21^ST SUNDAY, YEAR C: HOMILY BY FR. JUSTIN ADIELE

THEME: “THE PATH LESS TRAVELLED IN OUR LIFE”

INTRODUCTION

The readings today tried to remind us of the roads/paths less travelled in our life. The “narrow paths” that we intentionally try to avoid as we journey through our faith-life; we try to avoid these paths because we misjudge them to bring some kind of discomfort to us and not convenient for our joy. But indeed, it is these less convenient narrow paths that are less travelled, like the stone which the builders rejected, that turns out to be the cornerstone of our development, happiness and salvation.

 

THE FIRST READING (IS. 66: 18 – 21)

One path less travelled mentioned in the first reading is the path of proclaiming the glory of God to the nations. It is a path less travelled by many because many would prefer to remain in their comfort zones. Such was the case of Israel of old that God would sometimes permit wars to displace them from their comfort zones, sending them as fugitives to the nations and distant coastlands who have never heard of the fame and glory of God; these fugitives would then bring the Goodnews to the nations where they are scattered. The Psalmist today invited us to go out to the world and tell the Good News. But it is a path that is less travelled. Let us remember that God the Son (Jesus) had to leave the comfort of heaven and his Godship, emptied himself, to become man to make the glory of the Father known to the world.

 

THE SECOND READING (HEB. 12: 5 – 7, 11 – 13)

Another path that seems to be less travelled mentioned in the second reading is the path of discipline/training. Many children, for example, would not like to be disciplined by their parents for any reason. But the Bible tells us today that whom the Lord loves, he disciplines and scourges. Discipline entails that you must not have it your own way all the time, but God’s way or your “superior’s way”. At first instance, God’s discipline/ways may seem to cause us pain rather than joy, yet later it brings peace and righteous fruits to those trained in it. We may not enjoy the path of discipline now but later it builds us into great men and women. This narrow path of discipline demands obedience, humility and respect to God, constituted Church/state authorities, to our parents. It also demands repentance from our indiscipline and disobedience against God’s commands.

 

THE GOSPEL READING (LK. 13: 22 – 30)

In the gospel, against being forced into going into the world to proclaim the Good News, Jesus freely went through towns and villages teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. He was never forced out of his father’s house or his comfort zone.

 

CONCLUSION

We are invited today to strive to enter through the narrow gate; to embrace those narrow paths less travelled in our life: the path of bringing the Goodnews to the nations, the path of leaving our comfort zones, the path of discipline, obedience and humility. Our less travelled paths could also be the path of prayer, the path of service to others, the path of charity, the path of forgiveness. Walk through these paths more often, and God will never deny us nor cast us out of His kingdom on the last day.

Happy Sunday!

Fr. Justin

 21^st Sunday, Year C: Homily by Fr Isaac Chima

Narrow Door: The Sole Entrance that Leads to Salvation

Readings: Is. 66:18b-21; Heb. 12:5-7,11-13; Lk. 13:22-30

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, the question posed by the young man in today’s gospel reading to Jesus is of significant importance. He sought to understand whether the number of people who will enter heaven on the final day is few or many. For the Jews of his era, it was believed that only those from the twelve tribes of Israel – the descendants of Abraham – would be saved. Similarly, some Christians hold the view that only members of their churches or solely Christians will be saved on that day. So, today, the Church aims to clarify this notion.

The answer to the question regarding the number of people who will be saved was provided in today's first reading, where Isaiah answered a similar question. The Psalm for today also affirmed it.

In the first reading, while discussing the return of the Israelites from exile after forty-seven years in 540 BC, Isaiah foretold that God is gathering individuals from all nations, races, languages, and religions to witness His glory in Jerusalem; that God is bringing people from all corners of the earth to His home. Thus, the invitation to enter heaven has been extended to all, and everyone possesses an equal chance to enter this dwelling and partake in the glory of God.

The response of Jesus to the question posed by the young man in today's gospel illustrates what should truly concern every Christian regarding eternal life. Rather than informing the young man of the number of people who will be saved, Jesus encouraged him to reflect on whether he himself would be among those that will be saved.

Actually, Jesus affirms that God wants all persons to experience eternal life; however, he emphasizes the necessity of our unwavering fidelity and vigilance throughout our lives. Jesus reminds us that although God wants all of us to be saved, we must actively strive for this salvation. Admission into God's kingdom is not automatically bestowed upon anyone based solely on their religious affiliation, nationality, or connections; therefore, we cannot take God's mercy for granted and remain passive in our response to His invitation. Instead, our daily, concrete choices and actions should reflect the response we have made to God's call.

Some people have responded affirmatively to God's invitation; however, their lifestyle often contradicts the commitment they have made. To such individuals, Jesus warns that on the final day, they will be found at the door pleading, 'Open the door for us,’ but He will respond that He does not know them. Therefore, dear friends, the Church encourages us to reflect personally on whether our current way of living will secure our admission into God's glory and whether our individual lives align with the 'Yes' we responded to God's invitation to partake in His glory.

In today's gospel, Jesus refers to the narrow door as the sole passage to eternal glory. But what exactly is this narrow door? It represents self-discipline, the way of the cross; it is the life pattern of rejecting sin, even when those around me choose to embrace it; it is the choice to serve Christ, even when those around me opt to worship the devil; it is the commitment to stand with Christ in all life’s circumstances, even if it involves suffering due to this choice and even if it means standing alone; it is the resolve to lead a holy life, even if other people around me have chosen sinful paths and may ridicule me for not joining them.

