CYCLE II: HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 14TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME (2)
Although our sins have been forgiven, however, the stains, patches, dents and wounds imprinted as a result of those sins remain, and can only be removed through certain punishments or acts of purification either here on earth, or in purgatory
CYCLE II: HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 14TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
HOMILY THEME: UNWORTHY MAN, GOD’S WORTHY TOOL
BY: Rev. Fr. Jacob Aondover ATSU
HOMILY: MEMORIAL OF SAINT BENEDICT, ABBOT
READINGS: ISAIAH 6:1-8, PSALM 93, MATTHEW 10:24-33
Acknowledging our unworthiness and sinfulness before God is needful. This is the humble and contrite man. On the other hand, God cannot help the self righteous and proud. James 4:6 reminds us that God opposes the proud but gives his grace to the humble. Today Isaiah teaches us the right way to stand before the purity and holiness of God. He came unfit, unholy, sinful and unworthy but God’s cleansing touch made him into the great prophet he is today.
Beloved, many of those called by God were quite humble and acknowledged their unworthiness. Jeremiah said he was just a little boy who didn’t know how to speak (Jer. 1:6). Moses reminded God of his deficiency in speech (Exo. 4:10). These men showed God their deficiencies, they were humble enough to acknowledge their unworthiness and God made them great men. We may learn to approach God as truly unfit as we are, only then will he make us fit and qualified. Remember, he qualifies those whom he calls.
Also, we see in the call of Isaiah how God makes use of whomsoever he wants to work with. He qualifies the unqualified, strengthens the weak, empowers the powerless, informs the ignorant, purifies the sinful and so on. All he desires from us is OUR DOCILITY. Besides, God’s mercy is swift to save the sinner when he sincerely confesses. The seraphs flew to Isaiah immediately he confessed his sinfulness and unworthiness. God is always pleased when we return to him.
Dear friends, as forgiven and purified by God as we are; what more can we give to him than our service of life? Isaiah, overwhelmed by God’s forgiving and loving touch could only reply God’s call by saying: “Here am I; send me” (Isa. 6:8). This should be our loving response to God on daily basis.
We should be able to do only his biding as we work, play and even recreate. When our life is totally committed to God, we stand to fear nobody but only God who can annihilate us. When our lives are dedicated to God, we are not ashamed of professing Jesus as Lord everywhere we go. When our lives are focused on God while here on earth, our eternity is guaranteed for Jesus would welcome us gladly into his kingdom.
May Saint Benedict, renowned for his holiness, discipline and prayerfulness intercede for us now and always. May he who was poisoned for being a strict disciplinarian intercede for those who suffer persecution for insisting on what is right. Amen.
FEED THE HUNGRY POOR
