HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE THIRTIETH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A.
Memorial of St. Charles Borromeo, Patron of Seminary formation.
HOMILY THEME: LIVING WHAT YOU PREACH
BY: Fr. Benny Tuazon
HOMILY:
(Lk. 14:1,7-11)
In the day’s Gospel Jesus gave a parable on being a wedding guest. He admonished His listeners not to seek the places of honor because of the possibility that one may be asked to vacate it for those for whom they were reserved. Best would be to occupy less prominent seats and when worthy, one Will be asked to occupy a better seat. While this parable seems to be a guide on attending weddings, Jesus was actually giving a lesson on humility.
Being the first is not always the best. Being given an honor is not always the goal. Being successful does not always make one faithful. Jesus reminds us not to seek only human or worldly recognition but, more importantly, divine favor. St. Paul and many spiritual writers echo what Jesus had commanded, which is to gather treasures in heaven. While we still have to cope with life on earth, we must never lose sight of our true destiny, which is to belong to the Kingdom.
This is a very relevant message since the world had become obssessed with fame, recognition, worldly riches, prestige, power, Facebook likes, Instagram followers, and Twitter responses. These are not completely wrong. However, they only last with the world. Because we believe in the next life, our ultimate end, we prepare for that. It does not profit us if we gain most of the world but lacked what we need for eternal life. St. Charles Borromeo also taught the same. We ought to preach not with words but through our witnessing. Words and show offs do not register in heaven. May be they will attract people and the world. But they do not count for eternal life. Let us not be derailed or defocused. Heaven is much too much to lose for anything or everything the world can offer.
