THIRTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Also Read: Mass Readings for 23 October 2022 Homily for 23 October 2022 – Sunday
First Reading: Sirach 35: 12-14, 16-18
Give to the Most High as he has given to you, and as generously as you can afford. For the Lord is the one who repays, and he will repay you sevenfold. Do not offer him a bribe, for he will not accept it. (Vv. 12-14)
When we offer anything to the Lord, we must do so humbly and remember nothing we do or say will add to or affect GOD in any way! We offer out of our realization that we first must repent in humility and cleanse our hearts in thanksgiving to him. It is our way of returning to the Light of the Lord.
We cannot bribe our way to heaven. But we can experience heaven while here on earth if we yearn for his presence in our lives. He comes and subtly dwells in us, the moment we repent and bend our stubborn hearts to him. We must return to him every minute, every hour of our day.
In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 34: 2-3, 17-18, 19, 23
My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. (v.2)
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit. (v.18)
Listen to his word and rejoice, O children of God. Amen!
Second Reading: Second Timothy 4: 6-8, 16-18
The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. (v. 18)
This is the last letter of the Apostle Paul to Timothy, whom he addresses as “my beloved child” (2Tim 1:2) and “my loyal child in faith.” (1Tim 1:2) We read here the account of St. Paul’s trials for the Gospel and how he is encouraging Timothy to remain faithful. Paul lays out the blueprint of the days ahead for Timothy and a description of the end times. (2 Timothy chapters 2-4) One senses the pain and victory in his words: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (v.7) The Victory is in the Race itself. Amen!
Every moment that we don’t give up the good fight, the victory is ours! We must also remind ourselves that even today as in Timothy’s time, there are atrocities committed on the followers of Christ. There are places where openly practicing Christianity is still curbed. May we realize our blessings, and encourage our brethren and ourselves.
Let us fight the good fight on bended knees and in Jesus’ name. Amen!
Gospel: Luke 18: 9-14
I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted. (v.14)
God came to this earth in humility while the devil prances around in pride. Let us recognize the little devil springing up in our hearts every time we may face a challenging situation. Just like the Pharisee, how many times have we spoken negatively about others, in an attempt to boost our image? We may try to bring others down, but we must remember GOD knows us better than we know ourselves. We cannot fool him!
Let us focus on our conversion daily, in Jesus’ Name. Amen!
