Homily
for June 21, 2017
In the very first book of
the Bible, we are presented with a story of two brothers, Cain and Abel who
performed acts of worship to God. Note that they were never forced to offer
sacrifices in the first place but then, one was acceptable to God and the other
was rejected.
What this story teaches us
is that when it comes to rendering worship to God, it is either the best or
nothing at all.
In our first reading today,
St. Paul gives us a clue as to why the sacrifice of Cain was detestable in the
sight of God. He says: “EACH ONE MUST DO AS HE HAS MADE UP HIS MIND, NOT
RELUCTANTLY OR UNDER COMPULSION, FOR GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER.”
While Abel gave from the
best he could afford, Cain gave from his left-overs. While Abel gave
cheerfully, Cain gave reluctantly as though he was forced.
I once met a woman who told
me she never gives out something she cannot use. If for instance, she has pair
of shoes that have deteriorated beyond recognition, she would rather throw it
away than give it out because she always puts herself in the position of the
receiver.
I am sure we too have had
the experience of receiving gifts from people only to help them throw such
gifts away the moment they turn their backs. No matter how poor a person may
be, there are certain gifts that are not worth accepting. How much more God who
owns everything that exists?
Apart from rendering worship
to God with a cheerful heart, another factor which could render or worship
detestable before God is HYPOCRISY. If in a bid to worship God, we end up
making ourselves gods such that people begin to worship us instead of God, then
we are just hypocrites.
Hence, Jesus in the Gospel
passage speaks about the need to give alms, pray and fast in secret so that God
alone may receive the glory for our actions.
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, free
me totally from self-deception. Amen.
*Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith.
It is well with you. God bless you. (Wednesday of
the 11th Week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: 2nd Corinthians 9:6-11 and Matthew 6:1-6.16-18).*
Fr. Abu.
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