CYCLE II: HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE 16TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME (1)
CYCLE II: HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE 16TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
HOMILY THEME: TRUE FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST
BY: Fr. Francis Onwunali
HOMILY: As we step into the first working day of the week, the Word of God, the lamp for our feet and the light for our path, is directing us on the proper way of being true followers of God.
The Prophet Micah, in the first reading (Micah 6: 1-4, 6-8) reminds the Chosen people that God is fully aware of their sinfulness and to show their sincerity in turning away from sin is not just by constant offering of sacrifices, rather they need to listen to what the Word of God has said to them: “what is good has been explained to you, man; this is what the Lord asks of you: only this, to act justly, to love tenderly and to walk humbly with your God.” Which of this triple request are you finding difficult to do in your life?
Confronting the religious leaders of His time in their stubbornness and hardness of heart, Jesus in the gospel (Matt 12: 38-42), reminds them that the only sign that will be given to them is His death and resurrection.
However, since they are not willing to accept His word for repentance, those who listened to Jonah in Nineveh and the wisdom of Solomon and repented will rise up to them in judgment on the day of reckoning.
Dear friends, the loving mercy of God became so tangible in the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus to redeem us from sin. This is not out of our merit, rather, God’s graciousness. If your life is touched by this singular act of love, the only reasonable response is to live a more upright life, not to make up for your sins but to show your acceptance of God’s forgiveness and mercy.
I pray as we journey in life today, we will proclaim our faith in God by learning to act justly in human affairs; to love tenderly with a compassionate heart and to humbly walk with the Lord recognizing our sinfulness and believing in God’s unconditional love and mercy.
May we not ignore the directives of the Word of God in our lives. May the glory of the freedom of God’s children rest on us today.
Have a faith-full day!
-Fr. Francis Onwunali