The Negative Effect of Over Familiarity in our Practice of Faith

HOMILY OF FRIDAY OF THE SEVENTEENTH WEEK
IN ORDINARYTIME YEAR C. 1ST AUGUST, 2025.
BY REV FR. ADOLE ACHILLEUS ILE LAMPEZ CSSp.
1st reading : Leviticus 23:1,4-11,15-16,27,34-37
Psalm 80:3-6,10-11
Gospel : Matthew 13:54-58

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There is a common saying that “over familiarity breeds contempt.” Meaning that there is always a good possibility of losing the value of something you are too familiar with.

In the gospel today, Jesus was in his hometown but was surprised with the reception he got from his own people. After doing lots of miracles in other regions, he finally came to his own roots but could not do much because his people were too familiar with him and failed to recognise the authority he bears. They would rather question the source of his authority than accept it. Indeed, “A prophet is only despised in his own country and in his own house’, and he(Jesus) did not work many miracles there because of their lack of faith.”

How does this relate to our practice of faith?
Like I said earlier, that over familiarity breeds contempt. Many Christians have become too familiar with the faith, her teachings, doctrines, and even her sacraments. Therefore, we lose value of it and no longer feel the essence of our faith, which eventually leads many to chase ghosts as we try to fill up our emptiness moving from place to another.

Our closeness to God is a privilege, and it should inspire us more in our faith to be devoted, not to see errors where none is present and turn away from God.

We must know that our inability to keep faith is to our own detriment. God continues to be who he is, whether we believe in him or not. The faith we place in him is to our own advantage. Therefore, we must beware of the impact of over familiarty in our faith not to influence us negatively but positively to help us build a stronger faith in God.

Peace be with you.

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