Homily for January 21, 2020

Our Scriptures readings today show us that there are extraordinary opportunities within what seem like very ordinary lives. Seemingly mundane encounters with family and friends can hold the key to our peace and holiness in the sight of God. It was not David’s older, stronger brothers that God chose to be king; it was the young man himself, because of what God saw in him. For “not as man sees does God see, because he sees the appearance, but the Lord looks into the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)

Questions about our purpose in life are raised by today’s Scripture readings, questions often raised by Pope Francis in his homilies: “Do I put my life actively at the service of others, seeking to serve them in the ways that today’s people need if they are to hear the Gospel?” “Do I appreciate the potential in other people, despite their limitations?” “Do I appreciate my own potential, despite my limitations?” “Am I more appreciative of others than judgmental of them?” “How well do I live out the principle of mercy stated by Jesus when He said, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath?” 

Such questions have been asked by Pope Francis, promoting a Gospel of Joy, and they invite us to ponder whether we are living out our faith to promote the love and mercy of God, or to pronounce judgment on others.+