A CALL TO SACRIFICIAL GENEROSITY

HOMILY ON THE 32ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B

Theme: A CALL TO SACRIFICIAL GENEROSITY

R1:         1Kings 17:10-16

R/P:       Psalm 145:6-10

R2:         Heb. 9:24-28

Gospel: Matt. 12:38-44

In the first reading of today, Elijah encountered the widow of Zeraphat who assisted him with the last food in her house. This act of generosity was largely rewarded through the words of the prophet. 

It implies that the first purpose of our generosity is not what we stand to gain but to render necessary service to someone in need. This sacrificial way of giving is also evident in the life of Christ whom the author of the letter to the Hebrews describes in the second reading as our High priest who became both the priest and the victim. As distinct from the priests of the old covenant who go to the sanctuary year after year to offer sacrifices for the purification of the people and for his own sins too, Christ our High priest sacrificed himself once and for all and took the fault of many on himself.

Meanwhile, in the Gospel Jesus praised a poor widow who gave all she had out of her love for God. However, prior to this observation, Jesus warns us against being like scribes whom though were among the elites and the educated, lived in ways that contradict the laws they interpret to the people. 

Jesus Christ therefore warns us against overbearing: 

i) quest for prominence where people are ready to do whatever it takes to be relevant and famous. This ugly mentality is also found among the people of God who are ready to go to any length in order to be recognized or to attain a desired position in the Church.

ii) quest for difference: the Scribes sought to be different and as such lived ostentatious, hypocritical and dishonest lifestyle. Thus, they take undue advantage of their exalted positions (these are the men who devour the property of the widows Mk 12:40). For instance, a doctor who deceives illiterate patients by making their sickness look too serious in order to attract higher bill, a lecturer who forces students to buy books at exorbitant price, a taxi driver who doubles the price of transportation because there is scarcity of vehicles, a trader who extorts customers because they have little knowledge of the current market situation etc should consider himself or herself as eating from the same plate with the scribes.

We are therefore encouraged to emulate these two widows who gave all they had. Ultimate and true prominence will be achieved before God if we are able in all honesty to share what we have with one another. We do not have to wait until we have in abundance so as to give. Remember, “Nobody is so poor that he has nothing to give, and nobody is so rich that he has nothing to receive”, (John Paul II). Real giving is always sacrificial and at times reckless. Since Christ our high Priest offered himself for our sake, we must reciprocate this love by giving our lives, time, energy and loyalty to him; and by sharing what we have with one another. 

Peace be with you!

Fr. Jerome Odiejije SMMM