OUR HOMES ARE DWELLING PLACES OF GOD (HOMILY FOR TUESDAY OF THE 27TH WEEK IN THE ORDINARY TIME, YEAR II OCTOBERE 2022

Homily for Tuesday of the 27th week in the ordinary time, year II

Galatians 1:13-24; Lk 10:38-42

The first reading of today begins with St. Paul describing his call from God. He says: "But when God, who had set me apart before I was born and called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, so that I might proclaim him among the Gentiles...I went away at once into Arabia (Gal 1:15-17). This expression underscores that God was responsible for the apostleship of Paul. It was God's initiative, it was God who marked out the destiny of Paul right from inception. God called Paul to preach Christ among the Gentiles (Gal 1:16)

Beloved friends in Christ, like St. Paul, there is a destiny marked out for each one of us. God has his purpose for each one of us. We may be for quite a while unconscious of our destiny but once we have a knowledge of it, duty requires we make stringent effort through obedience to the will of God to live reposibly by it. Hence, as Christians our mission like that of St. Paul is to reveal Christ and to make him known to all.

The Gospel tells us that Jesus entered a village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister called Mary who sat at the feet of Jesus listening to him while Marth herself was distracted by many task (Lk 10:38-41). We are told that Jesus commended Mary for choosing the better part (Lk 10:42).

Form the judgment of Jesus, Martha who seemed though distracted, was doing many good things but the major good thing that is required eluded her. The good things of Martha for instance can be represented by the many good things of life such as good health, good home, comforts, good roads etc. All these good things will surely disappear because they are not the major good thing that is required. They are simply not the "word of eternal life" which endures for ever. Hence, the declaration of Jesus: Man cannot live by bread alone but by every word which proceeds from the mouth of God.

Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, the moral questions that we can adduce from this are: In all our activities do we really please the Lord? Are all our activities pleasing to the Lord? What is the ultimate aim of all our activities? Salvation of souls?

Friends in Christ, let us constantly welcome Jesus into our home, into our hearts. Let us devote our time to listen to him, to his teaching, to his Word and his will in our regard. God bless you all

Ha e a fruitful day!

Fr Remi Osj