How our family grew through the Bible: 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Listen to the homily here.

Notes:

This weekend I would like to explain how God’s family grew through the Bible

·      One of a great teacher, speaker and writer that I have learned from is Jeff Cavins

·      The Great Adventure: A Journey in the Bible

Through his adventure in the Bible I enjoyed a key to learn our family and God’s mission

·      Adam and Eve: one holy couple

·      Noah: one holy family

·      Abraham: one holy tribe

·      Moses: one holy nation

·      David: one holy kingdom

·      Jesus Christ: one holy Catholic and Apostolic Church

For instance:

·      Isaiah:

o   “The foreigners who join themselves to the LORD,
ministering to him,
loving the name of the LORD…”

o   People joining the Jewish family

·      Responsorial: Psalm 67

o   “O God, let all the nations praise you!”

o   Nations that God is finding

·      St. Paul in Romans 11

o   “I am speaking to you Gentiles.”

§  Gentiles were anyone that was not Jewish

§  The door was opened to many, many people!

·      Jesus speaking with a Canaanite women (not Jewish)

o   A test, not a chastening or punishment for this woman

o   "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel."
But the woman came and did Jesus homage, saying, "Lord, help me." 

o   “O woman, great is your faith! 
Let it be done for you as you wish.”

·      Then Jesus opened the gates for all people when he died on the cross

How should our families grow?

·      Your family, your parish family, your diocesan family, your Catholic family (1.2 billion) around the world…different places, culture

·      We should also never be racist or judgmental

As God grew His family, we must serve, invite and welcome God’s family like a kingdom on earth to be prepared for His family in heaven