HOW PREPARED ARE YOU AT THE APPOINTED TIME? HOMILY FOR WEDNESDAY OF THE 11WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

HOW PREPARED ARE YOU AT THE APPOINTED TIME?

2kings 2:1, 6-14; Mt 6:1-6, 16-18

Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, William Shakespeare once said, “Death, a necessary end, will come it will come”. It is worth acknowledging that there is certainly an appointed time for all mortals to depart from this world. No one will take root in this world, and no one will live forever. When the time is up, my brother and my sister, it is up and there is nothing no one can do about it. Not even the best team of doctors can save you. There is no exemption to this: whether rich or poor, old or young, beautiful or ugly, tall or short, black or white, etc. It is indeed a necessary end. The sage will tell us that all metals at the workshop of the blacksmith go into the furnace eventually. What is of utmost importance is how ready are we when the appointed time comes. It could be sickness, old age, accidents, heart attack, etc. Anyway is a means.

Beloved in Christ, today the great prophet Elijah, despite his courage and might in battle, goes home to his place of rest in heaven. We are told that “while they were walking with Elisha, a chariot of fire appeared, coming between the two of them and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind” (2king 2:1). It was the appointed time for prophet Elijah and Elijah stood ready and willing. How about you and I dearest in Christ? Are going to be found ready and willing when the time comes or are we going to be caught unawares?

Elisha did not ask for wealth, prestige, honour, high privileges or to be exempted from the difficulties of life. He simply sorts for the spirit of Elijah: the spirit of fidelity, resistance to sin, courage, justice and love etc. As Christians, we too should inherit the spirit of Christ, “to love God above all things and our neighbour as ourselves”. In our day-to-day lives, we must allow the spirit of Christ to lead us and be made manifest in us until the words of St. Paul in Galatians 2:20 becomes ours “ it is no longer I who lives but the Spirit of God lives in me”. 

In the gospel reading, Jesus admonishes us to avoid all sorts of drama and pretence when we pray, fast and give alms.  The exterior acts must correspond with the good spiritual intentions of the heart. It must not be done for the sake of the camera, audience, public, or reward. It must be for the sake of God. Only our heavenly Father who sees in secret will reward us. (Mt 6:1-6, 16-18).

We pray this day that the spirit of God may fall afresh upon us and that we may be renewed in his presence. So that every action of ours may correspond to the will of God for us. 

Have a glorious day!

Fr Remi osj