Homily for Wednesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle II
Theme: Live exemplary life
By: Fr Francis Onwunali
Homily for Wednesday August 26 2020
“Woe to you Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like white-washed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and every kind of corruption. So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” (Matt 23: 27-28) This highlights the message of today’s liturgy that, as Christian, we are expected to live examplary lives in accord with our Christian calling.
In the first reading (2 Th 3: 6-10, 16-18), Paul towards the end of his letter, admonished the faithful of Thessalonica not to live idly but to go about working hard to earn their living in honesty and holiness of life. Paul used himself as an example. Paul’s principle is : “Let no one have any food if he refuses to do any work.” What is your attitude towards work, honesty and holiness of life?
In the gospel (Matt 23: 27-32), Jesus continues to criticize the Scribes and Pharisees who portray double standards in their way of life. Jesus issued this stern warning to them, not necessarily to condemn them but to call them to examine their hearts in the light of God’s truth and holiness.
Dear friends, external manifestations of holiness, though necessary, is not what justifies one, but a heart leaning on faith in God and devoid of sinful attitudes such as pride, greed, sloth, envy, hatred, gluttony, and lust. What is the state of my mind and heart towards God and my neighbour?
I pray as we journey in life today, our lives should reflect our inner disposition to do the will of God in honesty and to lead others in the right way without any taint of corruption or deception. May we be richly blessed as we fear the Lord and walk in His ways (Ps 128: 1). Have a deception-free day!
-Fr Francis Onwunali