HOMILY OF THURSDAY WK 9 OF ORDINARY TIME
THEME: LOVE IS THE HEALING BALM WE NEED
For peace to reign and in his effort to curb with the political crisis of 1976 in Jamaica; the popular artist, Bob Marley came up with a song titled “one love” one heart let’s get together feel alright. The power of love!
Jesus, in today’s Gospel, is asked which of the six hundred and thirteen precepts of the Old Testament is the greatest commandment. By quoting Deuteronomy 6:4-5, he answers that the first commandment is: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength,” and by quoting Leviticus 19:18, he answers that the second commandment is: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself”. In this way, Christ also tells us that all we need is one love.
When it comes to love, every other thing is footnote or endnote. Love is the answer. Love is the healing balm. It’s all that is needed. It’s love that will make us see our fellow brother/sister as image and likeness of God. It’s love that will make a white American see a black American as a brother or sister, killing or maltreating him or her will be injustice against self. It’s love that will make a German see a Nigerian as a brother or sister, so discriminating him will be discriminating self and God. It’s love that will make a Northern see a Southern as brother or sister, rather than as a rival. It’s love that will make an Uncle assist his nieces and Nephews, knowing that they are his late brother’s or sister’s children. It’s love that will make an arm robber to stop harrassing and burgering people’s homes, knowing that they are partners in progress. It’s love that will move a sitting government official to pay workers as at when due, and not to sack and relieve workers just for the fun of demonstrating the extent of his power, knowing that they are people’s husbands, wives and children. It’s love that will make us to stop playing politics with human life, but to ere out the full extent and impact of Covid-19 pandemic and measure up to it with all sincerity and truth. The list is unending. It’s love. It’s all about love.
God requires from us only love and that’s the only commandment that he gives us. When we love God and neighbour through obedience, charity and prayer, love becomes a reality. Love is the healing balm our world needs. Let us pray therefore for the Holy Spirit to set us ablaze with the fire of love for God and for our neighbour. Always remember that God is love, therefore you’re a product of Love.
_Good morning and do have a lovely day!_
