FR REMI HOMILIES/REFLECTIONS AND SERMONS

Homily for Saturday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Memorial of St. Jerome (Priest and Doctor of the Church) Zechariah 2:1-5,10-11a. Jeremiah 31:10,11-12ab,13. Luke 9:43b-45. "The Lord will keep us, as a shepherd keeps his flock," is our Responsorial Psalm. A word of encouragement that God will never abandon us. A good shepherd will risk his/her life to protect his/her flock. God is ever faithful. Let us do good and avoid evil always, and God's word will be made manifest in our lives. Procrastination, they say, is the thief of time. In addition, procrastination is not just man's apology but a graveyard in which opportunities are buried. Even while the people were marvelling at everything Jesus did, He made them realise that his passion and death were inevitable.  He set his face to go to Jerusalem despite what awaits him there. He was being realistic. He knows that roses have thorns, and while it is true that flowers are always admired by all, Jesus is also aware of

Homily for the Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael (Archangels).  Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14. Psalm 138:1-2a,2bcd-3,4-5. John 1:47-51. Today, we celebrate the feast of three archangels, who are mentioned in the Bible by name: Michael, the protector of the people of God, Gabriel, the messenger of good news, and Raphael, the healer in the Book of Tobit. This feast recalls the dedication of the Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel in Rome in the fifth century. The archangels are higher in ranks than the angels. The angels are sent by God to deliver minor messages while the archangels deliver major messages. The name Michael signifies, "Who is like God?" And was the war cry of the good Angels in the battle fought in heaven against Satan and his followers. The Bible describes St. Michael as "one of the chief princes," and as leader of the forces of heaven in their triumph over the powers of hell. He has been especially honoured and invoked as Patron and protector by

HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE 25TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME Haggai 1:1-8; Ps.149; Luke 9:7-9 God’s business comes first The importance of working for God is highlighted in today’s first reading. The people said to themselves that it was not yet time to build the house of God that laid in ruin. They said this so that they may have ample time to build their individual houses and personal concerns. It became the case that the things of God become second fiddle; that is, it was after one has satisfactorily attended to his or her personal concerns, that the person may consider working for God. But the Lord revealed the foolery of such thought in today’s first reading. We can never find satisfaction in what we do for ourselves if we have abandoned God’s business. This reminder is very apt at this time when the harshness of the present economic situation has forced virtually everyone to double their hustle. Hardship and the determination to survive have boost the initiative of many on how to make e

Homily for Wednesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time.  Memorial of St. Vincent de Paul (Priest).  Ezra 9:5-9. Tobit 13:1b-2,3-4a,6efgh,6ij,8. Luke 9:1-6. In the first reading, we have the prayer of Ezra. In his prayer, he felt the guilt of the iniquities against God. He did not dissociate himself from the condition of his people. Rather, his prayer is in terms of "our iniquities" and "our guilt" (Ezra 9:6). Recognition of the past guilt is of no value unless it issues in the determination to return to God like the prodigal son. God is merciful, and this is reflected in Ezra's prayer. Like Ezra, our prayers should not be self-centred. We should be concerned about others. We ought to intercede for others. Jesus, in today's Gospel, sent his Apostles on a mission to preach the kingdom of God and to heal, saying, "Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics" (Luke 9:3). The preacher of the Gospel

REFLECTION/Homily for Tuesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time26TH SEPTEMBER 2023 Ezra 6:7-8,12b,14-20. Psalm 122:1-2,3-4ab,4cd-5. Luke 8:19-21. The first reading tells of the rebuilding of the temple of Jerusalem after the Jews who were in exile in Babylon returned to Jerusalem. God wanted the temple to be rebuilt for him. The temple of Jerusalem was to be the visible dwelling place of God on earth. It is true that God is present everywhere. Yet, in his condescension, God manifests his presence in a special way in his sanctuary. Each one of us is building a temple for God, not a material one, but a spiritual one. It must occupy all our time, our energies, and our skills. Jesus tells us in today's Gospel, "My mother and my brethren are those who hear the word of God and do it" (Luke 8:21). In saying this, He is calling us beyond our natural families and to be fully part of the divine family of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. These words are not slight to Mary