Dear friends, the narrow door brings sorrow and demands patience and strength from us. This is the message conveyed in the second reading of today. The author of the letter to the Hebrews wants us to see every experience of the narrow door as a form of correction that a loving father gives to his son. We understand that every act of correction or discipline from a loving father is ultimately for the benefit of the child who receives it. To the child undergoing correction or disciplinary action, the father's behaviour may appear as hatred or malice; however, the father is aware of the advantages his actions will yield for the child's future. Dear friends, if we interpret our experience of the narrow door as a type of correction from God, we will willingly embrace any discomfort it may cause us, fully aware that glory awaits at the end of such an experience.

Let us conclude this reflection by reading the experience of Jesus as presented in the early verses of this second reading. It said, “Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from the beginning to the end. He did not give up because of the cross! On the contrary, because of the joy that was waiting for him, he thought nothing of the disgrace of dying on the cross, and he is now seated at the right-hand side of God’s throne. Think of what he went through - how he put up with so much hatred from sinners! So, do not let yourself become discouraged and give up. For in your struggle against sin, you don’t have to give up until the point of shedding your blood.” (Heb. 12:2-4)

Peace be with you

Rev. Fr. Isaac Chinemerem Chima

 21^ST SUNDAY, YEAR C: REFLECTION BY FR. JULIAN EKEH

THEME: IN JESUS' NAME, YET...

(Luke 13:22-30)

Today, Jesus presents us with the surprises of the last day. This is a warning to us and should serve as a guide to us in our Christian living.

 We are called to be aware of where we came from, where we are and where we are going to.

The above awareness will merit us enjoyment of the salvation brought by our Lord Jesus Christ.  We shall no longer worry if many or few will be saved, but try as individuals to get in ourselves and not derail.

Be that as it may, those called by the Lord's name, confuse God by making Him ask if these are really from Him or not. Are you bearing God's name and without representing Him well? Have you moved out using the name of your God to deceive people? Are you not confusing God by the type of life you are living? 

We should be marked out by godliness; it doesn't matter where we are. But are we known by God? Are our activities approved by Him? Do we allow Him to direct us? Is His Spirit operating in us? If so, He will acknowledge us on the last day for the good name, but if not... the Holy name of God cannot be dishonoured.  Hence the reply: "I do not know where you are coming from". God forbid!

 

BUT WHERE ARE YOU COMING FROM?

When people mention the name of their father in traditional Igbo setting, they are looked upon to see a resemblance of their Father in them, maybe by the way they speak, act or react to issues. When you represent well you will hear assertions as: You are a true son of your father, "Nna gi muru gi".

When on the other hand you misbehave, people wonder where you came from. Are you sure You are the Son of Okonkwo? It is not what you say that makes people to conclude about where you are coming from but what you do. In the sight of God too, how we live tell where we are coming from. Thus, the word of God says: Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.

We should always be ambassadors of Christ. But unfortunately, we have most of the time used the name of the Lord as a cover up for evil. May God forgive us.

 

MY NAME? I STILL DO NOT KNOW WHERE YOU'RE FROM

This is coming from a sad, disappointed and heartbroken Father. You went wearing a white garment which I your father sew for you but where are you coming from dressed like a harlot? You went out without my permission where did you go to? I created you as a man why did you make yourself a woman? You went out with a talent I gave you but where are you coming from? You started well, what happened? You entered that political position as a Christian but under your watch Christians and Christian principles suffered the worst persecution. You have deceived all but you can't deceive your God.

Let us not forget we are responsible and answerable for what we are doing with the opportunity God has given to us. We can't really stand to answer, our actions should. When we fail to present the necessary credentials, then we will be forced to start giving excuses.

 

WONDERFUL EXCUSES

The Lord gives us opportunity today to amend our ways now instead of giving excuses when it is late. He is calling on us not to lose our identity in the world.  He wants us to know that the day of reckoning awaits each one of us. He wants us to keep God and His will ever in mind so as not to stammer on the last day: 'But it is in your name that we did XYZ'.

This is the usual way man takes issues back to God. There will be no room for that when it is late.

Adam gave his excuse, it was Eve, the woman you gave me; meaning that God was responsible, it was in His name that he did what he did. Cain, but am I my brother's keeper; meaning that God never commanded him to be his brother's keeper. Saul, that was told to kill all, when confronted said he brought back those animals in the name of God to sacrifice to Him. The New Testament Saul as well claimed he was fighting for God till he was arrested.

Some people of the third world nations who travel to developed countries in the name and permission of their countries end up most of the time committing crimes and blame it on the poor condition of their homelands.  Yet others from those countries make their fatherland proud by standing out positively.

The word of God arrests you today to evaluate what you do with your life here on earth now. It is a call on us to stop deceiving ourselves thinking we can deceive God. It is a reminder that the name of the Lord is sacred. Thus, we should stop living questionable lives that would make people ask where we are coming from and make God wonder if actually we are those called by His name at Baptism, His children and those who should inherit His kingdom.

May God bless His word in our hearts.

LET US PRAY

Almighty and merciful God, we call upon you. Help us to live as your true sons and daughters in this world.  May we not dishonour Your Holy Name. May we not lose focus of where we came from and where we are going to. May we live as true Christians bearing testimonies for You wherever we find ourselves. May we be welcomed and not sent out from Your presence. Bless and keep us in Your Name that we may be one with You in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen

Happy Sunday (21st Sunday, Ordinary Time, Yr C)

Rev. Fr. Julian O. Ekeh