In the face of certain difficulties and persecution, to whom do we pledge our loyalty? (HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 28TH WEEK IN THE ORDINARY TIME YEAR II

Homily for Saturday of the 28th week in the ordinary time, year II

Ephesians 1:15-23; Luke 12:8-12

In today's first reading, from St. Paul's letter to the Ephesians, we read that God "has made Christ the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all" (Eph 1:22-23).

Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, Jesus is the head of the body, the church. He is the life of the members. The life of the church depends upon its union with Christ.  It is the head that directs all the movement of the body. So it is Christ who fills all in all (Eph 1:23). The members of the body has no power of self-motion. They derive their power from the head.

As the body is one organic whole, being animated by the Holy Spirit , so also the church is one by virtue of the indwelling of the Holy spirit. Thus, Christ's faithful must be one in faith, love and obedience. As the unity of the the body admits diversity of members and organs, the unity of the church must admit diversity of gifts and offices. All expressing mutual dependence.

As the body is the instrument of the head, carrying out the details of practical life, so also the church is the instrument in the hands of Christ, carrying out his purpose. The divine and human reality of the church is organically joined to the divine and human reality of Christ himself. The church is a continuation of the mystery of incarnation. 

Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, we cannot say 'yes' to Christ and 'no' to the church. Those who say 'yes' to Christ and 'no' to the church are simply not being honest to the inseparable union between the Christ (head) and church (body). The church remains a community of salvation instituted by Christ.

Friends in Christ, let us always say 'yes' to the church precisely because of our 'yes' to Christ.

In the Gospel reading Jesus insists that "everyone who acknowledges me before others, the son of man also will acknowledge before the angels of God; but whoever denies me before others will be denied before the angels of God" (Luke 12:8-9).

Friends in Christ, it is worth knowing that our destiny is decided by our attitude to Christ Jesus. So much so that if we are loyal to Christ, Christ will be loyal to us. If we are disloyal to Christ, Christ will be disloyal to us. Christ assures us of his loyalty and fidelity, what remains is our loyalty and fidelity.

Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, in the face of certain difficulties and persecution, to whom do we pledge our loyalty? Whom do we stand up for and bear witness to? Let us never reject the demands of Jesus rather let us ask the Holy Spirit to grant us the courage and capacity to witness to the truth, submitting to the commandment of God at all times. May the Holy Spirit strengthen us and guide us. Amen

Have a wonderful day!

Fr Remi osj