THE PATIENCE OF GOD (HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE 17TH WEEK IN THE ORDINARY TIME

HOMILY FOR THE 17TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR II

Jeremiah 18:1-6; Matthew 13:47-53

In the first reading from the book of prophet Jeremiah, we hear the parable of the Potter and the clay. Manifestation of the relationship between God and Israel. For as the clay is dependent on the potter, so also is Israel dependent on God. The Potter has the prerogative to rework the clay into another vessel fitting for his purpose (Jer 18:5-6). The meaningfulness of the clay lies in the heart and plans of the Potter.

We can rightly say that as the clay is in the potter's hands, likewise is humanity in the hands of God. As "clay" we must in humility and obedience submit unwaveringly to the disposition of God, to rework and remodel us according to his plans and purposes. The meaningfulness of our lives depends on the workings of God. The hope of humanity rests on the determination of God. 

Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, despite our mistakes, errors, iniquities, enormities, vices, sins etc, which harden us and destroy us, God remains patient with us and is our only hope of regaining purposefulness and usefulness hinges on God alone. Consequently, let us submit ourselves in humility to God even at the sacrament of Penance that he may soften our hardened hearts of sin and re-fashion us into that which according to his will is fruitful.

In the Gospel according to St. Matthew, we learn of the parable of the dragnet given by Jesus in comparison to the kingdom of God. The dragnet thrown into the sea caught fish of every kind. when full, they drew it ashore and sat down to sort the good into baskets but threw away the bad (Mt 13:47-48). The sea is the world, and the fish of every kind are the people of every race. When it is full is the end of time, the sorting is the separation of the good people from the bad people.

Beloved in Christ, the parable reveals to us the patience of God towards humanity by allowing judgement to only take place at the end of time notwithstanding the sinfulness of humanity, yet God allows the bad and the good to co-exist. Hoping that the bad may through imitation of the exemplary life of the good turn into a new life and be converted. God continues to hand on to humanity second chances in life. The word of God tells us: God does not delight in the death of an evil man but that he may repent and live (Ezek 33:11).

Friends in Christ, something is definite, there will be a judgement on the last day. So the second chances regularly given to you by God, how do you make good use of them? Are you regular at the sacrament of penance and healing? Is your moral life worthy of emulation, to spur conversion in the life of others? Do you present second chances to others as well?

Today that you have listened to his voice, harden not your heart.

Have a beautiful day!

Fr Remi osj