Homily (Reflection) for Wednesday of
the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time (II) (6th July, 2016) on the
Gospel
(Saint Maria Goretti, V.M. Opt Mem)
Hos 10:1-3.7-8.12;
Ps 104:2-7. (R. v. 4);Matt 10:1-7.
Topic: Performing signs and wonders.
In today’s gospel, “Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and
gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every
disease and every sickness.” It is important to reflect on how this affects us
today because many supposed ministers of God are indeed ministers of Satan, courtesy
of power, fame, money, and so on. The prophecy of Jeremiah depicts aptly what is
happening in the name of God in many ministries today, “Every one deceives his
neighbour, and no one speaks the truth; they have taught their tongue to speak
lies; they commit iniquity and are too weary to repent” (Jer 9:5).
There is so much emphasis on these signs: casting out demons,
speaking in tongues, and so on, cf. Mk
16:17-18. However, God ordained us for various ministries. Hence, we are variedly
blessed, cf. 1Cor 12:4. And most regrettably,
the core sign every Christian ought to possess is forgotten entirely today; “By
this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one
another” (Jn 13:35). How many talk
sincerely about love today?
The Lord’s vineyard is not a moneymaking machine, cf. 1Pt 5:2. Saint Paul advised, “For the
love of money is the root of all evils; it is through this craving that some
have wandered away from the faith and pierced their hearts with many pangs” (1Tim 6:10). And we also read confidently,
“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have; for
he has said, ‘I will never fail you nor forsake you’” (Heb 13:5).
Friends, if you have the power to cast out demon, cure every
kind of diseases, and so on, I have these words for personal reflection. Please,
confirm the source. Secondly, use it and never abuse it, cf. 1Cor 12:7. And finally, never forget that
God has also blessed us with many medical experts.
Bible Reading: Jer 8:22–9:6; 1Cor 12:1-31.
Thought for today: “... there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit” (1Cor 12:4).
Let us pray: Lord, help me always to see others
as collaborators and not traitors – Amen.
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