HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE 15TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II (2)

HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE 15TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II

THEME: HOPE IN GOD

BY: Fr. Francis Onwunali

HOMILY FOR THURSDAY JULY 14 2022

Hope is what sustains us in the face of challenges. The readings of today come with hope that God cares for us and never abandons us in isolation as long as we are willing to be yoked with Him.

In the first reading (Is. 26: 7-9, 12, 16-19), Isaiah presents God as One who brings joy and life to those who are undergoing pain and suffering. As a woman rejoices with the birth of her child after going through the pain of childbearing, so will those who rely on God beam with joy and life even in the midst of their suffering. “Your dead will come to life, their corpses will rise; awake, exult, lie in the dust, for your dew is a radiant dew and the land of ghosts will give birth” (Is. 26: 19). This promise can be yours if you submit to the will of God.

In the gospel (Matt 11: 28-30), Jesus uplifts and reassures our hope of not journeying alone in life. Jesus is ready and willing to carry the greater part of our burden only if we are willing to be yoked with Him.

Dear friends, to be yoked with Christ demands denying ourselves of our selfish desires in order that our desires will be in consonant with the desires of Christ, so that together, we can move along without friction. Remember, “cut off from me, you can do nothing.” (John 15: 5)

I pray as we journey in life today, we will come to Jesus in gentleness and humility of heart to learn the way in order to have rest, refreshment and the lighening of our loads. May we learn not to be independent of God in our lives. May our burden today be borne by Christ who we are yoked with. Have a burden-free and rest-full day!

Fr. Francis Onwunali