HOMILY OF MONDAY IN THE 24TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A
1 Timothy 2:1-8, Luke 7:1-10
THEME: OUR DEBT OF PRAYERS
To attain peace in our own lives, it is imperative that we desire peace for those around us. Personal tranquility cannot exist in a society plagued by chaos. Our initial focus in prayer should be directed towards the well-being of others, for it is through these selfless prayers that we ultimately reap the greatest benefits for ourselves.
Paul said to Timothy in the first reading, “My advice is that, first of all, there should be prayers offered for everyone – petitions, intercessions and thanksgiving – and especially for kings and others in authority, so that we may be able to live religious and reverent lives in peace and quiet. To do this is right, and will please God our saviour: he wants everyone to be saved and reach full knowledge of the truth.”
If we wish evil for others what they have done to us, we are inviting more of evil upon ourselves, because whatever happens to them must surely have a ripple effect on us.
A good example of selflessness is what we see in the centurion, in today’s gospel, who came to Jesus to plead for his servant who was sick. He was a good man who has been a pillar of support for the synagogues. His good gestures towards the society won him an access to Jesus.
It should be noted that our prayers have the potential to position individuals with compassionate hearts within the government, as the policies they implement invariably affect us.
May our prayers for others always reach the throne of God.
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