EXPERIENCING THE POWER OF THE CROSS

*HOMILY, FRIDAY 21ST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A

ST AUGUSTINE: MEMORIAL*

_St Augustine, the bishop of Hippo, was born in Algeria. Having lived a wayward lived for years, he was converted by grace and the prayers of his mother, Monica. He was baptised in Milan by St Ambrose. His immense contributions in the church formed integral part of the churches fight against errors. He is one of the doctors of the church, whose writings formed part of the church teachings till date. He died in 430 AD_

1Cor 1:17-25, Matthew 25:1-13

” _Brethren: Christ did not send me to baptise but to preach the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied if its power”_ 1Cor 1:17.

Christianity is not a body of knowledge. It is about a person, the person of Jesus Christ, who practically died on the cross.

More so, Christianity is more than being innocent or gentle. One must be wise. One must have understanding of timing and adequate preparedness. In Jesus’ parable in our today’s gospel, there were ten virgins, which one can translate as metaphors of innocence or purity. Only the wise ones had the privilege of meeting the bridegroom.

The wisdom of a child of God is attached to the knowledge of the Son of God, Jesus Christ, the Lord. Its not a matter of eloquence or endless theological debate. It is chiefly on knowing the message of the cross.

St Augustine, having sought the knowledge of this world, was not satisfy until he encountered the power of God. His conversion added a lot to the Church, the Body of Christ. The knowledge he gathered through study did not change him. It was the word of God that turned him around. And having encountered Christ, his life never remain the same.

May we experience the power of God. May we encounter the power of the cross. Amen.