HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 14TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II

THEME: “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matt. 10: 28).

BY: Fr. Francis Onwunali

HOMILY FOR SATURDAY JULY 9 2022

This is a profound warning Jesus gave to His disciples in today’s gospel reading (Matt. 10: 24-33) as

HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 14TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II

THEME: “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matt. 10: 28).

BY: Fr. Francis Onwunali

HOMILY FOR SATURDAY JULY 9 2022

This is a profound warning Jesus gave to His disciples in today’s gospel reading (Matt. 10: 24-33) as He commissions them and sends them out to proclaim the Good News. Fear is a very powerful force. It can lead us to panic and flight or it can spur us to faith and action.

The first reading (Isaiah 6: 1-8) presents the calling of Prophet Isaiah who acknowledged his unworthiness before God. In order to carry on with his prophetic role, God has to purify him from his iniquity: “See now, this has touched your lips, your sin is taken away, your iniquity is purged”

Dear friends, as we are to face persecutions and challenges in the course of living out our Christian life, Jesus is encouraging us not to be dismayed by any of these physical hinderances, but to be more watchful of the effect of sin in our lives. Sin is the only thing that can destroy both body and soul into eternal damnation.

I pray as we journey in life today, we will always acknowledge our sinfulness and ask to be liberated from the clutches of death, and to also forgive so as to liberate ourselves from the bondage of unforgiveness. May our lives radiate in freedom and not clamped down in fear. As we invoke God’s Name, may we proclaim the wonders of the Lord among all the peoples. Have a freedom-full day!

Fr. Francis Onwunali