Homily for Tuesday, Week 26 of Ordinary Time

Homily for Tuesday
26th Week of Ordinary Time

Sept. 30, 2025
Luke 9: 51-56
Christian Brothers, St. Joseph’s Residence, N.R.

Jesus passes thru villages on his way to Jerusalem
(James Tissot)

Jesus leaves Galilee and sets out for Jerusalem (Luke 9:51).  In the words of John’s Gospel, his hour has come (cf. John 2:4).  It’s time for him “to be taken up” (9:51).

That may be read as a reference to his ascension, which is where Luke’s Gospel will end (24:51), to his going to his place on high at the Father’s side.  As Son of God, of course he always was at the Father’s side.  But now as Son of Man, as Jesus of Nazareth, human creature that came to be at the incarnation, he’s to take his proper place.

Jesus, Son of Man and Son of God, has always been aligned with the Father.  Therefore he rebukes his disciples, even his favorites James and John, for their anger and vengeful attitude.  The Father’s not like that, nor is the Son.

The Son’s followers have to learn mercy, forgiveness, and gentleness so that they, too, may be children of the Father:  “Be merciful as your heavenly Father is merciful” (cf. Luke 6:36), and in their turn may be taken up.  Jesus intends to rescue humanity by taking us with him to his Father’s side, which means we have to learn to be the kind of human being he is.  He doesn’t break a bruised reed or snuff a smoldering wick (Matt 12:20).  He nurtures the soil around a slow fig tree, hoping it will yet bear fruit (Luke 13:6-9).  He loves Samaritans.  He loves even sinners, whom he redeems by fulfilling his days and his mission, so that we too might be taken up to God’s home.