💖 HOMILY - AUGUST 23 💖

First Reading - Ezekiel 37:1-14

Gospel - Matthew 22:34-40

Mother Teresa once profoundly stated, "The greatest disease... today is not TB or leprosy; it is being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for." This observation reflects a deeper issue that plagues our society—an absence of love, which has led to numerous social and global conflicts. Why do we see so much violence, enmity, revenge, and hatred in the world? The root cause is a lack of love. At times, we, too, find ourselves surrounded by such negativity, and today's readings invite us to revisit and embody the commandment of love that Jesus taught as the cornerstone of Christian life.

In the first reading, we witness how God sustains the hope of the dispirited people of Israel during their exile. The vision of the dry bones coming to life serves as a powerful symbol of Israel's restoration. Through this vision, the prophet Ezekiel conveys a message of hope, reminding the people that even in the bleakest circumstances, God can bring new life. This hope is not passive but calls the people to trust in God's promise of renewal and restoration.

The Gospel passage continues this theme of hope, centering on Jesus' core teaching: the commandment of love. When the Pharisees, attempting to trap Jesus, ask Him which is the greatest commandment, His response is simple yet profound—love. Jesus summarizes the entirety of the law with two commandments: "You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind," and "You must love your neighbor as yourself."

The first commandment Jesus emphasizes is about loving God with our whole being—heart, soul, and mind. This means that our love for God should be total, undivided, and encompass every aspect of our lives. It calls us to prioritize our relationship with God above all else, dedicating ourselves entirely to Him.

The second commandment, to love our neighbors as ourselves, challenges us to extend the same care, concern, and compassion that we naturally have for ourselves to others. It is a call to empathy and selflessness, urging us to seek the well-being of others with the same intensity that we seek our own.

Dear friends, when we genuinely follow the commandment of love, hope is always present. A world governed by love would be free of misery, exploitation, threats, and mischief. Instead, it would be filled with peace, understanding, and joy.

Unfortunately, in today's world, the word "love" is often misused and exploited for selfish gain. But the love that Jesus speaks about is true and selfless—it is the desire for the good of others, regardless of circumstances. To love God with all our heart, soul, and mind means striving to please Him in everything we do. We please God by aligning our will with His and living according to His teachings. To love our neighbors as ourselves means to seek their good, no matter how challenging the situation may be, just as we care for ourselves.

This commandment of love is the very essence of our Christian identity and the law by which we are called to live. There are countless people in the world who feel unloved, uncared for, and unwanted. It is our responsibility as Christians to become instruments of God's love, reaching out to those in need and transforming lives through genuine care and compassion.

May God grant us the grace to live out His commandment of love every day, bringing hope and healing to a world in desperate need of it.