Homily of the Monday of the 31st week in Ordinary Time, on the Theme, “Eternal Reward” By Fr Oluwafemi Victor Orilua CSSp
Time is very short. Our journey into eternity requires faith. Sowing for eternal harvest is a special habit of those who believe that, beyond time, beyond our life here on earth, there is a great beyond. Hence, we can imbibe the attitude of performing our good acts for God’s sake.
“Jesus said to his host, one of the leading Pharisees, ‘When you give a lunch or a dinner, do not ask your friends, brothers, relations, or rich neighbours, for fear they repay your courtesy by inviting you in return. No; when you have a party, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; that they cannot pay you back means that you are fortunate, because repayment will be made to you when the virtuous rise again.”
He who gives, receives. The timing is the issue. We can gain the world and lose our souls. What matters is that we take into consideration our life after death. Eternal reward awaits those who do good without expecting something in return. God blesses us at his own time, either here on earth in later in heaven. It can be frustrating when we do good and expect commensurate returns. Man can disappoint. It is only God who remains faithful because he loves us with an everlasting love.
Great reward Comes from God
Paul said in the first reading, “How rich are the depths of God – how deep his wisdom and knowledge – and how impossible to penetrate his motives or understand his methods! Who could ever know the mind of the Lord? Who could ever be his counsellor? Who could ever give him anything or lend him anything? All that exists comes from him; all is by him and for him. To him be glory for ever! Amen.”
Beloved, remember that God made all there is. Therefore, let your love be universal. Be good to all irrespective of their status. We all belong to God. We should do good and wait on God. He has the perfect reward. His gift is eternal.
May our lives and actions be our response to his love. And may we see him in all human beings. Amen.
