Homily – Monday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Theme: “Mercy That Waits, and a Call That Won’t Wait”


😂 Delayed Commitment

There’s a joke that says, “Lord, I’ll follow You—but first, let me finish this series, fix my life, and find Wi-Fi!”
We often want to follow Jesus… later. But Jesus says: “Follow Me—now.”

📖 1. First Reading – Genesis 18:16–33: Abraham Pleads for Mercy

Abraham and the Lord look down toward Sodom. God reveals His intention to destroy the city for its great sin.
But Abraham does something surprising—he intercedes.

“Will You indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked?”

Abraham boldly, yet humbly, negotiates with God—pleading down from 50 to 10 righteous people.

This reveals:

  • God’s patience and mercy

  • Abraham’s heart for others, even the undeserving

God is just, but His mercy is ready to respond to even a small spark of righteousness.

This challenges us:

  • Do we pray for others the way Abraham does?

  • Are we aware of the gravity of sin—and the greatness of God’s mercy?

🎶 2. Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 103: God Is Compassionate and Gracious

The psalm echoes what Abraham trusted in:

“The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger and rich in compassion.”

We are reminded:

  • God forgives our sins

  • He heals our wounds

  • He redeems our lives from destruction

But this mercy is not to be taken lightly—it’s a call to respond with conversion and courage.

🛤️ 3. Gospel – Matthew 8:18–22: A Call That Cannot Wait

In today’s Gospel, Jesus sees the crowd and gives a challenging word to potential disciples:

“Foxes have dens, birds have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.”

And to the one who says, “Let me first go and bury my father,” Jesus replies:

“Follow Me, and let the dead bury their dead.”

Why so radical?
Because discipleship is urgent.
God’s mercy is vast—but the time to follow is now.

Jesus isn’t cruel—He’s cutting through delay.
He’s saying: “Don’t let anything come before Me—not even good things.”

🔥 4. Mercy and Mission

Put together, these readings show a beautiful balance:

  • Genesis shows God’s deep mercy—He listens to intercession.

  • The Psalm reminds us that mercy is available to all.

  • The Gospel shows that mercy calls for a total response.

Don’t delay when Jesus calls.
Don’t presume mercy while avoiding the mission.

🇿🇦 5. A Word for Us Today

In our world—our South Africa—where sin, injustice, and suffering cry out like Sodom…
God is looking not to destroy, but to find intercessors like Abraham
and disciples like those Jesus calls.

He is still asking:

  • “Will you pray for the world like Abraham did?”

  • “Will you follow Me with your whole heart, even if it costs comfort?”

💬 Quote for Reflection

“Mercy is not a free pass—it’s a loving call to rise, follow, and become new.”
– Pope Francis

🧠 Conclusion – Mercy Is Waiting, Are You?

God is merciful, patient, and ready to spare.
But Jesus reminds us: mercy is not a reason to wait—it’s a reason to get up and follow.

Say yes today.
Let your life be a response to the mercy that found you.

🙏 Prayer for the New Day

Lord Jesus,
You call me today, just as I am.
Give me the courage to say “yes” without delay,
and the faith to follow without conditions.
Like Abraham, help me intercede for others.
Like the psalmist, help me trust in Your mercy.
And like Your disciples, help me rise and walk the path You set before me.
I offer You this day—my heart, my time, my life.
Amen.

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