Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of
Saint Boniface, B.M., (05th June, 2018) on the Gospel and the Memorial
2Pt 3:11-15.17-18;
Ps 89:2-4.10.14.16. (R. v.1);
Mk 12:13-17.
Saint Boniface (c. 675–754)[1],
known as the apostle of the Germans, was an English Benedictine monk who gave
up being elected abbot to devote his life to the conversion of the Germanic
tribes. On his first missionary journey in 719 at the request of Pope Gregory
II, paganism was a way of life. What Christianity he did find had either lapsed
into paganism or was mixed with error. The clergy were mainly responsible for
these latter conditions since they were in many instances uneducated, lax and
questionably obedient to their bishops. In particular instances their very
ordinations were questionable. The Holy Father instructed him to reform the
German Church and gave him letters to the religious and civil leaders. He was
made a regional bishop and authorized to organize the whole German Church. In
the Frankish kingdom, he met great problems because of lay interference in
bishops’ elections, the worldliness of the clergy and lack of papal control.
During a final mission to the Frisians, Boniface and 53 companions were
massacred while he was preparing converts for confirmation.[2]
Topic: The things that are Caesar’s.
Many people are involved in lots of syncretistic practices.
Often they claim to be doing what Christ asks of us; “Give to the emperor the
things that are the emperors, and to God the things that are God’s” (Mk 12:17).
In today’s gospel we see what such people quote out of
context. The chief priests, the scribes and the elders sent some of the
Pharisees and some Herodians to trap Jesus. They said to Him,
Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and show difference to
no one; for you do not regard people with partiality, but teach the way of God
in accordance with truth. Is it lawful
to pay taxes to the emperor, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?
(Mk 12:14-15)
Their question was about paying taxes and never about
syncretistic practices. The Lord through prophet Ezekiel describes the
righteous in part as people who do not lift up their eyes to the idols, cf. Ezek 18:6.12.15. We remember that idols
are the work of human hands, cf. Ps
115:4. And God does not approve of giving His glory to any other thing, cf.
Is 42:8. Accordingly, whoever
engages in idol worship provokes God and stirs Him to jealousy, cf. Deut 32:21. Hence, He warns us never to
defile ourselves with idols, cf. Ezek
20:18.
We must be careful lest we lose our very selves in the bid of
gaining the world. Such venture profits us nothing, cf. Mk 8:36; Lk 9:25. We ought to imitate Saint Boniface who did not only
serve God but also helped others to do likewise.
Bible Reading: Ps 135:1-21.
Thought for today: God created us for His glory (cf. Is 43:7).
Let us pray: Lord, you created us for your glory.
Help us to fulfil your divine plan in our lives – Amen.
Saint Boniface – Pray for us.
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