Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial
of Saint John Paul II, Pp. (22nd October, 2016) on the Gospel and
the Memorial
Eph 4:7-16;
Ps 121:1-5. (R. v. 1);Lk 13:1-9.
Pope Saint John Paul II (the Great) was born Karol
Józef Wojtyła (18th May, 1920 – 2nd April, 2005). He was
ordained a priest on 1st November 1946, consecrated a bishop on 28th
September, 1958, created a Cardinal on 26th June, 1967, and a Pope
from 16th October, 1978 to 2nd April, 2005. John Paul II
improved the Church's relations with Judaism, Islam, the Eastern Orthodox
Church, and the Anglican Communion. He visited 129 countries during his
pontificate, beatified 1,340 people and canonised 483 saints. A key goal of his
papacy was to transform and reposition the Catholic Church. He was beatified on
1st May, 2011 by Pope Benedict XVI and was canonized on 27th
April, 2014 by Pope Francis. Pope Saint John Paul II is the patron saint of the
Archdiocese of Kraków, Young Catholics, Families, among others.[1]
Topic: The exit.
Today’s gospel like yesterday’s is made up of two sections: Jesus’
warning that perishing awaits all who refuses to repent (Lk 13:1-5), and the parable of the barren fig tree (Lk 13:6-9). Our reflection focuses on
the first section.
When some who were present told Jesus about the Galileans
Pilate mingled their blood with their sacrifices, He replied, “Do you think
that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than
all other Galileans? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish
as they did.” He also said that the eighteen the tower of Siloam fell on and
killed were not the worst offenders than all living in Jerusalem. Jesus
concluded with these words, “but unless you repent, you will all perish just as
they did.”
Whenever we read or heard about either the saints or sinners,
many do consider themselves not more than spectators. However the opportunity
of seeing or reading or hearing them ought to help us in making decisions. It
is an opportunity to know that they are all possible. Hence, the letter to the
Hebrews reads, “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God;
consider the outcome of their life, and imitate their faith” (Heb 13:7).
Pope Saint John Paul II we celebrate today was not foreign to
many. We witnessed his life, death, beatification, and canonization. And today,
we celebrate him as a saint of God. If only we can repent today, we will rejoice
in heaven with all the saints of God. So, repentance is the exit from eternal
damnation perdition.
Bible Reading: Heb 12:14-29.
Thought for today: Repent.
Let us pray: Lord, strengthen us to be firm
before every temptation – Amen.
Pope Saint John Paul II – Pray for us.
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