It is a terrible thing to reject God's invitation (HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE 26TH WEEK IN THE ORDINARY TIME YEAR II (MEMORIAL OF ST. JEROME

Homily for Friday of the 26th week in Ordinary time, year II 

(Memorial of St. Jerome, Priest and Doctor of the Church). 

Job 38:1,12-21; 40:3-5. Luke 10:13-16.

In today's liturgy of the word, in the First Reading, God responded to Job out of the whirlwind and asked Job many questions concerning the origin and structure of the universe. "Have you entered into the springs of the sea, or walked in the recesses of the deep?" (Job 38:16). Job replied the Lord: "Behold, I am of small account; what shall I answer you" (Job 40:3). Job has no answer to God's questions about the origins and structures of the universe.

Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, the saga of Job demonstrates to us the manner in which God teaches His servants and educates them to enjoy His goodness. Sometimes it may appear punitive in the eyes of humans but in the plans of God, it is chastisement and discipline. 

The Gospel reading demonstrates Jesus' pronouncement of woe on Chorazin and Bethsaida because they did not repent despite the mighty works done by Jesus in them. To have heard God's word and witness His miracle is a great responsibility. We will be judged according to what we have had the chance to know. Responsibility is the other side of privilege.

Beloved in Christ, It is a terrible thing to reject God's invitation. There is a sense in which every promise of God that we have ever heard can become our condemnation. If we we receive these promises they are our greatest glory, but each one that we have rejected will some day be a witness against us.

We commemorate the memorial of St. Jerome today. He was an extraordinary biblical scholar. He served God and devoted the whole of his life to the translation of the Bible from the original languages of Hebrew and Greek into Latin (the vulgate). He studied the Scriptures throughout his life, wrote many commentaries on the the Bible, promoted the monastic life and lived a penitential life. He is the patron saint of Biblical scholars, Librarians, Encyclopedist etc

We pray for the grace to be fruitful in our vocations and professions in life

Have a fruitful day!

Fr Remi Osj