THURSDAY HOMILY OF 10TH WEEK OF THE ORDINARY TIME – YEAR B
THURSDAY HOMILY OF 10TH WEEK OF THE ORDINARY TIME – YEAR B
HOMILY THEME: BE PEACEMAKER!
BY: Fr. Isaac Awe
1 KINGS 18:41-46, MATTHEW 5:20-26
MEMORIAL: ST ANTHONY OF PADUA, PRIEST, DOCTOR
Let us keep in mind that adding prefix D to anger is equal to DANGER! Meaning that, anger leads to danger if care is not taken.
Are we driven by anger or rage? The first person to hate his brother was Cain. God warned Cain: ‘Why are you angry? ..Sin is couching at the door; it’s desire is for you, but you must master it (Genesis 4:6-7). Sin doesn’t just happen; it first grows as a seed in one’s heart. Unless it is mastered, by God’s grace, it grows like a weed and chokes the fruitful vine. Jesus addressed the issue of keeping the commandments with his disciples. The scribes and Pharisees equated righteousness with satisfying the demands of the law. Jesus showed them how short they had come. Jesus points to the heart as the seat of desire and choice. Unless forbidden and evil desires are eradicated, the heart will be corrupted. Jesus points to forbidden anger with one’s brother. This is a selfish anger that broods and is long-lived, that nurses a grudge and keeps wrath warm, and that refuses to die.
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Anger in the heart as well as anger in speech or action are equally forbidden. What is the antidote to anger and rage? Mercy, kindness, and forbearance spring from a heart full of love and forgiveness. God has forgiven us and he calls us to extend mercy and forgiveness towards those who cause us harm and grief.
In the cross of Jesus we see the supreme example of love and the power for overcoming evil. Only God’s love and grace can set our hearts and minds free from the tyranny of wounded pride and spiteful revenge. Do we harbour any anger towards another person? And are we quick to be reconciled when a rupture has been caused in our relationships? Let us ask God to set us free and to fill our hearts and minds with his love and truth.
PRAYER: May I be no man’s enemy, and may I be the friend of that which is eternal and abides. May I never quarrel with those nearest me: and if I do, may I be reconciled quickly. May I love, seek, and attain only that which is good. May I wish for all men’s happiness and envy none. May I never rejoice in the ill-fortune of one who has wronged me. When I have done or said what is wrong, may I never wait for the rebuke of others, but always rebuke myself until I make amends. Amen (Prayer of Eusebius, 3rd century)
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