Homily by Fr. Ruslan Babii on the Thirty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost

January 18, 2025

The purpose of earthly things is to serve eternal purposes. We all use them as gifts from God and share them with our neighbors, thus easing each other’s burdens and trials and realizing God’s love through these earthly gifts, transforming them into eternal ones.

Homily by Fr. Ruslan Babii on the Thirty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost

St. John Chrysostom writes: “The rich exist for the sake of the poor. The poor exist for the salvation of the rich,” and St. Basil the Great continues the thought: “Therefore, Christ does not command us to throw away our wealth as if it were bad, but to give it away; for no one is condemned for possessing gifts, but for abusing them.”

There is a perception that earthly wealth and the attainment of the Kingdom of Heaven are mutually exclusive. Indeed, Christ says that it is difficult for the rich to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. On the other hand, the poor often console themselves with the idea that their poverty already guarantees them a place in heaven, because Abraham told Lazarus that he had already endured his troubles in life.

We can answer both views with a YES and a NO. The criterion for determining this will be faith and works of mercy, recalling the Sermon on the Mount. Of course, the right, wise, and responsible step is to plan for the future. Appropriating earthly gifts to serve only our own needs will not save us, because their purpose is completely different! Just as the wicked vineyard owners thought that by killing the owner’s son they would gain his inheritance, they were destroyed—all because they did not want to give the proper fruit: to serve God truthfully. Similarly, when we plan for eternity with God, we must take care of the treasures in heaven.

However, our efforts and daily work are sometimes entirely directed toward earthly needs. This is our unconsciousness, like the foolish virgins who did not buy oil for their lamps in advance. But good talent management pays dividends in eternity. “Whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me,” says Christ.

It follows that the purpose of earthly things is to serve eternal purposes. We all use them as gifts from God and share them with our neighbors, thus easing each other’s burdens and trials and realizing God’s Love through these earthly gifts, transforming them into eternal ones. “Who is my neighbor?”—we recall the parable of the Good Samaritan. Notice Christ’s answer to the young man’s question: ‘You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.’

The problem of today’s hero was that he could not imagine his life without wealth, which became his joy and pleasure, defined his status and social value, and opened opportunities to explore the world and gain knowledge. “Where is the wise man of this world? Where is the scholar of this age?”

In this, he deceived himself, wishing to boast before God of his piety and faithfulness in keeping the commandments and regulations, but suddenly discovered his weakness and dependence on wealth. He departed, though not condemned, but ashamed. Christ answers the disciples’ question, “Who then can be saved?” with the reassurance: “With God all things are possible!”

And this opens our hope in God’s work of salvation, for we will always lack something. Yet, relying on the Lord in everything and seeking to be strengthened in the Holy Spirit, we recognize our weaknesses and receive the supplement of Grace, which sanctifies us as God’s children, uniting us to the works of our Heavenly Father. As Christ, found in the temple, said to Mary: “Do you not know that I must be about my Father’s business?” Here, He Himself, in contrast to the rich young man, shows us an example of loyalty to God.

For Christ, every person on this earth who hears the Good News of the Gospel is a treasure. After all, He seeks us as the Good Shepherd, loves us, bestows gifts on us, and waits for us as the Merciful Father. He redeems, heals, and gives life as God.

Therefore, dear brothers and sisters in Christ, reach out and touch life; receive the Body and Blood of Christ as a pledge of eternal life. Bestow your love and good gifts on each other, recognize each other’s weaknesses and forgive them, ease others’ burdens, and bear the crosses of your neighbors. Direct your desires toward God, making Him the treasure of your heart, and you will enter the Kingdom and become partakers of Eternal Love.

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