💖 HOMILY - JUNE 22 💖

First Reading - 2 Corinthians 11:1-11

Gospel - Matthew 6:7-15

Aristotle says: "Human being is a social animal." This means we need a society or a family to grow and develop holistically. It's our need. However, this need is all the more furnished and elevated by prayer. The readings invite us to allow prayer to make and mould us to become relational.

The first reading recounts a paternal approach of Paul to the Christians in Corinth. Paul as being a guide to the community, firstly, reminds them about the seed of faith he has sown among the believers. He reminds them that it's because they accepted their faith in Christ, now they are spiritual brides of Christ. However, on the other side, he also warns them about the danger that was looming large before them; the danger to be dissuaded by others into wrong teachings and faith. He warns the believers against such lingering dangers which could lead them astray.

The gospel passage draws our attention to the most lovely and filial prayer taught by Jesus; the prayer of Our Father. The prayer of 'Our Father' has a deeper meaning and relational characteristics. This prayer relates us to God, relates us to oneself and to our fellow brothers and sisters. In relation to God, the prayer teaches us to relate to God as 'our Father', as the One who is accessable and approachable. Jesus teaches us to feel the presence of God in our prayer as the One ready to listen and answer; all the same, without diluting the divinity of God to give our praise and honour to Him and making a decision to carry out His will. In relation to oneself, this prayer teaches us to depend on God like His child for our daily needs (food), struggles (temptations) and His mercy (forgiveness of our sins and deliverance from evil) in our lives. And in relation to our fellow brothers and sisters, the prayer teaches us to love and forgive everyone. The theme of forgiveness strikes out to emphasize that God's forgiveness depends on our life of forgiveness shown for one another.

Dear friends, our life of prayer must make us more human so as to being able to relate to everyone. The first reading shows a beautiful example of Paul as being able to relate. When he perceived a danger that was looming in the community of Corinth, immediately he shows his concern for them. He doesn't remain indifferent but reminds them about the truthfulness of his life and teachings. This is how he was able to relate with the believers without hesitation. 

The gospel passage invites us to deepen our bonding with God, oneself and one another; a bond that is able to dispell enemity, hatred and indifference. Jesus reminds us today to be connected to God as our own Father; the One who is willing to listen to us and do for us what we wish. Therefore, let the occasion of our prayer become an occasion to relate to God personally as our Father. The prayer should make us open to disclose ourselves before the Lord for our needs and wishes. This way we show our trust in God. Lastly, the prayer must make us open to forgive those who hurt or harm us and establish a good relationship with everyone; so as to relate to everyone with openness and love.

Let's pray that may our prayer-life make us more relational and loving.