HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 15TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II
THEME: COMPASSIONATE AND MERCIFUL GOD
BY: Fr. Francis Onwunali
HOMILY FOR SATURDAY JULY 16 2022
As we reflect on the readings, we encounter God who frowns at the deeds of the wicked but cares and provides for the needs of the oppressed.
Prophet Micah in the first reading (Micah 2: 1-5), warns that God sees the evil plot of the wicked who take advantage of the poor and lowly. Surely, God in His anger will exact punishment on the evildoers. Do you realize that non of your actions is hidden from God?
Jesus, in the gospel (Matt. 12: 14-21) fulfils the prophecy of Isaiah- the Suffering Servant. Jesus fulfils the will of God for our salvation not by responding to violence with violence, especially those who plot against Him, but with compassion and mercy. Jesus tends and cares for the brokenhearted who come to Him.
Dear friends, faithfulness and trust in our relationships, with God and neighbor, is dear to God’s heart. If God can be so merciful to me, a sinner, how much mercy should I show to those who just get on my nerves or act in ways that annoy me? Forgiveness should be our guiding principle for anyone who has experienced it’s liberating power.
So, I pray as we journey in life today, we will learn to be faithful and trust God’s faithfulness too. Let us not be like the wicked who says: “He will not be punished. There is no God” (Ps. 10: 4), for God sees all our hidden thoughts, desires and actions. May God’s mercy flow like a river into our lives as we seek to do good and avoid evil. Have a mercy-full day!
Fr. Francis Onwunali