A Homily at the Christ the King Cathedral — Nakuru

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 17.7.2022

I have been trying hard to re-digest the Homily today at the cathedral. By Rev. Father Geoffrey Thuo.

First Reading GENESIS 18:1–10

Responsorial Psalm PSALMS 15:2–5

Second Reading COLOSSIANS 1:24–28

Gospel LUKE 10:38–42

First, the Rev. Father Thuo made the church a bit warmer by allowing the choir to Sing a famous Swahili Song:

Usinipite Mwokozi….Bwana unapozuru wengine…

(Do not pass by me Oh Lord…as You bless others)

of course with fine piano in the backdrop.

And revisiting the first reading — GENESIS 18:1–10

A recount of Abraham welcoming three strangers. It ties with generosity.

Coincidentally, Abraham welcomes God into his household — unknowingly.

Figuratively, the three strangers are the Holy Trinity — God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

And out of Abraham’s generosity, he caters to the immediate needs of the strangers:

• Some fresh water to quench their thirst and cool their feet
• Fresh bread baked by Sarah — Abraham’s wife
• Meat from the herds of Abraham

And filled with generosity, the strangers ask Abraham about Sarah.

Verse10 — The LORD said, “I will surely return to you in the spring, and Sarah your wife shall have a son.”

Of course, the story with Isaac began here.

But, back to our reading — the visit by the three strangers was the culmination of events that led to the wiping of tears and shame in the family.

And retrospective, the Father made emphasis that all our families are blessed — because the institution of marriage was started by God. And we are called to relish in the blessings, as we seek God to complete whatever misses in our lives. For Abraham, it was not property — it was an heir — a son.

But in a seemingly surprising turn of events, the generosity of Abraham and Sarah arises from what God had given them — things freely available within our reach. It’s therefore the calling of every Christian to offer whatever they have, before the altar of the Lord, as a sacrifice.

Also, the radiance of the blessings of the Lord re-ignites joy to a whole family. Abraham was a bit strong and able to monitor whatever was going on with the environment — despite the uncertainty of lacking a child. Coincidentally, Sarah was inside the tent…a tent of a lifetime of sorrow. Bareness indeed is a big source of grief… to spouses and of course to the extended family.

The spark of joy lights for those outside the tent or faithful followers. Plus, to those who’ve lost faith — those inside the tents.

And over to the Gospel LUKE 10:38–42:

“Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her.”

In life, there’s so much noise about almost everything. It’s the duty of every believer to look out for what is necessary…and that is what cannot be taken away from us — our faith in God.

Fellow believers, may these words keep inspiring you through your gospel joy. And always remind yourself of the promises of your calling.

Amen