HOMILY/SERMON FOR 17TH SUNDAY IN THE ORDINARY TIME — YEAR B

HOMILY/SERMON FOR 17TH SUNDAY IN THE ORDINARY TIME — YEAR B

HOMILY THEME: LITTLE YET ENOUGH

BY: Fr Peter Gabriel Okon

2 Kings 4: 42-44, Ps. 145, Eph. 4: 1-6, John 6: 1-15

It is yet another moment of encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ through the power of His word, an encounter that will bring about multiplication of our blessings and charisma if only we will be generous enough to share them with others. Very pronounced in both the first reading and the Gospel today is the miracle of multiplication. The first reading serving as a precursor to the Gospel. While in the second reading St Paul brings to the fore the oneness of our origin and vocation, calling us to reflect in our daily lives the unity of our faith and origin in Christ Jesus.

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In the first reading, the prophet Elisha fed a hundred men with 20 barley loaves, having some left over and in the Gospel, the Lord Jesus fed well over 5,000 people with 5 barley loaves and 2 fish. In the case of Elisha, his servant doubted the possibility, but Elisha insisted upon it, referencing God and then a miracle happened. Similarly, Jesus’ disciples, Philip and Andrew were in doubt, then Jesus Christ taking the 5 loaves and 2 fish that was provided by the little boy, said a simple prayer of thanksgiving and then the rest as the say is history – miracle of multiplication.

Noticed that in both cases, the loaves came from barley, rather than wheat. Barley loaves are considered the simplest and cheapest of meals available. This is saying something important to us today. Geoffrey Plant captures it this way; “Our meagre talents and gifts, our lukewarm faith, placed at God’s disposal and accompanied by faith, can be effective instruments of divine generosity beyond all imagining.” Out of our selfishness and greed, some of us might be hoarding the materials needed for a miracle of multiplication in our time and clime. Think of the many cases of palliatives and poverty alleviation programmes that never gets to the targeted audience, especially those at the grassroots. These are cases of “failed miracles”, when God needed us as collaborators and actors.

Beloved in Christ, today, the actions of Elisha and Jesus has taught us great lessons of dependence and trust in God. Despite the small quantity of meal as compared to those who depended on it, Jesus gave thanks first before consumption. Today, how many of us keep to the tradition of saying grace before and after meal? How many of us consider thanking God for every little gift, blessings, and favours received? We must learn to be thankful to God and show gratitude for every little and great things we get. Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (cf 1 Thess. 5:18). Thanksgiving blesses and multiplies what is given and presented.

For Jesus to perform the miracle of multiplication, he needed something from the people, not that He would not have done without them, but their involvement is key, it is indicative of the people’s commitment to a just course. The little boy came to the rescue. What do we bring before God, what do we offer for the sake of others. It is not about the quality or quantity rather the level of commitment and readiness to be collaborators with God. There is no one without something to offer, the barley loaves were the least of meal, but it was enough to enable one of the greatest miracles of Jesus Christ.

Let us be open to sharing the little talent, gifts and time we have, just as the little boy did, then the God of multiplication will surely grant us increase, for “we can never lose what we offer to God, (through sharing with others), but what we can’t offer to God we can never gain” (Emmanuel Okami, He Sent Forth His Word). Though little we may have, yet it is enough to be offered for all to share. This is the best way to maintain the unity of the spirit and the bond of peace prayed for by St Paul in our reading today (Ephesians 4:3).

May the living word of God fill our hearts and minds, enabling us to live out our faith in God and share in the riches of His glory Amen.
Wishing you a happy Sunday and fruitful week ahead.

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