Fr. Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP - June 28, 2020. Homily for the Thirteenth Sunday in the ordinary time year A

THIRTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A

2 KINGS 4:8-11,13-16,

Psalm 88:2-3,16-19 ROMANS 6:3-4,8-11, MATTHEW 10:37-42

REAL GENEROSITY IS ALWAYS REWARDED

As I read through the first reading of today, I'm filled with a lot of appreciation for all those who have been very caring and generous to me during the course of my Apostolate. As a seminarian, I went to different parts of the country for pastoral assignments, and all those who cared and catered for me had never met me before then.

In the first reading of today, we hear the experience of the prophet Elisha. He was on frequent trips to Shumen to preach the word of God, and a woman decided to be giving him a place to stay, food and drink whenever he passed by. The woman was just being generous as it was her nature, she did not do it so as to be rewarded. The Shunamite woman was not thinking of asking Elisha to intercede for her to have a son, but as the gospel reading tells us, kindness and generous gesture shown to a true priest and prophet of God, never goes unrewarded.

Generosity pays; it answers prayers that we do not even dare to ask. When Abraham and Sarah welcomed strangers to their home to eat and rest from the scorching sun, they did not know that they were the Angels God sent to end their childlessness. In 1 Kings 17, the woman of Zeraphat also gave the prophet Elijah food to eat during famine, as we know, she was blessed beyond measure; her jar of meal and jug of oil never went dry. This is why the writer of the letter to the Hebrews 13:2 tells us to take advantage of helping those in need, especially those doing the work of God, strangers and those we do not know. They could be Angels in disguise.

Jesus in the gospel reading also sent his Apostles out to preach, telling them not to worry about what to eat or drink. People will definitely welcome them in their homes, support them with what they need. They should only be concerned about their work of preaching. Those who do so always get rewarded by God even if they do not ask. This is because by welcoming the Apostles of Jesus, they welcome Jesus to their homes too.Those who help prophets and priests of God to achieve their work, will get the blessings of a prophet.

Many people always look for opportunities to give when they have, this is because they know the blessings that accompany the Spirit of giving.

May all those who have been very hospitable and welcoming as well as passionate about the work of God, and have contributed their time, energy and resources to its success never get discouraged, may their secret prayers and yearnings be satisfied.

To all those who have been very supportive in my Apostolate this past one year, only God knows what you need, and he will grant it to you through Christ and our Lord. Amen.

Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie MSP