Listening, Judging and Acting to the Words of Jesus

HOMILY FOR THE TWELVETH WEEK IN THE ORDINARY TIME YEAR C, BY REV FR EKESHIRI JUDE EMEKA CSSP.
THEME: LISTENING, JUDGING AND ACTING TO THE WORDS OF JESUS (Genesis 16:1-12,15-16, Psalm 105:1-5, Matthew 7:21-29)

Beloved, Listening and doing are true acts of a perfect Christian spirituality. Double standards Christianity is very dangerous to our inheritance of a place in heaven. However, Jesus consoles us a little, by saying that, only those who hear the word of God and keep it, will enjoy a place with Him.

Today’s gospel offers us a very pathetic message, because it speaks directly to everyone of us who professes the Christian faith in Jesus. Jesus said to His disciples, “It is not those who say to me, “Lord, Lord,” who will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the person who does the will of my Father in heaven. When the day comes many will say to me, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, cast out demons in your name, work many miracles in your name?” Then I shall tell them to their faces: I have never known you; away from me, you evil men!” (Matthew 7:21-29).

Jesus warns His disciples not to be deceived by false prophets. These are people who uses the name of Jesus to deceive and exploit others, though may perform miracles that catches our eyes. There are many persons who possesses spectacular gifts like speaking in tongues, prophesying, casting out demons and working signs. We need to remember that a spiritual gift is given freely by God, regardless of the merit of a person. Gifts are not definite signs of holiness or of being a true apostle of Christ.

Jesus points out to the main idea of what it means to be a true disciple. He pointed out that, listening to God’s word and doing His holy will, could make our actions be pleasing to God and not the number of miracles we perform. A person who consistently acts according to Jesus’ teaching grows in faith, and will be able to hold firm even in times of trial and temptation must have attracted God’s admiration and blessings.

Most times we feel that we know God more than the unbelievers. We claim to be perfect Christians, but behind the scene our activities are atrocious. We hide behind the name of Jesus to commit evil against one another. Today, Jesus informs us of His intention to deny us because we are not true believers. The worst thing that could happen to us is when having struggled performing many miracles and speaking in the name of Jesus, then, Jesus turns to us to say that, ‘I have never known you. ’

What a big blow that could be to us. Let us be sure that our actions and lifestyle tally with the mind of Jesus, that is, listening and doing the will of the Father. If we do this, then, Jesus will welcome us into His dwelling place. Peace be with you.