24TH TUESDAY HOMILY IN THE ORDINARY TIME: YEAR A

24TH TUESDAY HOMILY IN THE ORDINARY TIME: YEAR A

HOMILY THEME: THE POWER AND COMPASSION OF JESUS

BY: Fr. Isaac Awe

1 Tim 3:1-13; Psalm 100(101):1-3, 5-6; Luke 7:11-17

Are we compassionate with our powers or oppressive? Is our power giving life or taking life? Are we joy-givers and sorrow- givers? Jesus combined both power and mercy to sustain and revive life since he came to give us life. The scriptures make clear that God takes no pleasure in the death of anyone ( Ezekiel 33:11) , he desires life, not death. Jesus is Lord not only of the living but of the dead as well.

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How do we respond to the misfortunes of others? In a number of places the gospel records that Jesus was “moved to the depths of his heart” when he met with individuals and with groups of people. Our modern use of the word “compassion” doesn’t fully convey the deeper meaning of the original Hebrew word which expresses heart-felt “sympathy” and personal identification with the suffering person’s grief and physical condition.

Why was Jesus so moved on this occasion when he met a widow and a crowded funeral procession on their way to the cemetery? Jesus not only grieved the untimely death of a young man, but he showed the depth of his concern for the woman who lost not only her husband, but her only child as well. The only secure means of welfare in biblical times was one’s family. This woman had lost not only her loved ones, but her future security and livelihood as well.

If as leaders we are full of impeccable characters as stated in the first reading , then our power will be prompted with mercy and not oppression in order to cherish life. The saints we celebrate today gave all to testify to the mercy and power of the risen lord.

Reflection : Do we trust in the Lord Jesus to give us abundant life and everlasting hope in the face of life’s trials, misfortunes, and moments of despair?

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, your healing presence brings life and restores us to wholeness of mind, body, and spirit. Speak your word to us and give us renewed hope, strength, and courage to follow you in the midst of life’s sorrows and joys. Amen

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