HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE TWENTY EIGHT WEEK IN THE ORDINARY TIME YEAR C BY REV FR EKESHIRI JUDE EMEKA CSSP.
THEME: (Romans 3:21-30, Psalm 129:1-6, Luke 11:47-54)
Justice is a universal concept that enables everyone to get what they truly deserve. Thus, Our society is full of people who oppresses others because they are powerful. Jesus comes for the liberation of humanity from oppression. He has to address these ills because they suppress and oppress people.
In the gospel, Jesus pronounces series of woes to the Jewish leaders and to people of high ranking in the society. He says, “Alas for you lawyers who have taken away the key of knowledge! You have not gone in yourselves, and have prevented others going in who wanted to” (Luke 11:47-54).
Jesus’ utterance against the Pharisees and lawyers shows what they did not do well. The Pharisees join in the persecution of the prophets, adopting the same attitude as their fathers. Just as their fathers did to the prophets of old, they reject Jesus’ message. The lawyers, taking away the keys of knowledge, charge high fees and thwart justice.
When a bad attitude is not quickly addressed, it becomes a norm. Very often we praise those who do evil and rebuke those who do good. Jesus today, rebuke those who abuse the responsibilities given to them and oppress others. He urges us to be of good character and to promote justice.
Let us keep in mind, when oppressed by anyone that Jesus is here to liberat
