HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE 28TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR II (2)

HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE 28TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR II

THEME: THE DANGER IN CRAVING FOR SIGNS

BY: Fr. Karabari Paul

HOMILY FOR MONDAY OCTOBER 10 2022

‘This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign.’

In today’s society, seeking signs has become one of the most disturbing aspects of Christianity. Many, in fact, feel as though God owed them a sign. And to satisfy sign-seekers, native and witch doctors are converting evil shrines into churches, and changing their regalia to suits.

The people had seen sign after sign, yet demanded another sign from Jesus in today’s Gospel (Luke 11:29-32). They had seen everything they needed to know that Jesus is Lord, but were not satisfied. In fact, after having witnessed Jesus perform a miracle earlier, they claimed that He used satanic power to achieve it. The fact remains that those who will not accept you, will never accept you no matter what you do to please them. And those that will be on your side don’t need much impression.

Jesus’ response to their request for a sign is significant. The act of demanding a sign is associated with evil. We can understand how it was evil of them to demand that Jesus dance to their music, but the way Jesus described such a generation is interesting. Is our own generation exonerated?

We may be tempted to condemn the people for their unbelief. But unbelief is on the increase in our own. We are often angry with God when our prayers are not answered exactly as we desire. This amounts to getting angry when the sign we asked for is not granted. Some people have given up their roles, and even stopped coming to Church because God hasn’t answered their prayers. God doesn’t need to answer our prayers to show that He God. Who He is can’t be changed. Because we seek signs, we are no longer faithful to doctrines of one faith. We are in one Church in the morning and in another in the evening seeking signs from the Man of Power.

Condemning the people when you are a familiar face in the churches of all the ‘Powerful Pastors, Prophets and Priests (PPP)’ is a self-deceit. What exactly do you seek if not signs given through oil and handkerchief? Jesus’ signs were meant to convert the hearts of men and women and lead the people to God. He wasn’t a magician, or even entertainer as many of us have become today. If we don’t seek God beyond signs then we are wasting our time.

The presence of Christ among us is a valid sign of God’s presence, His grace and free gift of salvation. Signs are only minor aspects of the reign of God. Repentance and righteousness should be sought first and signs will follow. God is not an entertainer, and Church’s sanctuary shouldn’t be converted to entertainment podium. GOD IS STILL ON THE THRONE. May God have mercy on us, heal our world, bless and protect us all through Christ Our Lord Amen. Please, stay safe. Good morning.