Friday of the Third Week of Lent (Homily/Sermon)

Loving God with All Your Heart


Have you ever tried to use a cellphone with a low battery? It slows down, some functions stop working, and eventually, it switches off. The same happens to our spiritual lives when we don’t stay connected to God. Today’s readings remind us that true strength comes from loving and listening to God with our whole hearts.

A young man once asked his grandmother, “Gogo, how did you stay married to Mkhulu for 50 years?” She smiled and said, “We made a deal—whoever got angry first had to walk outside and pray. That’s why, after all these years, I know my neighbourhood very well!” Just like this grandmother, today’s readings invite us to listen, love, and stay connected to God.

  • Hosea 14:2-10 reminds us to return to the Lord. God is not waiting to punish us—He is like a loving parent, always ready to embrace us.

  • Psalm 81 echoes this message: If we listen to God’s voice and follow His ways, He will provide, protect, and bless us.

  • Mark 12:28-34 presents the greatest commandment: Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love your neighbour as yourself. Jesus tells the scribe, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” This means that love is not just a feeling—it is a way of life.

At every Mass, we experience God’s greatest act of love through the Eucharist. Jesus gives Himself fully, inviting us to respond by loving Him and serving others.

Question for Reflection

Am I truly loving God with all my heart, or am I distracted by other things?

  • Take five minutes today to pray and reflect on God’s love.

  • Show love to someone in need—call a friend, forgive an old grudge, or help a stranger.

If you are feeling burdened, remember: God does not abandon His children. Like a father welcoming a lost son, He waits for you with open arms. Trust in His love.

What Can I Do During the Jubilee Year?

  • Strengthen your prayer life.

  • Participate in acts of service and charity.

  • Spread hope by sharing kindness wherever you go.

No matter how broken or tired you feel, God’s love is never-ending. Keep walking in faith, and He will renew your strength.

Loving God is not about saying the right words; it’s about living in His love every day.

Our country needs love, healing, and unity. As Christians, let’s lead by example—choosing forgiveness over hate, peace over division, and faith over fear.

God calls us not just to know His commandments, but to live them. May we love Him with all our hearts and extend that love to others.

Lord, teach me to love You with all my heart, soul, and mind. Help me to love others as You have loved me. Amen.

As we say in isiZulu, "Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu"—a person is a person through other people. Love for God must be reflected in how we love each other.

Inspiration Quote

"Let all that you do be done in love." – 1 Corinthians 16:14


Comments

  1. MillyMarch 28, 2025 at 12:47 AM

    I thank God for this affirmation. I posted a video on tiktok a few days ago when I spike of - among other things - the Commandment to love God with all our hearts, minds, and soul; and I can't help but be at awe to see today's Gospel! God speaks..

    I pray for growth in my Faith and in my love for God! May I love Him how He Commandments me to love Him.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Mathibela SebothomaApril 6, 2025 at 10:02 PM

    May you be blessed Milly

    ReplyDelete

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