💖 HOMILY - JUNE 19 💖

First Reading - 2 Kings 2:1,6-14

Gospel - Matthew 6:1-6,16-18

"Why You Do What You Do?" by Bobb Biehl poses a pertinent question that aligns well with the essence of today's readings: Why do we do what we do? The readings of today invite us to scrutinize the purpose behind our actions, urging us to practice humility.

The Gospel passage today emphasizes three penitential acts or religious pieties: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Jesus makes it clear that these practices should not become an occasion to parade our righteousness before people. Instead, they should be performed as a disposition to seek God's mercy. In other words, they should be carried out to please God, not to gain appreciation from others. This attitude, as Jesus highlights, will earn us a reward from God.

The first reading shows the humble attitude of Elisha, the successor of Elijah, in his request to possess a double share of Elijah's spirit to carry out God's work. Elisha demonstrates humility by expressing his desire to possess Elijah's power, recognizing that without it, he would be unable to fulfill his divine mission. God grants Elisha's request, and he returns to his work after Elijah's ascension to heaven.

Dear friends, today's readings remind us that our religious pieties should not be directed toward attracting admiration and attention from people. Instead, they should be done with a humble disposition to seek God's mercy. The first reading portrays Elisha as a humble servant of God who understands that he cannot do God's work without divine power. Religious pieties instill in us an attitude of humility before God, helping us realize our need for His grace and mercy.

In another instance, we see Jesus referring to the casting out of a demon from a boy, telling His disciples: "This kind can come out only by prayer and fasting." This applies to us as well. Our evil inclinations, whether internal or external, can be overcome through prayer and fasting. Let our prayers and fasting become an opportunity to combat evil within and around us with God's grace. Let our almsgiving become an occasion to dispense God's mercy to the needy and underprivileged. By reaching out to those in need of material aid, spiritual support, emotional sympathy, and intellectual guidance, we can become ambassadors of Christ. In everything, let us share God's mercy and love with everyone.

May God help us through our pieties to remain humble before the Lord always.