DAILY HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE 12TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE I (2)

DAILY HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE 12TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE I

THEME: “See how the Lord blesses those who fear him.”

BY: Rev. Fr. Anthony O. EZEAPUTA, MA.

HOMILY: I recently came upon a video clip that was both entertaining and educational. A cheerful and gorgeous lady approached a man who was dancing to wonderful music and began dancing with him. He declined politely and displayed his wedding ring. He could be heard saying, “I am married, and my wife will not approve of us dancing together.” I was astounded by the man’s awareness of his marital status and his desire to avoid offending his wife, despite her absence. “This is the gift of the fear of the Lord,” I thought to myself.

The fear of the Lord is one of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 11:2-3). It is frequently mistaken for the emotional state of fear. On the contrary, it is the desire to avoid offending God, as well as the assurance that God will grant us the grace necessary to avoid doing so. It is that assurance that offers hope.

We “fear” offending God, like the man who declined the opportunity to dance with the gorgeous lady in the video clip, not because of his just punishment, but because he is all good and deserving of our love. We cannot afford to lose God’s love.

Today’s responsorial psalm reads, “See how the Lord blesses those who fear him” (Psalm 128:1). It continues, “For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork; blessed shall you be and favored” (Psalm 128:2). Because you fear the Lord, I invoke this same blessing on you today, and may the LORD bless you from Zion. May you and your loved ones be prosperous all of your days. Amen!