HOMILIES

Dear Audience,
For better understanding of the spiritual message behind this homily I kindly remind you to first read and contemplate the biblical texts before reading or listening to my preaching - a human reflection on the Word of God!

Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time (Year B)

Feb 15, 2015

4143

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First Reading

A reading from the Book of Leviticus (13:1-2, 44-46)

The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, "If someone has on his skin a scab or pustule or blotch which appears to be the sore of leprosy, he shall be brought to Aaron, the priest, or to one of the priests among his descendants. If the man is leprous and unclean, the priest shall declare him unclean by reason of the sore on his head.

"The one who bears the sore of leprosy shall keep his garments rent and his head bare, and shall muffle his beard; he shall cry out, "Unclean, unclean!" As long as the sore is on him he shall declare himself unclean, since he is in fact unclean. He shall dwell apart, making his abode outside the camp."

(P) The word of the Lord.
(R) Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalms of David (32:1-2, 5, 11)

(R)I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble, and you fill me with the joy of salvation.

Blessed is he whose fault is taken away, whose sin is covered. Blessed the man to whom the Lord imputes not guilt, in whose spirit there is no guile. (R)

Then I acknowledged my sin to you, my guilt I covered not. I said, "I confess my faults to the Lord," and you took away the guilt of my sin. (R)

Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you just; exult, all you upright of heart. (R)

Second Reading

A reading from the first Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians (10:31-11:1)

Brothers and sisters, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. Avoid giving offense, whether to Jews or Greeks or the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in every way, not seeking my own benefit but that of the many, that they may be saved. Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

(P) The word of the Lord.
(R) Thanks be to God.

Gospel

A reading from the Gospel according to Mark (1:40-45)

A leper came to Jesus and kneeling down begged him and said, "If you wish, you can make me clean." Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched him, and said to him, "I do will it. Be made clean." The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean. Then, warning him sternly, he dismissed him at once.

He said to him, "See that you tell no one anything, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleaning what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them."

The man went away and began to publicize the whole matter. He spread the report abroad so that it was impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly. He remained outside in deserted places, and people kept coming to him from everywhere.

(P) The Gospel of the Lord.
(R) Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Homily

At the time of the Apostle Paul, Corinth was a prominent prosperous city but was plagued with several severe problems. The society was rampant with greed, sexual immorality, idolatry, exploitation and discrimination on the basis of social and economic status. Paul visited the city on his second missionary journey and converted many Jews and Greeks to the Christian faith. While most of the converts were from the lower classes of the society, some were educated and wealthy. Sadly, all the problems found their way into the church. The church became divided over many issues. One of the issues was over eating meat that had been offered to idols. Some Corinthians felt so liberated in their attitude and behavior that they had no scruples about eating the food offered to idols. Some people believed that eating the meat offered to pagan gods was tantamount to idolatry.

These differences and divisions over beliefs, attitudes and practices were hurting the community spiritually and morally. Rather than enjoying their new found freedom and faith in Christ, they were caught up in trivial matters and evil things. Paul heard of the conflicts and, wrote to demand higher ethical and moral standards from them as Christians. He believed that the community's problems were the consequence of the Corinthians' mistaken belief that they had already been exalted or were superior to others. They had misunderstood the very nature of the gospel. They were unaware that their behavior was leading them to a lack of concern and love for other members and, eventually threatening to tear their community apart.

So he wrote, "Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. Avoid giving offense, whether to Jews or Greeks or the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in every way, not seeking my own benefit but that of the many, that they may be saved."

Paul called on the Corinthian Christians, no matter what they ate or drank or whatever they did, to make sure that it was not to bring glory to themselves but to God. He also urged them to avoid anything offensive and scandalous or engage in any thought, word and act that would cause disrespect to the honor of God so that all people could be saved.

The biblical use of the word "glory" comes from the Hebrew word kabod meaning heavy in weight. In the Old Testament it refers to God's Honor or Greatness. Giving glory to God does not mean that God in any way lacks glory or we can in any way add glory to Him. He in Himself is already glorious. There is nothing we can do to increase His inherent worth or supremacy. The glory of God is already displayed in His great works and in the revelation of Himself in Jesus Christ. Therefore, giving glory to God means that we, human beings, humbly acknowledge and gratefully manifest the glory that is already in God.

Despite the long history and growth of the church, our church today is still much like the church of the time of Paul. Our church continues to be divided over its functions, rituals, observances, interpretation of the scriptures, doctrines, liturgical practices and so on. Some leave the church and some turn away from God altogether blaming it all on others. Even among those who stay, some are hostile, suspicious, and even unfriendly to others because of their differences. Yes, the divisions within our church remain the test of our true love and devotion to God. Paul's exhortation to the Corinthians is a powerful reminder that we should not take our eyes off God no matter what the differences are. Our faith should be strong in God. We must "love the Lord our God with all our heart and with all our soul and with all our mind", Matthew (22:37:38).

Let us bring glory to God with our worship, rituals, music and songs even if something does not suit our taste. Let us bring glory to God by recognizing His presence in all aspects of our personal life, relationships and activities. Let us give glory to God by accommodating all people despite differences of opinion, attitude, behavior and culture. Let us give glory to God by avoiding anything scandalous and destructive or obstacles to our own Christian faith as well as the salvation of others.

(P) Amen.

God Bless You!

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