HOMILY/REFLECTION FOR MONDAY 15TH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME – YEAR B
HOMILY/REFLECTION FOR MONDAY 15TH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME – YEAR B
HOMILY THEME: BE READY TO PAY THE PRICE
BY: Fr. Karabari Paul
Isaiah 1:10-17, Psalm 50:8-9,16-17,21,23, Matthew 10:34-11:1
‘He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for my sake will find it.’
One of the prophetic and messianic titles of Jesus is, ‘The Prince of Peace.’ The Reign of God comes with peace, and Jesus came to establish that. He even asks us to be both peace loving and makers. It therefore sounds ironic to hear Jesus in the Gospel of today (Matthew 10:34-11:1) saying that He hasn’t come to bring peace on earth. What Jesus asks for is first place in one’s heart. That is what successful discipleship requires. But first place is commonly given to family bond. Whatever would upset that is almost a sword of war. Since the Heavenly family bond which Jesus has brought is higher, we must be ready to sacrifice anything including family ties to be part of it.
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So Jesus calls for a follower who will hate his mother and father, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters; even his own life to make Him a priority. The point of the list is that no other relationship is first for a disciple. “Against” is used figuratively and suggests a priority of relationship. Jesus is first. To follow Jesus means to follow Jesus, not anyone or anything else. A disciple is a learner, and the primary teacher in life is Jesus. This total loyalty is crucial, given the rejection and persecution that lie ahead. If His followers care more about family than about Jesus, when families are divided under pressure of persecution, they will choose against Jesus. This is what lies behind Jesus’ remarks.
Discipleship is serious business to Jesus. To be a disciple and complete the task, we must be ready to pay the price. True discipleship requires that God be first. GOD IS STILL ON THE THRONE. May God have mercy on us, heal our world and land, bless and protect us all through Christ Our Lord Amen.
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