HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE 11TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II (2)

HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE 11TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II

THEME: Our Father in Heaven knows what we need before we even ask.

BY: Fr. Diotacious Chikontwe SMA

HOMILY FOR THURSDAY JUNE 16 2022

*READINGS OF THE DAY*
Sir 48:1-14
Psalm 97:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7
Mathew 6:7-15

*LITURGICAL COLOUR*
Green

*FROM OUR FIRST READING*
In our first reading today, taken from the Book of the prophet Sirach, we heard of the praise that the prophet Sirach spoke with regards to Elijah, one of the most renowned prophets of Israel, who had laboured and worked hard for many years, in serving the Lord and calling on the people of God to turn away from their wicked deeds and ways. Elijah had to go up against the king and those who opposed him and stubbornly refused to listen to him. Yet, he persevered and continued to work hard for the glory of God.

*FROM THE GOSPEL READING*
In our Gospel passage today, we heard the story of the Lord Jesus showing His disciples how they ought to pray to God, His heavenly Father. He told them all that they should not pray in the manner that the pagans liked to pray, who often used many words and invocations, and instead, they should pray in the manner that He Himself showed them, praying to the Lord in a truly Christian manner, as we all have been shown and taught how to do through the Church.

*CONCLUSION*
brothers and sisters in Christ, the true essence of prayer is communication, and it is the way through which we should communicate with the Lord, our God and Father, and how do we do it? A proper communication should involve listening and understanding, and it is very important that we open our hearts and minds to engage in a proper and meaningful conversation with God. We should dedicate time and effort to prayer, whenever we can, and in not demanding God, but rather, to communicate with God and to know His will for us all.

*LET US PRAY*
Lord Jesus, you teach us how to pray to our Father so we may join in your communion with him as God. You go to such lengths to remind us we have a Father and we are always provided for. Thank you, Jesus!

Fr. Diotacious Chikontwe SMA