Homily: March 1, Tuesday of the Eighth week in the Ordinary time

 From the first reading, it is written, “the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours, searched and investigated it…”

When the appointment was confirmed but before the transfer to St. Ambrose, I too came to investigate, to observe the parish environment incognito. I would sit at the last pew so that I can see everything without being noticed. Yet, someone in the congregation recognised me. I had to tell her, borrowing Jesus’ words, “see that you tell no one about this, my time is not yet come.”

I simply wanted to observe the parishioners here, what they thought about St. Ambrose and how things work around here. I got some information and formed a perspective. But when I finally came, entered fully into the daily operations and encounters, things seemed different from my earlier observations.

Similarly with God. He gave many visions about His will and His plans to the prophets for the people. 

Finally, God came and lived among His people, revealing more about Himself and His redemptive plans to all. Yet those who studied and taught His law could not recognise the Messiah’s arrival. Even the disciples who spent most of their time with Jesus daily, failed to understand Him fully.

They claimed, “We have given up everything and followed you”. But in truth they have not given up their worldly ways and expectations. They were expecting political victory and worldly success by following Jesus.

Do we also expect the same from God? That He should grant us success in our lives and meet our worldly needs? We attend mass, avoid sin, fast and pray, so do we think He should recompense us accordingly?

What we have given up in this life is nothing compared to what God is giving us. And what He is giving us is nothing of this world.

There is a story about St Thomas Aquinas. He was feeling dispirited thinking that all he had written was rubbish and useless. In that moment of sorrow, Jesus appeared to him in a vision and affirmed him that he had in fact written very well. Jesus asked if he was expecting anything more from the Lord. In humble realisation, St. Thomas replied, “Nothing but you, Lord.”

How beautiful! Yes, as true disciples of the Lord, that’s all we need and should want. Non nisi te, Domine. Nothing but you Lord. Amen.

Fr. Nivin Scaria


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