HOMILY FOR TUESDAY OF THE 20TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II
THEME: It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.
BY: Fr. Diotacious Chikontwe SMA
HOMILY FOR TUESDAY AUGUST 16 2022
*READINGS OF THE DAY*
Ezekiel 28:1-10
Deut 32:26-28,30,35-36
Matthew 19:23-30
*LITURGICAL COLOUR*
Green
*FROM THE FIRST READING*
In our first reading today, we heard from the Book of the prophet Ezekiel telling us of God’s proclamation regarding the Prince of Tyre. Contextually, we must understand that Tyre back then was a great city, founded and belonging to the Phoenicians, a race of people who specialised in trade and commerce in the times past, establishing numerous colonies throughout the Mediterranean in ancient times. The city of Tyre therefore became fabulously wealthy and despite the presence of much more powerful neighbours, the city and people of Tyre were often able to have their way and maintain their relative freedom due to their immense economic capacity.
*FROM THE GOSPEL READING*
In our Gospel passage today we heard of the parable that the Lord Jesus spoke, the well-known story of the camel that passes through the eye of the needle, which the Lord said would be easier to happen rather than for one who is rich and proud, mighty and haughty to enter into the kingdom of heaven. This was a comparison and a point that the Lord made in order to let His disciples and followers know that, just as it would be impossible for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, then it would have been even less likely for a man filled with pride and ego to enter into the kingdom of God and into the Holy Presence of God.
*CONCLUSION*
Dear brethrens, attaining of salvation is primarily God’s doing rather than our doing. It is a divine attainment rather than a human one. We can only enter into the life of God with the help that God alone can give us. We need to depend fully on God to enter the kingdom of heaven, opening ourselves up in our poverty to his gracious working on our behalf. This is where Jesus sees the problem with excessive attachment to wealth or possessions. If we seek our security in wealth or possessions, we will cease to rely on God who alone gives access to salvation, to life in abundance. If we place our security in God, in the Lord, then, according to Jesus in today’s gospel reading, we will be abundantly repaid in this earthly life, and also inherit eternal life.
A Very Blessed Tuesday to you.
Fr. Diotacious Chikontwe SMA
