HOMILY OF THE 2ND THURSDAY IN LENT — YEAR A
HOMILY OF THE 2ND THURSDAY IN LENT — YEAR A
HOMILY THEME: HOPING IN GOD ALWAYS
BY: Fr. Isaac Awe
Jeremiah 17:5-10, Ps. 1:1-4,6, Luke 16:19-31
Happy the man who has placed is trust in the lord!
Thus says the Lord: “Cursed is a man who trusts in man, and who establishes what is flesh as his right arm, and whose heart withdraws from the Lord. (Jeremiah 17:5)
Consider what I have set forth in your sight this day, life and good, or, on the opposite side, death and evil.(Deut.30:15). This implies that our decision and choice today will surely determine our tomorrow.
ALSO RECOMMENDED: HOMILY OF THE 2ND THURSDAY IN LENT
What most absorbs our time, our attention, and our heart? In the parable of Lazarus and the rich man Jesus paints a dramatic scene of contrasts — riches and poverty, heaven and hell, compassion and indifference, inclusion and exclusion. We also see an abrupt and dramatic reversal of fortune. Lazarus was not only poor, but incapacitated. He was “laid” at the gates of the rich man’s house. The dogs which licked his sores probably also stole the little bread he procured for himself. Dogs in the ancient world symbolized contempt. Enduring the torment of these savage dogs only added to the poor man’s miseries and sufferings. The rich man treated the beggar with contempt and indifference, until he found his fortunes reversed!
The name Lazarus means God is my help. Despite a life of misfortune and suffering, Lazarus did not lose hope in God. His eyes were set on a treasure stored up for him in heaven. The rich man, however, could not see beyond his material treasure. He not only had every thing he needed, he indulged in his wealth to excess. He was too absorbed in what he had to notice the needs of those around him. He lost sight of God and the treasure of heaven because he was preoccupied with seeking happiness in material things. He served wealth rather than God. In the end the rich man became a beggar! Do we know the joy and freedom of possessing God as our only treasure?
Reflection: Is our hope securely anchored in heaven?
PRAYER: Lord, increase our hunger for you and for your way of happiness. Make us rich in the things of heaven and give us generous hearts that we may freely share with others the treasure you have given to us. Amen.
FOR A SIMILAR HOMILY, CLICK HERE >>>>>
Dear friends in Christ, We have been sustained by your Charity for the past 11years. Here we are saddled with annual bills. Please, be kind to us with your donation. Click on the “Donate” button to get started. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
