DAILY HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE 20TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II
THEME: Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord!
BY: Rev Fr Oselumhense Anetor (Uromi Diocese)
HOMILY FOR FRIDAY AUGUST 19 2022
Ezek.37.1-14; Ps.106:2-9; Matt.22:34-40
Today’s first reading is one of those famous excerpts from Ezekiel’s Chapter 37. We are all too familiar with the “Valley of dry bones” story. What’s interesting is that God compares the whole house of Israel to dry bones, because they had given up hope, and referred to themselves as dead. But see, God wanted to open up their graves, and put His spirit in them. This is not just RENEWAL, it is REBIRTH. Something in this passage reminds me of the Sacraments of Baptism and Reconciliation.
Friends, are there not times we stray from loving God and our neighbours as we should? Are there not times we become so dried up, we can’t even smile or laugh at a joke? Are there not times we wished we were better dead? Today, the message to us is clear. Be lifted up from the valley of despair and hopelessness. God’s Spirit raises dry bones and assures life. God’s Spirit assures us of renewal and rebirth of we truly commit to loving God above all else, and our neighbour as ourselves. May we revitalised today by God’s grace, Amen.
Good morning dear. God bless your weekend ahead.