DAILY HOMILIES

We cannot all become ordained ministers, consecrated men and women, bishops, or cardinals in the church, but at the end of the day, not even the Pope will receive a greater reward than the newly baptised. Jesus says: “The last will be first, and the first will be last.” This means that there would be no last or first.

If God could make a man as weak as Gideon, a successful war hero, it tells us that God can take “a nobody” like Mary and turn her into His mother; by this fact, she is the queen of heaven.

Like the Israelites we read about in our First Reading, we become idol worshippers when we seek security in our possessions. To the young rich man who wanted to know how to possess eternal life, Jesus said: “If you want to be perfect, go and sell what you possess and give to the poor.”

Like this Canaanite woman, we have been victims of tough times at some point. We may be going through very difficult circumstances right now. Today, we learn that tough times do not last, but tough people do. What does it mean to be a tough person? Selflessness – living not merely for oneself but for others. Living above Prejudice - refusing to judge others based on their origins. Positivity - refusing to take ‘No’ for an answer. Humility – accepting and taking advantage of whatever insults we receive. Let us not examine some lessons in today’s readings.

A parent once asked a priest: “At what age do I start teaching my child how to pray?” In return, the priest asked, “How old is your child now.” She replied: “He will be four years in two months.” “Then you are four years late already,” said the priest. We do our children a great disservice when we do not allow them to attend catechism classes, but we want them to receive the sacraments.

His disciples asked Jesus: “If such is the case of a man with his wife, is it not better to remain unmarried?” (Matthew 19:10). Jesus said: “Not all men can receive this saying, but only those to whom it is given.” (Matthew 19:11). In other words, celibacy is not for everyone. One who is not called to a celibate life but embraces it to escape the rigours of marriage would end up frustrated. Achieving a happy marriage is difficult, but being a faithful celibate is more difficult without the grace of celibacy.

If proper statistics are taken, it would reveal that the answer to this question for most of us is zero. We do not even bother to count. When we feel offended, we rush to retaliate, end the relationship (business agreement, marriage, contract etc.) or bottle everything up – waiting for the right time to strike back.

Some persons may be offended but refuse to let their offenders know. Pretending to smile with someone while carrying bitterness in your heart against them is dangerous and unchristian. No wonder Jesus says we must ensure you reconcile with those who have something against you before presenting your gift. If you are unhappy with me, let me know so I can be more careful and not worsen the injury.

Finally the Immaculate Virgin, preserved free from all stain of original sin, when the course of her earthly life was finished, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory, and exalted by the Lord as Queen over all things so that she might be the more fully conformed to her Son, the Lord of lords and conqueror of sin and death.

This attitude of Jesus teaches us a great lesson: Even if we are right, there is no need to offend anyone. It is not enough to do what is right; we must refrain from sending the wrong message to those who may need help understanding us. Like Jesus, who presented himself for baptism even though he was sinless, we must strive to fulfil all righteousness. Hence, even though we do not belong to this world, we cannot evade the payment of taxes.

Are you lost at sea, unable to know where to turn? Has life been very harsh to you like it was with Elijah, who found himself fleeing from Jezebel in today’s First Reading? Has your faith in God begun to wane due to the troubles all around you? Today’s message is just for you.

Do you desire the faith that can move mountains? Then change the tone of your self-talk. Speak positively to yourself even if you don’t believe what you are saying; keep saying beautiful things until you start believing them. Count your blessings. Celebrate your victories. Be grateful for little positive steps. Do not dwell on negativity.