We are dignified in the sight of God (REFLECTION/HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE 24TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME 22ND SEPTEMBER 2023

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We are dignified in the sight of God (REFLECTION/HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE 24TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME 22ND SEPTEMBER 2023

1Tim.6:2c-12; Ps.49; Luke 8:1-3

We are dignified in the sight of God

The direct audience of the author of the gospel of Luke were the gentiles. Luke was conscious of the fact that the gentiles may see themselves as second fiddles in the salvific plan of God. The general mindset was that since Jesus was a Jew, salvation was basically for the Jews. Luke needed to write his gospel in such a manner that this wrong mindset will be corrected. Salvation is not the exclusive property of any particular people, culture or race. Faith, not place of origin, is the prerequisite for salvation.

Consequently, those classes of people that were looked down upon in the Jewish community, Luke emphasized their roles in the ministry of Jesus. By so doing, the gentiles will understand that they are not looked down upon by Jesus. In today’s gospel, Luke consciously linked women with Jesus’ ministry. The Jewish community was patriarchal in nature. It gave relevance to men only. Women had no place in the synagogue, in decision making or similar important exercises.

Luke first tells us that women too were beneficiaries of the salvific work of Christ: they heard the goodnews, they responded positively to it, miracles were worked for them and they also ministered to the needs of Jesus. In fact, there was nothing Jesus will do for a man that he will not also do for a woman. Consequently, there is nothing Jesus will do for a Jew that he will not do for a gentile.

Today, we are called to respect the role of women in the society. God can use them to minister to families and societies. The dignity of the human person is not dependent on gender neither is there anyone who is less dignified in the sight of God. Therefore, let us perceive and treat one another as God does to us. If people look down on you, ensure that you do not look down on yourself since God holds you in high esteem.

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