Homily for Saturday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time (Cycle I, 2025)



Introduction 

A little boy once complained to his grandmother: “Granny, why do we have to go to church every Sunday?” The wise old lady smiled and said: “Well, if God rested on the seventh day, don’t you think He deserves at least one day from you?”
It reminds us that while rules can feel like burdens, they are actually gifts to bring us closer to God.

The Word of God

  • Colossians 1:21-23 reminds us that we were once alienated from God, but through Christ’s sacrifice we have been reconciled. Paul urges the Christians of Colossae to “remain firmly grounded in the faith” and not be moved by shifting winds.

  • Psalm 54 is a cry of confidence: God is our helper and sustainer, the One who rescues us in times of trial.

  • Luke 6:1-5 gives us the story of Jesus’ disciples plucking grain on the Sabbath. The Pharisees saw only the breaking of a law, but Jesus reminded them that “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”

Connection of the Readings

The first reading stresses fidelity in faith. The Gospel shows us that fidelity is not blind rule-keeping but living in relationship with Christ. The Sabbath was made for life, not for legalism. Jesus Himself is the fulfillment of the law and the true Sabbath rest. Together, the readings point us to a faith that is alive, relational, and centered on Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do I sometimes treat my faith as a set of rules instead of a living relationship with Christ?

  2. What areas of my life still need to be reconciled with God?

  3. How can I keep Christ at the center when pressures of routine and legalism creep in?

Implications for Daily Living (Jubilee & Synodality)

  • The Jubilee year calls us to rediscover freedom in Christ—not chains of rigid observance, but the joy of reconciliation and new beginnings.

  • The Synod reminds us that the Church walks together: our laws, traditions, and structures are meant to bring life, not to stifle it.

  • For South Africa, this means striving for justice and unity, ensuring that our rules and systems serve people and not the other way around.

Inspiration / Motivation

The heart of Christianity is not about burdens but about life in Christ. As St. Augustine, whose feast we just celebrated, once said:
“Love God, and do what you will.”
When love drives us, our actions naturally fulfill God’s will.

Quote for the Day

"The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath." (Luke 6:5)
This is not only about one day of the week but about every moment of our lives.

Final Thoughts & Conclusion

Faith is not slavery but freedom. The Sabbath is not a day of restriction but a gift of life. In Christ, we find our true rest and our true purpose. Let us walk with Him daily, keeping our eyes fixed not on rules for their own sake but on the Lord who gives them meaning.

Concluding Prayer

Lord Jesus, You are the Lord of the Sabbath,
the One who gives me true rest.
Free me from empty ritualism and lead me into a living faith.
Help me to be grounded in You, reconciled in love,
and faithful in all things.
May my words and actions this day bring life to others,
so that together we may journey as pilgrims of hope.
Amen. 

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