32ND MONDAY HOMILY IN THE ORDINARY TIME: YEAR A
HOMILY THEME: “IF YOU HAVE FAITH THE SIZE OF A MUSTARD SEED…”
BY: Bishop Anthony Ewherido
Wisdom 1:1-7, Ps. 139:1-10, Luke 17:1-6
In addition to not misleading others into sin and rebuking sin, Christ demands that we forgive those who ask us, no matter how often and how grave the offences are. Luke then puts the sayings on forgiveness and faith together, since it takes faith to be as forgiving as God demands of us, especially in the light of Matthew’s “70 times 7 times” (18:22). To be forgiving is to “love justice:” we must reciprocate God’s mercy toward us by forgiving others.
ALSO RECOMMENDED: 32ND MONDAY HOMILY IN THE ORDINARY TIME
With such a tall order in place, it makes sense for the disciples to ask for an increase in faith to be able to uproot the evil spirit of unforgiveness from their hearts. The faith element in the mustard seed imagery relates to growth. Just as the small mustard seed grows to great outcomes, so also would our faith spring forth miracles of healing and reconciliation if we patiently nurture its growth and allow God’s wisdom to instruct our way through life. A forgiving heart yields in faith, love and hope to intimate communion with God, thus allowing God’s Spirit to direct every aspect of our lives on the path of righteousness. To grow from unforgiveness and the company of the wicked into the household of God in true communion is tantamount to uprooting and transplanting a mountain or tree of spiritual obstruction.
Lord, guide me on the path of everlasting life. Amen.