HOMILY FOR TUESDAY OF THE SIXTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR II. 21.07.2020.

Forgiving hands

Readings: Micah 7:14-15, 18-20; Psalm 85 and Matthew 12:46-50. 

MERCY AS A NECESSARY TOOL FOR FAMILY CIRCLE

 

Some Christians are infected with a deadly virus called “Unforgiving spirit.” In such persons, we often hear them say, “Over my dead body if I forgive him/her,” these occurs among families and friends. Such is not expected of us as we learn from the school of Christ in today’s readings. This calls us to reflect on God’s mercy as a necessary tool for family circle.

 

In the first reading, the prayer of the prophet Micah reflects Israel’s liberation and journey towards the Promised Land, under God’s shepherding care. The prophet further place a beautiful image of who God is, and what is so wondrous about Him? At the conclusion of this book, Micah present to us a great God full of mercy. He asked, “Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever because he delight in mercy…” Micah saw that God’s forgiveness was so great, that it cannot even be compared to what often passes for forgiveness among men. WHO IS A GOD LIKE YOU: This is a theme verse and appropriately ends the book of the prophet Micah. For it is a play on Micah’s name, which means ‘Who is like Yahweh?’

 

While reflecting on the mercy of God, some questions are likely to creep into our minds, such as: If God delights in mercy, then why is there an unpardonable sin? We should be grateful that there is only one unpardonable sin, that is, the sin of rejecting His mercy. If God delights in mercy, then why do we feel that He cannot have mercy on us? In such cases, we should trust God and not our feelings. Whatever despair may whisper or doubt may suggest, one text of Scripture is worth fifty thousand doubt. God’s mercy is very great; it is uncomprehendable. If God can be this merciful to us, do we have any justification for not showing mercy to our father, mother, brother, sister or friends that offends us? Can we say God dwells in a family or community where there is no forgiveness? The answer my friend, is blowing in the wind.

 

In the family circle, we all value our families. As we get older we might not see them as often as we once did, but they still matter a great deal to us. They say blood is thicker than water. When a family member is in difficulty, we rally round him or her to give support. In today’s gospel, the family of Christ came looking for Him and He cease this moment to teach the people about the new family he has come to establish. He said, “Here are my mother, and brethren! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother, and sister, and mother.” He identifies his disciples as his family. As disciples, we are all brothers and sisters of the Lord, and of each other, and sons and daughters of God. What distinguishes this Christian family is to do the will of God.

 

In the context of today’s readings, what then is the will of God for us? God calls us to learn mercy from Him and take delight in it. His God’s will for us today is to remember that family member or friend we have said, “Over our dead body if we forgive.” We are Christian family; we are not pagans. We have our culture, our culture as Christian is to forgive as our heavenly Father has forgiven us. At this point, the voice of my novice master echoes in me: “A disciple is properly formed when he/she behaves like the master.” We choose our destruction the moment we choose not to forgive. Notwithstanding, forgiveness comes with contrition. Let us see, O Lord, your mercy, and grant us your salvation. Peace be with you!

 

Fr. Ken Dogbo, OSJ