Homily for Thursday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time (Cycle II) with the right texts:

📖 Colossians 3:12–17; Psalm 150:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6; Luke 6:27-38



Introduction

A little boy once prayed: “Lord, make the bad people good, and the good people nice.”
Sometimes the hardest part of being Christian is not avoiding sin, but being nice—showing kindness, patience, and forgiveness even when others make it difficult. Today’s readings remind us that love and mercy are the heart of Christian life.

The Word of God

  • First Reading (Colossians 3:12–17):
    Paul gives us a “Christian wardrobe.” He says: “Put on compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” Just as we carefully choose our clothes each morning, we are invited to clothe ourselves in Christlike virtues daily. Above all, he says, “Put on love,” which binds everything together.

  • Psalm 150:
    This joyful psalm reminds us that every action of our lives should be a hymn of praise to God. With every breath, we are called to live gratefully.

  • Gospel (Luke 6:27–38):
    Jesus sets a high standard: love your enemies, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. He calls us to a radical mercy that mirrors the Father’s love. The key phrase is: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”

Connection of the Readings

Colossians tells us how to dress as Christians, Psalm 150 tells us why we live this way—to glorify God—and the Gospel tells us how—through mercy, forgiveness, and love that goes beyond human logic. Together they form a complete Christian lifestyle: clothed in virtues, living for God’s glory, and showing mercy to all.

Reflection Questions

  1. Each morning, what spiritual “clothing” do I choose—patience or irritation, love or indifference?

  2. Who in my life is hardest for me to forgive or love? What step can I take toward them today?

  3. Do my words, actions, and relationships give praise to God like the psalmist invites?

Implications for Daily Living

  • In this Jubilee Year of Hope, choosing compassion over anger makes us witnesses of hope.

  • In the Synod on Synodality, being merciful listeners—even to those we disagree with—embodies Christ’s teaching.

Inspiration / Motivation

True Christian strength is not in power, but in mercy. To forgive when hurt, to love when rejected, and to bless when insulted is to live like Jesus.

Quote for the Day

“Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” – Colossians 3:14

Final Thoughts

If we want to know how Christian we are, we should ask: How do I treat those who cannot repay me? How do I respond to those who dislike me? The measure we use for others will be the measure God uses for us.

Concluding Prayer

Lord Jesus,
clothe me today with compassion, kindness, humility, and patience.
Help me to forgive as You forgive,
to bless even those who hurt me,
and to love without conditions.
May every action of my life give praise to You,
so that others may see Your mercy in me.
Amen.

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