HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE 16TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II
THEME: On Judgement day the men of Nineveh will stand up with this generation and condemn it, because when Jonah preached they repented.
BY: Fr. Diotacious Chikontwe SMA
HOMILY FOR MONDAY JULY 18 2022
*READINGS OF THE DAY*
Micah 6:1-4,6-8
Psalm 49:5-6,8-9,16-17,21,23
Matthew 12:38-42
*LITURGICAL COLOUR*
Green
*FROM OUR FIRST READING*
In today’s first reading, the prophet Micah gives a succinct statement of what God wants of us, what God asks of us, ‘to act justly, to love tenderly and to walk humbly with your God’. It is a very striking formulation of the two great commandments, to love God with all one’s being and our neighbour as ourselves. Walking humbling with our God implies a loving and trusting relationship with God. Acting justly and loving tenderly spells out the meaning of loving our neighbour as ourselves.
*FROM OUR GOSPEL READING*
In this morning’s gospel reading, Jesus complains that the people of his generation are failing to appreciate the significance of his presence among them. They are not fully present to the person he really is or to the significance of what he is really doing. Solomon was a wise king of Israel and Jonah was a prophet of Israel. Jesus declares that the people of the time of Solomon and Jonah responded to their presence because they recognized their significance. Yet, as Jesus declares, even though he is much greater than either Solomon or Jonah, his contemporaries are not taking him seriously. He is being asked to perform signs to prove his credentials.
*CONCLUSION*
Dear brothers and sisters, the same Lord who is greater than Solomon and Jonah, greater than all the wise people and prophets of Israel, is present among us today. As John’s gospel says, ‘the Word became flesh and dwelt among us’. The Lord is present to us in the flesh of life. This gives a great significance to all of our living, especially to our encounters with others. This morning’s gospel reading invites us to recognize the someone ‘greater’ who stands among us, very often unknown to us, and who comes to us in every moment of our lives, giving each moment eternal significance.
Have a Blessed New Week dear Friends.
Fr. Diotacious Chikontwe SMA