HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 23RD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II (2)

HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 23RD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II

THEME: A good tree does not bear rotten fruit, nor does a rotten tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit.

BY: Fr. Diotacious Chikontwe SMA

HOMILY FOR SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 10 2022

*READINGS OF THE DAY*
1 Corinthians 10:14-22
Psalm 115:12-13,17-18
Luke 6:43-49

*LITURGICAL COLOUR*
GREEN

*FROM OUR FIRST READING*
In our first reading we heard of how St. Paul elaborated to them on the matter of the partaking of the Holy Eucharist, the Holy Communion of the faithful, and how each and every Christians should take it seriously as they should not partake the offerings that had been offered in the pagan ceremonies and worship, as was common at that time in the Greco-Roman state paganism. There were likely moments when Christians still partake in the goods and items that had been offered to the pagan idols and deities.

*FROM THE GOSPEL READING*
In our Gospel passage today, we heard of the Lord speaking to His disciples and to the people with a parable, highlighting how no good tree can produce bad fruit and vice versa, and how all of us will be good or bad, righteous or wicked depending on what our hearts, minds and interior disposition are like. And He also then used another parable immediately afterwards, describing those who have truly obeyed the Lord and loved Him, as those who had built their houses upon the firm foundation of stone.

*CONCLUSION*
A tree bearing good fruit has likely been cared for, has a strong trunk and branches, and is free from pests. It gets plenty of water, nutrients, and sun. A tree bearing rotten fruit likely suffers from neglect of some kind. It may be surrounded by weeds or pests, or perhaps it does not get enough water, nutrients, or sun. The tree is an apt image of our spiritual health. Weeds and pests represent anxiety, temptation, and sin. Water, nutrients, and sun feeding the good tree are the sacraments, worship, and prayer. When our soul is healthy and well nourished, we produce good fruits. As St. James taught, true faith is active and “completed by works” (James 2:22). By our faith, may we produce good works that give glory to God.
May God bless you!