HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE 30TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE I
THEME: Appreciate God
BY: Fr. Francis Onwunali
HOMILY FOR MONDAY OCTOBER 25 2021
On this first working day of the last week in October, the readings of our Liturgy invite us to the message calling on our actions to mirror the goodness of God thereby giving Him praise and glory.
In the gospel reading (Lk 13: 10-17), Jesus Christ criticizes the hypocrisy of the leaders of the Synagogue who question His action of healing a woman on the sabbath. He humbled them by reminding them that they lead their animals to the water on Sabbath that they might live, why shouldn’t He lead a daughter of Abraham to the source of eternal life on a Sabbath. It is the law of love and not the love of law. How compassionate are you towards the less privileged?
St. Paul in the first reading (Rom 8: 12-17) reiterates his stand on the privilege of all believer – being adopted daughters and son of God. With the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we are raised from the status of slaves to free-born citizens of God’s Kingdom. Since God is our Father, our actions towards each other should flow from filial love. As part of God’s family, how do you relate with one another?
Dear friends, actions are so important in our lives. If we are truly in tune with, and rooted in the God who is good, then our actions should be manifestions of that relationship. As adopted children of God, it is no longer an obligation propelled by law to care for others, rather a desire prompted by love.
I pray as we journey in life today, our actions will light up the lives of those who we encounter and give praise and glory to God. If we do, then be sure that our lives will be like a tree planted near running water, that yields its fruit in due season, and whose leaves never fade. Whatever we do, will surely prosper (Ps. 1: 3). May we be selfless in our dealings with one another. Have an honest-full day!
Fr. Francis Onwunali