DAILY HOMILIES

Our first reading today comes from the Book of Prophet Hosea. God instructed Hosea to marry a harlot to demonstrate the idolatrous practices of the Israelite nation. Just as a harlot leaves her husband for other men, we cheat on God when we serve other gods (such as money, power, pleasure, etc.)

Those who accused Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebub believed in Beelzebub’s power. Some Christians are quick to ascribe misfortunes to the devil’s power but find it very hard to believe that God is capable of protecting them or granting their prayers.

Judas Iscariot was too ashamed to face Jesus after his betrayal was exposed. What happens when people do worse things without guilt or shame? A society self-destructs when people behave like they are greater than the law. Even Jesus Christ (God in human flesh) never claimed superiority over the Law.

Whenever we call on God, He is always ready to forgive. Nevertheless, are we ready to extend His forgiveness to others? Jesus’ parable in today’s Gospel passage teaches us what becomes of us when we refuse to extend God’s mercy to those who hurt us.

Humans find it difficult to value what belongs to them. You struggle to acquire something today, and by tomorrow, it will have become worthless in your eyes. We do not value things produced in our country and are the first to criticise our people when they do something good. Meanwhile, we idolise those from distant places. This phenomenon was the sickness Jesus tried to correct when He cited the example of Naaman and the widow of Zaraphath in today’s Gospel passage.

The only sign we need is the Cross. Have you ever wondered why the Crucifix is boldly displayed in the middle of all Catholic Churches? This is what we preach – Christ crucified.

Just as the Father was merciful to the prodigal son, he showed mercy to the elder brother by stepping out of the banquet to reason with him. What kind of a parent am I? Do I pitch my children against themselves by indirectly (or directly) showing preference?

Like the brothers of Joseph in the Old Testament, we could become so overwhelmed by envy that we begin to think that our survival depends on eliminating others. We begin to think that we can only shine when we quench that of others. This is the insanity of the envious mind.

The parable of Lazarus teaches us that one could be ‘helped by God’ and still live in abject poverty. With this parable, Jesus teaches that being poor despite your religiosity does not mean God has failed or that He is powerless. Does it surprise you that Lazarus, who lived in abject poverty (on earth), was sitting at the feet of Abraham in heaven?

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus teaches that the criteria for greatness in God’s kingdom is servitude. When we seek power and comfort like worldly leaders, we become wolves feeding on our sheep (being served) rather than shepherds who feed the sheep (serving them)

The biggest temptation faced by persons who stand daily to preach (or address the public) is the attraction of living a double life. The scribes and Pharisees fell into this temptation; they thought their deeds were hidden, that no one would know what they did in secret. They were shocked that Jesus knew everything.

Regardless of your religion or denomination, life will always give you an abundance of whatever you give to others. It doesn’t matter whether you are the person who offended first; the golden rule is that whatever you give out must return to you. This is why Jesus told us to love our enemies and do good to them.