HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT YEAR B.
HOMILY THEME: LIVING WHAT WE BELIEVE
BY: Fr. Benny Tuazon
(Mt. 11:11-15)
In the day’s Gospel Jesus reminds us of who is really the greatest. John the Baptist, the prophet of Advent, came to prepare the way of the Lord. His role was very important in God’s plan of salvation. He lived a simple life and proclaimed the Good News without fear. John was a good model. Yet, those who belong to the Kingdom are much greater than him.
This tells a lot about who we will be if we come to be in the Kingdom. Jesus was talking about attaining eternal life. The best on this earth is nothing than the worst in heaven. Jesus was giving a good incentive. He was inspiring His listeners to be on focus. We should avoid being tempted and derailed by what the world offers. To our human senses, the world maybe too much. Yet, compared to the Kingdom, the world is not enough.
It is in this sense that the communist accused Christianity as an opium of the people. Not believing in God and eternal life, they think that Christianity is offering people false hopes. Opium is a drug which eases the pain of those who are sick. In the same way, they accuse Christianity of trying to ease our labor by saying that there will be joy and comfort later. We disagree. Life is too precious to end in death. If we take a moment to reflect and look at our person, if we travel deep into our being, we will find that life is grand and full of mysteries. And we will find God, the Creator, Supporter, and Destiny of life.
The resurrection of Jesus, a matter of faith, is our reason for believing. There are signs which can help us believe. From sheer goodness of people to seeds dying and growing to bear fruit and the reality of the presence of spirits not mentioning the various stories and tales of love ones making their presence felt. While they are not conclusive, we rely on the Word of God, God’s revelation, and faith.
The message is to be a good person. Let us live what we believe. Enjoy what life has to offer. Persevere. God will welcome us to His Kingdom in the end.
