The readings presented to us on this 7th Sunday is a call to holiness of life and perfection that is deeply rooted in love. The 1st reading invites us to a life of holiness, a life that goes beyond religiosity, a life that is deeply rooted in love, a life that is pleasing to God. That is why dear friends in Christ, when we go through the readings of this Sunday, we cannot but strive to live a life that is pleasing to God and a life that is holy.

In the 2nd reading, St. Paul reminds us about the fact that we have the Spirit of God in us. Thus, God dwells in our hearts and in our lives. We are privileged because we are people of God, we are children of God and also mobile Tabernacles. It is important to point out the fact that if we want God to continue to dwell with us in our life, then we must make effort to live a life that is worthy of emulation. A life that is pleasing to God and represents the name Christian that we are called. That is why dear friends in Christ, todays gospel reading comes very handy because Jesus gives us an insight about what we need to do, what we ought to do if we truly want to live according to the assertions of Paul in today’s 2nd reading. That consciousness that God dwells with us; taking into consideration what the scripture tells us that wherever there is filth God cannot dwell there. Therefore we have to make effort to ensure that our lifestyle does not chase away the Spirit of God that dwells in us. Let us therefore resolve to live a life of holiness and perfection that is guided by love.

God is ever present to his children! Today’s liturgy invites us in a very special way to be true mobile tabernacles. By always been conscious of the fact that we are carrying Christ wherever we go and as such living a life that is worthy of emulation and pleasing to God at all times. As God journeys with us in our pilgrimage through life, we can be rest assured that he will always be with us in our different situations in life. Thus, we are all privileged people; by virtue of the fact that we are children of God. In the gospel reading, Jesus invites us to perfection of life and what we need if we truly want to achieve the perfection he is presenting to us in today’s liturgy. Humanly speaking we could say that Jesus is presenting us with a very difficult situation; but remember that with God all things are possible. Trust in God and believe in his assertion and everything is possible. He never disappoints all those who have faith and trust in him; he is a faithful God.

As such, dear friends in Christ, let us make honest and sincere effort to accept the invitation the Lord is presenting to us today and begin to live a life that is deeply rooted in love. On our own we can do nothing, but with God we can do all things. Let us cling onto his word as he invites us to a life of perfection and holiness that is built on love of neighbors and enemies. This is very important in our life, taking into consideration our journey of faith and the challenges we encounter. The fact that God dwells with us and is making the journey with us should continue to strengthen our faith and should continue to strengthen our resolve to become better people and children of God.

It is my prayer that God will grant us the graces we need to cooperate with him and live a life that is pleasing in his sight, a call to holiness of life, a call to perfection that is deeply rooted in the love of neighbors and enemies. Peace be with you. Amen.

Homily for the 7th Sunday in the Ordinary Time of the Year A, by Fr. Jude Ifezime, C.S.Sp