32ND SUNDAY, YEAR B: HOMILY BY FR JUSTIN ADIELE
THEME: “THE LITTLE CHARITIES THAT PLEASES GOD”
INTRODUCTION
The readings of today presented us with the little charities that meant/worth a great value before God. This consequently shows us how simple, cheap or little it could take to please God. We can actually make or win heaven by doing just little things, little charities, little kindness and favours towards one another especially the needy. Peter Obi in one of his NEDU WAZOBIA talk show narrated why he flies economy and not business class; and how he uses the saved money to share to market women. He also narrated how he visits one or two hospitals and schools as a monthly routine, to help improve on their facilities. The presenter remarked; ‘heaven is certain for you then!’ Peter Obi retorted; nothing is certain; he strives and works hard every day to do the right thing; you have to work for everything! There is no faster way to work for heaven than through doing little charities for humanity; and you do not have to be so rich like Peter Obi to do little charities.
THE FIRST READING (1 KG. 17: 10 – 16)
In the first reading, the widow of Zarephath was not as rich or established as Peter Obi, yet she has the heart to do a little charity to Elijah. Though she was on the brink of starvation; on the brink of emptiness; and on the threshold of a needy herself, she still had the mind to do one last charity, one last favour, and one last good for Elijah. From her little morsel of bread, she shared with Elijah and was saved by a morsel of bread or a morsel of charity. That’s exactly how little things or charity saves us before God.
THE SECOND READING (HEB. 9: 24 – 28)
The second reading continued to describe and demonstrate the priestly office and sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ for the sins/burdens/problems of the peoples. Every little attempt we make to sacrifice for others, to suffer for others, to bear the burden of others, to intercede for others, is a priestly/holy act before God, and therefore pleases Him as well like the sacrifice of Christ.
THE GOSPEL READING (MK. 12: 38 – 44)
The gospel reading talked about the widow’s mite which was perhaps not noticed by the people, but was definitely noticed and praised by Jesus as greatest among others. Jesus taught his disciples that you don’t have to be supper rich before you can do little charity or make little sacrifices for others or for the common good. Charity done from your surplus is welcomed by God, but charity done from your poverty is adored and cherished by God the master of all charity great and small. Little wonder Peter Obi accepted that the charities he has done with his wealth is not a guarantee for heaven; he has to work hard every day to do the right thing, in order to make heaven.
CONCLUSION
Today, instead of considering what big thing you could do for God or for others, just try considering what little you can do, contribute, or give up for the wellbeing of others. It will surprise you how that little charity means so much before God. What may appear inconsequential before the eyes of men appears great in the eyes of God. Do not hold back on little charities when the opportunities call. Your widow’s mite might as well be your greatest mite, and your greatest/holiest act worthy of exaltation before God.
Happy Sunday!
Fr. Justin
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