The Offertory that Pleases God.

Homily for June 15, 2017


Today’s message may be hard to swallow or even practice but then, it is just the word of God.

Jesus tells us: “So when you are offering your gift at the altar and you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift.” Matthew 5, 23 to 24.

In these words, Jesus underscores the importance of reconciliation over the gifts we present to God. In other words, Jesus is saying that forgiveness and reconciliation are more important to God than our offertory in Church.

I may have millions of naira to donate in Church as offering, tithes, seed sowing, sacrifice, etc. but if there is anger, hatred and unforgiveness in my heart, if I still plan to revenge against what has been done to me, then my millions are completely useless to God.

It will be better for me not to put any offertory, go home first to be reconciled with those who are not in good terms with me before coming back to make my donation. God does not need my money, rather, he needs my love. And I cannot claim to love God who I cannot see when I hate my brother who I see everyday. 1st John 3:20.

Jesus says: “I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, “You fool,” you will be liable to the hell of fire.” Matthew 5, 22.

Dear friends, the truth is that It is easier to part with money than to part with self-pride and ego. It is easier to give out money than to say: “I am sorry.” Forgiving others or seeking reconciliation is a sacrifice on its own right.

It takes a lot from us to be able to look at the one who has deeply offended us and say: “I forgive you. I no longer have anything against you, I am no longer angry with you and I no longer seek revenge.”

We may be the ones who are right but that does not matter. It is not about who did wrong or who did right, it is about seeking and giving forgiveness. This is what Jesus meant by ensuring our righteousness exceeds that of the Scribes and Pharisees. If we cannot forgive others, then it means we are no better than pagans and our Christianity is just a form of self-deception.

Dear friends, you will know when you have offered the sacrifice of forgiveness by the time you remember what the person did to you and instead of feeling bad, you just smile, instead of thinking of seeking revenge, you tell yourself you will never do such to anyone. You will know when you have forgiven a person who owes you money when you no longer desire to have that money back.

Think about this: when our fingernails grow long, it is the nails we cut, not the finger itself. In every relationship or encounter we have with people, nails are bound to grow because people are not perfect, so when quarrels, misunderstandings and tensions arise, aim at cutting the nails rather than the relationships itself.

“Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbour has fulfilled the law.” Romans 13:8 

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, give me the grace to let go and rid myself of all my past pains, disappointments, bitterness and insults. Help me offer a sacrifice of forgiveness on behalf of anyone who has hurt me in the past. Amen.

*Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Thursday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: 2 Corinthians 3:15-4:1.3-6 and Matthew 5:20-26).*

Fr. Abu.



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