CYCLE II: HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 23RD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME (1)

CYCLE II: HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 23RD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

HOMILY THEME: THERE’S NO DOUBLE FACED CHRISTIANITY

BY: Rev. Fr. Jacob Aondover ATSU

 

HOMILY: READINGS: 1CORINTHIANS 10:14-22, PSALM 116, LUKE 6:43-49

“you cannot drink the cup of Christ and the cup of demons, you cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table and partakers of the table of demons” (1Cor. 10:21). We are warned against idol worship and in fact, anything related to idols. We cannot claim to be Christians and yet be engaged in antichristian activities.

At the time Paul wrote this passage sacrifice to idols prevailed and the gods to whom sacrifices were made were present during the sacrifice and possessed the items sacrificed. Having contact with such items meant being possessed by same gods. Also at this time, belief in demons, good or bad (mostly bad) was common almost everywhere and Paul believed that they seduced people through idols. Sensible Christians therefore were challenged to avoid everything that had a thing with idols (1Cor. 10:14). We like the Corinthian community of Paul’s time live in an age where satanism is not completely alien; we are challenged to stay clear of it and adhere to the Lord alone.
The most striking point of Paul’s address to us today is his call that we don’t mix up worship of Christ with that of the evil one. It is a truism that ‘Religious Syncretism’ has overtime made a comfortable home in the lives of many Christians. All too often, seemingly dedicated Christians also devotedly cling themselves to idols and so many evil ‘connects’. It is with great pain that I say this, many Christians do not pay total allegiance to Christ alone; they keep other gods. This is dangerous for Scripture tells us in the prophecy of Nahum 1:2-8 that God tolerates no rivals; he punishes those who oppose him. In his anger he pays them back… Also Exodus 34:14 says, ‘Never worship any other god, because the Lord is a jealous God who tolerates no rivals’. Syncretism is disastrous to those who practice it; they stand the danger of having God’s wrath to contend with. St. Paul, aware of the dangers involved warned his brethren to detest idols. If we are for the Lord, it is better we stand with him come what may.

Dearly beloved in Christ, believe me when I say that life in Christ is all gain. THE COST OF FOLLOWING CHRIST CAN BE DEMANDING BUT THE GLORIES THAT ENSUE ARE SUPERSONIC. Stand with him today and enjoy his abundant blessings here on earth.

We may do well to stand with God through the pains of poverty, sickness, ill luck, oppression and marginalization etc. We may bear fruits of persistence, faith, hope and undying commitment to God by not going astray and taking solace with evil. Amen.

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