Homily of Wednesday in the 25th Week of the Ordinary Time, Year C.
Ref: Ezra 8:5-9; Lk 9:1-6
By: Rev Fr Felix Olátúnjí Yayi, C.S.Sp.
Dear friends, today we are presented with the instructions Jesus gives to his disciples and to all of us: “Take nothing for the Journey.” This phrase reminds me of a song by Jim Reeves, “This world is not my own.” The verse and chorus go like this: “This world is not my home, I’m just a-passing through. My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue. The angels beckon me from heaven’s open door, and I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.”
Yes, believers in Christ, we are all pilgrims on a journey, and Jesus commands us to take nothing for the journey. We should focus on our destination. We live in a world where people acquire possessions as if they’ll remain there forever, and material things often become their gods. Jesus reminds us, as He did His disciples, that only the basics are necessary; what we need will be provided.
Let’s focus on our destination and leave behind every distraction. Whatever we acquire in this world won’t leave with us. Friends, do not feel at home in this world because you are only a stranger. May God help recognize the brevity of life, that we may gain wisdom of heart. Amen.
Peace be with you!
