God is very interested in the happenings of the heart (HOMILY FOR TUESDAY OF THE 25TH WEEK IN THE ORDINARY TIME, YEAR II

Proverbs 21:1-6,10-13; Luke 8:19-21

The first reading taken from the Book of Proverbs instructs us that the Lord God is very interested in the happenings of the heart. Even if the thoughts of the heart are not open to the perception of the human senses, they are open to the understanding of God. 

The Book of Proverb  tells us: "The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord;  he turns it whenever he will" ((Prov 21:1). Just like one can direct the flow of water from the tank, so also can the Lord God direct the hearts of kings and that of each of us in accordance with his will. 

It continues, :"All deeds are right in the sight of the doer, but the Lord weighs the heart" (Prov 21:2). Many atimes in our selfish motives, we aportion rightness to ourselves and blame others for whatever that is wrong. We may decieve ourselves and others, feeling we are right whereas we are wrong according to the judgement of God. People may feel we are promoting God's kingdom from the outlook of things whereas everything we do is for selfish interest and gratification. We may appear kind but deep within we are cruel and rude. 

Hence, we must conscientiously ask ourselves how we stand before God. God looks at our hearts, aim, our motives, goal and actions. Nothing is hidden before God. The Book of Proverbs recommend that living a good life is more pleasing to God than the solemn celebration of feasts; to love God with all our heart and strength and our neighbour as ourselves is more important than holocaust and burnt offerings.  Hence, let us be open even to the cry of the poor.

In the Gospel reading of today, Jesus said: "My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it" (LK 8:21). 

Contrast to the family bonded by flesh and blood, Jesus speaks of the spiritual family bonded by the word of God. For Jesus, those who hear the word of God, internalize it and act upon the word of God become members of this spiritual family. They generate the spirit of unity and oneness with Jesus. They become the brothers, sisters and mother of Jesus.

As the natural family is guided by blood Identification, the spiritual family is guided by the Spirit of the word of God.

Today we celebrate the Martyrdom of Saint Andrew Kim Taegon, Priest and Paul Chong Hasang, and their companions. Those who having listened to the word of God, internalized it and acted upon the word of God. They were able to identify with the spiritual family of Jesus. They proved their communion with Jesus as brothers by pouring out their blood as libation for the solidity of the Christian faith. 

The word of God tells us "Not all those who say to me Lord Lord shall enter the kingdom of God" ( Mt 7:21)

We must not just be listeners of the word of God but doers of the word of God. For in the accomplishment of the word of God shall we generate the spiritual familihood of Christ. 

We pray that God will grant us the grace to be realized the requirements of becoming authentic members of his spiritual family.

May God bless his words in our hearts through Christ our Lord.

Have a great day!

Fr Remi Osj