HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE 14TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II (1)

HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE 14TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II

THEME: WISE AS SERPENT

BY: FR GERALD M. MUSA

HOMILY FOR FRIDAY JULY 8 2022

“Nothing great is ever achieved without much enduring,” says St. Catherine of Siena. Jesus was aware he was sending his disciples into a hostile world where they will be rejected and scorned. He said, said to them, “I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves” (Matthew 10:16). He added: “You will be hated because of my name” (Matthew 10:22). He prepared their minds for the impending hostilities, trials, persecutions, tribulations, and humiliation they were to go through. He instructed them to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16). The serpent is associated with wisdom and scriptures say, “Now the serpent was more subtle than any other wild creature that the Lord God had made” (Genesis 3:1). The serpent also symbolizes diplomacy and prudence. Therefore, the followers of Christ are called to be proactive by thinking ahead of the enemy and being conscious of his tricks and traps. They are to strategise, avoid unnecessary danger, and save their head (the faith). The serpent’s diplomacy and prudence are not to be taken for granted. An Igbo proverb says, “If a snake does not act like a snake, little children will use it to tie firewood.” Jesus also instructed his disciples to be innocent as doves because the dove represents peace, purity, simplicity, non-violent resistance, gentleness, and the Holy Spirit. How wise and peaceful are we in dealing with hostilities and persecutions?

MATTHEW 10:16-23