Homily-Wednesday of the 14th Week
of Ordinary Time, Year B
v Hosea
10:1-3,7-8,12;
v Ps 105:2-3,4-7;
v Matt
10:1-7
It is Time to Seek the Lord
and The Kingdom of Heaven
In today’s scriptures the need to seek the Lord and the
Kingdom of God is intensified. Yesterday the prophet Hosea challenged
Israel/Samaria against idolatry, materialism and covenant breaking. Today, he
has not given up. He pointedly insists using a strong verb- baqash adonay (seek
the Lord) in inviting Israel to seek the Lord, not earthly kings, not material
things nor the sacred pillars set up by them in the north. In prophetic
literature this verb has the implication of deliberate faithfulness,
single mindedness, worshiping God alone, singing his praise alone, loving him
alone, knowing him, longing, desiring, keeping and promoting his divine values,
fearing him and recalling all the wondrous deeds he has done for them in the
past.
This notion of deliberate and intentional searching for
God and values is also heard in today’s Gospel (Matte 10:1-7) where Christ
calls the 12, which is quite significant- reminding us of the 12 tribes of
Israel, chosen among other nations. They did not call, nor sent themselves.
Rather, Christ sent them on a deliberate and specific healing mission, of
course, with individual gifts and talents, strength and weaknesses.
In doing their mission, they were not to be distracted by
anything on the road, but to “go [directly] to the lost sheep of the house of
Israel”, proclaiming the Kingdom of Heaven. Of course Matthew uses “kingdom of
heaven” as a paraphrase of “kingdom of God.” He is deliberate, prudent and
sensitive to his Jewish community by respecting the sacred name of “God” while
preaching about the new Moses, the new King, God’s incarnate Son, the
embodiment of love, peace, justice, faith, hope, righteousness, mercy, unity,
compassion, and true healing which the world needs most today.
So, in our daily challenges, Hosea and Christ’s message
challenges us, the renewed tribes of Israel, today’s disciples, to remain
focus, and steadfast in our faith and callings, especially in preaching mercy,
justice, peace, and in reaching out to the poor and the needy of our times and
communities. Even, when we are lost, in the course of our modern day
discipleship, with prayer and determination we can always rediscover a new and
fresh path that lead to the Lord and his kingdom of peace and justice
Reflection Questions
1.
How often do you
desire and seek for God’s Kingdom values in a timely fashion?
2.
Do you see yourself
in any of the Twelve Disciples?
3.
What are our
obstacles in being true and focused evangelizers today?
