HOMILY FOR AUGUST 4 2020 MEMORIAL OF SAINT JOHN MARY VIANNEY
*HOMILY FOR AUGUST 4 2020 MEMORIAL OF SAINT JOHN MARY VIANNEY, PRIEST (TUESDAY OF 18TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME*
Jeremiah 30: 1-2, 12-15, 18-20; Psalm 102: 16-18, 19-21, 29 and 22-23; Matthew 14: 22-36 or Matthew 15: 1-2, 10-14
*THE PROMISE OF RESTORATION*
God is in control. Even when other humans seemed to be involved, God can use the circumstances in our lives and the lives of others to bring about the divine plan. And when humans try to be in control of themselves and others, they end up falling in a pit.
Jeremiah’s words in the First Reading are addressed to the Chosen People as they suffer under foreign occupation or exile. The prophet reminds them that God is using their enemies in order to tell them that they have not been faithful to the divine relationship. Even their former allies have now turned against them because the people of Judah have turned against their God. Yet, God, being faithful to the divine promises made to David, will restore the throne and kingdom to one of David’s descendants and they will again have the relationship with God renewed.
The Responsorial to the psalm focuses on the renewal of Zion and the covenant relationship. God will do it to give glory to his own name. But we must give the proper respect and honor to God.
In this Gospel, Jesus sends His disciples ahead of Him across the lake. He then spends time in prayer. As a storm hits the lake and tosses the disciples’ boat around, Jesus comes walking on the water. At first, the disciples think Jesus is a ghost. Once they recognize Jesus, Peter wants more proof. He asks if he can walk on the water like Jesus. Jesus beckons him to come. After a few steps on the water, he sinks into the water. Jesus chides Peter for his lack of faith. Once they arrive at the shore, Jesus continues His ministry to those seeking His help.
Dear Children of God, at times we are like the suffering Chosen People mentioned in the First Reading. We experience hardship in our lives and we fail to see how God can use the difficulties we are undergoing to draw us closer to the Lord Jesus. We forget about the promises God has made to be our God if we remain faithful to our relationship with God. God loves us and wants the best for us, but we sometimes experience the consequences of sin, whether they be our own sins (personal sins) or the sin of others (corporate sin). We also may suffer from the normal processes of living in this world which is changing. At other times we may feel the effects of the Evil One trying to tempt us. At other times, we are like the disciples in the boat. We are being tossed around by the storms of life. As the Lord Jesus makes the divine presence known to us, we fear the worst. We think we are seeing ghosts. As Jesus speaks to us the message, “Do not fear, it is I,” we are leery about whether it is really the Lord Jesus. Some of us may act like Peter, saying, “Lord, if it is really you, prove it.” Then we ask for sign. We may step out somewhat in faith, but as we continue to be battered around by the storm, we start doubting even Jesus’ promise to keep us above the water. The heaviness of our difficulties may be remembered. Then, we begin to sink like Peter.
Dear friends in Christ, today’s readings challenge us to keep our eyes fixed on the Lord Jesus. Have an established relationship with Jesus, and have faith in God. Trust the Lord God in all situations. When I can only focus on how I am been thrown about by winds of misfortune or suffering under outside forces such the pandemic, I am focusing only on me and not on the Lord Jesus. I need to surrender to Jesus, and let Him take control of my life. I must continue to respond to God’s graciousness, but the focus is on the Lord Jesus and what God is doing in my life, not on me. In response again, I have to lead a holy life as a Christian. In every situation, the Lord is there for me and with me. He cares for me, even when I have no food to eat. Even in the midst of war as it is common in Africa, the Lord God is still with me. I owe him trust, faith, glory, praise and worship.
More so, the spreading of God’s message must encounter opposition, but I must strive to do the work of my Father. It will encounter opposition through the way I preach or teach, through the way I live my life a true Christian, through the way I honour God. Because some people say, “yes nah, he or she wants to tell us that he or she is the only Christian in this church.” It is a challenge for me to humble myself and see to what it is that God is calling me. I must realize that God will fulfill all the promises that have been made, but I must be willing to co-operate with God’s plan. I must bloom where God has planted me and I must allow myself to produce the fruit which the Lord Jesus intends. That can only happen if I continue to focus on the Word of God and be faithful to the Lord Jesus.
Today, we celebrate John Mary Vianney, a priest per excellence. Old stories then tell us that he does not comprehend in classes. So he was repeating classes because he failed courses in the School. Later, we learnt that it was Latin that he could not understand, since Latin was the instructional language then. Any way, he performed poorly, but was ordained a priest. Today’s message of God’s promise of restoration was fulfilled in him. Then, John Vianney poses a challenge to Priests today as well as the Lay faithful. John Vianney spent 11-16 hours in a day hearing the confession of people. He was truly after the model of Christ. In the sacrament of Confession, Christ heals his people of their Spiritual Sickness, and even physical sickness. John Vianney challenges our priests and bishops today to be available to the people of God. Yes, you a human being, but you must be available to the people. Some of us, from Monday to Friday night, will not be in their place of work. Only to reappear on Saturday morning or night. People of God need our attention. Many are suffering; we are there to heal them of the wounds. When you are not available, they look for alternative. Learn from John Vianney. This is why he is the Patron Saint of Priests. As a lay faithful, how far do you take care of the people around you who are in need--- in need of material things, in need of finance, in need of people to talk to and share the burdens with?
*MEDITATION* What has been my attitude when negative events befall me and others? Do I blame God or do I humbly search within myself and see what effect my sinfulness has added to the problem? How can I live more fully as a disciple of the Lord Jesus in my dealings with those I encounter today?
*PRAYER* Lord God, we have sometimes failed to see how our own sinfulness has compounded the problems in the world. We seek Your forgiveness and healing. With our eyes open, may we look to the Great Teacher to bless us with the gifts which He knows we can handle and use for the Good of Your faithful ones. Through the continued guidance of the Holy Spirit, empower us to wisely minister to others with the abilities and talents You give us. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Comments
Post a Comment