YEAR A: HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE 7TH WEEK OF EASTER (1)
YEAR A: HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE 7TH WEEK OF EASTER
HOMILY THEME: THE LOVE OF GOD
BY: Fr. Umoh Valentine
HOMILY: Gospel: John 21:15-19
The Lord Jesus asked Simon Peter and he asks each one of us a very personal and profound question – do you love me more than anything else that might be very dear to you? The love of Jesus Christ is so attractive but so costly at the same time. Jesus on many occasions spoke to his disciples about the nature of God’s unquenchable love.
God is love because he is the creator and source of all that is true love. His love is unconditional, unmerited, and unlimited. We can’t buy it, earn it, demand it. It is a pure gift, freely given, and freely received. God’s love doesn’t change or waver. It endures because it is eternal and timeless.
But why did Jesus question Peter’s loyalty and love three times in front of the other apostles? It must have caused Peter great pain and sorrow since he had publicly denied Jesus three times during the night of Jesus’ betrayal and condemnation. Now Peter, full of grief and deep remorse, unequivocally stated that he loved his master and was willing to serve and obey him whatever it might cost. Peter humbly responds: “You know that I love you.” True love must cost us something. True lovers are ready and willing to pay the cost of love.
Jesus teaches us that “Love gives all for the good of others.” He shows us that love is a personal choice and a gift freely given – it is the giving of oneself to another person for their sake. Unselfish love is oriented wholly to the good of the other person for their own welfare and benefit. John the Evangelist tells us that “God so loved the world that he gave us his only-begotten Son” (John 3:16) who took on human flesh for our sake and who died upon the cross for our salvation – to set us free from the power of sin so that we might receive abundant everlasting life and peace with God.
God’s love heals, transforms our lives and frees us from fear, selfishness, and greed. It draws us to the very heart of God and compels us to give him the best we have and all we possess – our gifts, our time, our resources, our full allegiance, and our very lives. Paul the Apostle tells us that God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given us (Romans 5:5). What can quench such love? Certainly fear, sin, pride, indifference, disbelief, and the loss of hope and trust in God’s promises and his mercy towards us.
The Lord Jesus calls each one of us, even in our own weakness, sins, and failings, to love him above all else. Nothing but our own sinful pride and stubborn wilfulness can keep us from the love of God. He loved us first and our love for him is a response to his exceeding graciousness and mercy towards us. Let us allow God’s love to fill our heart and transform our life.
SAY THIS PRAYER WITH ME: “Lord Jesus, inflame my heart with your love and burn away everything within it that may be unloving, unkind, ungrateful, unholy, and not in accord with your will. May I always love what you love and reject what is contrary to your love and will for my life.”
Peace be with you!
