Homily for Friday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle II
Theme: What God has united, man must not divide.
By: Fr. Diotacious Chikontwe SMA
Homily for Friday February 25 2022
*READINGS OF THE DAY*
James 5:9-12
Psalm 102:1-4,8-9,11-12
Mark 10:1-12
*INTRODUCTION*
The Church has upheld this sanctity of marriage as it became one of the seven Sacraments, the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. Marriage is not just merely a process or a transaction, but rather a Covenant between a man and a woman, united and blessed by God.
*FROM OUR FIRST READING*
In our first reading today, we heard from St. James the Apostle again reminding all of us the faithful to be patient and faithful, to be dedicated and to be true to the Lord in our faith and devotion to Him, as how St. James mentioned Job, one of the well-known figures of the Old Testament. Job was faithful and obedient to God, and even when later on he was tested by Satan who wanted to see if Job would remain faithful after he took away everything that he loved and held precious, Job remained faithful to the end, and did not forsake the Lord or abandoned Him for the pursuit of worldly satisfaction and pleasures.
*FROM OUR GOSPEL READING*
In our Gospel passage today, the Lord spoke to us all through His disciples regarding the question that the Pharisees posted to Him regarding the matter of marriage and divorce. In the Law of Moses, according to the interpretation of the Mosaic Law and the Jewish traditions upheld by the Pharisees and the elders, divorcing someone’s spouse was allowed under the Law. This was allowed as long as a certain procedure was followed and a letter of dismissal was made, which in practice made it relatively easy for one to get a divorce and then later on remarry again as they wished.
*CONCLUSION*
Brothers and sisters in Christ, let us all therefore spend our time today and henceforth to reflect on our relationship with God and our actions in life thus far. Are we able and willing to dedicate ourselves more and more to the Lord? Are we willing to lead a more blessed and holy life, one that is deeply attuned to the Lord, obeying His will, His Law and commandments? Are we able to be good role models and inspirations to one another in life? Let us discern all these and think in what way we can be ever better disciples of the Lord from now on.
*LET US PRAY*
God of love, may we be filled with love for each other that reflects your love for us. Your love always trusts, let us trust each other. Your love always hopes, let us be filled with hope, and encourage each other in the hope we have in you. Your love always perseveres, may our love for each other endure through the difficulties of life. Your love never fails, may our love remain strong until the end. Amen.
Fr. Diotacious Chikontwe SMA