Homily of Tuesday in the 28th Week of the Ordinary Time Year C
Memorial of St Callistus, Pope. By Fr Emmanuel Aghidi CSSp.
Texts: Romans 8:1-16, Luke 11:37-41.
Friends, there is a need to be reminded that the salvation we enjoy today was paid for. It was bought at a price. If this is true, there is a need to constantly celebrate this salvation with practical joy.
St Paul understood this reality. That was why he said to the Romans today that he is not ashamed of the good news he carries. We all are bearers of this good news; that we have been saved by grace and faith in Jesus.
However, how many of us practically share this good news with others? Do we understand enough to be able to share this good news? St Paul tells us that God has communicated himself to us right from creation and has redeemed us in fullness through Jesus. Is the light of our faith bright enough to see through the distractions of this present moment to be able to see that for which our hope looks forward?
If the light of our faith is bright enough, it would shine from within us. We become light bearers. There will be no decadence within us. Wherever we go, people will experience the Joy of the good news that we carry. Jesus had an altercation with the pharisee in the gospel reading of today because he has not allowed the light of faith to shine out from within him. He is so much interested in externalities. Hence, he is without light. Jesus wants him to allow the light of faith that looks beyond ephemerals to shine out within him . By so doing, he will be clean in and out and he will be able to bear authentic witness to the good news of redemption.
The Pharisee is not alone. Jesus speaks to us too. What are our priorities? is the light shining? is the faith alive?
May the Lord bless His words in our hearts. Amen.
