Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of Saint Jerome, P.D. (30th September, 2020) on the Gospel and the Memorial
Job 9:1-12.14-16;
Ps 87:10-15. (R. v. 3);
Lk 9:57-62.
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.
Topic: Neither mine nor yours.
Today’s gospel presented to us three categories of would-be disciples of Jesus. Jesus replied the first who opted to follow Him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” Yet Jesus said to another, “Follow me.” Despite his excuse, He insisted, “...go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” And to the third who wanted to bid farewell to those at his home first, Jesus said, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Every owner of property ought to have intention for his/her property. And it is the intention of the owner that counts.
The Psalmist writes, “Know that the LORD is God! It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture” (Ps 100:3; cf. Eph 2:10). Hence Saint Paul tells us that we are God’s property, cf. 1Cor 6:19.
It is God’s intention therefore that counts in our lives and in whatever we do even when one thinks he/she has the best of intentions, cf. 2Sam 7:5-7. In today’s gospel, Jesus literally turned down the intention of the person who volunteered to follow Him. The one who thought it wise to bury his father first was charged to spread the gospel instead. And the last who wanted to say goodbye to those he was to leave behind was judged unfit.
In our lives and in everything we do, it is neither my will nor yours that counts. We ought to seek the will of God in everything.
Bible Reading: 2Sam 7:1-14.
Thought for today: With God are enduring wealth and prosperity, cf. Prov 8:18.
Let us pray: Lord, direct our hearts to follow your will always – Amen.
Saint Jerome – Pray for us.
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