HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE TWENTY-EIGHT WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A (2)
HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE TWENTY-EIGHT WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A.
HOMILY THEME: ACKNOWLEDGE GOD IN YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE.
BY: Fr. Evaristus Abu
HOMILY:
“And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God; but whoever denies me before others will be denied before the angels of God.” Luke 12:8-9.
Yesterday, Jesus talked about secrets saying that we should never deceive ourselves thinking that anything would remain hidden forever. Those things we assume are not known by others will someday be exposed and if we would not like the outcome, we must ensure that we avoid anything that is bad from the onset.
Today, Jesus goes a little further in this matter. He said we should live our lives in such a manner that we constantly acknowledge God. That is to say, we should be practical Christians, we shouldn’t be Sunday-Sunday church goers. Our Christianity should not end with our names and surnames. It must be real. It must be the very air we breathe.
How do I acknowledge God before others? Now, let’s say I go to a party and I am hanging out with my friends, we begin to talk about the old times and about life in general. One of us is so funny, he cracks very funny jokes as we enjoy the sweet food and drinks on the table.
Suddenly, our conversation begins to shift towards immoral issues and it seems each of us is boasting about things which ordinarily are sinful. We soon start talking about women in a way that no woman would even like and each comment, there is an outburst of laughter – it is like we are enjoying ourselves; having a good time.
At this point in time, does it occur to me to acknowledge God? Do I just keep quiet and flow with the conversation? Do I realize God has just given me a test of faith? An opportunity to preach to my friends even though I am not a priest or sister? Do I realize that by flowing with their useless talk, I now share in their sins even though I may not be partaking in the things they are boasting about since my laughter solidifies their determination to even do more?
What does it mean to acknowledge God before others? It is deliberately standing for God and not just with the crowd. Does my dressing proclaim God? When I go half- naked like our popular musicians or artists, does it acknowledge God? When I get into an argument on the street with a stranger who has just bashed my car, does my reaction proclaim God? When I find myself in a position of authority or power and money is put under my care, do I help myself with it or acknowledge God with my sincerity?
One might ask me, “Father, does it even pay to acknowledge God in our age and time today?” This is a wrong question because we don’t serve God for earthly reward. We serve God because there is just no better way to be alive.
Yes, we may not get everything life has to offer by acknowledging God everyday but like Abraham who “hoped against hope” and it was reckoned to him as righteousness, we must hope for the best by living truly Christ-centered life.
Someone once said: CHRISTIANS ARE MORE CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR DISCOMFORT THAN ABOUT THEIR DISOBEDIENCE. This is very true, we are too concerned about the luxuries of life and we don’t give a damn about sin. We just want God to bless and provide for us but we don’t care how often we offend him.
Today is Saturday. Acknowledge God today!
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, help me to choose you above the world. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saturday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Romans 4:13-18 and Luke 12:8-12).
