💖 HOMILY - AUGUST 20 💖

First Reading - Ezekiel 28:1-10

Gospel - Matthew 19:23-30

The word "gratis," borrowed from Latin, means free or without charge. In today's world, the idea of doing something for free or without expecting anything in return seems rare. We often seek recognition, appreciation, or some form of compensation for our actions, which reflects how often our focus is on "I" or "me." The readings for today challenge us to shift that focus from ourselves to God.

The first reading warns us about the dangers of pride. The city of Tyre, known for its strength and strategic location, was considered impregnable. It was a powerful city with a strong naval base and had survived many sieges. However, the prophet Ezekiel reveals that the city’s downfall would come not from external threats but from within—specifically, from its pride. Tyre relied on its own strength and failed to recognize God's power. As a result, God declares that Tyre will be overcome by another powerful city, illustrating that human power is fleeting when faced with the might of God.

In the Gospel, Jesus continues to teach about the nature of discipleship, emphasizing the importance of relying on God rather than on material possessions. He points out that those who are overly attached to their wealth and possessions cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. This is not because wealth is inherently evil, but because an inordinate desire for it can distract us from what truly matters—our relationship with God. Peter's question, “We have left everything and followed you. What are we to have, then?” underscores the lesson that those who prioritize God over all else, including material wealth, will be rewarded with eternal life.

Dear friends, the readings challenge us to examine the influences of utilitarian, materialistic, consumeristic, and hedonistic mentalities in our lives. These attitudes can lead us to chase after worldly pleasures, power, and positions, which, while not inherently bad, become dangerous when they take precedence over our relationship with God. Like the city of Tyre, pride in our achievements and possessions can blind us to the need for God, leading to our downfall.

The Gospel also warns us against allowing worldly desires to replace our focus on God. Jesus makes it clear that those who are preoccupied with acquiring wealth, power, and pleasure cannot enter the kingdom of heaven because their priorities are misplaced. The kingdom of heaven represents the presence of God, and by choosing worldly things over God, we distance ourselves from His presence. Conversely, those who understand the true value of the kingdom of God and place it first in their lives will receive the reward of the kingdom itself.

Let us pray for the grace to place God and His kingdom at the center of our lives, trusting that this choice will lead us to eternal life.