HOMILY FOR 21ST SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME YEAR A. (1)

HOMILY FOR 21ST SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME YEAR A.

THEME: SIMPLICITY AND HUMILITY ARE KEYS TO OPEN AND LOOSE!

BY: Rev. Fr. Linus Terhemen Akase.

Isaiah 22:19-23; Psalm 138:1-2a.2bcd-3.6&8bc (R.8bc); Romans 11:33-36; Matthew 16:13-20

In the first reading, we are presented with the story of Shebna. He was the manager of the household of Hezekiah. As such, he was in charge of money (Is.22:15). He succeeded Hezekiah as a leader of Israel. However, instead of looking after the people entrusted to him, he was busy erecting monuments, hew tomb and chariots for himself (Is.22:16-18). We can clearly see that Shebna abused his office and God rejected him as a leader and replaced him with Eliakim, giving Eliakim power to “Open and shut” so much so that when he opens no one will shut and when he shuts no one will be able to open (Is.22:21-22).

In the Gospel passage, we see the above repeated in the life of Peter. Peter was one of the most favoured Apostles of God. He has accompanied Jesus in His ministry in all places. He witnessed all the miracles of Jesus. So, when Jesus asked about His identity, other Apostles were given the views of other people about Jesus. Peter moved from people’s view to personal profession of faith in Jesus that: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Mt.16:16). Just like Eliakim, Jesus was so happy with Peter and He elevated him to a ‘Rock’ (Petros) through which He will build His Church and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. He gave him the “keys” of the kingdom of heaven including the powerful to bind and loose.

Comparing the two persons above (Shebna and Peter) we have a lot to learn. We can see that Shebna made himself unfit to serve the kingdom of God by abusing his office. Looking at the character of Peter, he was humble, simple, always admitting his weaknesses, so keen of taking instruction from his master, listening to the Spirit, etc. Someone with such qualities is really fit for the office of being the Vicar of Christ – the Pope. He thus became the visible foundation through which the Church is built. He had the authority to govern the pilgrim Church on earth. Therefore, if we really want God to always be with us, in any given opportunity; let us not abuse our offices like Shebna. ‘Abuse of office’ is what is making this country to collapse. There are so many ‘Shebnas’ in our governments, villages, houses, Churches, etc., who lack simplicity and humility. These qualities are the only “Keys” to the wisdom of God as Paul tells us in the second reading. He wants us to marvel rather to the wisdom of God instead of questioning it. God wants to entrust us with so many responsibilities but we must have a personal relationship with Him. So, Jesus is still asking us: Who am I to you? I wish you a happy Sunday celebration!

By
Rev. Fr. Linus Terhemen Akase

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