HOMILY OF 23RD FRIDAY IN ORDINARY TIME — YEAR B

HOMILY OF 23RD FRIDAY IN ORDINARY TIME — YEAR B

HOMILY THEME: BECOMING ALL THINGS TO ALL

BY: Fr. Obinna Ezeaputa

1 Cor 9:16-19, 22-27; Psalm 83(84):3-6, 12; Luke 6:39-42

Imagine a bridge connecting two lands, one of plenty and one of poverty. This bridge is like Saint Paul and Saint John Chrysostom, spanning the gaps between different worlds, connecting people from all walks of life, and bringing God’s love to every shore.

ALSO RECOMMENDED: HOMILY OF 23RD FRIDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Just as a bridge adapts to the landscape, Saint Paul and Saint John Chrysostom adapted to their contexts, becoming “all things to all” to spread God’s message. Let’s cross this bridge and reflect on how we can follow their example, becoming messengers of God’s love and truth in our own world.

In our first reading (1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22B-27), Saint Paul declares, “I have become all things to all, to save at least some” (1 Corinthians 9:22). This reflects his missionary approach, adapting to different audiences to spread the Gospel effectively. Effective evangelization requires meeting people where they are, just as God meets us in our unique experiences and cultures (Matthew 9:10-13, Luke 15:1-32).

Saint John Chrysostom, a 4th-century bishop, lived in Antioch, a city of extremes, where the rich built grand palaces next to overcrowded slums. The wealthy elite controlled everything, denying the poor basic rights like education, healthcare, and fair pay, while they lived lavishly and exploited the struggling poor.

John Chrysostom preached with clarity and conviction, reaching out to everyone, from the poorest widows and orphans to the most powerful officials and merchants, and speaking truth to those in power. His sermons often addressed the needs of the marginalized, calling for fair labor practices, condemning usury and exploitation, and urging the wealthy to repentance and charity.

Just as God became human in Jesus Christ to save us, Saint Paul and John Chrysostom became “all things to all” (1 Corinthians 9:22), meaning they stepped out of their comfort zones to connect with diverse people to spread God’s message of salvation. They demonstrated that true Christian ministry is about selfless love and humility, meeting people where they are to bring God’s love.

One famous story about Saint John Chrysostom’s commitment to the poor goes as follows: During a severe winter, he sold his own possessions to buy food and clothing for the needy. When criticized for his actions, he replied, “The Church is not a treasure house of gold, but a home for the poor.”

In essence, John Chrysostom was saying that the true wealth of the Church lies not in its material possessions or riches, but in its ability to serve and care for those in need. He saw the Church as a refuge and a source of hope for the poor, and he was willing to sacrifice his own comfort and possessions to make that vision a reality.

So, let’s take a page from Saint John Chrysostom’s book and become messengers of God’s love and truth in our own world. Let’s be willing to adapt, listen, and serve, just like he did. Let’s speak truth to power, stand up for the marginalized, and show compassion to those in need.

Let’s remember that the true wealth of the Church is not in its gold or possessions but in its ability to serve and care for others. May Saint John Chrysostom’s example inspire us to become “all things to all,” spreading God’s message of salvation and selfless love to everyone we meet. Amen.

FOR A SIMILAR HOMILY, CLICK HERE >>>>>