RAISING OUR SPIRITUAL STANDARD

HOMILY FOR 7TH SUNDAY OF YEAR A

THEME: RAISING OUR SPIRITUAL STANDARD

R1: Lev 19: 12; 17 -18

R2: 1 Cor 3: 16 - 23

 Gospel: Mt 5: 38 - 48

Today’s first reading begins with a strong and challenging demand; “Be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am holy.” This statement sets the pace for today’s reflection. Thus, we may ask, what is the intention of this demand?

In ancient tradition, holiness means “setting aside, reserved for God or different from others.” People, places and objects  were set aside, apart from others for religious purposes. These were declared holy because they were reserved for God or for religious purposes only and were never to be confused with other things of circular use. The people of Israel were called holy because they were set aside by their covenantal relationship and were to live a life different from others by following the commandments of God. 

Therefore, when the first reading of today says, “Be holy…” it is demanding that we must be different from others. It is challenging us that through our character we must show that we have been set apart for God because of our special commitment as Christians. This does not mean a physical separation rather it is a demand for an interior separation, that is, to lead a life different from others. The life we should lead must reflect the life of God, who loves all without segregation. God sends rain to the just and unjust; He does not only love those who love him, he forgives even though we have slapped Him on the face many times, He does not treat us according to our sins (an eye for an eye). He is compassionate and love. This character must always reflect in the lives of His followers. We must learn to love like God, not just our lovers like the world does, but our enemies as well. The simplest way to demonstrate love for the enemy is by praying for their repentance instead of destruction.This is the meaning of being holy as our God is holy; it is putting up the right attitude.

Why must we act this way, why must we be holy, why must we put up this attitude? St Paul in the second reading answers, because,  "We are temples of the Holy Spirit, and God lives among us." The implication of being the temple of the Holy Spirit recalls three instances:

 1. We are created in the image and likeness of God (Gen 1:26-28).

2.  And after the creation of man, God breathed upon him His Spirit, and he became a living being (Gen 2:7).

3. During our baptism and confirmation in a special way, we received the Holy Spirit.

These instances present us to the forefront of reflecting that which is us. They challenge us to put into practice what is in us. Like St Paul would say, we must be ready to fan into flame the gift of God in us (2 Tim 1:6). These challenge us to raise up our spiritual standard and never to remain in the ordinary level. This is the meaning of holiness for which the readings challenge us to embrace. Refusing to fan into flame that spirit in us or lowering our spiritual standard will attract rejection, destruction, and condemnation by God.

Therefore, let us brace up for action, let us reflect what and who we are.

 May God help us to raise our spiritual standards, Amen.

Homily by 

Rev Fr Chukwuemeka Vincent Livinus, SMMM.