Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial
of Saint Leo the Great, Pp. D. (10th November, 2018) on the Gospel and
the Memorial
Phil 4:10-19;
Ps 112:1-2.5-6.8-9. (R. v. 1);
Lk 16:9-15.
Saint Leo the Great was born in Tuscany. He reigned as
Pope between 440 and 461. Saint Leo persuaded Emperor Valentinian to recognize
the primacy of the Bishop of Rome in an edict in 445. The doctrine of the
Incarnation was formed by him in a letter to the Patriarch of Constantinople,
who had already condemned Eutyches. At the Council of Chalcedon this same
letter was confirmed as the expression of Catholic Faith concerning the Person
of Christ. He was well-known for his great eloquence and writing skills. He
died in 461, leaving many letters and writings of great historical value.[1]
Topic: Consider your loyalty.
Jesus admonished us in today’s gospel to prepare for the life
everlasting with the earthly wealth. He also said that whoever is faithful in a
very little is faithful also in much, and vice versa. Jesus said further, “No
slave can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the
other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and
wealth.”
It is very easy for everyone to say that he/she is loyal to God.
However, our God is a jealous God, cf. Ex
34:14; Deut 5:9. 6:15. He demands hundred percent of our loyalty.
We must check ourselves individually to ascertain if we are
truly loyal to God. Just as it is easy for one to say that he/she is loyal to
God, it may also be easy to find out whether this is real or just a made-up.
Think of what will be your decision if you are to choose between God and your
business, between Him and your friendship, or connections, or family, and so
on. Remember the very words of our Master, “If any one comes to me and does not
hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters,
yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple” (Lk 14:26).
Certainly, it is not an easy decision to make. However, “the
LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all
generations” (Ps 100:5). Let us follow
the example of Saint Leo the Great who served God with all his heart. Things may
not be the way one wants them for a particular good work, but everything is as
God wants them.
Bible Reading: Lk 14:25-33.
Thought for today: Only God stands for ever.
Let us pray: May the almighty God give us the
strength to be faithful to Him in every circumstance – Amen.
Saint Leo the Great – Pray for us.
You are free to share this reflection with
others if you consider it worthy.
For more
homilies (reflections):
Join our WhatsApp Group via: +234 810 298 6313
Tel: +234 813 305 0302
May
God bless you all+
Post a Comment
Post a Comment