YEAR A: HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 2ND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME (2)

YEAR A: HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 2ND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

HOMILY THEME: THE MISSION OF JESUS

BY: Fr. Benny Tuazon

HOMILY: 10:1-9) Feast of Sts. Timothy and Titus In today’s Gospel Jesus sent the seventy-two other disciples. They were to bring the Good News to everyone. He likened the mission to the need for more workers in the field which is ready for harvest. Jesus did not depend only on the apostles. He created other ministries and sent them to participate the work of redemption. Sts. Titus and Timothy were disciples of St. Paul. They were under St. Paul’s tutelage.

Such is the character of the mission of Jesus, and consequently, the mission of the Church. Jesus summoned everyone who followed Him to give their share in proclaiming the Good News. In inviting fishermen to become fishers of men, He not only converted them but made them converters too. In the words of Fr. Henri Nouwen, S.J., they became “wounded healers.” Those who had once suffered were healed and shared their healing experience to others.

The fluidity in the emergence and creation of ministries during the time of Jesus persisted in the life and ministry of the early Christians. Deacons were appointed to take care of the families of the apostles who were busy in their work of evangelisation. St. Paul mentioned the recognition and using of the different gifts of the Holy Spirit. There were teachers, healers, prophets, speaking in tongues, etc. These are manifestations not only of the riches of individuals but the plan of God to include everyone and make them work as a community, as a Church, for the salvation of men.

We can look at our own parishes and communities. What are the existing ministries? They exist because they address a certain need of the parish in relation to salvation. Through time, some needs will arise. Ministers with the proper gifts will be summoned to address them. Whenever there are needs, there will be gifts and ministers who can address them.

Sts. Timothy and Titus responded to the call of the apostle Paul. Today, the Church calls each and everyone of us. We all share in the priesthood of Christ. We were all given gifts in order to serve the community of the baptized. We must be generous to share them.