HOMILY FOR THE 24TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A. (5)

HOMILY FOR THE 24TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A.

THEME: Forgive and Stop Hating.

BY: Fr Anthony C Ohaekwusi.

When we say that forgiveness frees both the sinner and the forgiver, we do not mean that the forgiver should not feel offended or hurt, but rather we are pointing to the value of human compassion, which is not only personal, but also remedial. It is personal because it is voluntary, and remedial because it is comforting. The decision to forgive does not make us losers, but gives us control over the situation. This is because deciding not to forgive and being vindictive does not make us winners, but makes us hostages to the encounter, fighting a war without end. Like road rage, we are trapped not only by the act that hurt us, but also by the fact that we cannot forgive. Think about it: a young man was in a hurry to attend a job interview and changed lanes several times, to the annoyance of other drivers. He overtook a man who was also in a hurry to take his children to school. The man felt bad that the young man was messing with him, so he decided to chase him. When he overtook him and blocked him after a long chase, they realized that they had both missed their exit. And after causing a long traffic jam on the highway, they were late for their appointments. Why be held hostage in the never-ending battle for better arguments? Why let temper and resentment keep you in the fight when your proof of being right can’t be the end of the fight.

Our readings this Sunday emphasise that we can’t call ourselves children of a compassionate Father if we can’t let go of a little hurt from a simple fight. As reasonable people, we should disagree on various occasions, but why hold on to a grudge if it won’t change anything. The two debtors in the gospel asked their creditors for one thing – time to repay. Some of us stopped talking to a relative because we didn’t want to give them time to settle. Friends have turned into sworn enemies after a simple argument, as each wants to prove the other wrong. But Jesus in the Gospel showed that getting hurt is understandable, but staying hurt is unreasonable. This is because getting hurt is not by choice, but staying hurt can be. So don’t make your heart a bank of resentment and ill-will, because you can only withdraw as much as you deposit. Free your heart with the grace of compassion and give the other person the kind of benefit you yourself would like to receive. For the life and choice of each of us has influence on others.

Remain lifted and do have a great Sunday

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