FR. GERALD MUSA HOMILY FOR TUESDAY OF THE 20TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II (1)

FR. GERALD MUSA HOMILY FOR TUESDAY OF THE 20TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II

THEME: Danger of Riches

BY: Fr. Gerald M. Musa

HOMILY FOR TUESDAY AUGUST 16 2022

A rich man asked Jesus: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus advised the rich man to go sell everything and come follow him, but the rich man went away sad. Jesus said “It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter heaven.” Jesus was neither condemning riches nor the wealthy. After all, God is the giver of all good things, including wealth. The teaching of Jesus implies that the gate into heaven is so low and narrow and only those who can trim and humble themselves can gain access. The message of Jesus is relevant today in a country where many people are struggling to get rich quickly through dubious and diabolical means. Jesus wants us to beware of the inherent dangers of riches which include: self sufficiency; the desire to control everything and the feeling of being omnipotent.

Besides, the richer we get, the more we want to get more and this turns into an obsession and greed sets in. St. Bernard says, “What we love we shall grow to resemble.” Therefore, let us love Jesus and we will grow to be like him; if we love the world, we will remain materially rich and spiritually empty.

What shall we profit if we gain the world and suffer the loss of our souls?

Matthew 19:23-30;