Homily (Reflection) for Thursday of the Twelfth Week in
Ordinary Time (II) (23rd June, 2016) on the Gospel
2Kg 24:8-17;
Ps 78:1-5.8-9. (R. v.9);Matt 7:21-29.
Topic: Further warning.
Today’s gospel is the continuation of Jesus’ warning in
yesterday’s gospel. It is made up of two teachings: self-deception, and hearers
and doers of the word.
Jesus warned in today’s gospel that the ability to perform
miracles and/or claims of miracles is not true yardstick for discerning spirits.
Hence, many will say on the last day, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your
name, and cast out demons in your name, do many deeds of power in your name?” And
Jesus will declare to them, “I never knew you; go away from me, you evildoers.”
Recall that the wise men and sorcerers of Egypt performed miracles just like
Aaron did, cf. Ex 7:8-11. Again, Paul
and Silas were met by a slave girl at Philippi who had a spirit of divination through
which her owners had made much gain by soothsaying. Although that spirit appeared
harmless but Paul cast it out because it was not of God, cf. Acts 16:16-18; Matt 12:22-26.
The true yardstick is in doing the word of God. We all face the
same challenges but colossal failure awaits those who do not practise the word of
God. In line with the second part of the gospel, Saint James cautions,
But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive
themselves. For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like
those who look at themselves in a mirror.... But those who look into the
perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget
but doers who act – they will be blessed in their doing (Jas 1:22-25).
Bible Reading: Jas
1:19-27; 2:14-26.
Thought for today: Are you a hearer or a doer of God’s Word?
Let us pray: May God help us to live out His Word
always – Amen.
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