Reflection/Sermon/Homily for Monday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time 25th September 2023  Ezra 1:1-6. Psalm 126:1-2ab,2cd-3,4-5,6.  Luke 8:16-18. We begin our first reading from the Book of Ezra. It speaks of the return of the Israelites who were in exile in Babylon to Judah. They were in exile for seventy years. Their return was the Lord's doing. God went as far as using a pagan king to rebuild the house of the Lord, saying that the Jews who were in Babylon can return to Jerusalem and rebuild the house of the Lord (cf.Ezra 1:2-3). God can use anyone to accomplish his mission. God is still staring the life of so many to consecrate their life to him, to rebuild the temple of the Lord, that is, the spiritual temple, the people of God.  Jesus, in today's Gospel, compares us to a lamp on the stand. He encourages us to stand out. No one lights a lamp and puts it under the bed. We are supposed to light, dispelling the darkness of our world. We are not to hide our talents and gifts;

God Does Not Think the Way People Do.(Sermon/Homily for 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A 24th September 2023 Isaiah 55:6-9. Psalm 145:2-3,8-9,17-18. Philippians 1:20c-24,27a. Matthew 20:1-16. Theme: God Does Not Think the Way People Do. The message of today's Gospel may confuse us. Looking at the Gospel from the human point of view, it appears that the owner of the vineyard was unjust, especially to those who were first invited to work in his vineyard. The first reading puts us on our guard against trying to pull God down to our level. The prophet Isaiah tells us in the first reading, "For my thoughts are are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts" (Isa.55:8-9). God's thoughts are not our thoughts. But his thoughts are far from ours as heaven is far from the earth. In today's Gospel, Jesus told his disciples the parabl

Never decide to slumber(SERMON/REFLECTION/HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 24TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME (ST. PADRE PIO) 23RD SEPTEMBER 2023 1Tim.6:13-16; Ps.100; Luke 8:4-15 Never decide to slumber The types and intensity of distractions in the world today calls not only for awareness but also serious caution. Every day, one who is determined to make out something meaningful with his or her life, must contend with different forms of distractions. It is clear that to be successful in the real sense of the word, one must also learn how to deal with distractions. In line with this thought, the readings of today seek to boost our commitment to the Word of God amidst the distractions of the world. In the gospel reading, Jesus told a parable of how different types of distractions made healthy seeds fruitless. This teaches us that our competence will amount to nothing unless we have learnt determination and focus. The seeds that fell on the rich soil represent those who hear the Word of God and conti

We are dignified in the sight of God (REFLECTION/HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE 24TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME 22ND SEPTEMBER 2023 1Tim.6:2c-12; Ps.49; Luke 8:1-3 We are dignified in the sight of God The direct audience of the author of the gospel of Luke were the gentiles. Luke was conscious of the fact that the gentiles may see themselves as second fiddles in the salvific plan of God. The general mindset was that since Jesus was a Jew, salvation was basically for the Jews. Luke needed to write his gospel in such a manner that this wrong mindset will be corrected. Salvation is not the exclusive property of any particular people, culture or race. Faith, not place of origin, is the prerequisite for salvation. Consequently, those classes of people that were looked down upon in the Jewish community, Luke emphasized their roles in the ministry of Jesus. By so doing, the gentiles will understand that they are not looked down upon by Jesus. In today’s gospel, Luke consciously linked women with Jesus’

Use your holiness to help a Sinner (SERMON/HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE 24TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME (FEAST OF ST. MATTHEW Ephesians 4:1-7,11-13; Ps.19; Matthew 9:9-13 Use your holiness to help a Sinner Today, we celebrate the Feast of St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist. When we realize that this man called Matthew who was an Apostle and an Evangelist, was earlier on a tax collector, we come to understand that we are not celebrating the fruit of his effort but the grace of God in his life that chose him despite his sins and used him despite his past. When Jesus wants to use a person, he does not ask for an attractive and detailed Curriculum Vitae, rather he seeks the disposition of the heart. In today’s gospel, Jesus called Matthew while he was busy “committing sin”. Tax collectors where hated because they were perceived to be joining forces with the Roman authorities in oppressing the Jews. Also, they will add to the tax of the people for their private gains. We are not told that Matthew

