the cloud and fire guided the Israelites.
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ABOUT THE GOSPEL READING
In our gospel reading, Jesus uses a simple everyday image: a fishing net. He says the Kingdom of Heaven is like a net thrown into the sea that catches all kinds of fish. This means God’s invitation is for everyone, good and bad. The net brings everyone in. But then, when the net is pulled to shore, “they sit down and put the good fish into baskets and throw the bad away.”
This part isn’t meant to scare us. It’s a gentle reminder that while God invites everyone, there will be a time when our lives and choices will be seen clearly. It asks us to look at our own lives. Are we trying to be “good fish,” living the way God wants us to? Are we letting God change us and make us better?
Old and New Treasures
Jesus then talks about a householder, someone who runs a home, who brings out “what is new and what is old” from his storeroom. This is like a wise teacher, or a wise follower of Jesus. It shows us how rich God’s teachings are. We hold onto the old, unchanging truths of our faith, just like the Israelites held onto God’s presence in the Tabernacle. But we also embrace the new ways God shows us His love and mercy, the new ways His Spirit works in our world today.
*What Does This Mean for Us?
So, what do these stories mean for you and me right now?*
First, like the Israelites with the Tabernacle, we need to remember that God is with us. He’s in our churches, yes, but also in our homes, in our families, in our communities, and especially in those who are struggling. Do we make space for Him? Do we invite Him into our everyday lives?
Second, like the fishing net, we are reminded that God’s Kingdom includes everyone, but it also calls us to a higher way of living. God’s love reaches out to all, but this love also asks us to live a good and holy life. It’s not enough just to be “caught in the net”; we are called to be changed by meeting God.
CONCLUSION
Finally, like the wise householder, we are called to value both the old and new parts of our faith. We get strength from the rich history of our faith, the wisdom passed down through generations, and the never-changing truths of the Gospel. But we also stay open to new ideas, new challenges, and new ways to share God’s love in our changing world. We are called to be creative, caring, and brave in how we show our faith.
Let’s strive to build God’s presence in our lives and in the world, just like Moses built the Tabernacle. Let’s aim to live holy lives, like the good fish, knowing we are meant to be with God forever. And let’s be ready to share the wonderful gifts of faith, both old and new, for God’s glory and for everyone’s good.
Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Pray for Us
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