Sunday Homilies

As we have been forgiven, may we forgive. As we have been shown mercy, may we show mercy. As we have been set free, may we help others be free.

Perhaps it’s because of the times we live in, I found myself struggling with some of the words we hear from Jesus in our Gospel reading for Sunday (Matthew 18:15-20).

May we open our hearts and our minds, and let God’s grace renew us in love and hope.

Jesus’ Resurrection tells us that we can live in hope; that we can continue to share God’s love with others, working for justice, caring for the earth, and making peace.

In our Gospel reading for Sunday (Matthew 15:21-28), we hear about an encounter between Jesus and a “Canaanite woman.”

All three Scripture readings speak to putting our trust in God, even in difficult circumstances.

And as we trust in God’s love, we are called to share it with others.

May we “keep our eyes on the prize” by trusting in God’s love and following Jesus.

May we not fall for the tricks of the evil one, but for the overwhelming love of God, and bear good fruit for a hurting world.

Doing good out of love is the only authentic way of responding to the love God has for us. It is the way to a truly fulfilling life, because it is the way we are true to who God made us to be.