HOMILY OF MONDAY IN THE 21ST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A
Saint Augustine, Bishop, Doctor
Saint Augustine, a revered Bishop and Doctor of the Church, profoundly influenced Christian thought. His theological and philosophical works, such as “Confessions” and “City of God,” remain influential. Augustine’s exploration of faith, grace, and human nature continues to shape discussions on spirituality and theology, leaving an indelible mark on Christian philosophy throughout history
1 Thessalonians 1:1-5,8-10, Matthew 23:13-22
THEME: SITTING ON RELIGIOUS STOOL
By nature, man is a religious being. His search for God cannot never cease. Even those who chose to believe in his existence must surely pay for the vacuum in them which only him, God, can fill. There is np amount of rationalizing that can rid us from longing for our eternal source.
For many years, St Augustine searched for satisfaction in human knowledge and mundane living, he didn’t find rest until he found a place in Christ. It was then he said to God, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in you.”
However, when as religious leaders we play on man religious sentiment just to establish our own relevance and not God supreme importance, we are having our sway on religious stool and not working as bridge builder between man and God.
Jesus told the scribes and pharisees, “Alas for you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You who shut up the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces, neither going in yourselves nor allowing others to go in who want to”
If we do not have the right knowledge of God, we can be obstacles on the ways of others in their spiritual ascent. Let’s put God first in all we do.
May our lives flawlessly guide others to God’s path. Amen.
