FAITH IS THE FOUNDATION OF JUSTIFICATION (HOMILY FOR WEDNESDAY OF THE 18TH WEEK IN THE ORDINARY TIME
Homily for Wednesday of the 18th week in the ordinary time
Jeremiah 31:-7; Mathew 15: 21-28
Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, God's love and Providence for his people is indisputable, unquantifiable and without reservation. He never abandons nor forsakes his people. His Providence is made manifest both in joyous and sorrowful times. His love for us endures forever.
In the first reading from the book of the prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah never ceased even in times of sorrow and exile to declare this undeniable truth to the people of Israel that God's unfathomable love for them is immeasurable and never ceases. “For thus says the Lord, I have loved you with an everlasting love and am constant in my affection for you. I build you once more, you shall be rebuilt, you shall be rebuilt virgin of Israel“ (Jer 31:3-4). This prophetic love of God for his people came to pass. The remnant of Israel returned from Babylon's captivity and rebuilt their cities, planted vineyards, and went up again to Jerusalem for worship as declared by the Lord God.
Friends in Christ, like Jeremiah, let us remain constant in the proclamation of the same undeniable truth of God's love to the hearts and minds of our brothers and sisters who are victims of persecution, hatred, racism, caste system, wars, terrorism, bigotry, religious intolerance etc. Let's reassure them that God's almighty and merciful hand, though invisible is yet present to them at all times.
The Gospel reading describes the healing of the daughter of the Canaanite woman. How the Canaanite woman passed the test of faith. Jesus initially ignored the request of the woman and the plea of the disciples because it is not worth taking the children's food and throwing it to the dogs and also he was sent only to the lost sheep of the tribe of Israel. But a manifestation of the greatness of her faith spurred Jesus to grant her request. She said even dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master's table. Her tribal division was not a hindrance to her faith in Jesus. She believed from the depth of her heart that Jesus is capable of healing her daughter. Her act of humility, perseverance and obvious love for her daughter notwithstanding Jesus above all prioritized her great faith.
Beloved in Christ, Faith is the foundation of Christian justification and without faith, it is impossible to please God and come to fellowship with him. Let us never lose faith in God no matter the difficulties of life but rather continuously grow in our firmness and steadfastness of faith in Jesus. Remember with faith in God, all things are possible. Remain blessed.
Have a wonderful day!
Fr Remi osj
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