YEAR B: HOMILY FOR TUESDAY OF THE 16TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME (1)

YEAR B: HOMILY FOR TUESDAY OF THE 16TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

HOMILY THEME: RELATIVES BY FAITH

BY: Fr. Benny Tuazon

HOMILY:

(Mt. 12:46-50) Tuesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time.

In today’s Gospel Jesus took the opportunity, again, to teach about the Kingdom. Aware of the presence of His kins, He raised the issue to the heavenly kinship. What defines heavenly kinship is following the will of the Father. Relationship with God is measured by obedience to His will.

Membership in the Catholic Faith and availing of the sacraments do not automatically make one a good Christian. As Jesus said, our membership is seen in the context and level of obedience to God. We can utter God's name religiously, look and speak piously, receive all sacraments, attend all religious activities, and do all devotions and other acts of piety, but if we do not live what we believe, we are no closer to God. Salvation is a matter of the heart, mind, soul, and strength. This is very relevant in the present state of our faith. Some Catholics think that following the commandments and going to mass on Sundays and doing a little act of charity are enough.

Being Catholic is not just rituals and some token acts of charity. It is fully being with God and for God. We cannot fool God. He knows us to our bare essence. Thus, we must strive to be authentic and committed to God. That is what counts.