THE EFFECT OF TOO MUCH FAMILIARITY ON OUR FAITH

HOMILY, FRIDAY 17^TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A

ST IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA, P. [MEMORIAL]

Jer 26:1-9, Matthew 13:54-58.

[Ignatius of Loyola, 1491-1556, was born in Spain.  He became a soldier and was wounded in battle. During his long recovery he turned to Christ and changed his life.  He became a priest and founded the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1534. He is noted for his work “The Spiritual Exercises”]

At times, we do not know how many times we have said good bye to the good men and women who God has sent to enrich and bless us. With the right frame of mind we enjoy the fruits of our closeness with the right people in our lives. But when we give room to prejudice, we give room to disadvantage.

The Lord Jesus did not do mighty works in his own country because of the unbelief caused by too much familiarity.

It is good to be very close to those who matter on issues concerning our life aspiration. However, if we are not careful, we may not know when those people have come and gone.

“Where did this man get wisdom and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brethren James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And are not his sisters with us. Where then did this get all this?”

A book must not be judged only by the cover.  As a result of pride, jealousy and envy, many people have missed opportunities which the Lord has sent to them on a platter of gold. We look down on people and make ourselves blind to what God is doing through them. And at times, we despise the work of God in another person’s life as a result of our bias for their age, family background, tribe, gender, appearance and colour.

We must be objective so that we can enjoy the full benefits of our company with others. Like St Ignatius, let our contact with Jesus lead us to a greater sphere of life.

PRAYER

O God who raised up saint Ignatius of Loyola in your Church to further the greater glory of your name, grant that, by his help, we may imitate him in fighting the good fight on earth and merit to receive with him a crown in heaven, through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, o ne God, forever and ever. Amen.