HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE 15TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II
THEME: CLASH OF VALUES
By: FR GERALD M. MUSA
HOMILY FOR MONDAY JULY 11 2022
Many conflicts in the world today are rooted in the mismanagement of differences. It is natural to be different, hold different opinions, practice different religions, have various cultures, and belong to different political parties. People are naturally divided along different values and interests. Jesus made a strong and shocking statement when he said: “Do you think I have come to bring peace on earth? I have not come to bring peace but a sword” (Matthew 10:34). He added, that he came to cause division by setting a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother. Does the division of son and father, mother and daughter not contradict the prayer of Jesus ‘that all may be one?’ (John 17:21). So, how can the prince of peace say he has come to bring division? The point Jesus wishes to make is that when believers decide to put God first, they should be ready for opposition from other people, including family members who will challenge and test their credibility, and integrity. Naturally, when we change our lifestyle for better or worse, we lose some friends and win other new friends. When we embrace a new set of values, we come across people whose values are diametrically opposed to ours. Consequently, there is a clash of values and some kind of division and opposition begin to set in. Should we be worried when we face all kinds of opposition for the sake of the Gospel values?
MATTHEW 10:34-11:1
