YEAR B: HOMILY FOR WEDNESDAY OF THE 28TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME (2)
YEAR B: HOMILY FOR WEDNESDAY OF THE 28TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
HOMILY THEME: AUTHENTICITY; ANTIDOTE TO HYPOCRISY.
BY: Fr. Benny Tuazon
(Lk. 11:42-46) Wednesday of the Twenty-Eight Sunday in Ordinary Time
In today’s Gospel we continue with the admonition of Jesus of the Pharisees and those responsible for guiding the people in life and faith. He cited concrete examples reflecting their lack of witnessing to what they preach and teach. Amon them were using religion as a means to acquire riches, seeking seats of honour, and exacting things that burden the faithful but exempting themselves from the same. Religion comes across as only for the followers and not for the leaders. As they say, “What is sauce for the gander is sauce for the goose as well.”
This is a call to be witnesses to the faith. This has always been the hard part of any institution. Principles and doctrines are ideals which need to be believed and lived by the members. Unfortunately, members are wanting in their witnessing. It is aggravated by leaders who lip service their way throughout their ministry. The Catholic Faith is not free from it.
Our Faith teaches forgiveness, not only seven times but many times more. It is at the centre of the Faith. Yet we are guilty of unforgiveness or limited forgiveness. What happened to the Forgiveness Parables like the Parable of the Prodigal Son, Lost Sheep, and Lost Coin. How about the story of Zacchaeus and call of Matthew (Levi)? Or the repentance and forgiveness of the thief crucified with Jesus in Calvary? How about God’s constant forgiveness of our sins? We claim to be Catholics but we fail to witness to our Faith?
Jesus taught charity. Whatever we give to our poor, we give to the Lord. Yet, we tend to ignore the poor around us. The poor does not expect to be doled out with their basic needs. They, too, have dignity and pride. If given a livelihood or work, they are willing to earn their keep. How about charity in terms of understanding, patience, and compassion? Whatever happened to our world today? it seems that everyone is angry, impatient, and spewing vulgar words. We had become uncharitable in dealing with each others conditions and feelings. Needless to say, it is very unChristian! We maybe even worse than the Pharisees in Jesus’ time.
Belonging to a Faith does not mean we have options to follow or not the teachings and doctrines. We cannot claim to be a member and not behave like one at the same time. Our life of faith cannot only be external. God knows what are in our hearts and minds. We cannot hide it from Him. Authenticity is a mark of a true Christian. This is the challenge of today’s generation. The young cannot just be told “Follow what I say, not what I do.” They ache for credibility and witnessing. But more than the young people, God asks that of us. Authenticity is the antidote to hypocrisy.
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