CYCLE II: HOMILY/REFLECTION FOR TUESDAY OF THE 15TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
HOMILY THEME: If you do not stand by me, you will not stand at all
BY: Fr. Francis Onwunali
HOMILY: “But if you do not stand by me, you will not stand at all” (Is. 7:9).Today’s massage anchors on this divine injunction. It is about trust that is inspired by faith in God.
In the first reading (Is. 7: 1-9), prophet Isaiah reassures Ahaz, King of Judah that though enemies are advancing against Jerusalem, the Lord will protect it from invasion and see to the downfall of the armies of Aram and Ephraim. Unless Ahaz, King of Judah stands with the Lord, he is bound to fall himself. When “enemies” come against you in life, under whose arm do you take recourse? Jesus, in the gospel (Matt. 11: 20-24) berates the towns of Chorazim, Bethsaida and Capernaum for refusing to stand by Him even with all the miracles worked in their midst. Their fate will go down worse than that of Tyre, Sidon and Sodom (cities destroyed because of their atrocities and inadvertent approach to God’s covenantal relationship).
Dear friends, with all the marvelous works God has been and is still doing in your life, why do you still remain indifferent in resolutely standing with God. We are called to be confident (con= with, fide= faith) in God’s abiding promises. I pray as we journey in life today, we will faithfully trust in God’s assurance of protection.
May we proclaim the goodness of God in our lives and anchor our faith and trust in God when intimidated by challenging forces. “If God is for us, who can be against us” (Rom. 8: 31).
Have a faith and trust-full day!
