Homily (Reflection) for Saturday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (10th July, 2021) on the Gospel
(B.V.M. on Saturday, Opt. Mem.)
Gen 49:29-33; 50:15-26;
Ps 104:1-4.6-7. (R. cf. Ps 68:33);
Matt 10:24-33.
Topic: Facts often forgotten.
As we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord, many have in mind the miracle-working and glorified Jesus Christ. We often forget that this same Jesus Christ was born in a manger (cf. Lk 2:7), had a carpenter; not a furniture-maker for a guardian (cf. Matt 13:55), and was not ashamed to take-up after His guardian (cf. Mk 6:3). He could not afford a shekel for His and His disciple’s tax (cf. Matt 17:27), had nowhere to lay His head (cf. Matt 8:20; Lk 9:58), was rejected by His people (cf. Matt 13:54-57), accused of being possessed and casting out demons with evil power, (cf. Mk 3:22; Matt 12:24; Lk 11:15), and could not afford a donkey for His journey (cf. Mk 11:1-3). Jesus Christ died the most shameful death, (cf. Gal 3:13), buried in another’s tomb, (cf. Matt 27:57-60) and a lot more facts.
This is the Jesus Christ who is our Teacher and our Master.
In today’s gospel He addressed His disciples further on what they would expect
in the world,
A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a slave above the
master; it is enough for the disciple to be like the teacher, and the slave
like the master. If they called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much
more will they malign those of his household!
Juxtaposing the life Jesus lived and that of many Christians
including some leaders today raises a lot of questions. We are in the world but
not of the world, cf. Jn 15:19; 17:
11.14.16. Hence Saint Paul wrote, “our commonwealth is in heaven” (Phil 3:20). Our rejoicing must be that
our names are written in heaven, cf. Lk
10:20. We need to ask ourselves some basic questions to be certain that we
follow Jesus Christ of Nazareth crucified on the cross whom we proclaim with
our mouths. Saint Peter admonishes, “rejoice in so far as you share Christ's
sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed” (1Pt 4:13). For one to share in Christ’s
glory, the person must first share in His suffering, cf. Rom 8:17.
Bible Reading: Phil 3:12-21.
Thought for today: When faced with difficulties, remember Jesus, cf. Heb 4:15.
Let us pray: Lord, give us the grace to follow
you with our whole heart – Amen.
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