We must love in the Concrete

My Homily for Tuesday August 27, 2019 | 22nd Week in Ordinary Time | St. Monica

INTRODUCTION

Sisters and Brothers in Christ! Today’s Gospel is a continuation of yesterday and of tomorrow; yesterday being the Jesus’ criticism of the Scribes and Pharisees for hindering the spread of the Gospel, obscuring the message of the Law which is Holiness, and expressing foolish casuistry with regards to oaths. Today, Jesus’ criticism is about misplaced priorities, and the failure to nurture life-giving relationships as represented in the values of justice, mercy and faith. A Woman we honour today is an exemplar of nurturing life-giving relationships. St. Monica was instrumental in the nurturing of Augustine’s relationship with God. Such a conversion can only be possible because of her strong relationship with God.

For the many times we failed to be just, failed to be merciful, and failed to trust in God and in our brethren, let us beg the Lord and ask for mercy and forgiveness.

HOMILY

Jesus’ woes in today’s Gospel is directed towards the Scribes and Pharisees’ misplaced priority; they are supposed to be the most observant of all, straining the mosquito however they fail to see that they are already swallowing camels. They are supposed to be heralds of the Law, and not convoluting it. St. Paul encourages the Thessalonians, informing them of his sincerity that his relationship with them is not deceptive, not insincere nor trickery. Ecclesial relationship is true, sincere, and concrete.

Hypocrisy is the distortion of relationship between appearance and reality, gap between saying and doing. Hypocrisy is caused misplaced hierarchy of values and excessive emphasis on external matters, and to neglect what is essential. (Sacra Pagina) Hypocrisy is an affront to the truth, to sincerity and concreteness. Justice, mercy and faith as mentioned in the Gospel today is not possible when there is hypocrisy, when there is deception, impurity and trickery. Thus, it distorts life-giving relationships, and hinders self-giving to God and others. Paul expresses his readiness to give himself for the benefit of the persecuted Christians of Thesanonica, and his self-giving is based on the TRUTH, out of SINCERITY, and intended for CONCRETENESS.

Lastly, we are being invited to live our lives based on meanings and principles and purpose, (mamuhay tayong naaayon sa kahulugan at prinsipyo, at pakay) and not in living others’ approval or dictate. Our Gospel reminds us to mend what is essential and not what is external. Announce the Good News. Denounce the Bad News. Paul exhorts the Thessalonians not to please mortals but to please God who tests hearts for we are not a people of appearance but of meaning and purpose.

Let us strengthen our relationship with God through the Eucharist, the sublime act of God. It is in the Eucharist that we experience justice, mercy and faith. Let us offer our intentions and celebrate the Body and Blood of Christ with much joy and hope.