HOMILY FOR WEDNESDAY OF THE 14TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II (3)

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

THEME: Break up your fallow ground!

BY: Rev Fr Oselumhense Anetor (Uromi Diocese)

HOMILY FOR WEDNESDAY JULY 6 2022

St Maria Goretti, Virgin, Martyr.

Hos.10:1-3.7-8. l2; Matt. 10:1-7

Sometimes, we get so overridden by evil, that our hearts become like abandoned and untended gardens, overrun by weeds of all kinds. In the first reading, the prophet Hosea encourages Israel to re-cultivate her heart by genuinely seeking the Lord. We do this by sowing seeds of righteousness, that we might reap from the abundance of God’s mercy.

Friends, it takes so much grace to make ourselves available for the work of God. Maria Goretti could have lived, but she chose to die rather than lose her virginity and purity to Alessandro. She understood Paul’s words about not giving in to fornication, even at the point of death. She preferred to lose her life for Jesus rather than save it. She bore fourteen stab wounds, and still forgave her assailant. We need to learn something from this tender and beautiful child – the grace to forgive others, no matter what.

Prayer
Dear Lord, through the example of Maria Goretti, teach us to value chastity and purity; teach us to forgive even the most undeserving of those who have hurt us, Amen.

Good morning dear. God bless your day ahead.