Homily for the 7th Sunday in the ordinary time of the year A
Lev. 19: 1-2, 17-18 1 Cor. 3:16-23 Mat. 5:38-48
Theme: A call to holiness
Our readings today call us to holiness of life and perfection that is deeply rooted in love. The first 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. In the second reading, St. Paul reminds us 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 ‘mobile Tabernacles’. It is important to point out the fact that if we want God to continue to dwell with us, then we must make effort to live holy lives; lives that are pleasing to God. This assertion is reiterated in today’s gospel reading, as Jesus gives us an insight about what we need to do and how we ought to live our lives with the consciousness that God dwells with us. Therefore, we have to make effort to ensure that our lifestyles do not chase away the Spirit of God that dwells in us. Hence, our goal must be, to live in holiness and perfection as 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 always pleasing to God. 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, as 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 lives that are 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 neighbours and enemies. 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 neighbours and enemies. May almighty God bless you in the name of the father and of the son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Peace be with you!