Homily on the 27th Sunday after Pentecost
On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God. Lk 13:10-13
This year has been one of the most difficult years for all people from all backgrounds and all walks of life. Sadly, people have lost their jobs and families have experienced marriage breakdowns where children suffer the most. However, worst of all - people have lost their lives and loved ones to this most horrendous disease.
I like many, have also felt the impact of covid. A bit over 2 months ago I lost my job, however by God’s grace and intervention; in conjunction with the compassion of my brother-in-law, I was offered to work with him as a concrete laborer for the rest of the year in order to receive an income so I could support my young growing family.
Thus, as is evident in today's gospel reading, the Lord’s love and compassion for us the work of His hands surpasses any notion of love that can be felt or described by a human being. Just as all hope may be lost and one is clinging onto the smallest bit of faith left, God in is immeasurable mercy reaches out; liberating us out of the clutches of that which once impeded our growth. (Physically or spiritually)
For example, for the past few weeks working with my brother-in-law I have enjoyed it immensely - however physically demanding the job may be. This past week in particular, we have been working long days which has made it all the more difficult for my body is not used to that type of work.
Thus, to be completely honest I could not see myself finding the time to write a reflection this week due to the long hours and the physical exhaustion I felt; it seemed as a near impossible task. However, as is always the case I am given a window of opportunity to fulfill my obligations in writing a weekly homily. Saturday was meant to be a full day of work however, the circumstances changed and we only worked half of the day.
Therefore, the worries I felt, regarding where I would find the time to write my reflection this week disappeared; I was given ample time to complete thus - further committing to plans that were made several months ago with family-friends.
Therefore, when things seem impossible and out of reach, if we ask the Lord to intervene via helping us with the things that are out of our hands, He (Jesus the Lord) in His infinite love and mercy reaches out and fulfills the requests of our hearts that are beneficial for our growth! Again, if we have faith and wholehearted trust despite the present trend of unfaithfulness and doubt.
Indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, the synagogue leader said to the people, “There are six days for work. So come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath.” The Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Doesn’t each of you on the Sabbath untie your ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?” Lk 13:14-16
It saddens me to see the amount of faithful and clergy that practice/believe in outdated, laughable traditions/superstitions of yesteryear. For example, there is a tradition where if you bring a new born child out in public and people begin to wish the child well; further stating how beautiful he/she is, it may bring upon bad luck - resulting in the child growing up ugly or disfigured.
Thus, the remedy for this superstition in their eyes is when one arrives at home, they are to light up the kitchen stove, throw salt into the flames of fire, pray several prays and sign the cross with their fingers over the child in order for the mal wishes (or evil eye as some may know it better) to be removed from the child.
Having stated thus, it is the same stupidity and superstation that once plagued the rulers of the synagogue when it came to work on the sabbath that still binds some Christians; overriding the teachings of Christ and our forefathers and mothers. (Apostles, Saints and Martyrs.)
In addition, as I have stated several times in the past, when some people don’t remember something or they don’t know the answer to a question, out of pride, ego or shame they will precede to make it up just as is the case with the throwing of salt upon the fire as mentioned previously.
Furthermore, in different cultures there may be certain pagan traditions that exist for the simple fact that, it was something used to convert a people or nation to Christianity; something that made that group of people feel as if they hadn't completely lost their identity or culture via their conversion to Christianity.
When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing. Lk13:17
When we fall down in humility before God; recognizing our brokenness and fragility, the things that once bound us by the notion of “sin” are no longer relevent. When we learn to love and accept ourselves for who and how we are in the presence of God; ignoring what others preserve about us, we shall truly live a much happier and stress-free life in Jesus Christ!
As we know only too well these where the same problems the Apostles delt with upon forming the new Churches/Christians communities as recorded in the book of Acts and several epistles. Sadly, very little changes; the religious bigots destroy/impede true good-hearted people in joining the body of Christ the Church! In short, the good people are outside and as Jesus referred to in the scriptures – the chafe is indeed separated from the wheat but the wheat is trodden on whilst the chaff remains indoors. Mt 3:12
Today we commemorate the Apostle Andrew the first called by the Lord. May we follow his great example of faith by placing our hope in Christ at all times; further not worrying about earthly issues that fill the mind but place them into the hands of God; for just as Jesus exhorted- “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Mt11:28-30
Through the prayers of the Theotokos Lord Jesus Christ our God have mercy on us and save us!
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