💖 HOMILY - OCTOBER 26 💖

First Reading - Ephesians 4:7-16

Gospel - Luke 13:1-9

St. Teresa of Kolkata once said, "I do it for Christ." When asked about her tireless work among the poor, sick, and abandoned, she made it clear that her actions were driven by her love for Christ. Her service, she explained, was her gift to Jesus, and through that gift, she led many to Him, contributing to the building of the Body of Christ. Today’s readings echo this message by inviting us to use our own gifts to build up the Body of Christ.

In the first reading, Paul focuses on two key ideas that highlight the divine nature of Christ. First, Christ, as the head of the Church, has given each of us gifts to strengthen and build up His Body—the Church. Second, as members of this Body, we are called to promote unity and love among one another. Paul emphasizes that every individual gift is given for a purpose, not for personal glory, but to serve and strengthen the Church. He encourages us to recognize and use our gifts in a way that contributes to the greater good, reminding us that each of us plays an essential role in the Body of Christ.

In the Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the barren fig tree, illustrating God’s patience and desire for us to bear spiritual fruit. The tree, which fails to produce fruit, represents the sinner who does not respond to God’s grace. Yet, in His mercy, God gives the tree more time, hoping that it will eventually bear fruit. Jesus warns that the end is inevitable, but He also shows that God is patient, offering us countless opportunities to return to Him and bear fruit through our lives.

Dear friends, today, these readings challenge us to reflect on how we are using the gifts God has given us. Paul reminds us that each of us is an integral part of the Church, with Christ as the head. We are called to use our gifts not for self-promotion or personal recognition, but to build up the Body of Christ. Our talents and abilities are meant to glorify God and to lead others to Him.

The Gospel, too, urges us to remember that we are accountable to God for how we use our gifts. Like the barren fig tree, we are expected to bear fruit. But God, in His patience, gives us the time and opportunity to turn our lives around, to use our gifts for good, and to bear fruit that will last. Let us not waste this opportunity, but instead, use our talents and blessings for the glory of God and the building up of His Church.

May we follow the example of St. Teresa of Kolkata, and say with our hearts, "I do it for Christ," using all that we have been given for His greater glory and the good of His people.