WOE TO THOSE WHO PLOT EVIL AND DISTORT THE TRUTH ( HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 15TH WEEK IN THE ORDINARY TIME

Woe to those who plot evil and distort the truth

Homily for Saturday of the 15th week in ordinary time

Micah 2:1-5; Mt 12:14-21

Honestly speaking, one of the tremendous crises, which the church faces now and then is the misrepresentation of the scripture and doctrinal teachings of the church by false, erroneous and treacherous teachers, ministers, prophets, etc.  Who incessantly misguide, deceive, and misinform the hearts of the faithful by propagating incorrect and untrue doctrines and teachings to feeble hearts. The Pharisees during the time of Jesus were not different from this category. They had a misguided understanding of the essence of the Sabbath and work on the Sabbath.

In the Gospel of Mathew, after Jesus healed the man with a withered hand on the Sabbath day, we are told that this infuriated the Pharisees so much that they began to plot against Jesus, on how to destroy and kill him (Mt 12: 13-14). For the Pharisees to heal on the Sabbath was a crime, whereas to plot or take counsel against someone was a perfectly lawful act to do on the Sabbath. They propagate the teaching that good works are abhorred even on the Sabbath day. They teach that good works distort the sacredness of the sabbath. Consequently, a punishable offence. This way they discourage the people from transforming their worship of God into genuine moral and fruitful acts such as kindness to the destitute, charity to the orphans, widows and widowers, healing and care of the sick, feeding of the hungry, help to the poor, clothing the naked, visiting those in captivity, care for the stranger, etc. 

Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, the Word of Jesus re-echoes in our hearts today: “what I desire is mercy and not sacrifice” (Mt 9:13). God cares so much for the poor and oppressed and frowns at evildoers: “those who devise wickedness and evil deeds on their beds! When morning dawns, they perform it, because it is in their power. They covet fields, and seize them; houses, and take them away; they oppress householder and house, people and their inheritance” (Mic 2:1-2). 

Friends in Christ, as true Christians, let us be just and upright in our ways. Let's be genuine custodians and preachers of the doctrines of the church for the enlightenment and edification of God's people. May God grant us his help through Christ our Lord. Amen

Have a lovely day!

Fr Remi osj