HOMILY FOR WEDNESDAY OF 21ST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME. (1)

HOMILY FOR WEDNESDAY OF 21ST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME.

THEME: DANGER OF OUTWARD APPEARANCE.

BY: FR. GERALD M. MUSA.

The message of Jesus reflects an age old wisdom that says, all that glitters is not gold.” He rebuked the religious leaders and said to them, “Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites. For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within they are full of dead men’s bones and uncleanness” (Matthew 23:27). Let me take you back to the story of “The Tortoise and the Birds.”

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In this story, Tortoise is known for his cunning and trickery. One day, he hatches a plan to catch some birds for a feast. He gathers leaves and ties them to his shell, creating the appearance of a bountiful tree filled with delicious fruit. Tortoise then positions himself under a tree, and when the birds come to feast on the “fruit,” he grabs them one by one and places them in a bag. The birds, naware of Tortoise’s true intentions, are deceived by his clever disguise.
They are drawn to the appearance of abundance and fall victim to Tortoise’s trap.

However, one little bird becomes suspicious and cautious. Despite the others’ reassurances, the little bird observes that the “fruit” doesn’t move in the wind like real leaves would. This bird refuses to partake and warns the others of the danger. Eventually, the other birds realise the truth and manage to escape from Tortoise’s trap, thanks to the wisdom of the cautious little bird.

Are we authentic and true in our behaviours? Do we possess the wisdom, courage, discernment, and critical thinking of the little bird that seeks the truth beyond appearances?

MATTHEW 23:27-32; WEDNESDAY, 21sT WEEK

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