💖 HOMILY - AUGUST 5 💖

First Reading - Nahum 2:1,3,3:1-3,6-7

Gospel - Matthew 16:24-28

It may be easy to share a little of something that we have but is indeed painful to share a little that we have. That will be a real self-denial in an ascetic manner. The readings invite us to the life of self-denial (may not be in an ascetic way) as the path to discipleship.

The first reading presents to us two groups of people; on the one hand, the people of Israel (including the kingdom of Israel and Judah) and on the other hand, the kingdom of Assyria under the title Nineveh as it was the capital of Assyria. The prophet Nahum announces the promise of restoration of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah out of God's compassion. But, the prophet announces punishment for the kingdom of Assyria for destroying the lands of God's people. Both the parties personify two characters; firstly, the character of meekness of the people of Israel and secondly, the character of arrogance and pride of Nineveh. The city of Nineveh (Assyria) incurs vengeance of God because of arrogance and pride.

The gospel highlights the demands of discipleship. Jesus lays down criteria for true discipleship in the context of the confession of faith of Peter and his opposition against the crucifixion and death of Jesus. Jesus reiterates the message of 10:38:"Take up his cross" is metaphorical which invites the disciples to submit themselves to the will of God. This is again further explained by the phrase "deny himself." The self-denial as one of the requirements to discipleship that implies making God and his kingdom as the first priorities. This is manifested in one's commitment and service to the Church and world and should lead to the rejection of self-centered arrogance and pride. Jesus further highlights that the logic of his demand depends wholly on the existence of life beyond the grave. Jesus clarifies that the accumulation of the goods and pleasures of this earth cannot secure eternal life but only surrendering one's present life to him. Jesus finally promises his disciples that their allegiance to him will give them reward when he returns in his glory.

Dear friends, we are reminded today that the discipleship primarily demands self-denial as a response; a response of submission of oneself to God's will and to the service of one another. Contrary to self-denial are arrogance, pride and self-centeredness which prioritise one's will, one's pleasure, and one's concerns. Such life can lead us to our ruins as in the case of Nineveh in the first reading which Jesus, in the gospel, also asserts that the self-centred life cannot secure our eternal life. Hence, Jesus invites us today to embrace the life of discipleship in self-denial as the path to eternal life. This life of self-denial is to be manifested in our life of faithfulness to the teachings of Jesus, in our commitment to the Church and in our life of generosity, humility, and sincerity in our relationship with one another.

May God help us remind faithful disciples of Jesus.