Heaven is our Greatest Right (HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE 29TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME) 23RD OCTOBER 2023

HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE 29TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Rom.4:20-25; Lk.1; Luke 12:13-21

Heaven is our Greatest Right

Usually, when disputes arise amongst people, each person/party tells the story in his or her favour. The way you tell a story, reveals something about you. In today’s gospel, someone presented a seemingly problem before Jesus. Jesus did not see a problem but a distraction. Whether the person was on the right and the brother was on the wrong, was quite inconsequential. With the parable Jesus gave, we come to understand that what was really at stake was that the dispute over inheritance was preventing this person from being heavenly conscious.

One thing we learn here is this: it is not in all circumstances you fight for your right. Before you fight for your right, first consider the consequences. If what it will cost you is your personal devotion towards God, then know that that right of yours will become an idol if your get it. For example, you lend money to a friend on trust (without legal documentation) and at the expiration of the promised date for payment, the person is refusing to pay back. If it will require a sinful action on your part to get the money from the person, refrain because in getting your money, you may loose your God. That will be foolishness.

It is difficult for anyone to name himself or herself greedy; but one way to catch yourself is to consider that which when taken away from you will “wake up the demon in you”. Martyrs are those who gave up their rights to life when living was to mean leaving God.

Another lesson we learn is this: do not allow yourself to be drawn away from God by the request God himself has granted you. Some persons will seek job opportunities or promotion from God. The moment they get it, they become too busy for God. They will only remember God when the job becomes shaking. I dare to say that God sometimes says NO to some requests we make because He knows that a YES may constitute distraction.

Beloved, our relationship with God is prime. Nothing and no one else qualifies as sufficient alternative. The gospel acclamation succinctly says that if we must make heaven, we must we poor in spirit. The greatest right you have and must keep fighting for, is the right to make heaven. All other rights must either support this right or be forgone.