HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE 29TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

REFLECTION/HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE 29TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME 27TH OCTOBER 2023

Rom.7:18-25a; Ps.119; Luke 12:54-59

Compassion for Sinners

In the first reading of today, St. Paul cried out his inability to sometimes do the good he wants to do and his weakness in doing the evil he does not want to do. It is not too difficult to understand St. Paul because in one way or the other, we may have been in such situation too. Sometimes, it is when you have decided to give up a sinful habit that the temptation becomes fierce. Both good and bad actions are never without the will of man; if not, they will have no moral character.

However, to overcome sin is not just a matter of the will alone but also of grace. To be holy is by the grace of God. Therefore, before you condemn someone who has done what you have not done yourself, first acknowledge that it is God’s grace that has been preserving you; and if you want to be more truthful to yourself, there may be some wrongs you have committed that the person has not committed himself/herself.

Without compassion, it is never possible to change someone from a sinful habit. Some persons are already depressed and dying with guilt on account of their sinfulness, yet, they seem too weak to turn a new leaf. Not every sinner is happy with his/her sinful habit; some are frustrated but helpless. Beloved, conversion is possible, no matter the condition of the sinner. It is not the strength of the sinner that matters but the never ending mercy of God.

However, it will be very unfortunate if we do not understand that the gift of life is another opportunity to draw closer towards God; it is not an opportunity to write a new chapter of our sinfulness. The gospel reading tells us that to draw closer to God, we must be peacemakers. Those who go around with “holier than thou” attitude are without compassion and so are never able to maintain good human relationship. Remember, the difference between correcting and condemning is that while the former hits on the wrong action, the latter hits on the person.