HOMILY FOR WEDNESDAY OF THE TWENTY-FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A.
HOMILY THEME: LIFE OF A MISSIONARY
BY: Fr. Benny Tuazon
HOMILY:
(Lk. 9:1-6)
In the day’s Gospel Jesus sent His apostles to a mission. Through His instructions, He stressed to them the urgency of their mission. He further told them not to bring things that might delay and hamper their mission. Lastly, He told them not to spend so much time to those who would not accept the Good News and “when you leave that town, shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them.” It was a testimony of their rejection of the Good News and a reminder that once, the Lord had visited them but had chosen not to welcome Him.
This command form the Lord only says that believing is a responsibility of the believer more than the preacher and the Lord. God will give us the grace to believe. He gave us the will to recognize and welcome that grace. At the opportune time, we must be able to exercise that will to accept that grace. It is very unfortunate if we let the opportunity pass. It will be our curse to reject the coming of the Good News. In another Gospel, Jesus warned us of some reasons we may offer to delay our following Him. Relationships, riches, work, and other worldly concerns may at times present themselves in between our relationship with God. In may instances, faith takes backseat or is compromized. That decision is a big mistake. Faith is not optional. Faith is the source of our being. It is not only relevant in our relationship with God but also in our journey in this world. Our faith is our life and vice versa. In whatever aspect of our lives, faith must be present. In fact, every opportunity, decision, moment, situation, and minute of our lives, faith should be operative. When we set it aside or compromize it, it will be tragic.
Let us always welcome God’s presence. There are many ways and times when God’s presence will be felt. In the mass, our neighbours, nature, and life’s situations, God is there revealing Himself and sending as messages. It is our privilege and blessing to be visited by the Lord. Let us await Him with great anticipation and welcome Him with our whole person. As for the preacher, missionary, and other bearers of the Good News, proclaim with all sincerity and conviction. Pray that people will guide you and soften the hearts of your hearers. Do your best and let God do the rest.
