YEAR B: HOMILY FOR WEDNESDAY OF THE 22ND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME (1)

YEAR B: HOMILY FOR WEDNESDAY OF THE 22ND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

HOMILY THEME: I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS

BY: Fr. Benny Tuazon

HOMILY:

(Lk. 4:38-44) Wednesday of the Twenty-Second Week in Ordinary Time

In today’s Gospel Jesus healed Peter’s mother- in-law and many others. He was growing to be popular among the people wherever He was and it spread to other regions. The people could not have enough of Jesus because of His touching and relevant words and great deeds. His words touched their hearts and addressed their concerns. His miracles brought health of mind and body. Yet, for Jesus, His main mission was to proclaim the Good News to as many so they, too, can be prophets in their own places and time. While, at times, there were places where He had been rejected, many wanted more of His time and presence.

The tendency of keeping Jesus near and dear was not something new and unexpected. He exuded with holiness and bliss. Peter, James, and John experienced it on top of Mt. Tabor when Jesus transfigured before them. They suddenly forgot their families, land, and livelihood. They just wanted to be with Jesus who they promised to build a tent for. Magdalene, a prostitute and had been possessed with demons, was forgiven by Jesus and followed Jesus since. She wanted to be near Jesus always. The twelve were called by Jesus and stayed with Him throughout His ministry. Unfortunately, one of them, Judas, was attracted more to money. Nevertheless, Jesus was like a magnet to them. One of the thieves crucified with Jesus asked for forgiveness and begged Jesus not to forget him when Jesus gets to paradise. There were a lot more. If one comes to know and see the real Jesus, one cannot hep but be always beside Him. I am sure, you are one of them.

Fortunately, Jesus need not be physically present always. He left, at least temporarily, the people who wanted Him with them. He had a mission to meet. Israel was to be the hub of salvation according to God’s plan. He responded to those who had faith, whether Gentile or Jew, and encouraged those who did not. After He resurrected and left for good, He also made Himself present to us for good in His Spirit. Jesus promised to send His Spirit. The coming of the Spirit on Pentecost was the ushering of Jesus’ enduring and abiding presence. Our age is the age of the Spirit. In the Spirit, Jesus is with us anywhere, anytime.