HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE TWENTY-SIXTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A.
HOMILY THEME: REPENTANCE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN MIRACLE.
BY: Fr. Evaristus Abu
HOMILY:
Driving through the streets of our country, Nigeria, one cannot but notice the many funny names of churches scattered all over the place. Even from the titles of these churches, there appears to be an emphasis on “miracles.” Some even have the slogan: “Come and receive your miracle” or “Your miracle awaits.”
Yes, it is true that your miracle awaits, it is true that God will change your life when you come to church. But then, there is something more important than your miracle – it is actually living a saintly life; it is repenting from your secret sins and renouncing your old ways.
I would rather prefer to have a church where miracles don’t happen but people repent from sin than a church where miracles are the other of the day while the people live as if there is no God. Sadly, this seems to be case in Christendom today.
In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus is very angry with Bethsaida and Chorazin because despite the miracles done in those towns, the people remained stiff-necked and refused to repent.
In our first reading this morning Baruch acknowledges the sinfulness of Israel as a nation reminding the people that their present calamities are a direct result of their disobedience to God’s commands.
Dear friends, we cannot afford to “use” God. We are supposed to worship God. We use God when we address our prayers to him expecting to receive from him favours, abundance, health, protection, luxury and so on while at the same time, we do not allow his words guide our lives.
If we must take from God, it is only right that we give to God and what does God want from us? Holiness of life, purity of heart, truthfulness, righteousness, virtue, obedience, repentance from our bad habits and vices.
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, may I die each day to sin and live righteously. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Friday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Baruch 1:18-22 and Luke 10:13-16).