Be not a Faultfinder(HOMILY FOR WEDNESDAY OF THE 24TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME (ST. ANDREW KIM & COMPANIONS) 1Tim.3:14-16; Ps.111; Luke 7:31-35 Be not a Faultfinder In today’s gospel, Jesus confronted the unbelief and unreceptive attitude of the people to the gospel under the guise of fault finding. They did not believe in John the Baptist because they thought he was too austere and not fully involved in the activities of men. They presented these complaints as their justification for not believing. When they observed Jesus, they complained that he was eating and mingling with sinners. For this reason, they doubted his authenticity and will not want to believe in him. Beloved, we too fall into this error when we continue to focus our attention only on what our leaders have not done well. A fault finder will always find faults not because faults are actually present but because he or she views life with the lens of fault. Whatever you do not want to do, you will always have excuses to

A life to live (HOMILY FOR TUESDAY OF THE 4THTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME 1Tim.3:1-13; Ps.101; Luke 7:11-17 A life to live The miracles of Jesus in the scriptures and even in our midst today, are ultimately signs that point to a higher reality. Miracles are Divine interventions in human affairs that aim at creating and increasing man’s awareness of his need of God. Every act of God’s presence with us in this world is a miracle.  In the gospel reading, Jesus raised the only son of a woman of Nain just as they were carrying the man out for burial. This too was a miracle and the people clearly expressed awe when they said: A great prophet has arisen among us. However, the goal is not that those who believe in Jesus will not experience physical death. The people will be greatly mistaken if they think that with Jesus in their midst, they will no longer die. The fact is even this resurrected man later died again and was buried. So, the true message of this miracle of the resurrection is that tho

The Strength of Mutuality-HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE 24TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME 1Tim.2:1-8; Ps.28; Luke 7:1-10 The Strength of Mutuality There is an African proverb that says that when the left hand washes the right hand and the right hand washes the left, both hands will become clean. This is one African way of teaching collaboration for mutual growth. However important this collaboration is for our physical well-being, it is more important for our spiritual well-being. This is the point made in today’s liturgy. In the first reading, St. Paul asked that the people should make it a habit to pray for their leaders. In the gospel reading, a Centurion (a leader) sought Jesus’ attention for his sick slave. Both actions pleased God; and so, the responsorial psalm tells us that the Lord has heard the sound of my appeal. It is all too easy for people to meet ministers of God for prayers. In fact, each time we see a man of God, we have one intention or the other for which we seek prayers. Conseq

Called to be Ambassadors of Divine Mercy-HOMILY FOR THE 24TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A  Sirach 27:30-28:7; Ps. 103; Rom.14:7-9; Matthew 18:21-35 Called to be Ambassadors of Divine Mercy In the first reading, we read: _Forgive your neighbour the wrong he has done and then your sins will be pardoned when you pray_ . In the gospel reading, we read: _so also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive from your heart_ . On the literally level, both quotations give the impression that if a man does not forgive his neigbhour, God will not forgive him/her either. In as much as the intention is to urge man to imbibe the Christian attitude of forgiveness, it cannot be the case that the forgiveness of God rests on the forgiveness of man. That would mean that man’s perfection is the motivation for God’s goodness. Divine action is dependent on nothing else but on God himself. Therefore, the dispersion of the Grace of God cannot rest on the perfection of man; if it we

God demands our All-HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 23RD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME 16TH SEPTEMBER 2023 1Tim.1:15-17; Ps.113; Luke 6:43-49 God demands our All The readings of today instruct us to develop single-mindedness in worshipping God. Conversion does not allow for compromise. To follow Jesus, we necessarily have to disassociate ourselves from whatever is contrary to such followership. You cannot be a Christian and not be a Christian at the same time. In the gospel reading, Jesus says that a person can only reproduce something of its kind. This means that pretense cannot be sustained in practicing the Christian faith. If our conversion is not holistic such that we do compromise our faith in secret, it will clearly manifest someday. To be a Christian is not defined by where you go to on Sundays (Church) but in your readiness to listen to and abide by Jesus’ Word. Today, people have come to derive many ways in which they pay allegiance to the devil. Some go to Church but still possess charms

