YEAR B: HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE 23RD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME (3)

YEAR B: HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE 23RD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME. MEMORIAL OF SAINT JOHN
CHRYSOSTOM, BISHOP AND DOCTOR

HOMILY THEME: LOVING CONCRETELY

BY: Rev Fr Joseph Nyarko Asare

HOMILY:

(1Cor 8:1-7,11-13/Ps 139:1-3,13-14,23-24/Lk 6:27-38)

Love is very active and practical. It is an act of self giving and sacrifice. It let go without expecting a return. It opens us up to everything from the other (world, loved one, etc.). It could expose us to danger, pain or tears. No matter its demands, we are commanded to love.

Chrysostom died around 58 years because of love. He led a transformational agenda, seeking sanity and sanctity from all, clerics and lay alike. This made many to hate him. On a way to a third exile, he died of exhaustion from brutality and pain. He died for love of the eternal salvation of all.

Paul invites the Church in Corinth to avoid some food for the sake of the weak. To sacrifice a delicacy because of the ignorance of a weak believer is not an easy task. Letting go an enjoyable place, interesting game, liquor, some nice hugs, etc. just to prevent the fall of the naive isn't too nice and welcoming. But we are called to do so.

Jesus calls us to a greater sacrifice. He invites us to let go because of an enemy. It is not too easy to die for a friend. When the recipient is an enemy, the emotional pain could be doubled. But we have no choice. Our master invites us to reach out to all in love. No matter the difficulty, let us love as God has loved us.

PRAYER POINTS

~For the power to sacrifice

~ For the grace to love all

~That we can bear the pains of love

(Rev Fr Joseph Nyarko Asare of the Catholic Diocese of Obuasi)