Homily for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Several years ago, CBS's 60 Minutes aired a story that illustrates the profound satisfaction of returning to your roots after achieving success and giving back to your community.

For the late Dikembe Mutombo, who played center for the Atlanta Hawks, his roots were in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Central Africa. He made a significant contribution by funding a $29 million, 300-bed hospital—a dream he pursued after witnessing the devastating loss of life in his community. Of that total, $15 million came from his own funds.

While in high school, Mutombo aspired to attend medical school in the United States and eventually practice medicine back home. He only began playing basketball during his senior year. Georgetown University recognized his potential as a seven-foot basketball star and offered him both athletic and academic scholarships. After three years at Georgetown, he shifted his focus from a medical career to the NBA, realizing he could make a greater impact with a multi-million dollar salary.

In his homeland, one in five children dies before reaching their fifth birthday, and one in fourteen women does not survive childbirth. Diseases like measles and polio—conditions that have long been controlled or eradicated in many countries—continue to claim numerous lives and cause significant suffering each year. Mutombo said, “Whatever you accomplish in your life, your heart still stays here.”

Beyond building the hospital, Mutombo established a foundation to recruit and train medical staff for the African continent. His efforts aim to eradicate polio, build elementary and technical schools in the Congo, and sponsor exchange programs for medical students and professionals. He traveled globally to raise awareness and funds for his people’s struggles.

When asked by a 60 Minutes correspondent about his work, Mutombo responded: “We have an obligation to give something back to the place where we come from… [My mother] instilled in me a strong faith that God would support you in whatever you try to achieve. She taught me, ‘Do whatever you can, as much as you can, and God will give you more.’”

Mutombo added, “I’m investing in my people so they can have a better life because I have already found a better life.”

Before God, the gifts we possess hold little significance. What truly matters is how we use our talents and wealth to build the kingdom of God. Some of us may have the intellect to unlock the mysteries of medical science, while others may excel in sports. God has entrusted each of us with unique gifts, talents, and blessings—not for our own benefit, but to selflessly and lovingly assist others without seeking personal gain.

A faithful disciple will take the time to assess their gifts and talents and determine how best to use them for the glory of God, ensuring that God's kingdom of peace, justice, compassion, and love is advanced through our offerings.