Homily Saturday Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time Year B, 21st August, 2021. The Memorial of St. Pius X

 Homily Saturday  Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time Year B, 21st August, 2021. The Memorial of St. Pius X

Readings: Ruth 2:1-3.8-11.4:13-17; Ps. 128; Matt. 23:1-12

Rev. Fr.  Emmanuel Emenike Onyia

LET OUR ACTIONS REFLECT WHAT WE PREACH

The difference between early Christian community and the present day Christianity is the mode of witnessing. The early Christian community practically preached the word of God by witnessing with their life, while present day Christianity are witnessing by preaching the word of God aloud with megaphones and all media channels and platforms, without sufficient practicing of what we preach. 

This unhealthy attitude towards our mission is what Jesus is addressing in our Gospel passage today, when he said to the people: “the scribes and the Pharisees occupy the chair of Moses. You must therefore do what they tell you and listen to what they say; but do not be guided by what they do: since they do not practice what they preach. They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on men’s shoulders, but will not lift a finger to move them”.

Here, Jesus made it clear that we should listen to what the authorities are saying to us. However, we should not be such people who do not put into practice what we teach. So, as Christians we need to start practicing what we preach, we need to do more of witnessing then preaching. It is not enough to recall principles, state intentions, point to blatant injustice and utter prophetic denunciation; these kind of words lack the real meaning of our faith unless they are accompanied by effective action manifested in our way of life, just like Boaz in our first reading today, who said to Ruth, ‘Listen, my daughter, and understand this. You are not to glean in any other field, do not leave here but stay with my servants. Keep your eyes on whatever part of the field they are reaping and follow behind. I have ordered my servants not to molest you.

Also, from our Gospel we need to acknowledge that our authority as Christians come from God, for we are not to pride ourselves as rabbis, teacher, pastors, prophet in our own name. Rather our actions should reflect the paternity of God in the way we live and serve others. Therefore let us imitate St. Pope Pius X, whose memorial we celebrate today, for he is known for his love for God and his neighbours in simplicity of heart. 

Dear friends, let us strive to follow St. Pius examples of faith, dedication and total commitment to God, for he put into practice the word of God he heard. Teaching us that, it is not sufficient to speak, but to practice. We are called not merely to hear God’s word but to daily put it into action. Let our actions reflect what we preach. Though, hearing or reading the Word is important, but that is not the enough. We must let the Word of God touch and shape our lives. For it is empty and useless if our lives do not reflect the Gospel, if we hear the words of Jesus and do not act on them.

LET US PRAY: Heavenly Father, as you honoured your servant St. Pius X, grant us the grace to strive to imitate his virtues, as we resolve to practice what your word teaches us and so merit to share in your heavenly banquet. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a peaceful weekend.