Alonzo, Dexter G.

Theological English: Homiletics

15 August 2016

Readings: Jer 38:4-6,8-10 | Ps 40 | Heb 12:1-4 | Lk 12:49-53

Task: Connect readings / find ways to lead reflection to the Pastoral Letter
Core Thought: Christs peace, justice and love, is different from what the world
offers.
Picture / Image: Marching responders towards the Holy Door of Mercy, a
Homecoming to the Heart of the Lord.
Seeing: The worsening extrajudicial killings and the rising number of responders
have alarmed the whole country.
Judging: Jeremiah warns the kings and his army that Jerusalem would be destroyed
if they do not remain faithful to Yahweh. The prophet told the king boldly of the
pitiable consequence of their allegiance to foreigners. The false prophet Hananiah,
on the other hand, proclaimed otherwise to please people.
The Psalmist tells us that only in God can we find refuge. To proclaim Gods deeds
and will, even amidst persecutions, is assured by Gods protection and aid. So, we
pray always Lord, come to my aid.
The Letter to the Hebrews reminds us that Jesus is not foreign from the experience
of rejection, even to the point of shedding his blood in the struggle against sin. We
have innumerable witnesses surround us.
The evangelist Luke does not hesitate to say that the moment we accept Christs
peace and ways of loving we will face difficulty. Not all people will follow us, even
our very own family may deny us. Jesus proclamation of the Kingdom of God is like
a fire that purifies and so, Jesus himself warns us that it will either be received with
acceptance or rejection. Jesus did not promise of an easy, carefree life the moment
we stand for him.
Acting: The current heinous method of killing drug-dependent citizens is the
worlds way of peace and justice. However, the way of Christ is different: he ate with
sinners; he gave second chances, even seventy times seven.
The Archdiocese responding to Pope Francis call of a church as field hospitals and
islands of mercy proclaims a jubilee of mercy for responders. It affirms the
sacredness of life; it offers and avails this season of grace for our brothers and
sisters who may be suffering from all sorts of psychological, moral, spiritual and
financial difficulties.
Inspired by the example of the Prophet Jeremiah, the innumerable witness, and
Jesus himself, the Catholic Church, the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro abhors this
extrajudicial killings, even the justice system of the country remained silent. It

offers mercy, even the country condemns (or worse, kills them). Nonetheless, the
Archdiocese still affirms the positive side of the current war on drugs.
Celebrating: Jubilee of Mercy for Responders