Homily For The 20th Sunday In Ordinary Time, Year C.

Jeremiah 38:4-6. 8-10; Psalm 40:2.3.4. 18; Hebrews 12:1-4; Luke 12:49-53.

“THE POWER OF INNOCENCE!” 

By: Rev. Fr. Charles Onyeka Ezejide.

·       The word innocence can be variously understood. It could mean that one is naïve, not exposed to some harsh realities of life. However, innocence in this context refers to a state of sinlessness, a state of being in harmony with God, characterised by a pure heart.

·       Today’s readings emphasise the power of innocence. Our innocence provokes God to action. And nothing evil will ever happen to a just man. The experiences of an innocent man may be bitter, and in the sight of men it may seem evil, but it is ultimately that which will lead to eternal bliss.

·       In the first reading (Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10), Jeremiah, the prophet of God, was conspired against for speaking out against the ills of society, for stirring the Israelites' elites to the consciousness of the need to shun evil and embrace good.

·       However, as is always the case, the Prophetic oracle of Jeremiah is just like a double-edged sword, while it consoled some and angered some. Those who were consoled repented of their evil ways and sought God’s mercy, while the angered and stubborn in the heart, rather than repent, conspired against the prophet of God.

·       Dearly beloved, once you are on the side of truth, there is no need to be afraid because goodness will always triumph over evil, and light will always outshine darkness, no matter how long it takes.

·       A lot of us are victims of the conspiracy because we have refused to compromise our faith, and a lot of forces are against us because we have courageously refused to conform to the standards of the world. Some of our colleagues do not want to set their eyes on us because the sight of us reminds them of their evil deeds. Do not be discouraged; if your innocence is genuine, it will always discomfort the unrighteous.

·       Once you are innocent, be assured that it will speak for you. Jeremiah was about to be put to death; God raised people even among his enemies to speak on his behalf. When you are innocent, even your renowned enemy will intercede for you. Even when they throw you into a well, you will not be harmed because either the well will be dry or will be filled with good things. Once you are on the side of innocence and righteousness, a conspiracy against you will only lead you to your divine destination.

·       Dear friends in Christ, sometimes evil may prevail for some time, but not forever. When the weight of evil conspiracy overwhelms you, like the Psalmist, you must cry out aloud, “Lord, come to my aid” (Ps. 39:14). Wait on the Lord and maintain your innocence, and he will stoop down and hear your cry.

·       When Jesus spoke about bringing fire to the earth and how he wishes it were blazing already in the gospel reading (Luke 12:49-53), it simply means that Jesus is bringing the fire of discomfort to those who are not innocent. The unrighteous are in trouble until they become righteous. The guilty will not be at peace because they will be unsettled by their guilt.

·       The division Jesus talked about is being fulfilled even as we listen. There are already established dichotomies: good/bad, innocent/guilty, righteous/unrighteous, sin/holiness, heaven/hell, peace/war, etc. All these dichotomies portend that if the father is innocent and the son is not, they can never see eye to eye. If the daughter is righteous and the mother is not, they can never agree; if the subject is upright and the boss is corrupt, they will never agree, hence the division talked about is already being experienced.

·       Dearly beloved in Christ, the world is not and cannot be a good place to live with these divisions and dichotomies. The ultimate desire of God is peace and unity (John 17:21), where we shall be united with him in heaven and shall enjoy eternal bliss and happiness.

·       There is an uncommon force in innocence, just as in the case of children, you are protected, you are defended, you are cared for and interceded for. Hence, the Lord calls us back to this original innocence with which he created us.

·       The condition for this desired innocence is contained in the second reading (Hebrews 12:1-4), which is to shun evil and do good. We must throw off everything that hinders us from divine innocence because sin clings easily.

·       We must not allow ourselves to be mastered by sin. Do not find yourself too helpless not to be able to begin again. We must ask the Lord to restore to us the Joy of our salvation, the original innocence with which we were created.

·       We must never allow ourselves to lose sight of Jesus and the crown of unfading glory which awaits the innocent. “In the fight against sin, you have not yet had to keep fighting to the point of death”

·       To maintain our innocence and enter into eternity, we must be consistent and determined so as not to be swayed by the devil or be distracted. Hence, we must ask the Lord to grant us the hearts to accept the words of his son, for it to envelop us and transform our lives from guilt to innocence.

·       May the divine power of God ward off from us every stain of guilt and keep us faithful to his commandments to experience the power of innocence and merit our eternal reward, through Christ our Lord, Amen!

·       Happy Sunday!!!