HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE 28th WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR II (2)

HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE 28th WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR II.

THEME: The benefits and responsibilities that come from being chosen by God.

BY: Fr. Francis Onwunali.

HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OCTOBER 14 2022.

Prominent in the readings of today are the benefits and responsibilities that come from being chosen by God. “We were predestined to praise His glory by being the first to hope in Christ” (Eph 1: 12). Do you live in the praise of the glory of God?

St. Paul writing to the Ephesians (Eph 1: 11-14) reminds them that it is God who has chosen them and gifted them with salvation. The purpose of salvation is so that God’s glory will be proclaimed for all time. If we are meant to eternally praise God, why not start now to praise Him in your life.
Jesus in the gospel (Luke 12: 1-7) addresses His disciples, warning them to avoid the negative teaching style of the Pharisees and foretelling that they will be proclaiming the Good News openly and courageously because they have been chosen by God who cares for them more than they can imagine. When challenges come in the course of proclaiming the goodness of God, hold unto God’s word, for “every hair on your head has been counted. There is no need to be afraid: you are worth more than hundreds of sparrows”.

Dear friends, our lives should be all filled with gratitude, for inspite of our unworthiness, God has chosen us. The Psalmist say: Blessed the people the Lord has chosen as His own” (Ps 33: 12). In good time and in bad, let us praise God who knows us through and through.

I pray that this relationship God has initiated with us out of love, will continue to bear fruit in our lives so that we can make it known to others. My love for God can only be real if it reflects in my relationship with my fellow human being. In showing love and gratitude we are drawn into the presence of God who is ultimately loving and gracious in Himself. “By the power of the Spirit, may I bless the Lord at all times; may His praise be ever in my mouth” (Ps 34: 2). Have a gratitude-full day!