Homily for the 7th Sunday in the ordinary time of the year C

1 Samuel 26:2.7-9.12-13.22-23       1 Corinthians 15:45-49        Luke 6:27-38

Theme: Love is supreme

On this 7th Sunday in the ordinary time of the year C, the liturgy presents to us the supremacy of love. We see the emphasis on love in both the 1st reading and in the gospel reading. In the 1st reading from 1st Samuel, David teaches us what it means to love and also have the fear of God. He had the opportunity today to kill Saul who was after his life, but he did not do it. He forgave him and he did not want to do any harm to Saul who was Lords anointed. The action of David is a challenge to you and I as followers of Christ in our own time. If you find yourself in the same situation like David, what will you do? Our answers may defer from one person to the other, depending on the situation and our dispositions. However, I think David has given us an example that is truly Christian and worthy of emulation by all of us who bear the name Christian. Sometimes this option may be difficult, taking into consideration the fact that David have not offended Saul in any way; at such moments, the grace of God is sufficient for us.

Also in the gospel of Luke Jesus presents to us a very difficult teaching, humanly speaking, and the crux of our Christian charity. Living the Christ-like life of love, mercy and compassion. By loving our enemies and forgiving those who have offended us in one way or the other. Be good to those who hate you and have offended you. Jesus presents to us today a hard teaching that needs the grace of God and personal effort. The emphasis on the golden rule should be the driving force for all of us as children of God. “Do to others what you want done to you, and the measure you give out is the measure you will receive”.  If we can keep this statement very close to our hearts, it will help us to be conscious of our actions, especially in relation to how it affects other people. We all know what we expect from other people in our human relationships, can we also give same to others just as we expect from them?

The teaching of Jesus in today’s gospel is what we need in our families, society, countries and the world; to bring about the desired change that will change things for the better. Doing what Jesus is inviting us to practice in today’s gospel may bring us some discomfort, but it will be for the good of the generality of the people. Our love for God and the respect for created things is enough to drive us to do what is right and pleasing to God; in relation to our brothers and sisters. Always remember that the measure you give, is the measure you will receive; it is only a matter of time. Let us embrace what is good and right in our human relationships.

This is important, if we want to be among those who will receive the new body after death that St. Paul talks about in today’s 2nd reading in his 1st letter to the Corinthians. This is an invitation that should not be ignored by all of us, as children of God. May God grant us the grace to always do to others what we want done to us. Peace be with you.

Homily for the 7th Sunday in the ordinary time of the year C, by Fr. Jude Ifeanyi Ifezime, C.S.Sp