2026 Cycle A - 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Copy)

Readings

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Ezekiel 33: 7-9; Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9; Romans 13: 8-10; Matthew 18: 15-20

Homily Theme

Responsible Love

What is the greatest commandment that fulfills all others?  Jesus has told us that first and foremost we must love God with all of our being, but then we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. How do we fulfill this Command from God to live our lives with a Responsible Love? The readings today, show us what is required if we are to be saved, and what will be our destiny if we do not love   responsibly.

In the first reading, Ezekiel tells the people of their responsibility to warn those who are not living their lives according to God’s laws. He says not only will the wicked die unsaved, but so also will those who neglect to warn the wicked of their ultimate destiny. For us, this means, if we do not warn our family members and friends of their responsibility to live according to God’s laws, they will be lost for all eternity but so will we, because of our of our lack of Responsible love for them.  Priests, teachers, parents and friends are bound as Christians, to lovingly tell others when they are living a sinful life style. Those of us who do not have the courage to do this, will also have to answer to God for our lack of courage to do so.

In the Second Reading, Paul outlines some major sins that must be avoided and he reminds us of God’s Command to love our neighbor. In the Gospel Jesus tells us how to approach our neighbor who has sinned. The overall theme today is how we are to love our neighbor which is an essential requirement for those who are true disciples of Jesus. We must have a Responsible Love for all, if we, are to be saved

God loves us with a love more than anyone on earth loves us. More than our parents, spouses, children, grandchildren or best friends, love us: more than we love them. Nobody loves us more than God. He loves us so much that he became one of us and died an excruciating death on a cross for us, so that we can live with Him in love forever. If we want those we love on earth to be with us forever, we must warn them when their lives are being lived without God. We must warn those, with a Responsible Love, all who are not listening to the teachings of the Church, which is God’s voice on earth.  This is the least we can do for them if we want them to be with us and God forever. If we neglect to do this, we too, will be lost and we and those whom we claim to have loved will be without God in darkness forever. Is that what we want? Think of it, an eternity in Hell.  This is why I have written this homily today.  I am fulfilling my obligation to love you responsibly. If you have a love one you need to approach with today’s message, let this homily do it for you.  Just forward it to them with love for them and pray that they accept it in love.

I have done my part in love for you:  will you do it now for them?