Homily for Friday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle II
Theme: Relationship
By: Fr. Francis Onwunali
Homilyfor Friday February 25 2022
The readings of today bring to our presence the theme of ‘Relationship’. God created us for Himself; to be in a relationship with Him. Such honest relationship is manifested in our relationship with our fellow human being.
In the first reading (James 5: 9-12), James admonishes that we be honest and non-judgmental with one another. In compassion and mercy, as God relates with us, we are urged to be towards others. “Let your “Yes” mean “Yes” and your “No” mean “No,” that we may not incur condemnation”.
In the gospel (Mark 10: 1-12), Jesus responds to the religious leaders who approach Him with the question on divorce. Jesus appealed to God’s injunction from the beginning, and since the union of man and woman is of divine origin and institution, no one should venture into it’s separation. “What God has united, man must not divide”.
Dear friends, the reason why God created us is to be in a relationship with Him and with one another since in His image we all have been created. The word religion is from the Latin: “re” and “ligio” meaning “again” and “bind”. So as religious beings, we constsntly bind ourselves in a relationship with God and our fellow human beings. So how honest and pure are my relationships? Or are they borne out of selfishness?
I pray as we journey in life today, we will, in our different levels of relationships, be sincere and faithful to one another. The consequences of unfaithfulness and betrayal is enormously beyond compare. May Grace keep being sufficient for us. “Guide me Lord in the path of your commands; for there is my delight” (Ps 119: 35). Have a fruitful-Relationship day!
Fr. Francis Onwunali