*HOMILY FOR JULY 31 2020 MEMORIAL OF SAINT IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA, PRIEST (JULY 31 2020 FRIDAY OF THE SEVENTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II)*
Jeremiah 26: 1-9; Psalm 69: 5, 8-10, 14; Matthew 13: 54-58
A PROPHET IS NOT HONOURED IN HIS OWN TOWN
The homily will be based on the normal reading and not on the readings for the Memorial. We are once again reminded of the hardships that await a prophet. Are you surprised at what happened in the first reading? Now, the Lord God told Jeremiah: STAND IN THE COURT OF THE HOUSE OF THE LORD AND SPEAK TO THE PEOPLE OF ALL THE CITIES OF JUDAH WHO COME TO WORSHIP IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD; WHATEVER I COMMAND YOU, TELL THEM, AND OMIT NOTHING. God told Jeremiah to stand at the door of the Church, and proclaim his word to the mothers and father that will come to Church, to the youths and Children, to the Kings (Ezes, Obis, Obas) will come to Church. Then, the Pastor (Priest and/or Bishop) with Mass Servers, Catechists and Church Wardens will be getting ready to vest for Mass. Then, a voice at the Door will shout REPENT! REPENT!! REPENT!!! As I am writing this, I’m picturing what the scene will be like, both from the worshippers and from the priest if it is to happen today. Hahahaha. In 1 Peter 4:17-19, the scripture says; “For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner? Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.”
Now, look at God’s reason for asking Jeremiah to go to God’s house and proclaim his word: “Perhaps they will listen and turn back, each from his evil way, so that I may repent of the evil I have planned to inflict upon them for their evil deeds.” But see what happened after Jerry proclaimed God’s word: “Now the priests, the prophets, and all the people heard Jeremiah speak these words in the house of the LORD. When Jeremiah finished speaking all that the LORD bade him speak to all the people, the priests and prophets laid hold of him, crying, “You must be put to death! Why do you prophesy in the name of the LORD.” Hmmm. Is this happening today in God’s house? YES. In our various Bible Study Groups and Organizations, when you preach repentance today, lead them to know the offences they are committing against God, tomorrow you will not be allowed to preach again. Hahahahaha. God is watching.
Jeremiah preaches God’s Word to the people, and they plan to kill him. Jeremiah feels the necessity of preaching God’s message even though he knows it is going to be met with anger. The people do not like to be challenged by the Word of God as spoken by Jeremiah. If they accepted what he says, they would have to change their lifestyles. It is easier to get rid of the messenger than to accept his proclamation – God’s proclamation.
The psalmist also senses the animosity against him because of his faithfulness to God. Preaching the Word of God brings about division, even from one’s own family. It is hard for people to hear a word of confrontation, especially from someone whom they know and whose imperfections they also know. The psalmist ends his litany of suffering with the words, “But, I pray to You, O LORD, for the time of Your favor.” In spite of all the hostility against him because of his message, he still counts his ministry of being a prophet as a favor from God.
In the Gospel, Jesus meets opposition from people of His home region (Nazareth). When he returns to the neighborhood in which He grew up, the people think they know everything about Jesus. He is just a local who went from being a carpenter to being an itinerant Preacher Who is reported to have done some miraculous deeds. They know His mother and all of His relatives. He can’t be that special they retort to themselves. Because of their unwillingness to hear God’s Word as spoken by Jesus, they do not benefit from Jesus’ ministry.
Today, what happened in the two readings are still happening. Jealousy breeds contempt. Many people in our churches may not listen to you because they know you. Some will be like, what has he said that I do not say? What has he done that I do not do? Some will say, I preach more than him/her sef!! Nwanne, kedu ihe anyi na azo n’ulo chukwu? (My brother [sister], what are we fighting for in God’s house?)
When people are willing to step out and try to share the Word of GOD with others, they are often put down by their closest friends and, even sometimes, by their family members. They may be asked, “Why are you spending so much time preaching to us? Don’t you have something better to do? You aren’t that special.” This is particularly true in two cases: 1) when the message which is presented is a threat to the activities of those to whom the message is addressed; 2) when the messenger’s faults and failings are well known to his/her audience. Yet God chooses prophets who are just as human as those to whom they speak.
Dear People of God, the readings of today tells us that what is important is not the messenger but the Message. Even Jesus wanted the crowds to focus on His message more than on Him. When we hear God’s Word, we come to know Who God is. As I have spent time reflecting on God’s Word, I am amazed at the insights that God shows me and I have the privilege of sharing with others. God’s Word is much more powerful whatever I may possess or you may possess. If I can be instrumental in the process of God’s Word becoming alive in peoples’ lives, I am thankful to God. Even if I end up being rejected by others (family or friends) because of God’s using me, then I am grateful for being part of God’s plan. We can count it a joy when God makes us an instrument in the divine hand.
Remember, God’s judgment will begin from the temple of God. Remember, what is important whenever you are opportune to hear the Word of God, is the message and not the Messenger. Remember, if God’s word is romanced with and painted, it has become Ancient Philosophy or Philosophy of Language; therefore, God’s word must be threatening and challenging. Again, as a messenger, you must say what God asked you to say.
*MEDITATION* What does it mean to me to be called to share the Word of God with others? What is the greatest challenge I face in announcing the Good News to those around me? What can I do to be a more effective proclaimer of God’s Word?
