TUESDAY HOMILY OF 10TH WEEK OF THE ORDINARY TIME – YEAR B
TUESDAY HOMILY OF 10TH WEEK OF THE ORDINARY TIME – YEAR B
HOMILY THEME: LET US BE LIGHT- BEARERS OF CHRIST
BY: Fr. Isaac Awe
FEAST: ST BARNABAS, APOSTLE.
ACTS 11:21-26, 13:1-3, MATTHEW 5:13-16
Jesus used ordinary images, such as salt and light, to convey extraordinary truths. What does salt and light have to teach us about God and his reign on earth? Salt was a valuable commodity in the ancient world. People traded with it, like we trade with gold and stock. Salt also served a very useful purpose in hot climates before the invention of electricity and refrigeration. Salt not only gave food flavour, it also preserved meat from spoiling. Jesus used the image of salt to describe how his disciples are to live in the world. As salt purifies, preserves, and penetrates, so the disciple must be as salt in the world of human society to purify, preserve, and penetrate that society for the kingdom of God and of his righteousness and peace.
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Jesus also used the image of light and a lamp to further his illustration. Lamps in the ancient world served a vital function, much like they do today. They enable people to see and work in the dark and to avoid stumbling. The Jews also understood “light” as an expression of the inner beauty, truth, and goodness of God. God’s grace not only illumines the darkness in our lives, but it also fills us with spiritual light, joy, and peace. Jesus used the image of a lamp to describe how his disciples are to live in the light of his truth and love. Just as natural light illumines the darkness and enables one to see visually, so the light of Christ shines in the hearts of believers and enables us to see the heavenly reality of God’s kingdom.
However, our mission is to be light-bearers of Christ so that others may see the truth of the gospel and be freed from the blindness of sin and deception. Hence, the Holy Mother Church celebrates the feast of St Barnabas who gave all for the sake of the gospel because he was a reflection of light and salt when on earth and that made him to be recognised as GOOD MAN because he was full of the Holy Spirit and Faith in Christ Jesus. Do we know the joy and freedom of living in God’s light?
PRAYER: Lord, you guide us by the light of your saving truth. Fill our hearts and minds with your light and truth and free us from the blindness of sin and deception that we may see your ways clearly and understand your will for our lives. May we radiate your light and truth to others in word and deed. Amen
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