HOMILY OF THE TUESDAY OF THE 1ST WEEK OF LENT
Isaiah 1:10,16-20, Matthew 23:1-12
THEME: WE SHOULD BE A SYMBOL AND NOT JUST A SIGN
It is better to hear God’s word and not do his will than to preach his words and refuse to practice it. Deciding to be preachers of the word alone makes us to be signs alone thereby denying ourselves the joy that accompanies those who follow his ways.
A sign only gives direction and nothing more meanwhile, a symbol is a part of what it represents. We as symbols of God in His kingdom here on earth, are called to have a full share in what we preach. By practising what we preach, we partake fully in the kingdom of God’s love.
“Addressing the people and his disciples Jesus said, ‘The scribes and the Pharisees occupy the chair of Moses. You must therefore do what they tell you and listen to what they say; but do not be guided by what they do: since they do not practise what they preach.”
To be called Christians just by name amounts to living an empty life. Outward religion is emptiness. Our spiritual alertness is a result of our closeness with God, which we should share with others.
The Lord invites us not to indulge ourselves in religion just for the singular reason of attracting undue attention to ourselves, rather, we should put our life in God, to the service of our brothers and sisters, so that when they see our good works, they will give glory to God, our Father.
May the life of God in us through our attitudes, be a perfect mark of attraction so there world will come to know him. Amen.
