15TH FRIDAY HOMILY OF ORDINARY TIME: YEAR A
HOMILY THEME: “I DESIRE MERCY, NOT SACRIFICE.”
BY: Fr. Ernest Cross
In today’s Gospel, we witness Christ’s deep and solemn declaration: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” These words, echoing the prophet Hosea, reveal the very heart of God’s relationship with humanity.
ALSO RECOMMENDED: 15TH FRIDAY HOMILY OF ORDINARY TIME
When the Pharisees criticised the disciples for plucking grain on the Sabbath, Jesus did not merely defend their action, He revealed a deeper truth about divine love. The Sabbath, meant to be a gift of rest and communion with God, had become a burden under rigid interpretation. Christ liberates us from this legalistic prison.
Mercy is the greatest attribute of God. It is God’s justice transformed by love. As Benedict XVI taught us, Christianity is not a moral system but an encounter with the merciful Christ. The Lord of the Sabbath shows us that authentic worship flows from compassion, not mere observance.
Let us embrace this mercy, allowing it to transform our hearts and our service to others.
FOR A SIMILAR HOMILY, CLICK HERE >>>>>