Homily (Reflection) for Saturday of
the First Week of Lent (11th March, 2017) on the Gospel
Deut 26:16-19;
Ps 118:1-2.4-5.7-8 (R. v. 1);
Matt 5:43-48.
Topic: Beyond the bus stop.
Often we find ourselves in the trap of consoling ourselves by
enumerating those we think are worse than us. In today’s gospel however, we see
the true standard, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect”
(Matt 5:48).
Jesus cautions us on how to relate with our enemies and
persecutors. Like that of yesterday, today’s gospel insists that we must go yet
another mile. Salvation lies beyond where many stop.
General expectation, “You shall love your neighbour and hate
your enemy”. But Christ demands this,
Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so
that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on
the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the
unrighteous (Matt 5: 44-45).
Sad enough, in reality many still grapple with the love of
neighbours yet the gospel calls us to love our enemies and even pray for those
who persecute us. Although many seem to be more comfortable with, “eye for eye,
tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot” (Ex 21:24; Lev 24:20; Deut 19:21) yet Christ wants us for an extra
mile. The big question is whether we are ready for the journey or comfortable
with where you are? Any one we prefer has a price tag.
Bible Reading: Ex 23:1-9; Prov 24:17-22; 25:21-22; Rom 12:9-21.
Thought for today: Ready for all your enemies?
Let us pray: Lord, give us your grace to enable
us be steadfast on your path till we come into your kingdom – Amen.
You are free to share this reflection with
others if you consider it worthy.
For more
homilies (reflections):
Join our WhatsApp Group via: +234 810 298 6313
To Contact and/or to support this ministry:
Tel: +234 813 305 0302
+234 905 655 4466
May
God bless you all+
Post a Comment
Post a Comment