*PRYAER* Lord God, through the inspiration and grace of the Holy Spirit, may we joyfully accept the invitation You give us and proclaim Your Word to others. And may we doers of your Word, Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
© Rev Utazi Prince Marie Benignus SFDPM
Jeremiah 26: 1-9; Psalm 69: 5, 8-10, 14; Matthew 13: 54-58
A PROPHET IS NOT HONOURED IN HIS OWN TOWN
The homily will be based on the normal reading and not on the readings for the Memorial. We are once again reminded of the hardships that await a prophet. Are you surprised at what happened in the first reading? Now, the Lord God told Jeremiah: STAND IN THE COURT OF THE HOUSE OF THE LORD AND SPEAK TO THE PEOPLE OF ALL THE CITIES OF JUDAH WHO COME TO WORSHIP IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD; WHATEVER I COMMAND YOU, TELL THEM, AND OMIT NOTHING. God told Jeremiah to stand at the door of the Church, and proclaim his word to the mothers and father that will come to Church, to the youths and Children, to the Kings (Ezes, Obis, Obas) will come to Church. Then, the Pastor (Priest and/or Bishop) with Mass Servers, Catechists and Church Wardens will be getting ready to vest for Mass. Then, a voice at the Door will shout REPENT! REPENT!! REPENT!!! As I am writing this, I’m picturing what the scene will be like, both from the worshippers and from the priest if it is to happen today. Hahahaha. In 1 Peter 4:17-19, the scripture says; “For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner? Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.”
Now, look at God’s reason for asking Jeremiah to go to God’s house and proclaim his word: “Perhaps they will listen and turn back, each from his evil way, so that I may repent of the evil I have planned to inflict upon them for their evil deeds.” But see what happened after Jerry proclaimed God’s word: “Now the priests, the prophets, and all the people heard Jeremiah speak these words in the house of the LORD. When Jeremiah finished speaking all that the LORD bade him speak to all the people, the priests and prophets laid hold of him, crying, “You must be put to death! Why do you prophesy in the name of the LORD.” Hmmm. Is this happening today in God’s house? YES. In our various Bible Study Groups and Organizations, when you preach repentance today, lead them to know the offences they are committing against God, tomorrow you will not be allowed to preach again. Hahahahaha. God is watching.
Jeremiah preaches God’s Word to the people, and they plan to kill him. Jeremiah feels the necessity of preaching God’s message even though he knows it is going to be met with anger. The people do not like to be challenged by the Word of God as spoken by Jeremiah. If they accepted what he says, they would have to change their lifestyles. It is easier to get rid of the messenger than to accept his proclamation – God’s proclamation.
The psalmist also senses the animosity against him because of his faithfulness to God. Preaching the Word of God brings about division, even from one’s own family. It is hard for people to hear a word of confrontation, especially from someone whom they know and whose imperfections they also know. The psalmist ends his litany of suffering with the words, “But, I pray to You, O LORD, for the time of Your favor.” In spite of all the hostility against him because of his message, he still counts his ministry of being a prophet as a favor from God.
In the Gospel, Jesus meets opposition from people of His home region (Nazareth). When he returns to the neighborhood in which He grew up, the people think they know everything about Jesus. He is just a local who went from being a carpenter to being an itinerant Preacher Who is reported to have done some miraculous deeds. They know His mother and all of His relatives. He can’t be that special they retort to themselves. Because of their unwillingness to hear God’s Word as spoken by Jesus, they do not benefit from Jesus’ ministry.
Today, what happened in the two readings are still happening. Jealousy breeds contempt. Many people in our churches may not listen to you because they know you. Some will be like, what has he said that I do not say? What has he done that I do not do? Some will say, I preach more than him/her sef!! Nwanne, kedu ihe anyi na azo n’ulo chukwu? (My brother [sister], what are we fighting for in God’s house?)
When people are willing to step out and try to share the Word of GOD with others, they are often put down by their closest friends and, even sometimes, by their family members. They may be asked, “Why are you spending so much time preaching to us? Don’t you have something better to do? You aren’t that special.” This is particularly true in two cases: 1) when the message which is presented is a threat to the activities of those to whom the message is addressed; 2) when the messenger’s faults and failings are well known to his/her audience. Yet God chooses prophets who are just as human as those to whom they speak.
Dear People of God, the readings of today tells us that what is important is not the messenger but the Message. Even Jesus wanted the crowds to focus on His message more than on Him. When we hear God’s Word, we come to know Who God is. As I have spent time reflecting on God’s Word, I am amazed at the insights that God shows me and I have the privilege of sharing with others. God’s Word is much more powerful whatever I may possess or you may possess. If I can be instrumental in the process of God’s Word becoming alive in peoples’ lives, I am thankful to God. Even if I end up being rejected by others (family or friends) because of God’s using me, then I am grateful for being part of God’s plan. We can count it a joy when God makes us an instrument in the divine hand.
Remember, God’s judgment will begin from the temple of God. Remember, what is important whenever you are opportune to hear the Word of God, is the message and not the Messenger. Remember, if God’s word is romanced with and painted, it has become Ancient Philosophy or Philosophy of Language; therefore, God’s word must be threatening and challenging. Again, as a messenger, you must say what God asked you to say.
*MEDITATION* What does it mean to me to be called to share the Word of God with others? What is the greatest challenge I face in announcing the Good News to those around me? What can I do to be a more effective proclaimer of God’s Word?
*PRYAER* Lord God, through the inspiration and grace of the Holy Spirit, may we joyfully accept the invitation You give us and proclaim Your Word to others. And may we doers of your Word, Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
© Rev Utazi Prince Marie Benignus SFDPM
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