Catholic Homily for September 30, 2025
Passion can become poison
Passion can become poison, When?
There was a professor called Katherine, who spent 23 years teaching biblical studies at the university. She was excellent, demanding and very devoted to Scriptures. But she had a problem that was destroying her life and excellency. That is because whenever she is faced with any theological disagreement, she can not withstand that.
One day, a younger colleague Dr. Martinez was trying to teach the students in a different approach in a common forum. Dr. Katherine could not accept but responded to him very harshly and so dismissively which made Dr. Martinez run away from the hall full of tears in his eyes.
This incident made everyone feel bad about Dr. Katherine. One student next day, slowly approached Katherine with fear tell to her, “Professor, you know more about the Bible than anyone, I have ever met, but sometimes you love for Scriptures seems to make you forget Jesus’ love for his people”
This comment by the student made her reflect about her arrogance. Now she realized that the Word of God has become a weapon in her life rather than a gift.
The Gospel of the day presents to us today a troubling scene. Jesus being aware of his forthcoming suffering fully sets himself toward Jerusalem. Jesus was rejected by Samaritans because he was focused towards Jerusalem which is a sacred worship place for Jewish which was hated by Samaritans.
Now that scene infuriated the Sons of Thunder, which made them say, Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them? But in response Jesus rebukes them.
Let us highlight the part of the Sons of thunders for today’s reflection. The disciples’ mistake was to use the divine power to punish and destroy, which was completely against their master Jesus who used his divine power to heal and save.
This way of Punishing proposed by disciples is not a new thing in the Jewish tradition. From the exodus onwards we find some nuances of death of people who were not accepting God. Like we read in Exodus 32:28 where Moses’ righteous anger leads to the death of 3000 people. And also in 2 Kings 1:10-12 we read about Prophet Elijah calling down fire from heaven to consume those who opposed God.
So it is not new that they asked Jesus permission to continue their tradition. But Jesus on the contrary tries out a new method, or different approach to respond to rejections and opposition.
You know about today’s saint? Saint Jerome, one of the greatest scholars that the Church ever had. He translated the Bible into Latin. He was so passionate about truth, orthodox doctrine and scriptural accuracy, and he was also famous for his fiery temper and sharp tongue.
His love for God was genuine yet his methods were often harsh and uncharitable. Later in his years, he became gentle and focused on practicing holiness rather than theological combat.
Lately he understood the words of Marcus Aurelius “A man’s worth is measured not by his eloquence but by his life.” Knowledge without love becomes a weapon rather than a gift.
We as people of God’s grace are called to be gifts to others not hurting weapons. How often do we fall into the James-and-John trap in our daily lives?
We, parents who are passionate about Faith may be very harsh with our children. Instead of patient guidance, righteous anger takes over, driving young people away from the very faith we’re trying to protect.
Sometimes we may be perfect with moral convictions but may become very judgemental towards our own neighbours. Our Zeal for righteousness can change into spiritual pride and destroy our relationship.
At times our religious zeal can end up being harshly criticizing people of other faith forgetting the love Jesus tries to teach us.
It is important for us to remember that our way of life is more important than our words of faith and righteousness. William J. Toms said, “Be careful how you live; you may be the only Bible that some people ever read”. The Bible is a book of God’s love for us, not a set of rules and disciplines.
We may feel living the perfect life is to defend the honor of Jesus, it is true, unless we spill out the poison on our beloved one around by our judgements and righteous anger.
September 30 – Challenge for the day
The challenge Jesus keeps before us is simple:
Does our zeal make people more likely to encounter Christ’s love or does it drive them away?
Does our passion for truth create space for conversion and growth, or does it close hearts and minds?
Maybe it is hard to see people not doing the right thing, it is our responsibility to care-front them with love and charity.
Let the Love of God lead us in our actions.
Let our Prayer for today be,
Lord Jesus, You came to save us only by destroying the evil in us. Let the zeal that we have for you be of the gentle spirit. Help us to love the truth so much that we may share it with patience and mercy which you showed to us. Give us the wisdom of Saint Jerome so that we may be passionate for you and with complete charity with all others. Amen
❤️ Thank You dear friend, hope this reflections touched you. 🙏 Please do not forget to share with your loved ones this september 30 homily.
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