HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE 20TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II
THEME: Invite to the wedding feast whomever you find.
BY: Fr. Diotacious Chikontwe SMA
HOMILY FOR THURSDAY AUGUST 18 2022
*READINGS OF THE DAY*
Ezekiel 36:23-28
Psalm 50:12-15,18-19
Matthew 22:1-14
*LITURGICAL COLOUR*
Green
*FROM OUR FIRST READING*
In our first reading today, taken from the Book of the prophet Ezekiel we heard the words of the Lord calling on all of His people to abandon their wickedness, their evil ways and all the sins they had committed, and to turn to Him with a new heart. He told them all that He would give them all a new heart, replacing their old wicked heart of stone and giving them a new heart full of love and life, through which they will come closer to God, purified from their sins and evils, returning back to Him, and reunited with Him, to be His people and be blessed and filled with grace once again.
*FROM OUR GOSPEL READING*
The parable in this morning’s gospel reading is the story of a king who was determined that there would be a full house for the wedding banquet of his son. When two lots of servants got nowhere with those who had already said they would be there, the king sends out his servants a third time to the crossroads of the town to bring total strangers to the banquet of his son’s wedding.
*CONCLUSION*
Dear brethrens, todays liturgical readings provides us with another glimpse into the heart of our God. He desires our participation in his Kingdom. He invites many to rejoice in the wedding feast, a grand and joyful celebration of union. This vision of the Lord is far from one that sees him as a harsh and exacting ruler, demanding and restricting in his exigencies. Instead, we see a God who takes the initiative to invite us into the joys of his inter-Trinitarian life where love and self-gift rule actions. How blessed we are!
*LET US PRAY*
Lord Jesus, help me prepare my heart for the wedding banquet you invite me to. Awaken my consciousness of your great blessings in this life and the invitation to eternal life with you.
May you be with me through out this day dear Lord.
Fr. Diotacious Chikontwe SMA