Homili Rabu Abu - Rm. Wahyu, SJ

Summary

This sermon focuses on the theme of true repentance, emphasizing that it should be a comprehensive transformation of one's life. Drawing from the Gospel of Matthew, the speaker highlights how religious acts like fasting and giving should be done in humility and secrecy, not for external praise. Through examples like the stubbornness of the Israelites and the complete repentance of the people of Nineveh, the sermon calls for a sincere and total repentance—spanning time, thoughts, actions, and words. It urges the congregation to reflect on their own lives and strive for genuine change in preparation for Easter.

Takeaways

• 😀 The sermon on the mount emphasizes that acts of faith should be performed in secret, not for public recognition.
• 😀 Jesus criticizes the hypocrisy of those who perform religious duties for the sake of praise from others.
• 😀 The importance of giving charity without drawing attention to oneself is highlighted, as the right hand should not know what the left hand is doing.
• 😀 Jesus encourages prayer and fasting to be done in private, with a focus on genuine devotion rather than public display.
• 😀 The passage from the Old Testament (Joel) calls for repentance from all members of society, including even the youngest and those newly married.
• 😀 Israel is described as a stiff-necked people who repeatedly stray from God despite multiple calls for repentance.
• 😀 Repentance is meant to be thorough, not just limited to certain parts of one's life or specific times, like Lent.
• 😀 Christians are called to live consistently, with their behavior aligned with their faith, both in private and in public.
• 😀 A person's transformation must be holistic—covering not just actions but also thoughts, words, and deeds.
• 😀 The message of repentance should not be superficial or temporary but should lead to lasting change in every aspect of life.

Q & A

What is the central message in the script regarding religious observance?

The script emphasizes the importance of sincere and humble religious practices. It criticizes actions that are performed for show or to gain praise from others, and calls for genuine devotion, particularly through acts of charity, prayer, and fasting.

How does the script interpret the concept of repentance?

Repentance is seen as a comprehensive and wholehearted turning to God. The script references the call to repentance from the Book of Joel, where everyone, including the elderly, children, and even newlyweds, are urged to repent, signifying a total, collective return to God.

What does the term 'hard-necked people' refer to in the script?

The term 'hard-necked' refers to individuals who are stubborn or resistant to change. In the context of the script, it describes the Israelites, who repeatedly ignored God’s calls for repentance and returned to their old ways after each time they were corrected.

What lesson does the script derive from the example of the people of Nineveh?

The script highlights the example of the people of Nineveh, who, upon hearing the prophet Jonah's call for repentance, collectively repented, even including their animals. This illustrates the potential for a comprehensive and sincere repentance that extends beyond just human actions.

How does the script address the challenge of achieving widespread repentance?

The script acknowledges that achieving total repentance, whether for a nation or the entire world, is difficult. It emphasizes that, while global or national repentance may be out of reach, individuals can strive for personal and total repentance in their lives.

What is the significance of the period of Lent in the script?

The period of Lent is portrayed as a time for personal transformation and repentance. The script suggests that, while people may engage in acts of penance like fasting or almsgiving during Lent, it is crucial that these efforts are genuine and not temporary, leading to lasting change in their lives.

How does the script critique the behavior of Pharisees during religious rituals?

The script critiques the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, particularly their public displays of piety. It criticizes those who perform religious acts like praying or fasting in public to be seen by others, suggesting that such actions are done for recognition rather than true devotion.

What does the script mean by 'tearing your heart, not your clothes'?

This phrase, taken from the Book of Joel, refers to the idea that repentance should come from within. It is not enough to merely show outward signs of remorse, like tearing one's clothes. True repentance must be a heartfelt, internal transformation.

How does the script suggest people should approach their relationship with God during Lent?

The script encourages individuals to approach their relationship with God sincerely and comprehensively during Lent. It advises that true repentance involves all aspects of a person's life, including their time, thoughts, words, and actions, not just external rituals.

What is the ultimate goal of repentance, according to the script?

The ultimate goal of repentance, according to the script, is to become a person who is genuinely faithful to God, living in a way that aligns with God's will. It involves a total transformation of the individual, leading to a closer relationship with God and readiness for the celebration of Easter.