FR REMI HOMILIES/REFLECTIONS AND SERMONS

Homily on the solemnity of the Nativity of John the Baptist June 24 2024 Isaiah 49:1-6; Psalm 139; Acts 13:22-26, Luke 1:57-66,80 Reflecting on the Life of John the Baptist The narrative of John the Baptist's birth is a testament to divine benevolence. The Lord's grace was manifest in the lives of Zechariah and Elizabeth, blessing them with progeny even beyond the customary years of fertility. This grace extended to all of humanity, for John's arrival signified the advent of the Messiah. The liturgical proclamation hails John as the herald of the Most High, ordained to precede the Lord and forge His path. This role of John, as a harbinger of Christ's initial arrival, invites us to embrace a similar vocation in anticipation of Christ's promised return. In this sense, we all share in "John's" prophetic mission. Accepting this prophetic calling in theory poses little difficulty. The true test lies in emulating John the Baptist's disposition, as depict

Homily for Saturday of the 11th week in ordinary time year II June 22 2024 2Chronicles 24:17-25; Psalm 89; Mathew 6:24-34 The primacy of a God-centred heart In today's scriptural discourse, we delve into a reflection that mirrors the essence of the foremost commandment: "You shall have no other gods before me." The narrative presented by Jesus serves as a poignant reminder that, despite the undeniable utility and necessity of monetary wealth, it harbors the potential to ascend to a deity-like stature. Our contemplation here is not fixated on the currency itself but rather on the disposition we adopt towards it. Jesus does not negate the feasibility of possessing wealth while concurrently serving the Divine; to assert otherwise would imply a condemnation of the affluent to spiritual exclusion. Instead, He categorically refutes the dual servitude to both the Divine and material wealth. The instant we elevate money to a sovereign role, we inadvertently relinquish our service

Homily for Friday of the 11th week in ordinary time year II June 21 2024, (St. Aloysius Gonzaga) 2kings 11:1-4,9-18,20; Psalms 132;  Mathew 6:19-23 Eternal riches: A reflection on true value In the Gospel according to Matthew, Jesus is depicted as an eminent teacher, a portrayal likely aimed at the Jewish Christians of Matthew's community. These early believers faced a profound dilemma: remain true to Jesus or adhere to the Jewish laws and traditions of their upbringing. In his teachings on the Kingdom of God, Jesus, who embodies the fulfillment of Jewish law, cautions his followers against the allure of material wealth. He emphasizes that such treasures are fleeting and limited in scope, whereas our ultimate destiny lies in eternity. The material wealth of this world, while a testament to God's providence, can become an idol when it forms the basis of our confidence, happiness, and security. In the gospel narrative, Jesus asserts that the only enduring treasure is that of the

Homily for Thursday of the 11th week in ordinary time year II June 20 2024 Sirach 48:1-14; Psalm 97; Mathew 6:7-15 Pursuing a legacy of spirituality  Today's first reading, drawn from the opening verses of Sirach chapter 48, extols the virtues of the prophet Elijah. To appreciate the full context, one must revisit chapter 44, where the scriptural author sets out to commemorate the esteemed forefathers of Israel, highlighting their significant contributions to the nation's development. A unifying characteristic among these figures is their enduring presence beyond death. The distinction of being considered an ancestor is not based on their personal gains such as wealth, family, career, or social rank. Instead, the emphasis is placed on their cooperation with divine grace to foster God's dominion among the populace. They did not shy away from sacrifice when their mission demanded it. Recently, I was queried about why God did not avert Naboth's execution. The inquirer beli

Homily for Wednesday of the 11th week in ordinary time year II June 19 2024 2kings 2:1,6-14; Psalm 31; Mathew 6:1-6,16-18 Selfless dedication  In recent discussions, we have explored the significant events that have defined the prophetic work of Elijah. It is evident that Elijah was a devout servant of God. His unwavering faith and his adherence to the divine mission bestowed upon him serve as exemplary conduct. As we contemplate today's discourse, we acknowledge the conclusion of Elijah's terrestrial endeavors. Previously, God had directed him to appoint Elisha as his heir in ministry. Although it was God's decision to select Elisha, it was incumbent upon Elisha to manifest his willingness to embrace God's vocation. Divine summons are not coercive but rather invitational, preserving the liberty of the individual to either accept or decline. Elisha's commitment to God's summons was demonstrated through his request for a portion of Elijah's spirit, signifying

Homily for Tuesday of the 11th week in ordinary time, year II (June 18, 2024) 1king 21:17-29; Psalm 51; Mathew 5:43-48 Advocate for the Marginalized As King Ahab stepped into Naboth's vineyard with the intent to claim ownership, he likely perceived himself as omnipotent. The transaction—or lack thereof—seemed immensely favorable to him. Without the exchange of currency or alternative property, Ahab acquired the vineyard. Despite the baseless allegations against Naboth, no one dared to question the validity of the claims, given their royal origin. It appeared to Ahab that power justified might, and might dictated justice. It is conceivable that, had Naboth been of royal lineage or possessed considerable wealth and influence, Ahab would have refrained from such tyrannical behavior. In Naboth, Ahab saw an individual devoid of societal stature or an advocate to champion his cause, rendering him vulnerable to the king's whims. In contemporary society, Naboth symbolizes the impoveris

HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE ELEVENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR II (JUNE 17 2024) 1King 21:1-16; Ps. 5; Matthew 5:38-42  The triumph of Good over Evil: Embracing non-violence in the face of injustice In the scriptural passage presented today, we witness the continuation of King Ahab's malevolent actions, which are further exacerbated by his wife, Jezebel. Through deceitful means involving the procurement of false testimony, Jezebel orchestrates the acquisition of Naboth's vineyard for Ahab, culminating in Naboth's unjust demise. This narrative serves as a poignant reminder of the plight of the innocent who often become casualties of the ambitions of those in power. The prevailing societal ethos glorifies the adage 'might makes right,' perpetuating the subjugation of the impoverished and defenseless by the affluent and influential. However, in the face of such adversity, our Savior, Jesus Christ, imparts wisdom in today's Gospel, advocating for a path of non-retali