💖 HOMILY - SEPTEMBER 2 💖

First Reading - 1 Corinthians 4:1-5

Gospel - Luke 5:33-39

We usually buy a product based on the tag of a brand. This is because the brand of the product determines the quality of the product. We evaluate a product on the basis of its affiliation with a brand. The readings of today invite us to enhance our quality of discipleship by being closely connected to Jesus.

The first reading reminds all of us that our association with Christ is manifested in our works as stewards entrusted with the mysteries of God. However, Paul is confident in stating that our real worth as stewards isn't evaluated by anything or anybody but God Himself. Paul invites that we should be found worthy as stewards in the sight of God. This also intends to emphasize that our real value as believers or Christians can be known and evaluated not on the basis of what others see but as God sees us. Therefore, we must strive to live live our lives in the manner God expects from us.

In the gospel, we continue with our quest - what God expects from us? - through the teachings of Jesus. Jesus teaches us an important lesson regarding fasting. Responding to the question of the Pharisees and scribes, Jesus answers that fasting may be appropriate and inappropriate depending on the occasions. He further adds that the presence of kingdom of God in him is not a fitting time for fasting and lamenting rather an occasion of joy but there will be an occasion when he will be absent from his disciples (concerning his passion, death and resurrection) and that will arouse an occasion for fasting. The passage further clarifies that the way to God (salvation) is not mere through shallow religious practices but through joyful association with Jesus, the bridegroom.

The passage also mentions the twin parables to teach the incompatibility of the old garment, wineskin (scribal Judaism) and the new garment, wineskin (Christianity). Jesus has inaugurated the kingdom of God and those who believe in him and live by his teachings become the part of this kingdom which is incompatible with old ritualistic practices.

Dear friends, many times we are concerned about the ritualistic life as Christians. The readings challenge us that our ritualistic practices may not be a necessary condition to belong to God but our obedience to His commandments. In the first reading, Paul teaches us that it's important for each one as believers to discover how judges us. Therefore, it it important to discover what He expects from us. Jesus, in the gospel, responds to our queries that it's a joyful association with him can lead the beleivers to the kingdom rather that ritualistic practices. Today we are to examine ourselves - Do we really belong to Jesus? It's not enough that we come to mass and do all ritualistic practices and don't live our lives according to the teachings of Jesus. They are needed but may not be obligatory condition to belong to God. We can belong to Him by carrying out his commandment as he has enjoined on us in the Beatitude and in love-commandment. Let's be a disciple of Jesus by living as he has taught to live.