YEAR B: HOMILY FOR WEDNESDAY OF THE 24TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME (1)

YEAR B: HOMILY FOR WEDNESDAY OF THE 24TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

HOMILY THEME: YOU CAN’T PLEASE EVERYONE; BE YOURSELF

BY: Fr. Benny Tuazon

HOMILY:

( Lk. 7:31-35) Wednesday of the Twenty Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

In today’s Gospel Jesus addressed the inconsistencies of the leaders and the crowds in treating John the Baptist and Himself. In Filipino we call it, “Sala sa init, sala sa laming.” Their attitudes to both were neither here nor there. John came like a hermit and was accused of being possessed by demons. Jesus was the complete opposite yet He was accused of being a glutton and a drunkard. Jesus saw their determination to discredit and destroy Him.

There is a saying that states, “For the believer, no miracle is needed. For the non-believer, no amount of miracles will make him believe. “Mahirap gisingin ang nagtutulug-tulugan.” And “mahirap pakainin ang nagbubusug-busogan. Or “Mahirap makakita lang nagbubulag-bulagan.” Attitude. it is all about attitude. Their eyes, ears, minds, and hearts had been closed. They had made up their minds on Jesus. There is nothing He could do that can make them realize.

This is a hard situation. The possibility of change had been eliminated. The chief priests and elders, specially, were victims of these. No wonder, the blindness went as far as Jesus’ crucifixion and denial of His resurrection. There are still people like those today. Their hardness of heart deprives them of opportunities for growth and faith. Judgments on institutions and individuals are being made hastily and, often, destructive.

One common victim is a priest. This poem says it all.

A PRIEST IS ALWAYS WRONG!
If he begins his Mass in time, his watch is fast;
If he begins a minute late, he keeps people waiting!
If he preaches too long, he makes people bored;
If he has a short homily, he is unprepared!
If he owns a car, he is luxurious;
If he does not own one, he is not with the times!
If he visits families, he is always out; If he does not, he has no concern for them!
If he asks for donations, he is a moneymaker;
If he does not, he is too proud and lazy!
If he takes time in the confessional, he is too slow;
If he makes it fast, he has no time for his penitents!
If he renovates the Church, he throws away money;
If he does not, he has no initiative!
If he works with the elderly, he is old fashioned;
If he is with youth, he is flighty and mod!
If he is seen with women, he is a playboy,
If he goes only with men, he is immature!
If he is young, he has no experience, If he is old. he should retire!
As long as he lives…………

There are always people who are better than him!

BUT IF HE DIES………..

THERE IS NO ONE TO TAKE HIS PLACE !!

Jesus was judged, rejected, tortured, and killed. He voluntarily went through them all in obedience to His Father. Jesus, who is Wisdom Himself, was vindicated.