Homily-- Thursday of the
14th Week of Ordinary Time Year B
v
Hosea 11:1-14, 8e-9;
v
Ps 80:2ac and3b,15-16
v
Matt 10:7-15
Hearts Worthy of the Kingdom of Heavens
In this covid-19 challenging times,
scripture readings, today, starting with the prophet Hosea, when he says “my
heart is overwhelmed, my pity is stirred….I will not destroy Ephraim gain,”
remind us of the heart of a true prophet, a vocational prophet; the heart of Hosea;
the heart of God; the heart of a loving husband; the heart that contains the
kingdom of heaven’s values.
In the first reading, Hosea, it is the
heart that loves Israel, both in season and in out of season, and in spite of
their unfaithfulness. It is a faithful heart. It is a heart that taught Israel
how to walk, and it is a heart full of mercy, pity and compassion, even though
he had once, for corrective purposes, named his children, Lo Ru’mmi (no
more pity), Lo Ammi ( not my people) Such is the heart the Lord expects
us to have as Christians.
Similar hearts were expected of the 12
disciples sent out yesterday and on mission in today’s Gospel of Matthew
10:7-15. In matters pertaining to the kingdom of heavens, the disciples must
have the heart of generosity to cure, heal the sick, lepers, raise the dead and
drive away demons. They received without cost, they were to give without cost.
They were also to minister with
simplicity of heart, selflessness and with less desire for material things, yet,
with a heart full peace and the desire to generously wish others well. Such is
God’s heart and that of his Son incarnate Jesus Christ. Such is the heart, the
core, the contents of the Kingdom of heavens!
As we, from our different locations of
life, villages and town, apartments and offices, palaces and homes, respond to
the current challenges of life, corona virus and the likes, may we continue to
do with hearts full with patient, love,
mercy, forgiveness, simplicity, oneness, compassion, generosity, hope and of
the values worthy of the kingdom of heavens.
Reflecting Question
1. How do we approach
our various ministries and responsibilities?
2. Is there any way
we can continue to identify with Hosea’s heart and with the values worthy of
the kingdom of heavens?
3. What challenges
us from being imitators of Christ?
