HOMILY OF THURSDAY OF THE 9TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A
Tobit 3:1-11,16-17, Mark 12:18-27
THEME: THE LOVE OF SELF
There is no expression of love that has no bearing on the self. If we dish out hatred, it comes back to us. We get what we give. If we truly love ourselves, we will show love to others. We cannot pour bowls of wormwood into our environment and still expect sweetness to savour. Every show of love we exhibit has a direct bearing on us.
The Lord Jesus said, “You must love your neighbour as yourself.” This comes after our love for God, which proceeds every other love.
In today’s first reading, Tobias never knew that his companion, Azariah, was angel Raphael. He cooperated with him throughout their journey and he experienced God’s graciousness.
For lack of love, many have dismissed the angels sent to them by God. For lack of faith many have weakened the ministry of their guardian angel.
May we always have faith in God’s continuous presence that we may always show his love to all around us. May we never take his presence for granted. Amen.
