HOMILY FOR 18TH FRIDAY OF ORDINARY TIME — YEAR A
HOMILY THEME: TAKE YOUR CROSS AND FOLLOW JESUS
BY: Fr Francis Onwunali
Deuteronomy 4:32-40, Ps. 77:12-16,21, Matthew 16:24-28
In the Liturgy today, we celebrate the Memorial of St. Dominic. Dominic hailed from the illustrious Guzman family in Castile, Spain, and was born in 1175. He founded the Order of Preachers – Dominicans and vigorously fought the Albigensian heresy of Dualism. According to Roman Martyrology, “By his word, he crushed heresy in the bud and led many souls to piety and religious life.”
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The readings of today highlight the necessity of making the right decision that will lead to our salvation. In the first reading (Deut. 4: 32-40), the Israelites now on the verge of entering the Promise Land, the long-awaited goal of their journey, Moses stops and reminds the people of all God has done for them, as can never be for any other nation. Hence, it is more important to possess the God of the promises by obeying His commands than it is to possess the fruits of the fulfilment of God’s promises.
Jesus in the gospel (Matt. 16: 24-28), on the verge of reaching the end of His journey and following the pronouncement of His Messiahship yeaterday, which is accomplished through His suffering, death and resurrection, He asked His disciples if they are ready to deny themselves, take up their crosses, and follow Him.
Dear friends, the cross of Jesus Christ leads to victory and freedom from sin, despair, and death. When my will crosses with the will of God, then God’s will must be done. That is my cross! Is there anything I need to change in my life so as to be a more faithful disciple?
I pray that as we journey in life today, we shall constantly ponder the wonders the Lord has been doing in our lives. May we declare our readiness to do God’s will instead of ours, for in doing so, we shall prosper and live with the blessings, which the Lord, our God, is giving us. Have a trust-full day!
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