14TH SUNDAY, YEAR B: HOMILY BY FR. JUSTIN ADIELE
THEME: “TAKE NO OFFENCE AGAINST YOUR PROPHET”
INTRODUCTION:
Today, the gospel reading talked about the rejection of Jesus Christ by his own kinsmen for no just cause. This is by extension the plight of many other priests, prophets and men of God sent around the world for the purpose of speaking God’s will to the people in order to bring about spiritual, moral, and physical healing to our world. We are wrong to take offence against them and reject them or their good news purely sentimental grounds. We should accept the truth they tell us in God’s name for our own good.
THE FIRST READING (EZ. 2: 2–5)
In the first reading, God bemoaned against Israel’s impudence, stubbornness and rebellion against Him and against the prophets he sent them. It was really a negative score/remark and divine accusation against Israel. Come to think of it; if God should stand in accusation against us for rebelling against Him, against his words and against the words of his prophets, then who can acquit us?
THE SECOND READING (2 COR. 12: 7–10)
In the Second reading, St. Paul indirectly teaches us that the works of a prophet is basically wrought by the special grace of God and not by his (the prophet) own strengths. Even in his weaknesses, the power of God rests upon him and his grace is enough for him. That is why insults, hardships, persecutions and calamities cannot stop the prophet (like St. Paul) from working or doing the bidding of God. Therefore, never you be the one to stop God’s prophet from fulfilling his calling.
THE GOSPEL READING (MK. 6: 1–6)
In the gospel reading, Jesus the highest prophet entered his home town to do the work of a prophet; to heal them with the Word of God and teach them the way of salvation. With all his wisdom, gracious words and mighty miracles, they still took offence at him over flimsy sentiments; “is he not carpenter’s son”; “is he not one of us!” In order to listen to our prophets and benefit more from their teachings, graces and blessings, we must put certain sentiments aside. Sentiments about where they come from, sentiments about their colour or race, sentiments about their social status/background, sentiments about their size or height, and even sentiments about their human short comings or weaknesses.
CONCLUSION:
In 1960, a religious persecution broke out in Sudan. A Christian black student Paride Taban fled to Uganda where he studied and became a priest. When things settled in Sudan, young Fr. Taban returned to his homeland and was assigned to a parish in Palotaka. But his African congregation found it very difficult to believe that he was really a priest, for they had never had a black priest before. They had always had white priests who brought them clothing and medicine. Unfortunately, young Fr. Taban who was from the Madi tribe was poor like them and had nothing (materials) to share/give to them. To worsen the whole matter, Fr. Taban was to introduce them to the changes/reforms of the Second Vatican Council. The people revolted that this young black man has turn the altar around and celebrates the Mass in our own language. He cannot be a real priest. It took a very long time for the people of Palotaka to finally accept Fr. Taban.
Let no worldly sentiments make you take offence against your prophet and reject his words and teachings which are for our temporal good and eternal salvation!
Happy Sunday!
Fr. Justin