Encourage the good! HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE 22ND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME 7TH SEPTEMBER 2023

Encourage the good!-HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE 22ND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME 7TH SEPTEMBER 2023

Col.1:9-14; Ps.98; Luke 5:1-11

Encourage the good!

In the first reading of today, St. Paul exhorted the Colossians. This exhortation was not to reprimand them for any wrong deeds but to acknowledge and commend the good efforts they were making as regards living the authentic Christian life, and to also pray and encourage them to do more. Thus, Paul’s address was a form of positive reinforcement to spur the Colossians into greater heights.

This is something that is worth emulating. As evangelizers, our focus should not be limited to those who need to come into the light of Christ; practicing and authentic Christians need to be evangelized too. They need to be applauded and motivated to grow higher and to remain steadfast.  Often times, we unconsciously ignore those who are really making effort to do good, not until they make a mistake. It seems as though it is the mistake of a brethren that receives more recognition, while his/her good over the years is quickly forgotten.

A veritable way of encouraging good deeds is by utilizing the good so that he/she becomes an example and a model to others. When the good is not made reference to, it may be considered useless by the young. People are more attracted to what is given positive recognition. What is praised by elders constitute what becomes valuable for the young.

St. Paul also went on to pray for the Colossians. Indeed, good people need prayers too. It is easier to become good than to remain good. In a world were moral decadence has assumed the status of the ideal, good cannot remain good without having to constantly and greatly combat with evil. Our prayer is the best form of incentive we can offer.

So dearly beloved in Christ, let us make it a point of duty to show some appreciation and give encouragement to those who are really making effort in different spheres of life. By so doing, we will be mutually strengthening one another’s zeal in good deeds.