(SCROLL DOWN FOR THE HOMILY OF THE TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A)
Isaiah 11:1–10; Ps. 72; Eph. 2:13-22; Matt. 2:13–15, 19–23
Nigeria at 63. The journey thus far has been very tough and rough! The road to the future is still zigzagged as the termites continue to torture the roof. Angels have been sent through various policies and ministries; solutions abound, but the angels are placed out of bounds.
In the gospel, Joseph was receiving instructions and responding to events as they unfolded. He placed his faith and life in the direction given to him by God. Like Joseph, our fathers and leaders today are called to respond to inspiration and positive ideas and accept their responsibilities with faith and trust.
In the face of present challenges, the first reading and the psalm presented us with words of faith, hope, and trust. Christianity will be meaningless if there are no men of faith, hope, and trust. Despite the failures in all sectors, let us remain hopeful. Nigeria will rise again.
Lastly, let us imitate Mary in her virtues of docility, humility, obedience, charity, and faith. We pray that, like Mary, the church in our nation may discern and consent to the plan of God. We equally pray that Nigeria will be well again.
Mary, help of Christians, pray for us.
Health of the sick, pray for us.
Refuge of sinners, prayer for us.
Let us pray.
O God, who gives us the joy of honoring Our Lady, Queen of Nigeria, as mother of divine hope and communion, grant that, with the help of her intercession, we may always work for peace and reconciliation in this world and come to share the fullness of your grace. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
HAPPY NEW INDEPENDENCE!
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
HOMILY FOR TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR A)
Ezekiel 18:25–28; Psalm 25; Philippians 2:1–11; Matthew 21:28–32
THE PARABLE OF THE TWO SONS
Today’s gospel presents us with the parable of the two sons. From the parable we understand that a man had just two sons but in struggled with their differences. Imagine, those with five or ten sons. I am sure that even those with one still don’t find it easy. Anyways, let us go to the parable.
In the parable, the two sons represent all human beings, while the vineyard stands for the world. A man says, “Son, go and work in the vineyard today.” We are called to work in God’s vineyard, either as clerics or as lay faithful. We have a mandate to fulfill; as Paul says in Eph. 4:11–12, some as apostles, others as prophets, evangelists, teachers, and pastors, we are to build up the body of Christ. At creation, God situated man in a garden (Gen. 2:15). We have been placed in a garden; where you are presently is your garden; cultivate it and keep it. Let us work to build up the body of Christ.
The vineyard also stands for what is inside of us. We must cultivate our inner man. We must take care of our souls because our salvation depends on how well we are able to take care of them. The first reading says, “When the wicked man turns away from his wickedness, he shall save his life.” One efficient way to take care of our souls is to turn away from sin through baptism and sacramental confession. But if we refuse to take care of our souls, Ezekiel says “We shall die”. Death here does not refer to physical death but to eternal death—damnation. As we work to make ends meet, we must also work to make the ends of our souls meet.
The parable challenges us to be people of integrity. Integrity is a word corresponding to action. Let your actions speak. In the parable, the first son said no and eventually obeyed, while the other said yes and disobeyed. Often, we said yes but failed. We promised but did not fulfill it. Promise can never take the place of performance, nor should fine words take the place of fine deeds. God prefers rude obedience to polite disobedience. Some of us are so polite but very rebellious. We all said yes on the day of our baptism, marriage, and ordination but rebelled. Many of us said yes to the oath of office, either as politicians, lawyers, doctors, forced men, or civil servants, but we betrayed our vows. Some of us worship only the lip level. Little wonder, the Bible says, “These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me” (Matt 15:8).
Biblically, the tax collectors, prostitutes, and sinners such as Matthew, Zacheaus, Mary Magdalene, and many others represent the first son. They initially said no, but upon Christ’s visitation, they were converted. While the Scribes, Pharisees, and Elders represent the second son. They said yes; they practiced their religious beliefs; they were always in the temple but did not repent (Matt. 21:32). These people said yes but were not converted. Little, wonder the Bible says in Matt. 7:21 that it is “not all those who say Lord Lord that shall enter into the Kingdom of God.” They began well but ended badly. Thus, Jesus said to the people “many sinners, tax collectors, and prostitutes are going into God’s kingdom ahead of you!” (Matt.21:31).
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
