19TH SUNDAY HOMILY IN THE ORDINARY TIME: YEAR C
19TH SUNDAY HOMILY IN THE ORDINARY TIME: YEAR C
HOMILY THEME: PREPARING FOR ETERNITY THROUGH ACTS OF KINDNESS
BY: Fr. Anthony O. Ezeaputa, MA
Wisdom 18:6-9, Hebrews 11:1-2.8-19, Luke 12:32-48
In today’s Gospel passage (Luke 12:32-48), Jesus invites us to be ready for his return. He uses powerful imagery—treasure in heaven, servants awaiting their master’s return, the unexpected burglar, and faithful versus unfaithful stewards—to convey the right mindset as we await his return.
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This theme of preparation takes an intriguing turn when Jesus connects readiness for his return with the practice of radical generosity and almsgiving. The roadmap is clear: sell what you have and distribute it to those in need, invest in eternal treasure, guard against earthly attachments, and align your hearts with your values (Luke 12:33).
A question naturally arises: what’s the connection between almsgiving and preparing for the second coming? The connection is traceable to the Jewish tradition of atonement, particularly in the observance of “Yom Kippur,” the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:1-34).
Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the year in Judaism. Its central themes are atonement and repentance. Jews typically mark it with an all-day fast, confession, and fervent prayer, often spending most of the day in synagogue. On this day, the high priest enters the Holy of Holies and sprinkles the blood of a sacrificial bull onto the “mercy seat,” the lid of the Ark of the Covenant.
Israelites believe that God sits on the mercy seat, and when the high priest sprinkles the blood on it, God dispenses mercy, forgiveness, righteousness, and justice to them. The mercy seat represented a place of divine mercy and, through the ritual of atonement (making things right), restored relationships and purity for the people.
The message of Yom Kippur is that sins can only be atoned for, and transgressions can be forgiven through this sacred ritual. But waiting an entire year for atonement can be a long wait. Nevertheless, through almsgiving, the essence of Yom Kippur is lived out daily, allowing us to continually seek forgiveness and righteousness before God and humanity.
It means that almsgiving is directly comparable to the high priest entering the Holy of Holies and sprinkling the blood of the sacrificed bull on the mercy seat. Not only do we care for the poor when we give alms, but we also atone for our sins and are made righteous before God and man.
It is within this context that Jesus instructs his disciples to “sell your belongings and give alms” (Luke 12:33). He was echoing the spirit of Yom Kippur. Almsgiving becomes our means of atonement (making things right) and accumulating heavenly treasures that endure forever.
Joseph had struggled with feelings of guilt and shame for his past business dealings. One day, he met a poor widow named Ruth who was struggling to make ends meet. Moved by her plight, Joseph began to secretly provide for her needs, giving her food, clothing, and shelter.
As he continued to serve Ruth, Joseph noticed a change within himself. He felt a weight lifting off his shoulders, and his heart began to heal. He realized that his acts of charity were not only helping Ruth but also cleansing his heart.
Joseph’s actions mirrored the high priest’s ritual on Yom Kippur. His almsgiving was a means of atonement, making him righteous before God and man. He teaches us that charity is also about our own spiritual growth and purification as we await the Lord’s return.
Today, let’s make a conscious decision to start giving to those who need it most. Let’s not be like the rich fool who hoards everything for himself, only to lose it all (Luke 12:13-21). Instead, let’s offer our acts of kindness and generosity as a sacrifice to God and atonement for our sins.
When we provide to the poor or donate to charity, it’s like offering a sacrifice on the altar. As Jesus said, “When you did it to one of the least of these, you did it to me” (Matthew 25:40). Let’s start building up treasures in heaven that will bring us joy for eternity. Amen.
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