Homily for Friday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time.  Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows. Hebrews 5:7-9. Psalm 31:1-2ab,2cd-3,4-5,14-15,19. John 19:25b-27. Today's memorial follows immediately upon the exaltation of the Holy Cross. In doing this, the Catholic Church reminds us of the special union that Mary shared in the sacrifice of her Son on the cross of Calvary. This memorial originated in Germany and was extended to the universal Church by Pope Benedict XIII in 1721. The Christian faithful have long meditated upon this momentous scene as it is recorded by the four Evangelists. The essence of this memorial is to remind the Christian faithful of the spiritual martyrdom of the Mother of God and her compassion with the sufferings of her divine Son. The seven great events of sorrow in her life were: Prophecy of Simeon, Flight into Egypt, Three Days' Loss of Jesus, Meeting Jesus on the Way to Calvary, Mary at the Foot of the Cross, Jesus Taken Down from the Cross, and the Burial of

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross-Homily for Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time 14th September 2023 Numbers 21:4b-9. Psalm 78:1-2,34-35,36-37,38. Philippians 2:6-11. John 3:13-17. Today's feast celebrates the dedication of the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. This church is one of the most important shrines in the world since it is believed to have been erected on the spot where the Lord was crucified and was buried. Today, we celebrate the centrality of the cross in our Christian life and its saving power for us who believe. Devotion to the Holy Cross dates back to the earliest days of Christianity. The feast itself has been celebrated since the fourth century. Today, the Catholic Church commemorates the recovery of the True Cross by Emperor Heraclius following his victory over the Persians. The texts of the Mass and of the Liturgy of the Hours proclaim the Holy Cross as the instrument of our salvation. For inasmuch as our first parents sinned beneath t

Homily for Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time.  Memorial of St. John Chrysostom (Bishop and Doctor of the Church).  Colossians 3:1-11. Psalm 145:2-3,10-11,12-13ab. Luke 6:20-26. St. Paul tells us in the first reading, "If you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God" (Col.3:1). As Christians, we are called to set our affections on things that are heavenly. Not only must we seek heaven, but we must think of heaven. Anything we do that will make us lose heaven must be avoided. A Christian should prefer heavenly treasures to earthly riches. He/she should prefer truth, purity, and love to any things that are temporal. Jesus, in today's Gospel, tells us what it takes to attain eternal bliss in heaven with St. Luke's version of the beatitudes. It began with, "Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God" (Luke 6:20). Hunger, thirst, hatred, weeping, persecution, and rejection a

How Prayer Works-HOMILY FOR TUESDAY OF THE TWENTY-THIRD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR I 12TH SEPTEMBER 2023 Col.2:6-15; Ps.145; Luke 6:12-19 How Prayer Works Today’s gospel tells us about Jesus choosing his twelve disciples. This is one action of Jesus that is contained in the three synoptic gospels and the gospel of John (Matt.4:18-22, Mk.1:16-20, Luke 6:6-11, Jn.1:35-42). However, Luke’s account is unique in that only Luke says that Jesus chose his disciples after spending ample time in prayer. This is a common feature in Luke. He always presented Jesus in prayer; to teach his (Luke) gentile audience the essence of prayer. The author of the gospel of Luke went on to mention the names of the chosen disciples. When we consider the nature of these twelve men, we find so many things to learn. Let us focus on the last name. The author identified him as “Judas Iscariot who became a traitor”. Could this be a mistake on the part of Christ? Was He aware of who Judas Iscariot was and what he will

