HOMILY OF THE WEDNESDAY OF THE 1ST WEEK OF LENT
Jeremiah 18:18-20, Matthew 20:17-28
THEME: KNOWING OUR BOUNDARIES
QUOTE: Equality can exist alongside clearly spelt out roles. And where there is love, a sense of formal superiority may no longer be important.
Today’s gospel made it clear that there is unity of purpose in the Godhead. The three persons of the Blessed Trinity operate with a kind of understanding which in human terms may be understood as shared roles. Equality can exist alongside clearly spelt out roles. And where there is love, a sense of formal superiority may no longer be important.
The Lord said to the disciples who through their mother requested for positions on his left and right hand in his kingdom,
“Very well,’ he said ‘you shall drink my cup, but as for seats at my right hand and my left, these are not mine to grant; they belong to those to whom they have been allotted by my Father.”
This response of Jesus is a great lesson for us. He always makes reference to his Father; a clear sign that he never worked alone.
As people who are sent or delegated, there are some certain rights we should not presume. And there are some knowledge we ought not claim. When we jump into someone’s space without permission, we may get into trouble, because we may lack the authority to deputize for others. Everything has its own time and place. It is safer not to allow others to force us into doing things beyond our power. We may want to claim credit or take the glory, posterity will not take it lightly. When roles are defined, one is expected not to overstep one’s boundaries.
We pray that God gives us a sense of humility so that we may humbly give people and things their rightful place. Amen.
