Homily For The 7th Sunday In Ordinary Time Year C.

1 Samuel 26:2,7-9,12-13, 22-23; Psalm 103:1-4, 8,10,12-13; 1 Corinthians 15:45-49; Luke 6:27-38.

“DARE TO BE DIFFERENT”

By: Rev. Fr. Charles Onyeka Ezejide.

·      Today we celebrate the 7^th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C. The readings of this day challenge us to dare to be different. After all, that is what it takes to be a Christian. “You are a chosen race, a people set apart” (1 Peter 2:9).

·      We have been called to teach the world how to live, and not to be influenced by the world’s standards. But the sad reality is that since we cannot beat the world, we have settled to join them. For a true Christian, it is, “If you cannot beat them (the world) keep trying.”

·      The world expects vengeance and a return of wickedness for wickedness. No wonder Mahatma Gandhi was quoted as saying “An eye for an eye will make the whole world go blind.”

·      There is so much bitterness and unforgiveness in the world today. People are going about carrying hurts and disappointments and hoping when they will have their opportunity to revenge or strike back. Does vengeance make us feel any better? Does inflicting to the one who may have caused us pain, make our pain go away?

·      In the gospel reading (Luke 6:27-38), Jesus invites us to something rather tough to practice; but not impossible. He says, “Love your enemies and do good to those who persecute you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who treat you badly.” Refusal to return violence for violence is the greatest form of disarmament.

·      Friends in Christ, can we imagine how loud the gospel we may have preached, when we are angry, and people expect a reaction; but we choose to forgive and move on? I remember as little kids we were taught to say, “God bless you” to those who hurt us or insult us. Unknown to us, we were already practicing what Jesus instructs us in the gospel of today.

·      When we say “God bless you” to those who were expecting a negative reaction from us, sometimes it becomes an instantaneous turning point for them. Some immediately apologize for the wrong they have done. Some will even question or wonder how we can forgive or restrain ourselves from negative reactions.

·      David in the first reading (1 Samuel 26:2, 7-9,12-13, 22-23), dared to be different. He chose to forgive and refrain from shedding blood when Saul was delivered into his hands. His refusal to harm Saul who sought to kill became a turning point for Saul.

·      For the servants of David and some of us, David did the unthinkable. How can he not take the one chance that God gave him to put an end to the rivalry between him and Saul? David chose not to follow the part of the world; he chose to abide by the standard of the kingdom of God.

·      Forgiveness is not a sign of weakness; it is conforming to the standard of God. It means daring to be different. It means choosing the better part and being the better person.

·      Dearly beloved in Christ, for how long shall we continue to carry bitterness in our hearts. For how long shall we continue to sit and wait for an opportunity? Why have we allowed anger and bitterness to define our identity?

·      Today, the Lord God challenges you and me to dare to be different. Make that bold move to truly forgive and mean it. David refused to hurt Saul because he was the Lord’s anointed. That brother or sister you are planning and waiting to “deal” with is also God’s anointed child.

·      Saint Paul in the second reading (1 Corinthians 15:45-49), gives us a reason why we must dare to be different. We must dare to be different because we are children of the new Adam. While the old Adam seeks vengeance and refuses to forgive hurt, the new Adam (Jesus) has forgiveness as his nature.

·      We can choose today to be different. Do not say, “After all, I am only human”. We are not earthly beings having heavenly experiences. Rather we are heavenly beings having earthly experiences, while on Earth. To be different means to be like Jesus in all things.

·      Dear friends in Christ, we are called to be compassionate as our heavenly father is compassionate. To be forgiving as our heavenly father forgives. To be merciful as our heavenly father is merciful. Know this do this, and know peace!

·      May God give us the grace to empty our minds of all bitterness, and put a new heart within us, so that we may be loving and compassionate; as our heavenly father is compassionate through Christ our Lord, Amen.

·      Happy Sunday!!!