5B LENT SUNDAY HOMILY, JOHN 12:20-33, MARCH 17, 2024
1. STORY
In parts of Central America, many poor people were suffering unjustly
and many died. At that time Archbishop
Oscar Romero was the archbishop of San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador. Archbishop Romero tried to help these
suffering people by speaking out against those who were causing this suffering.
This resulted in his having many
enemies. On March 24, 1980, while saying
Mass in a small convent, he was shot through the heart and died. He knew that helping others demanded
sacrifices. On February 3, 2015, Pope
Francis declared him a martyr.
2. GOSPEL, JOHN 12:20-33
A. IF A GRAIN OF WHEAT FALLS INTO THE GROUND AND DIES.
As Jesus approaches the end of his life, he uses the simple example of a grain of wheat buried in the earth to explain to the people that he must die so as to save them. Though he went about doing good during his life, he was rejected by the leaders, unjustly condemned, and finally, nailed to a cross and died. Jesus knew that to help people gain eternal life, it was necessary to make sacrifices.
B. THE GRAIN OF WHEAT WILL PRODUCE MUCH FRUIT.
The death of Jesus bore much fruit. Through this great act of love, we were able to gain eternal life. Without Jesus we would never be able to enter heaven. It would be like trying too open the bank’s vault without a key.
3. APPLICATION TO LIFE
A. HELPING OTHERS DEMANDS SACRIFICE.
We must be willing to make sacrifices in order to help others. Jesus tells us, “Whoever serves me, must
follow me.” Here are two examples.
i) As many of you know from personal experience, caring for the elderly
demands much love, patience, and understanding.
ii) Helping the lonely or those who are unhappy demands a lot time, much patience, and a listening ear. One should not expect gratitude for these acts of kindness.
B. HELPING OTHERS WILL BRING MUCH FRUIT.
Here are three examples of the fruit produced by helping others.
i) The persons receiving help will know that someone cares for them, and
they are not useless because of their age, illness, or difficulties. They have value in the eyes of someone.
ii) The one who is willing to help follows the examples of Jesus. This will bring happiness and peace to the one
who is imitating Jesus in making sacrifices.
iii) The good example of helping others will influence others to do the
same. It will give them the idea, the
know-how, and the confidence to help others.
4. CONCLUSION
Archbishop Romero helped those who were suffering injustices and death
which resulted in his death. Christ knew
that he must die to help us gain eternal life. We must follow Jesus in helping others knowing
that we must make sacrifices along the way. Helping others demands sacrifice.
