HOMILY FOR THE 29TH THURSDAY IN ORDINARY TIME — YEAR B
HOMILY FOR THE 29TH THURSDAY IN ORDINARY TIME — YEAR B
HOMILY THEME: LOYALTY TO GOD
BY: Fr Isaac Awe
Eph 3:14-21; Psalm 32(33):1-2, 4-5, 11-12, 18-19; Luke 12:49-53
“Therefore, seek first the kingdom of God and his justice, and all these things shall be added to you as well”. (Matt. 6:33)
When Jesus spoke about division he likely had in mind the prophecy of Micah: a man’s enemies are the men of his own household (Micah 7:6). The love of God compels us to choose who will be first in our lives. To place any relationship (or anything else) above God is a form of idolatry.
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Jesus shocked his disciples when he declared that he would cast fire and cause division rather than peace upon the earth. What kind of fire did Jesus have in mind? Fire in biblical times was associated with God and with his action in the world and in the lives of his people. God sometimes manifested his presence by use of fire, such as the burning bush which was not consumed when God spoke to Moses (Exodus 3:2). God’s fire both purifies and cleanses, and it inspires a reverent fear of God and of his word in us.
Jesus states that even family loyalties would be challenged on the basis of whether people accepted the kingdom of God or not. The essence of Christianity is loyalty to Jesus Christ, a loyalty that takes precedence over every other relationship. Jesus challenges his disciples to examine who they love first and foremost. A true disciple loves God above all else and is willing to forsake all for Jesus Christ. Jesus insists that his disciples give him the loyalty which is only due to God, a loyalty which is higher than spouse or kin. It is possible that family and friends can become our enemies, if the thought of them keeps us from doing what we know God wants us to do. Does the love of Jesus Christ compel us to put God first in all we do (2 Corinthians 5:14)?
Reflection: But Peter and the Apostles responded by saying: “It is necessary to obey God, more so than men. (Acts 5:29)
PRAYER: Lord, may your love consume us and transform our lives that we may truly desire nothing more than life with you. Make us strong in love and fidelity that nothing may hinder us from doing your will. Amen.
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