 Self Evaluation-SERMON/HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE TWENTY-THIRD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME 11TH SEPTEMBER 2023 Col.1:24-2:3; Ps.62; Luke 6:6-11 Self Evaluation Back then in primary and secondary, we were always advised not to hate any teacher because if we do, we will not be well disposed to learning from him or her; at the long run, we will be the losers. This candid advice is not only valid within the four walls of the classroom. It is a general principle. We cannot learn from who or what we are not opened to. Since last week, we have seen the Scribes and Pharisees looking for faults to pull Jesus down. Jesus always turns every trap they set for him to an opportunity to teach them. Yet, because their minds were closed, they were not learning. Today again, they watched out to see if Jesus will heal, on a Sabbath, the man whose right hand was withered. Being God, Jesus could read the hearts of men and so he knew that their presence in the synagogue was not to listen and learn from Him but to

Holiness in Human Relationship-HOMILY FOR THE 23RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 10TH SEPTEMBER 2023 Eze.33:7-9; Ps.95; Rom.13:8-10; Matthew 18:15-20  _Owe no one anything, except to love one another_ (Rom.13:8) Holiness in Human Relationship It is an obvious truth that no man can live in isolation. Man necessarily relates with his human and non-human environment in different ways and to different degrees. God has created the world in such a way that from such fruitful interaction, man is able to realize himself more fully. But then, we cannot be blind to the fact that sometimes the interaction man has with his environment is fraught with some tensions; tensions that inhibits a fruitful interaction that is expected to make man more human. An unhealthy interaction with one’s environment also goes as far affecting ones spiritual life and standing with God. If we must be saved, we must consider how we relate with our environment. The readings of today not only sharpens this consciousness in us,

Have a persevering Faith! HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 22ND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME 9TH SEPTEMBER 2023 Col.1:21-23; Ps.54; Luke 6:1-5 Have a persevering Faith! St. Paul continued his admonition to the Church in Colossian in the first reading. He began by making them understand that they were reconciled to God through the death of Jesus Christ. The death of Christ is salvific, and so, it is able to disassociate one from any sinful or satanic entanglement one may have had due to sin or any form of evil initiation. When we are appropriated with the effect of Christ’s death through baptism, we become holy, blameless and irreproachable before God. It is in the very nature of baptism to wash away original sin and any form of satanic ancestral connection. However, St. Paul went on to teach that the saving effect of baptism remains efficacious in us to the extent that we remain in Christ. Thus, having been brought into the life of Christ, we must keep the light burning brightly in our hearts; we m

The Grace of God-HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE 22ND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR I (NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 8TH SEPTEMBER 2023 Micah 5:2-5a; Ps.13; Matthew 1:1-16,18-23 The Grace of God Ordinarily, it is the death day of saints that is celebrated in the Church because their death translates to their birthday in the real life of heaven. There are only three exceptions to this, namely: Jesus, Mary and John the Baptist. Today, we celebrate the natural birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We celebrate the birth of one who was Immaculately Conceived; a singular privilege granted her by God in view of her role for the salvation of the human race. Consequently, the birth of Mary meant a new dawn in the fulfilment of God’s plan for our salvation. It is because God so loved the world that is why He prepared Mary specially for us. The birth of Mary teaches us that God’s way is never like ours. Who would have thought that God will choose such a humble but remarkable way in bring about the sa

Encourage the good!-HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE 22ND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME 7TH SEPTEMBER 2023 Col.1:9-14; Ps.98; Luke 5:1-11 Encourage the good! In the first reading of today, St. Paul exhorted the Colossians. This exhortation was not to reprimand them for any wrong deeds but to acknowledge and commend the good efforts they were making as regards living the authentic Christian life, and to also pray and encourage them to do more. Thus, Paul’s address was a form of positive reinforcement to spur the Colossians into greater heights. This is something that is worth emulating. As evangelizers, our focus should not be limited to those who need to come into the light of Christ; practicing and authentic Christians need to be evangelized too. They need to be applauded and motivated to grow higher and to remain steadfast.  Often times, we unconsciously ignore those who are really making effort to do good, not until they make a mistake. It seems as though it is the mistake of a brethren that rece

