Saturday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time – Homily

Readings: 2 Corinthians 5:14–21 | Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12 | Matthew 5:33–37
Theme: “Ambassadors of Reconciliation: Living with Integrity and Grace”

Introduction

Today’s readings bring us face to face with the heart of Christian life: being reconciled with God and one another. As we honour the Ordinary Time, and move through the Jubilee Year of Hope, we are reminded that every moment is a chance to rebuild, to forgive, and to live with purpose.

Story

A young boy once tried to impress his grandmother by reciting the Ten Commandments. He got stuck halfway, so he just added, “And never lie unless you’re telling someone they look good!” She laughed—and then gave him a long look! It’s funny how we twist the truth when it suits us.

Jesus today tells us: Let your ‘yes’ be ‘yes’ and your ‘no’ be ‘no.’ A gentle but direct call to honesty.

The Word of God

In 2 Corinthians, St Paul tells us that we are new creations in Christ and ambassadors of reconciliation. He reminds us that it is God who takes the first step, who reconciles the world through Jesus and then entrusts us with that mission.

The Gospel from Matthew 5 continues Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, urging us to be truthful in word and deed. Jesus is not abolishing the law but fulfilling it by calling us to a deeper, interior integrity. We are invited to live a faith that’s not just ritual, but radical honesty rooted in God’s truth.

Eucharist

At the table of the Lord, we receive Christ—the one who reconciles heaven and earth. In the Eucharist, we are not only fed, but transformed, renewed, and sent out as living signs of God’s grace.

Question for Reflection

  • Am I an agent of peace and reconciliation in my family and community?

  • Do I speak and live with integrity?

Daily Practical Application

  1. Speak truth with love—not to hurt, but to heal.

  2. Initiate peace—say sorry or forgive someone you’ve avoided.

  3. Live transparently—be the same person in private and in public.

For Those Who Encounter Difficulties

If you feel burdened by guilt, past mistakes, or broken relationships—take heart. God is always ready to welcome you home. Like the psalm says, He does not treat us according to our sins, but with mercy.

Let God start the healing. And let your life reflect His mercy.

What Can I Do During the Jubilee Year?

  • Reconcile with someone you’ve been estranged from.

  • Volunteer in a justice or healing ministry.

  • Make your words and your promises trustworthy.

Inspiration | Motivate | Empower

You are not too broken to be a healer. You are not too flawed to carry the message of hope. Let God’s mercy overflow in you—and through you—to the world.

Pilgrims of Hope

As Pilgrims of Hope, we walk with courage—not because the path is easy, but because the One who walks with us is faithful. We are clay, yes, but we carry treasure. We are cracked, but still chosen.

South African Touch

In South Africa, where we long for more honesty in public life, let us start in our homes, in our parishes, in our WhatsApp groups. Let our “yes” mean yes. Let our witness be real. That’s how we rebuild trust—brick by brick, truth by truth.

Inspiration Quote

"Integrity is not perfection—it’s consistency in grace."

Conclusion

Let us strive to be ambassadors of reconciliation, living with grace and truth. May we become walking sermons, whose lives reflect the Gospel we preach.

Short Prayer

Lord Jesus, Make me an instrument of reconciliation. Heal what is broken in me, and help me walk in truth and mercy. May my words be trustworthy, my heart be open, and my life be a reflection of Your grace. Amen.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Image
  Pope Leo XIV: A New Chapter of Hope and Courage for the Church By Fr. Mathibela Sebothoma Photo: Deadline In a moment charged with quiet reverence and global anticipation, the white smoke rose over St. Peter’s Square—Habemus Papam. The conclave of cardinals has elected Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, O.S.A., as the 267th successor of Saint Peter. He has chosen the name Leo XIV , signaling both continuity with the Church’s past and a renewed commitment to mission in our complex and fractured world. Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Pope Leo XIV is a son of the Americas—North and South. His life has been marked by a deep missionary spirit, intellectual depth, and a pastoral heart. Raised in a devout Catholic family of French-Canadian heritage, he entered the Order of St. Augustine in 1977, professed his first vows the following year, and was ordained a priest in 1982. Educated at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and later awarded a Doctorate in Canon L...
Read more
Image
  Friends of St John Vianney Seminary Host Five-Star Inaugural Memorial Lecture and Fundraising Dinner By Fr Mathibela Sebothoma | Pretoria | 24 April 2025 In what is set to become one of the most distinguished occasions on the Catholic calendar in Southern Africa, the Friends of St John Vianney Seminary will host the inaugural St John Vianney Memorial Lecture and Fundraising Dinner on 27 April 2025 , aligning with South Africa’s Freedom Day celebrations. The prestigious event will be held at Akasia Community Hall in Pretoria , aimed at raising crucial funds to support the seminary’s mission and ongoing upkeep. Taking place just one day after the burial of Pope Francis , the gathering will open with a moment of silence in tribute to the late pontiff, placing the evening in both a global and spiritual context. Project Manager and Event Coordinator, Mr Ndhlabule Shongwe , expressed immense gratitude for the public’s enthusiasm. “Excitement is mounting and reaching fever pitc...
Read more
Image
  Short Homily for Monday of the Fourth Week of Easter Theme: My sheep listen to my voice — A Shepherd of Hope 🪕 A while ago, Fr Phuti Eleazar Moabelo  was invited to bless a kraal full of sheep in Limpopo. One curious sheep followed him as if he were its long-lost cousin. The farmer laughed and said, “Father Moabelo, maybe it hears the Shepherd’s voice in your sermons!” — Let’s hope it wasn’t just Fr Moabelo's cologne! 📖 (Acts 11:1–18; Psalm 42:2–3; 43:3–4; John 10:1–10) In today's Gospel, Jesus says: “I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved.” The gate is not just an entrance — it’s a symbol of safety, of welcome, of direction. In Acts, Peter explains how the Gentiles, too, have received the Spirit — a reminder that no one is beyond God’s reach. The Psalm beautifully echoes a deep yearning: “My soul thirsts for God, the living God.” It’s this thirst that drives us toward the gate, toward the Shepherd. ✨ Eucharist Here at the altar, the Good Shepherd...
Read more