HOMILY FOR TUESDAY OF THE SEVENTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR II. 28.07.2020.

Readings: Jeremiah 14:17-22; Psalm 79 and Matthew 13:36-43. 

THE CLOSE OF THE AGE

 

With the emergence of coronavirus, some persons on social media have made caricatures of some religious leaders, asking, “Where are our pastors that claims they have the gift of healing? Can’t they heal the people dying from COVID-19, or are they waiting for the end of the virus before they could continue with their healing ministry?” Over this, there have been constructive and destructive criticisms, but the question is, could there be elements of truth on the above statement? Could it be that the society is flooded with fake pastors or men of God? This spurn the prophecy of Jeremiah on God’s judgment to come and the parable of Christ on the weed, which are gathered and burnt with fire at the close of the age.

 

In the first reading, the prophet Jeremiah speaks of the judgment of God on false prophets and wicked priests that have led the flock of God astray. He started by saying, “Let my eyes run down with tears night and day, and let them not cease, for the virgin daughter of my people is struck down with a great wound, and a very grievous blow.” Jeremiah stood as an authentic prophet against the false prophets of his time that will abandon the flock of God. He foresaw the pains and grief that is to befall Judah if they would not turn from their evil (the great wound and grievous blow). In antecedent to this pericope, God said to Jeremiah, “The prophets are prophesying lies in my name; I have not sent them, I gave them no order, I never spoke to them. Delusive visions, hollow predictions, daydreams of their own, that is what they prophesy to you.” Jeremiah had to be outstanding among these false prophets, and announces God’s judgments and punishment, which shall befall them as: “those slain by the sword and the disease of famine”, through which many shall perish. This knowledge was unknown to the false priests and prophets of his time, who should have guided the people wisely. However, with the intervention of Jeremiah, they acknowledge their wickedness that they have sinned against God.

 

Similarly, Christ in the gospel speaks of judgment on the wicked as he explains the parable of the wheat and weed to his disciples, which portrays how good and evil people will co-exist until the end of time. He said, “The good seed means the sons of the kingdom; the weeds are sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the close of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are gathered and burnt with fire, so will it be at the close of the age.” The gospel has an eschatological tone, the separation of good from bad; sinners from righteous and the separation of the false prophets from authentic prophets.

 

The readings made me recall the homily of Bishop Hyacinth Oroko Egbebo, MSP, who said to his newly ordained priests, “Do not tell my people the Lord said… when the Lord has not said anything.” Encouraging his priests to be diligent and sincere in exercising their priestly duties, not to deceive or manipulate his people. Anyone involved in such act should prepare his/her mind for the judgments and condemnation of the Lord. And to those moving from one end to another, running after different pastors, priests or prophets for miracles, are called today to acknowledge their lack faith and return to God with contrite hearts. May God help us that we may not be found wanting at the close of the day through Christ our Lord. Amen! Peace be with you!

 

Fr. Ken Dogbo, OSJ