Homily - Tuesday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time. 



Introduction 
A priest once joked during catechism: “The Second Coming of Christ will be like when the parish priest visits your house — you may not know the day or the hour, but you had better be ready with tea and scones!”
The children laughed, but it makes a good point: we must live ready, not in fear, but in hope and confidence.

The Word of God

  • In 1 Thessalonians 5, Paul reminds the Christians that “the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.” He exhorts them not to live in darkness, but as children of the light. God destined us not for wrath but for salvation through Jesus Christ.

  • Psalm 27 beautifully expresses confidence in God: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear?” The psalmist desires one thing above all else: to dwell in the house of the Lord.

  • In Luke 4:31-37, Jesus speaks in Capernaum with authority and power. His word not only amazes but also liberates, casting out an unclean spirit. His presence brings freedom and healing.

Connection of the Readings:
Paul calls us to live as children of the light, always awake and ready. The Psalmist shows us that our strength and security lie in God alone. And the Gospel shows us that Christ’s authority is not just words—it transforms, liberates, and conquers evil. To live as children of light is to let Christ’s authority guide us and to live with confidence, not fear.

Reflection Questions:

  1. Do I live each day as if it were my last, in readiness for the Lord’s coming?

  2. Am I a source of light and encouragement to others, or do I spread fear and darkness?

  3. How can I allow Christ’s authority to bring freedom into areas of my life where there is fear or sin?

Implications for Daily Living (Jubilee Year & Synod on Synodality):

  • The Jubilee calls us to step out of darkness and into light—into mercy, forgiveness, and renewal.

  • The Synod invites us to walk together in watchfulness, supporting and encouraging one another as Paul says: “Encourage one another and build each other up.”

  • In our South African springtime, as new blossoms appear, we are reminded that God calls us to live awake and hopeful, planting seeds of peace, reconciliation, and justice.

Inspiration / Motivation:
We don’t know the day or the hour, but we know the Lord is with us. That is our strength. We are not destined for fear but for salvation. The Spirit in us gives authority over despair, discouragement, and even evil itself.

Quote:
"Hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit." — Romans 5:5

Final Thoughts & Conclusion:
Today’s message is simple: stay awake, live in the light, and trust the authority of Christ’s word. Fear cannot rule our hearts, for the Lord is our light and our salvation.

Concluding Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are our light and our salvation. Keep us awake and faithful, ready to welcome You with joy when You come. Drive away the darkness of fear and sin, and let Your authority free us to live as children of the light. May we walk together as Pilgrims of Hope, building one another up in love. Amen. 

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