HOMILY FOR THE 26TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A.

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Ezekiel 18:25-28; Psalm 25:4-9; Philippians 2:1-11; Matthew 21:28-32.

“ACTIONS ARE BETTER THAN INTENTIONS!”

By: Rev. Fr. Charles Onyeka Ezejide.

·      Many of us have dreams and ambitions that we hope to accomplish someday. Most of those will remain just dreams until we conceive practical steps that will bring those dreams into action.

·      In the same vein, our readings of this Sunday admonishes us to go beyond lip accent or verbal approval to concrete Christian actions. Our actions ought to speak louder than our words. Unfortunately, it is only our actions that can be evaluated and not our intentions.

·      In the gospel reading (Matthew 21:28-32), Jesus uses the parable of the two brothers to teach us an eternal lesson. The two represent the various tendencies of the human person. Sometimes we are quick to accept responsibility and at the same weak to accomplish it. At other times, we decline a task and upon reflection decide to carry them out.

·      Jesus praised the second brother who originally said “no” and later went on to carry out the instruction. On the other hand, Jesus condemned the first brother who accepted and never carried out the task.

·      By doing this, Jesus demonstrates his distinctive attribute as a patient God. He shows that he is a God who is compassionate and gracious. When we are tempted to disobey God’s commands, he does not outrightly condemn us. He patiently guides us along the right path using the voice of conscience.

·      Dearly beloved, we too like the first son, may have in many ways betrayed the promises we made to God. We have betrayed the promises we made to some of our friends by looking the other way when they need us most. Jesus presents us with a unique opportunity to turn a new leaf and carry out the will of God. If Jesus did not condemn tax collectors and prostitutes who were considered the worst sinners in Israel, he would not condemn us.

·      The reason why God will not condemn us is Love. He loves us so much as to die on the cross for our salvation. The second reading (Philippians 2:1-11), reminds us of that fact. When it comes to saving humanity, God is always willing to go the extra mile, to the point of sacrificing his son.

·      The first reading (Ezekiel 18:25-28) tells us that God’s earnest desire is that all the righteous be saved. He created us so that we can be reunited with him at the end of our lives. When we refuse to obey his commands, then we will face judgment because he is also a just judge.

·      Friends in Christ, we are weak as humans but the grace of God is sufficient for us. We must therefore make a firm commitment to do the will of God at all times. To move from mere intentions to please God to concrete actions.

·      May the good Lord bless his word in our hearts through Christ our Lord, Amen!

·      Happy Sunday!!!

 

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