Becoming another Christ-HOMILY FOR WEDNESDAY OF THE 22ND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME 6TH SEPTEMBER 2023 Col.1:1-8; Ps.52; Luke 4:38-44 Becoming another Christ Today’s gospel is so concise and comprehensive. Virtually every line carries important theme about the life of Jesus which cannot but be emulated by every true disciple of Jesus. We shall now look into some of them.  _Jesus arose and left the synagogue and entered Simon’s house_ – here we see evangelization. The Christian life is not limited to worship alone. Haven encountered God in prayer, we necessarily have to spread the fruit of our encounter to others. Without evangelization, the Christian life is fruitless. At every Eucharistic celebration we are reminded of this all-important obligation when the priest says in these or similar words: Go forth, the Mass is ended.  _And he stood over her and rebuked the fever_ – not just Peter’s mother-in-law but all the sick that were brought to him. Here Jesus demonstrated his power over sickne

Sermon/Homily for Tuesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time 5th September 2023 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6,9-11. Psalm 27:1,4,13-14. Luke 4:31-37. St. Paul tells us of the second coming of the Lord in the first reading. In doing this, he repeats what the Lord said: "But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father" (Matt.24:36). This calls for adequate preparation on our part so that it won't meet us unprepared. It also refers to our death. About the time of our death, one thing is certain that it is uncertain. When that day comes, it will be too late to begin to get ready for it. As Christians, we must live in such a way as to be ready to meet the Lord when He comes. For us to be forewarned is forearmed. When we are prepared for a surprise, it is no longer a surprise. If we know a thing may happen at any time, its occurrence will not give us the shock of an unexpected event. We must see, foresee, forestall. In today's

REFLECTION/HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE 22ND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME 4TH SEPTEMBER 2023 1Thess.4:13-18; Ps.98; Luke 4:16-30 The Death we should Fear In today’s first reading, St. Paul addresses the phenomenon of death among the Thessalonians. If the gospel must retain its fervor as goodnews, it must address the phenomenon of death that rather seems like a bad news with all the pain and sorrow it brings. When we hear of New Life in Christ, we may want to expect that good people should not die; or, if they must die, it should be at a ripe old age. St. Paul does not deny the pain of death but he wants us to mourn only as it is necessary. Mourn that you have lost the physical presence of a love one but do not mourn as if something unfortunate has befallen the person. Sometimes the manner in which we thank God for the gift of life, seem to imply that we think ourselves to be more fortunate than those who have died. St. Paul corrects this notion today. Death is not the end of life but a transition

Work to make Heaven-SERMON/HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 21ST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME 2ND SEPTEMBER 2023 1Thess.4:9-11; Ps.98; Matthew 25:14-30 Work to make Heaven Someone once said that there are two categories of people who cannot make heaven: those who cannot love and those who cannot work. In today’s first reading, St. Paul told the Thessalonians that working is a way of loving because, when we work, we give commitment to what we do and become productive but when we do not work, we become burdens to others and gossipers too. The book of Genesis opens with God at work; this shows that one of first things God wants us to know about him is that he works. So, if we must be like God and belong to him, we too must work. In the gospel, Jesus tells a parable about a man who entrusted different quantity of talents to his servants. I find this very striking! The master entrusted ALL servants with talents. Talents here are abilities which become productive and fruitful when put into use. God has n

Meditation/Sermon/Homily for Friday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time 1st September 2023  1 Thessalonians 4:1-8. Psalm 97:1,2b,5-6,10,11-12. Matthew 25:1-13. St. Paul tells us in the first reading, "For this is the will of God, your sanctification" (1 Thess.4:3). Jesus puts it this way, "Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Matt.5:48). This is what we have been called to as Christians, a holy life. The holiness of life is not about doing extraordinary things but doing ordinary things in an extraordinary manner. A saint is one who accomplishes fully what the will of God is for him/her, which is love of God and love of all creatures. We must not merely accept God's will passively. We must activate it fully in our daily lives. God's perfection is infinite. We shall never attain it, but we must strive to be as perfect as possible. In this world, we have to always aim at perfection. We can never say at any time of our life that we have attained it and