Homily Friday, March 13, 2020 Cycle II

Readings: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/031320.cfm

Today’s Scripture Message is don’t let envy and jealously infect your life, your behaviors.  Jewish Wisdom tells us, “There is no way to peace, peace is the way.”  [Connections, 3/13/2020, modified]

God want us to be the world’s peacemakers, peace can come no other way.  Jesus gave us the example of the Father of the Prodigal Son; he loved both sons.  The younger son told his father to drop dead, the older son told him to get lost; the father keeps loving them and trying to help them produce good fruit, good fruit in God’s vineyard.

How?  How can it be done?  How can we produce good fruit in God’s vineyard?

By deepening our love for Jesus and allowing Jesus to guide our lives and our actions.  Lent is our time with Jesus, a time to renew our discipleship and strengthen our relationship with Jesus.  

St. Francis de Sales recommends the we “Atone for an Angry Act by an Act of Gentleness Toward the Person who made you angry.”

As disciples of Jesus called to be peacemakers may we pray not only for a quick end to the coronavirus pandemic, but also serve God and those around us by being attentive to those who may need our help to deal with this situation. 

Take a few minutes today and think about how you can be peace maker and a helper in your family, your place of work and your community.

May God Be Praised!