HOMILY FOR TODAY (MONDAY 28TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A)

HOMILY FOR TODAY (MONDAY 28TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A)

By: Fr. KARABARI PAUL

THEME: THE DANGER IN CRAVING FOR SIGNS

‘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. Others are simply willing to claim any and everything as a sign. And to satisfy them, 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.

We may be tempted to condemn the people for their unbelief. But 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 how powerful He is.

Condemning the people when you are a familiar face in the churches of all the ‘Powerful Pastors,and Prophets’ is a self-deceit. What exactly do you seek if not signs given through oil and handkerchief?

The presence of Christ among us is a valid sign of God’s presence, His grace and free gift of salvation. Signs point to a reality beyond themselves but sign-seekers oftentimes do not get to the reality. They end up only with the signs. And 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.

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