Homily 1
Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time | USCCB
You
are the light of the world.
One
of the biggest and oldest visible structures in the modern era, stands tall and
attracts thousands, if not millions yearly, is the STATUE OF LIBERTY. The name
speaks history, volumes of books written, recurring and iconic symbol in films.
It is of the 19th Century and still to this very present, her name
and what she represents precedes her. From the pedestal up, I would like us to
envision the flaming torch held majestically on her right hand. Hey, the TORCH.
Think about it for a split of a second. It speaks its tell. And that should be
you!
When
I say ‘you,’ I mean all of us. YOU is quite inspired by the Ubuntu philosophy;
so I am as quite called upon to shine bright yet quietly. You and I are to be
the torch standing high, not for ourselves, not for Fr. Rector, house dean
(well, lucky me, the two are one person), not for your bishop, Abbot or Superior-General; but for CHRIST.
Well,
you may ask how? How can I even be? God reveals that true light is not produced
by word or status. But by concrete mercy, humble faith, and visible goodness
rooted in Christ. As the first reading is even stating what can be done. Share
your bread with the hungry shelter the oppressed and the homeless, cloth the
naked, and when you see them (and we do not run short of that) and, listen to
this, “do not turn your back on your own.” This is why the psalm can say that
the just are a light in darkness, because they are gracious, steadfast, and
generous to the poor. You and I are adopted to be the God’s nation through
baptism. Through baptism, we were not only welcomed into God’s family. We were
placed on the lampstand of the world. Christ brought us in. We are one family
made of&for the same father. We share the same sacraments. And I hope that
we are journeying towards the same final home.
Therefore,
my family in Christ, let us confront the idea that faith is private, abstract,
or optional. Belief must take flesh in visible goodness. Be the light, be the
salt, be that city on the mountain and do the acts of mercy. We have been
taught in catechesis as kids or in OCIA. We have read and re-read them too. The
only thing we are remaining with is to actually transcend the mere words. Keep
aside your personal feelings towards the deeds of mercy. Drop the supermarket
mentality of pick and choose what I want for now and what is for later. When it
comes to brightening the other person’s life and soul, let there be no inconveniences,
fatigue mentality or preference. This calls for courage so as to do them
without fear or shame. Remember that you do not need to be armed with St
Augustine or even your favorite philosopher’s words; but rather learn and
thereby act on the Catholic teachings you receive from them. The old lady or
grandpa might not need to hear direct quotation from them but will rather
remember Christ’s touch through your good deeds. For my case, I do not need to
quote Jean Paul Sartre’s philosophy of Freedom-Choice-Responsibility. Aha!
maybe I should quote St. Francis of Assisi… Just a little bit here and there
like “Preach the gospel at all times; if necessary, use words.” Well, we are
still looking for the owner of those words since it is debatable if they were
St. Francis’. What we are reminding ourselves of today brothers and sisters is
not foreign nor incomprehensible. Do the deeds! Do the acts of mercy! Please do
not get tired of hearing these words but rather consume them and after
receiving Christ today in the Holy Eucharist, let them enflame you with the
desire to shine brightly for the other.
For
sure, God does not ask for your brilliance, weakness, fear and trembling,
polished speeches nor spiritual performance, but rather faithfulness.
Faithfulness to live and glow publicly, yet humbly that others see; as the
disciples did, so as God’s light may reach others through them. They did spread
the faith fearlessly. The faith they were having was not lived in the comfort
of their rooms but in the service until death. Be courageous in doing good or
at least try.
Finally,
if the apostles did it in Christ’s name, so can you as today’s disciple. The
apostles did not live the faith in locked rooms. They lived it in service, even
unto death. Faith spread because it was seen. Do not step back when the call
becomes costly. So, stand tall in
mercy. Shine quietly. Let your small torch burn where you are. You are the
light of the world. Do not hide the light Christ has placed in you. And attract
all towards Christ. Therefore, I call upon thee, brethren, enlighten the world;
not just to freedom and liberty, as the Statue of Liberty stands for; but with
these deed that carry light. Let them illumine the world wherever you are. And
by this, we will be a step closer to be Christ-like. That is our choice.
