💖 HOMILY - SEPTEMBER 6 💖

First Reading - 1 Corinthians 6:1-11

Gospel - Luke 6:12-19

Everyone lives his or her life according to one's philosophy. If the philosophy of life that we choose to live is very worldly or shallow then our life will be materialistic and with no direction but if the philosophy of our life is well grounded on the solid foundation, then the direction of our lives will become unshakeable and steady. The readings of the day invite us to introspect the kind of philosophy determines our life; to check if it's well grounded on the solid foundation or it needs a consideration.

The first reading poses a great challenge to us as a Christian community. Paul counsels the Christians in Corinth, who frequented to settle their issues in the pagan courts, to settle their problems or issues among themselves. It may seem slightly strange to us that Paul forbids Christians to go to pagan courts with their issues but in fact Paul accentuates that Christians should be able to settle it among themselves because the Spirit of Christ works in the community and is among them. However, he emphasises quoting the scripture that judgement is entrusted to saints and as Christians they are to be saints. Hence, they should be able to settle their issues themselves. If we read the passage between the lines we find that Paul throws sarcasm on Christians in citing their inability to settle issues which also mean their failure to live their Christian life or their lack of being rooted in Christ.

The gospel passage proposes a way whereby we can remain grounded or connected to Christ. Jesus himself is an example of being connected to the Father through his prayer. Today's reading displays the glimpse of the prayer life of Jesus prior to his important decision and apostolate. He spent whole night in communion with his Father before he took a decision to choose his apostles; a especial band of people for a specific purpose. The result of his communion with his Father is also mirrored in his apostolate of healing and preaching. In short, Jesus was empowered by his communion with his Father in prayer.

Dear friends, as Christians we are supposed to remain rooted in the faith in Christ because he is the sap which gives sustenance to our Christian life. We are no Christians without faith in Christ. Our identity and hallmark is Christ. Consequently, we cannot remain apart from Christ. We are blessed that we are rooted in Christ by the very fact we are baptized. However, this rootedness may wane or weaken by our negligence or avoidance of our faith. St. Paul cites, in the first reading, the failure of the community to be rooted in Christ as they failed to perceive the power of the Spirit among them. Paul in fact poses a challenge to us also who may get into the situation whereby we fail the power of God among us or in our lives due to our lack of connectedness with God. Hence, we are invited today to reinforce our rootedness of faith in Christ by our prayer as Christ himself is a model for us. The life of Christ was directed by the communion he shared with his Father in prayer, so also we need to direct our life (actions and activities) according to our communion with Christ in prayer. This will certainly reinforce our rootedness in Christ.

May we remain always rooted in Christ.