Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial
of Saint Jerome, P.D., (30th September, 2017) on the Gospel and the
Memorial
(Saturday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in
Ordinary Time (I))
Zech 2:5-9.14-15;
Jer 31:10-13. (R. v.10);
Lk 9:43-45.
Saint Jerome (c. 347 – 30th September 420)
was a presbyter, confessor, theologian and historian. He was born at Stridon, a
village near Emona on the border of Dalmatia and Pannonia. Jerome is best known
for his translation of most of the Bible into Latin (the Vulgate), and his
commentaries on the Gospels. He was known for his teachings on Christian moral
life, especially to those living in cosmopolitan centres such as Rome. In many
cases, he focused his attention to the lives of women and identified how a
woman devoted to Jesus should live her life. He is recognised as a Saint and
Doctor of the Church by the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church,
the Lutheran Church, and the Anglican Communion.[1]
Topic: As you rise.
Jesus came into the world to save the world, cf. Jn 3:17. 12:47. In the words of Saint Paul,
“...Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1Tim 1:15). This mission He was to accomplish through His death on
the cross, cf. Rom 5:10; Eph 2:16.
In today’s gospel, “While everyone was amazed at all that he [Jesus]
was doing, he said to his disciples, ‘Let these words sink into your ears: The
Son of Man is going to be betrayed into human hands.’” In other words, asking
them to concentrate on the mission.
We are in this world for a mission. But the tendency of
forgetting our mission seems to rise as we rise. We are admonished, “You shall
remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth” (Deut 8:18a). The Psalmist warns, “...if
riches increase, set not your heart on them” (Ps 62:10). This is because, “...the wise die, the fool and the
stupid alike must perish and leave their wealth to others” (Ps 49:10). Note, “He who loves money
will not be satisfied with money; nor he who loves wealth, with gain” (Eccl 5:10).
Every increment comes with corresponding responsibility, cf. Eccl 5:11. However, not all who do
everything possible to rise are ready for the corresponding responsibility. As
you rise, do not lose your mission because it is based on the fulfilment of your
mission that you shall be rewarded. We celebrate Saint Jerome because he fulfilled
his responsibilities. How far do you fulfil yours?
Bible Reading: Ps 49:1-20. 52:1-9.
Thought for today: Every level has corresponding responsibility.
Let us pray: Lord, assist us in fulfilling all you
required of us – Amen.
Saint Jerome – Pray for us.
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