19TH WEDNESDAY HOMILY IN ORDINARY TIME — YEAR B
19TH WEDNESDAY HOMILY IN ORDINARY TIME — YEAR B
HOMILY THEME: “FOR WHERE TWO OR THREE GATHER IN MY NAME, I SHALL BE THERE WITH THEM.”
BY: Bishop Anthony Ewherido
Ezek 9:1-7,; 10:18-22; Psalm 112(113):1-6; Matt 18:15-20
Ezekiel received a scroll of lamentation, moaning and wailings in yesterday’s reading, signaling God’s judgment for Israel’s infidelity. Today’s visual oracle of judgment on Israel details the emptiness in her faith confession, which precludes the continued dwelling of God’s glory amongst them, or even in the temple. God dwells in the praises of his people, in our hearts, not buildings and monuments. Without room in us, God’s glory departs.
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The gospel focuses on reconciliation and authority in the community. Instead of gossip and backbiting, people should address differences directly; individually, in group or as church, that is, community. Penalizing unrepentant sinners must be a last resort. That community’s decision would be binding because her bidding would be heavens bidding. Jesus’ last saying powerfully supports the gathering of this community; whether for liturgy or prayer and fellowship. Christ is at the center and heart of such gatherings. And whatever they agree upon together is granted unto them. Coming together for worship and prayer remains an essential part of Christian heritage. It is wrong to simply think that we can worship God individually and so reject community worship as irrelevant. What drives such a community is love and the exemplification of Christian love by St. Maximillian, whose feast we celebrate today, deserves special mention. He teaches us at least four characteristics of love, namely, courage, generosity, selflessness, and a holistic view of human existence. The life of St. Maximillian was a testament of faith, trust and love. His faith never wavered all the time he was incarcerated; neither was his trust in God’s loving care compromised. Then in the thick of things, when he was offered freedom, he freely chose not to be freed, but rather, to die in place of another, whose life was spared, and freed for his family. His selfless love, after the example of Jesus, exemplifies what the Lord expects of us. He demands that we manifest his sacrificial love for us in our dealings with others. Only with generosity of heart could Maximillian replace another with himself through the ultimate gift of his life. Without selflessness, he would have speedily embraced the offer to free him unreservedly. Lastly, because he knew that what was lost in the flesh will be gained in the spirit, his more holistic view of life enabled him to know that his death would bring about communion with Christ in heaven. Maximillian loved as Christ loves us. True love hurts and demands sacrifice. It makes us vulnerable and does not count its cost. True love is Godly.
Lord, teach us to love like you. Amen.
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