God’s business comes first(HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE 25TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME 28TH SEPTEMBER 2023

HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE 25TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Haggai 1:1-8; Ps.149; Luke 9:7-9

God’s business comes first

The importance of working for God is highlighted in today’s first reading. The people said to themselves that it was not yet time to build the house of God that laid in ruin. They said this so that they may have ample time to build their individual houses and personal concerns. It became the case that the things of God become second fiddle; that is, it was after one has satisfactorily attended to his or her personal concerns, that the person may consider working for God. But the Lord revealed the foolery of such thought in today’s first reading. We can never find satisfaction in what we do for ourselves if we have abandoned God’s business.

This reminder is very apt at this time when the harshness of the present economic situation has forced virtually everyone to double their hustle. Hardship and the determination to survive have boost the initiative of many on how to make ends time. The result is that we have lesser time for frivolities and more time for hustling. Where the mistake is often made is when we group our spiritual growth and concerns amongst the frivolities that we have little time for. Some persons are now too busy to pray or go to Church. In some areas where market days are routinely scheduled, some persons will not border fulfilling their Sunday obligations if the market day falls on a Sunday.

In all sincerity, the intention is not to jettison God but to survive. Beloved, the Lord speaking through the prophet Haggai, tells us that we can never find fulfillment in the work of our hands if we are not giving God his due. No matter what, never be too busy for God. Always bear in mind that the time, life, health and opportunity you have with which you struggle to make a living, are all gifts from God. Without them, you would probably not be able to hustle. So, do not give excuses why you cannot pray, go to Church, contribute to the growth of the Church, or act in a Godly manner.

Giving God his due is the manure that fertiles our struggle to survive. The psalmist beautifully captures this truth as follows: the Lord takes delights in his people. The fruits of our personal efforts will not bring us fulfilment unless the Lord has taken delight in us. So, seek first the kingdom of God and its righteousness, and every other thing will be added to it (cf.Matt.6:33).