WHAT SIGN DO YOU SEEK FROM GOD? (HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE 16th WEEK IN THE ORDINARY TIME

Mic 6:1-4,6-8

Mt 12:38-42

The Tribunal is popularly perceived as the Temple of Justice and the last hope of the common man. Ordinarily, when people feel unjustly treated they seek justice at the tribunal. In the first reading of today from the book of Prophet Micah, a case is taken to the tribunal by God himself. He although the judge, is also the accuser or petitioner. The respondent or defendant is Israel and the witnesses are the mountains, the hills and the foundation of the earth (Mic 6;1-2). 

We may ask, what exactly is the accusation? It is Israel's infidelity, for the word of the Lord says: “What have I done to you? Oh my people. In what have I wearied you? I brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you from the house of slavery; and I sent you Moses, Aaron and Miriam” (Mic 6:3-4). The response of Israel as the defendant is that they have come before the Lord with burnt offerings of calves and thousands of rams (Micah 6:7). However the Lord God, as the judge passes the verdict, that he is not satisfied with burnt offerings of calves and rams, for what he desires is that “they do justice to one another, show love and kindness to one another and humbly walk the way of the Lord” (Mic 6:8).

Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, repeatedly God has made known his desires to us: that we should love one another as He loves us; that we become agents of justice, mercy, compassion, kindness etc. How committed are we to these demands in our relationship with one another? Burnt offerings aren't what pleases God but rather our virtuous way of life, the love we show to others.

In the Gospel reading, Jesus insisted on the demands of the Pharisees for a sign, that the only sign that will be given to an evil and adulterous generation is the sign of the prophet Jonah (Mt 12:39). For as “Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the fish, so also for three days and three nights, the son of man will be in the heart of the earth” (Mic 12:39-40). This is a clear reference to the death and resurrection of Jesus. 

Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, the death and resurrection of Jesus is the sign of God's love for humanity and it will remain the only sign given to this generation. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life” (Jn 3:16). 

Dear Child of God, do you still run from pillar to post in search of signs to affirm the presence of God in your life? Are you still not convinced by the death of the only begotten son of God as the surest sign that God loves you so much? 

We pray that the love and mercy of God may be upon us as we place all our strength, hope and conviction in him.

Have a gracious day

Fr Remi osj