Homily, February 19, 2023

As preached by Sister Cecelia

Holy Wisdom Church

Isaiah 58:1-11, 1 John 4:11-18, Matthew 25:31-46

The parable in the gospel this morning has been explained in many ways. Some of the explanations are easily seen; some are much more subtle. I’m sure Jesus did not have anything against goats! But he is trying to warn those who chose evil over good that there are consequences for our actions, both good and bad.

How do we explain or understand that the people gathered there in the parable did not know that they had either responded with love for others or had chosen to ignore the needs of others? It is possible that one just responds to the situation and does not think that it is Jesus being helped or not being helped.

What thoughts would help us be aware of what we are doing and why we might do it—or not?

Become aware. But aware of what? In the free world, an emphasis is developing in our consciousness that we are all one. We are all united in creation. God is the Creator of all that is. God is Trinity, and as Jesus is the face of God, we know that it is a benevolent universe. God is not someone to be afraid of but is on our side, like the Good Shepherd or the Father of the Prodigal Son. If we want to make a difference in this life, seeking our personal perfection is not the goal to aim for, but investing time in learning how to walk intimately with Jesus—in union with the Divine Creator—is our goal.

To grow in our love and knowledge, it is imperative to schedule consistent time in our life to be in God’s presence. Do everything to clear the path of any barriers that stand in the way of taking time to build a deeper relationship with Jesus. Jesus does not ask us to do more for him; he has asked us to be more with him.

An important step to be more with him is to be a person who has let go of the illusion that love flows effortlessly from our fervent warm emotions. Love is much more a choice than an emotion. Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross is not accompanied by an exhilarating sensation. The stress and anxiety of Jesus’ coming passion caused him to sweat blood. Love is other focused. When we love, we order our thoughts, words, and actions to what is in the best interests of the other. Loving others therefore can be difficult and demanding. Allowing God to give us an accepting heart toward others is recognizing that love is a choice instead of an emotion.

God calls us to use the gifts we have been given for the benefit of others to bring about God’s kingdom on earth. Food for the hungry, drink for the thirsty, welcoming the stranger, clothing those who have none, caring for the sick and the weak, helping those in prison, and doing what we can to bring peace and understanding to the world—these actions are what we do when we are more with Jesus. We are with Jesus when we remind ourselves that Jesus is within us. Eventually we will begin to see Jesus in the other. As we walk with Jesus, we become more authentic and more truly humble. When coming to grips with who I am, as accurately as possible in a clear-eyed appraisal of myself, I become more truly humble—that is, knowing myself, with my weaknesses and my strength, with my abilities and my liabilities. From the rejected people we meet in society to our acquaintances and our family, God calls us to love. This love is a decision that we express by accepting others, sacrificially doing both small and heroic acts for them, using our God-entrusted gifts for their benefit, and praying for them. As we grow closer to Christ, his love fills our heart and spills over into every relationship in our life. What helps us to be honest, sincere, and accepting of others and not judgmental, anxious, and afraid? Walking with Jesus, our God.

Christ is in our midst