Homily: July 2, 2023, Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Help Others)

 "Can something be done for her?"

In ancient times, there were no motels for travelers transiting from one city to another. They relied on the hospitality of households in the cities they visit or pass. The households then had to trust that the travelers come in peace.

It seemed that prophet Elisha passed through Shunem quite often, going to and from Galilee and Mount Carmel to pray. And we know that very likely, he was often offered meals by the household of the Shunamite lady, who could be someone well respected and wealthy.

Finally, in today’s first reading, the Shunamite lady decided to offer more hospitality to prophet Elisha, believing that he was a holy man, for his regular trips to Mount Carmel.

In appreciation for their generosity beyond basic hospitality, prophet Elisha reciprocated to offer what he could for the Shunamite lady. 

"Can something be done for her?"

Yes, he could make an offering to God on Mount Carmel for her needs. He could do something for her, and he did. Her generosity was rewarded with a great blessing, the promise of a child.

Jesus said in the Gospel, "Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward." A prophet’s reward is a gift, a message, a blessing not from man, but directly from God.

Have you ever received a prophet’s reward?

Let us reflect on our own attitude towards welcoming and being hospitable to others.

I am sure we are all very helpful people. Have you ever met someone who clearly have genuine needs which you are in a good position to help?

Did you ask, "Can something be done for him or her?"

Or did you turn away and chose to ‘mind your own business’?

Are you willing to make a positive difference in others' lives, or will you only take care of your own concerns?

The purpose of Christian calling is to serve others, in Jesus’ name, for the greater glory of God. The main duty of a Christ follower is to follow the work of our master, Jesus.

Here at St. Ambrose, I am delighted to witness many people going out of their way to help others. And the good deeds go around.

Recently, more than a dozen of our youth received American citizenship after being trained by our very own parishioners. Now regularly, over 60 parishioners come together to clean the  I Cub Stadium to raise funds to send our children to catholic youth camp. It is not just for the money, but it is also for solidarity, to be together working and serving as one community, it is doing it for the good of the other.

We are happier people when we reach out to help because when we help others, we have less time to dwell on our own problems, we are helping ourselves too.

I once read this quote: "In the end, it's not about what you have or what you have accomplished. It's about how you have uplifted others and made them better. It's about what you have given back."

God has given us everything, let us give something back to Him through offering it to others in need.

Jesus assures us in the Gospel, "And whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink because the little one is a disciple— amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward." 

Helping one person might not change the whole world, but it would surely change the world for that one person.

By God’s grace and for the greater glory of God. Amen.