FR. GERALD MUSA HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE 15TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II (1)

FR. GERALD MUSA HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE 15TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II

THEME: MERCY NOT SACRIFICE

BY: FR. GERALD M. MUSA

HOMILY FOR FRIDAY JULY 15 2022

Traditional Jewish setting allows anyone desperately hungry to pinch a crop from a neighbour’s farm to eat, but never to use a sickle, take away, or put it in a bag or sack (Deuteronomy 23:26). The disciples of Jesus were seriously hungry and plucked some ears of corn to eat for survival. The Pharisees frowned and raised eyebrows because the disciples contravened the law of the Sabbath which states that the sabbath day is a work-free day. The Pharisees were so concerned about excessive conformity to the law of the Sabbath and were not sensitive to the survival of the disciples. No doubt the primary purpose of the law is to serve as a guide for a fruitful life and this is why the psalmist says “the command of the Lord is clear; it gives light to the eyes” (Psalm 19:8). However, what makes the teaching of Jesus unique is the fact that he teaches his disciples the ultimate purpose of the law, which is love. He bluntly challenged the Pharisees’ myopic understanding of religion when he said, “If only you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless” (Matthew 12:7). The Prophet Micah summarises the essence of religion which is “To act justly, to love mercy, to walk humbly with your God (6:8). What is the use of strict observance of the law and pious religious exercises if there is no mercy, no charity or love?

MATTHEW 12:1-8