DAILY HOMILIES

Ironically, while a blind man did not have trouble recognising Jesus as the Son of David (the promised Messiah), many who could see clearly with both eyes had trouble believing that this “son of a carpenter” was the Son of God. How many Catholics can “see” Jesus present, soul and divinity, in the Holy Eucharist? Bartimaeus was blind, but deep inside him, he could see God present in the person of Jesus. This inner sight eventually brought about his physical sight.

God wants us to win in the game of life, to bear fruits, and to fulfil our calling. A football player who doesn’t play well (passes the ball to the opponent and takes joy in scoring “own” goals) will soon be replaced. A cook who consistently misses the mark in the kitchen will produce food he cannot even eat. If we cannot afford to miss the mark in every other aspect of our lives, we should avoid missing the mark when it comes to our relationship with our creator.

Do not let the sun set on your quarrel. Jesus tells us: “As you go with your accuser before the magistrate, make an effort to settle with him on the way, lest he drags you to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the officer, and the officer put you in prison.” (Luke 12:58). The earlier you forgive and settle the case, the better. St. Paul writes: “Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.” (Ephesians 4:26). The best time to quench a fire is when there is only a spark. The more it burns, the more difficult it becomes to quench.

Certain persons will suddenly withdraw from you when you are passionate about God and live according to his precepts. You automatically become an enemy to your friends who prefer darkness to light. Today, many Christians experience stunted spiritual growth (find it difficult to obey God’s commandments) because they are trapped in unhealthy relationships.

And that servant who knew his master’s will, but did not make ready or act according to his will, shall receive a severe beating. But he who did not know and did what deserved a beating shall receive a light beating.” (Luke 12:47-48). Knowledge is responsibility. Our punishment will be tough if we continue sinning despite our knowledge of theology and access to many spiritual treasures.

Child of God, “Let your loins be girded and your lamps burning.” In a few hundred years from today, the only thing that would matter is where we are spending eternity. Whether we made the Forbes List of the world’s richest people or barely managed to eat one meal daily would not matter.

Why did Jesus tell this parable to the man who had come to ask for Jesus’s intervention over an inheritance dispute? To assure him that even though he had been cheated, he could still live a very long and happy life. Meanwhile, his greedy brother is like the rich man whose lands yielded abundantly but refused to consider others in his enjoyment plan. If God calls this greedy brother tonight, what becomes of the inheritance he has gathered?

The Price of heaven is simple: Keep God’s commandments. This was Jesus’ instruction to the rich man Last Sunday. The second step is detachment. The entrance into heaven is like the “Eye of a Needle.” We cannot pass through this gate with our luggage. Today, Jesus mentions a third step – the sacrifice of one’s very life for the good of others. Jesus asked James and John, “Are you able to drink the cup that I drink or to be baptised with the baptism with which I am baptised?” (Mark 10:38).

Blasphemy is a term used to describe speech or actions that show disrespect, contempt, or irreverence toward God, sacred things or religious beliefs. For instance, cursing God, mocking God’s existence, spreading false teachings about God, desecrating sacred spaces, objects or texts, engaging in sinful or obscene acts, damaging religious symbols or property, etc. To blaspheme against the Holy Spirit is to attribute the works of the Holy Spirit to Satan. As Jesus warns, anyone who commits such a sin will not be forgiven. Do not joke with the Holy Spirit.

Luke heard the call, and he responded. As a doctor, he treated people and cured their diseases. As an Evangelist, he fed their souls with God’s word. As an academic, he wrote a brilliant Gospel after researching and interviewing eyewitnesses. Luke’s Gospel is both historical and revolutionary (concerning the issue of gender equality). Today’s evangelists are not just those wearing cassocks, suits or white garments. Today’s greatest evangelists touch lives right where they are: doctors, lawyers, engineers, information technology experts, businessmen, etc. You, too, are needed here.

Jesus is unhappy with the Pharisees and lawyers because instead of leading people to God, they did the opposite. Jesus’ stern condemnation of these religious leaders calls for a serious examination of conscience on our part. Am I a light for the world or just part of the darkness? Is my life inspiring people to do good or to do evil? Am I a good leader?

Jesus calls them “unmarked graves, on which people walk over without realising it” (Luke 11:44). What makes a person an unmarked grave? St. Paul answers this question in today’s first reading by listing these characteristics: “fornication, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger, selfishness, dissension, party spirit, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and the like.” (Galatians 5:19-21).