HOMILY OF WEDNESDAY OF THE 12TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A
Saint Irenaeus, Bishop, Doctor, Martyr
Saint Irenaeus, Bishop, Doctor, and Martyr. His teachings and writings made significant contributions to the early Church. Irenaeus vehemently defended orthodox beliefs against heretical teachings, particularly Gnosticism. His influential work, “Against Heresies,” provided a comprehensive refutation of Gnostic ideologies and emphasized the unity and continuity of the Christian faith.
Genesis 15:1-12,17-18, Matthew 7:15-2
THEME: BEING PROPHETIC
Authenticity is a function of being true to what we claim to be. It has nothing to do with perfection. We become authentic to the degree at which we work daily to approximate the values we project. We may claim to be a university graduate, it will be authenticated by what we can offer, and not by our certificate.
“Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Beware of false prophets who come to you disguised as sheep, but underneath are ravenous wolves. You will be able to tell them by their fruits.”
By the virtue of our baptism, we are prophets, but our prophetic office will be questioned by our lifestyle. If as lay people or clergy, we display lifestyles contrary to our prophetic calling, we will be found wanting and fall short of God’s approval.
A prophet is God’s mouthpiece. Let us speak for God in spirit and in truth. Let us emulate St Irenaeus who fought frantically against heresies as to defend the deposits of the Christian faith.
May our words rhyme with our deeds, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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