HOMILY FOR TUESDAY OF THE TWENTY-SIXTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A.
HOMILY THEME: FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT
BY: Fr. Benny Tuazon
(Lk. 9:51-56)
In the day’s Gospel Jesus’ patience was tested by His disciples. On their way to Jerusalem, they passed through Samaria and was not accepted there. Jews and Samaritans had a very big rift. They hated each other. Knowing JESUS and His disciples were Jerusalem bound, the Samaritans showed their disgust being inhospitable. The disciples were provoked and asked JESUS to permit them to deal with the Samaritans with force by praying for fire from heaven to consume them. Jesus rebuked then. He will not be drawn to harming the Samaritans. They will have their time with Him.
Patience is a virtue! The ache to retaliate and teach people a lesson is strong. Specially for people who possess powers, patience is necessary. Else, violence and harm would always result. Jesus gave an example before His disciples and us. Not everything maybe dealt with and solved with force. Aggressiveness and hotheadedness are not expected from a Christian. We are encourage to understand, give the benefit of the doubt, be patient, and avoid irresponsible use of force. Jesus was focused in fulfilling His mission. He will not let It be derailed by any provocation.
We ought to be careful with dealing with people, much more our fellow Christians. We do not know what are in their hearts and minds. At times, we are surprised by a unexpected and sudden reaction by some people we meet. It is easy to make judgments against them. At times, we hastily react. Before we know it, we are already at odds with them. Good if we cool down and seek to understand what happened. It will be worst if we remain carried away by our emotions and extreme need to get even.
Jesus was not without feelings. But for Him, feelings which may lead to harm to others ought to be managed. That way, goals are achieved. As Christians, we need to be patient with each other. We all go through tough times. Instead of being at odds or too critical of others, we must espouse unity and harmony. And we can start by practicing patience.
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