Homily
for August 17, 2017
Yesterday I
started by saying: “As long as humans live together, there are bound to be
moments of friction, disagreement, misunderstanding and tension. Most times,
disputes begin unintentionally like little sparks of fire but when not properly
managed, they become large balls of fire capable of bringing down whole
communities.
At the
bottom line of most of our quarrels are: 1. Pride. 2. Anger. 3. Attachment to Material Things and
4. Refusal to Forgive.” I noted that “Forgiveness is very strong medicine. Like
most medicines, it is very bitter and could even involve piercing oneself with
a needle (injection), but the effects are wonderful.”
Today,
Jesus gives us further instructions on Forgiveness. Peter asked him: “How often
shall I forgive my brother who sins against me?” Peter was expecting to hear a
specific number but according to Jesus, forgiveness should be infinite.
Jesus
wants us consider the fact that forgiveness is required of us because we too
have been forgiven by a God who never counts or keeps record of our offences.
Compared
to what we owe God, that which others owe us is nothing! Think of the worst
thing anyone has done to you for which you strongly believe he or she does not
deserve to be forgiven. Does it occur to you that God has already forgiven you
for a greater offence than that?
Forgiveness
like Prayer demands faith. The more we believe in God’s mercy, the more readily
we are prone to forgiving others no matter how serious the offence may be.
Today’s
first reading gives us an idea of what we are capable of doing when we are in
close connection with God in prayer. God spoke directly to Joshua giving him
specific instructions on how they were to cross the River Jordan. They walked
through as though it was dry land.
No amount
of technology or money or social influence or political power could have
possibly made this happen. As Joshua said to the people: “…this is how you will
know that there is a LIVING GOD in your midst…”
It is sad
that today, we Christians often do not realise that what we stand to achieve by
an active prayer life is far greater than anything the world can provide.
Let us
pray: Lord Jesus, increase my faith that I may learn to forgive and forget.
Amen
Be Happy.
Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Thursday
of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Joshua 3:7-17 and
Matthew 18:21-19:1).
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