💖 HOMILY - AUGUST 9 💖

First Reading - Nahum 2:1,3,3:1-3,6-7

Gospel - Matthew 16:24-28

It may be easy to share a little of something that we have, but it is indeed painful to share the little that we have. This kind of sharing represents real self-denial in an ascetic manner. The readings today invite us to a life of self-denial (though it may not be in an ascetic way) as the path to true discipleship.

The first reading presents us with two groups of people: on one hand, the people of Israel (including the kingdoms of Israel and Judah), and on the other hand, the kingdom of Assyria, represented by its capital, Nineveh. The prophet Nahum announces the promise of restoration for the kingdoms of Israel and Judah out of God's compassion. At the same time, he prophesies punishment for the kingdom of Assyria for destroying the lands of God's people. These two groups personify two characters: the meekness of the people of Israel and the arrogance and pride of Nineveh. Nineveh incurs God's vengeance because of its arrogance and pride.

The gospel highlights the demands of discipleship. Jesus lays down criteria for true discipleship in the context of Peter's confession of faith and his opposition to Jesus' crucifixion and death. Jesus reiterates the message from Matthew 10:38: "Take up his cross," which is a metaphor inviting the disciples to submit themselves to the will of God. This is further explained by the phrase "deny himself." Self-denial, as a requirement for discipleship, implies making God and His kingdom the first priorities. This commitment should manifest in service to the Church and the world, leading to the rejection of self-centered arrogance and pride. Jesus highlights that the logic of His demand depends entirely on the existence of life beyond the grave. He clarifies that accumulating goods and pleasures on earth cannot secure eternal life; only surrendering one's present life to Him can. Jesus promises His disciples that their allegiance to Him will be rewarded when He returns in glory.

Dear friends, we are reminded today that discipleship primarily demands self-denial as a response: a response of submission to God's will and service to one another. Contrary to self-denial are arrogance, pride, and self-centeredness, which prioritize one's will, pleasure, and concerns. Such a life can lead to our ruin, as in the case of Nineveh in the first reading. Jesus also asserts that a self-centered life cannot secure eternal life. Hence, Jesus invites us today to embrace the life of discipleship in self-denial as the path to eternal life. This self-denial should manifest in our faithfulness to Jesus' teachings, commitment to the Church, and our life of generosity, humility, and sincerity in our relationships with one another.

May God help us remain faithful disciples of Jesus.