DAILY HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE 25TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II
THEME: Who is This Jesus to me ?
BY: Fr. Diotacious Chikontwe SMA
HOMILY FOR THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 22 2022
*READINGS OF THE DAY*
Ecclesiastes 1:2-11
Psalm 89:3-6,12-14,17
Luke 9:7-9
*LITURGICAL COLOUR*
GREEN
*FROM OUR FIRST READING*
In our first reading today, we heard the author speaking about the meaninglessness and the vanity of the many things present in life, and how everything are truly impermanent and temporary in nature. There is truly nothing which is based on this world which will last forever, and even the many things in this world like the Sun, Moon, stars and others, all the nations and all the various other worldly matters will not last for all eternity. There is nothing that is permanent save for the Lord our God, His eternal kingdom and kingship, His dominion and His glory.
*FROM OUR GOSPEL READING*
Today’s Gospel tells us how Herod was anxious to see Jesus. Such an urge to see Jesus was born out of curiosity. A lot was being said about Jesus because of the miracles which He was performing. Many spoke about Him. And Jesus’ behavior was reminding many people of the names of several prophets: Elijah, John the Baptist etc. But these whims did not transcend mere curiosity.
*CONCLUSION*
Dear Friends in Christ, the question we can ask ourselves after hearing todays Gospel reading is, who is This Jesus?: Herod was curious. He reasoned that those who claimed “John has been raised from the dead” were wrong, saying to himself, “John I beheaded…” But who, then, was Jesus? There was no consensus. Today, there is still a diversity of belief about who Jesus is. While many acknowledge that he is a real historical figure, they refuse to believe he is Our Lord and Savior. They may call him a great teacher or even a prophet but draw the line at saying he is God. Others profess to believe in Jesus, but then are reluctant to let that belief change their lives.
*LET US PRAY*
Lord Jesus, I ask for the grace to be ever more faithfully configured to you so that I can be a light to the world. My Lord Jesus, I want to know you and be known by you. In this my morning prayer, help me open my heart to you and grow in my faith, hope, and love. Through the same Christ our Lord.
