BE PART OF THE FAMILY OF FAITH AND UNITY ( HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE 24TH WEEK IN THE ORDINARY TIME

Homily for Monday of the 24th week in the ordinary time, year II

1Cor11:17-26; Luke7:1-10

In the first reading St. Paul speaks of the class division, individualism and segragation that plundered the unity of the church in Corinth, so much so that the essence of the Eucharistic communion is endangered. 

He declares: "I have heard that there are divisions among you" (1Cor11:18). He continued. " when you come together, it is not really to eat the Lord's supper. For when the time comes to eat, each of you goes ahead with your own supper, and one goes hungry and another becomes drunk. What! Do you not have homes to eat and drink in? Or do you show contempt for the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What should I say to you? Should I commend you? In this matter I do notncommend you!" (1Cor11:20-22).

Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, Unity and Oneness is an essential  mark of the Church. Jesus payed to the father: "that they may be one even as we are one" ( John 17:11). The church is the mystical body of Christ, a fellowship, a communion of members with Christ as the head. The Church of God has different parts but no parties. The church is not a political party. Beloved in Christ, any clique, any exclusion, any segragation is against the spirit of the church. In the church, there are no strangers. In spite of difference in race, language, nationality and culture, all are called to share equally in the unity and fellowship of God's people.  Christ has broken down the divinding walls of hostility (Eph 2:14)

Friends in Christ, in whatever society, organization and groups we find ourselves in the church, let us remeber that we are a family of faith and unity, let us use our varied gifts and talents, to work towards the unity, togetherness and love of all memebers of the church. Let the Holy Eucharist, we celebrate remain for us the authentic sacramebt of communion with God and owith one another. Remember, "where two or three are gather together in the name of God, Jesus is in their midst (Matt 18:20)

The Gospel reading speaks to us of the faith of the Centurion and the cure of the centurion's servant.

It is an understatement to  speak of the animosity between the Jews and the Romans. The Jews, conquered by the Romans, hated the Romans so deeply, so much so that any Jew who works or interacts with the Romans was perceived as a traitor. However, the Centurion, a Roman official seemed quite different. Notwithstanding, the disparity between the Jews and the Romans, the Centurion was generally regarded as a good man. Thus they said to Jesus, "He deserves this of you, because he is friendly to our people, ...He is the one who built the synagogue". This is a clear sign of a man who did not use his authority to oppress the people subject to him, a man of love and friendliness even in the corridor of power. It beckons the question: How best do we care for the people placed under our care? Are we friendly or tyranical?

While seeking the help of Jesus to cure his servant, the centurion declared: "Lord. I AM NOT WORTHY TO HAVE YOU UNDER MY ROOF, BUT SAY THE WORDS AND MY SERVANT SHALL BE HEALED" (Lk 7:6-7). Total manifestation of deep and great faith in Jesus. Faith that the words and declarations of Jesus is synonymous his presence. The Centurion counted himself unworthy as he acknowledged the worthiness of Jesus to enter into his home. He was aware of the how much he had been "graced" by Christ's presence. Hence, it evoked total humility and faith in him.  

Friends in Christ, everyone is regularly invited to become a member of the "family of faith" (Gal 6:10). Our response to God must be born out of faith and humility. We must as well be promoters of unity and love in the church. Let us eradicate every element of division and segragation and embrace the way of unity, peace and reconciliation. 

As you begin with faith your activities this day, may the healing words of Jesus accompany you in all you do and may you be liberated from all your infirmities. GOD BLESS YOU. 

Have fruitful day!

Fr Remi osj