Spirituality is not Religiousity.

Homily for September 9, 2017


Today’s Gospel passage teaches us a lesson: that there is whole world of difference between spirituality and religiosity. It is one thing to worship God in spirit and in truth but a different thing altogether to be religious. The difference accounts for why a country like ours could be rated as the most religious in the world and the most corrupt at the same time.

While religiosity has to do with worshiping God through external acts, spirituality has to do with rendering to God a worship that is from the heart. Now, religiosity is excellent when it is accompanied by true spirituality but when that is lacking, it becomes a mere show, a mere observance of rules and nothing more.

In the book of Isaiah, we read: “The Lord said: Because these people draw near with their mouths and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their worship of me is a human commandment.” Isaiah 29:13. Jesus himself quoted this passage of Isaiah in Matthew 15:8 and Mark 7:6.

Part of what it meant to be religious in the time of Jesus was that even if one is extremely hungry, he or she was not to do any work at all. And “work” includes plucking a fruit to eat. In the name of keeping the Sabbath holy, some Jews would not even get up from their beds to drink water since that too is considered as work. Yet, the basics of religion which Jesus defined to the Samaritan woman as “worship in spirit and in truth” are absent. (John 4:23-24).

Because we Nigerians are so religious, our churches are packed full Sunday after Sunday, we believe so much in God and we are not ashamed of displaying our religiosity but we lack the spirituality to keep God’s commandments. We are like people who will not pluck grains and eat when hungry in the name of keeping the Sabbath whereas our pockets are loaded with stolen grains.

The action of Jesus, the fact that he not only “broke” the rules but defended himself for doing so calls us to really re-examine and give a second thought to some of things we do in the name of religion. Are we really worshiping God or could it be our religious observances are mere lip service?

Repentance is the key. To repent is to move from mere religiosity to true spirituality. No wonder St. Paul in today’s first reading reminds us of our past and encourages us to change by saying: “you who were once hostile in mind, doing evil things have now been reconciled… in order to present you holy and blameless.”

Let Us Pray: Lord Jesus, change me but let this change begin from the inside. Amen.

*Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saturday of the 22nd week in ordinary time. Bible Study: Colossians 1:21-23 and Luke 6:1-5).*


Fr. Abu.

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