Homily (Reflection) for Friday of the
Tenth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (16th June, 2017) on the Gospel
2Cor 4:7-15;
Ps 115:10-11.15-18. (R. v.17);
Matt 5:27-32.
Topic: Beyond actions.
Today’s gospel is comprised of two teachings (parts): on
adultery (Matt 5:27-30) and on
divorce (Matt 5:31-32). It is a continuation
of Jesus’ demand for His followers to go extra mile.
In the first part, beyond “You shall not commit adultery” as
demanded of the ancients, Jesus said, “But I say to you that everyone who looks
at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Sin
comes from the heart (cf. Matt 15:18-20)
and
...is an offence against reason, truth and right conscience;
it is failure in genuine love for God and neighbour caused by a perverse
attachment to certain goods.... It has been defined as ‘an utterance, a deed or
desire contrary to the eternal law’ (CCC1849).
The effects of sin are enormous. Borrowing the words of the Psalmist,
“There is no soundness in my flesh because of your indignation; there is no
health in my bones because of my sin” (Ps
38:3). Again, “When I declared not my sin, my body wasted away through my
groan all day long” (Ps 32:3).
Sins can be classed “as sins in thought, word, deed or
omission” (CCC1853). And in today’s
gospel, Jesus draws our minds beyond sinful actions to sinful thoughts. He also
warns us to forfeit anything that will lead to sin because it ultimately leads
to hell fire.
Dear friends, if only we can say yes to God today and turn
away from our sins of thought, word, deed and/or omission, He will graciously
forgive us all our sins, cf. Is 45:22; Jer
33:8; 1Jn 1:9.
Bible Reading: Ps 51.
Thought for today: Watch beyond your deeds.
Let us pray: Lord, “Wash me thoroughly from my
iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin” – Amen (Ps 51:2).
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with others if you consider it worthy.
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