💖 HOMILY - AUGUST 19 💖

First Reading - Ezekiel 24:15-24 

Gospel - Matthew 19:16-22

In our journey of faith, we are often confronted with moments that challenge our understanding of sacrifice, obedience, and the true cost of discipleship. The readings from today’s liturgy offer us profound insights into these themes, drawing our attention to the difficult choices we must sometimes make in order to align our lives with God’s will. As we reflect on the passages from the book of Ezekiel and the Gospel of Matthew, we are invited to examine our own attachments and consider what we might need to surrender to deepen our relationship with God.

In the first reading, we encounter the prophet Ezekiel at a pivotal moment in his life. God reveals to Ezekiel that his beloved wife will die suddenly, but the prophet is commanded not to mourn her death in the usual public manner. This command is not only deeply personal but also symbolic, serving as a message to the people of Israel. Just as Ezekiel is instructed to withhold his grief, the Israelites will soon face the devastating loss of Jerusalem and the temple without the solace of traditional mourning. This harsh reality underscores the severity of their infidelity to God and the inevitable consequences of their actions.

The Gospel passage presents us with the story of a young man who approaches Jesus with a sincere question about eternal life. Despite his adherence to the commandments, Jesus challenges him to go further by selling his possessions, giving to the poor, and following Him. This invitation to deeper discipleship reveals the young man’s struggle with his attachment to wealth. The prospect of giving up his material security causes him great sadness, ultimately preventing him from fully embracing Jesus’ call. This encounter vividly illustrates the difficulty of prioritizing spiritual over material wealth and invites us to reflect on our own willingness to make sacrifices for the sake of our faith.

Dear friends, both readings explore the theme of sacrifice and the challenge of letting go of what we hold dear in order to follow God more faithfully. Ezekiel’s obedience in the face of personal loss and the young man’s reluctance to part with his wealth challenge us to consider our own attachments. What are we holding on to that might be hindering our relationship with God? Are we ready to make the necessary sacrifices to align our lives with His will?

As we meditate on these passages, let us seek the grace to prioritize our relationship with God above all else. May we find the courage to surrender our attachments and embrace the true cost of discipleship, trusting that the treasures of heaven far surpass any earthly possessions. Let these readings inspire us to deepen our commitment to following Jesus, knowing that a life lived in faithful obedience to God’s call is the path to true fulfillment and eternal life.