Homily Notes: Giving the Gift of Your Patience

Homily Notes:  St. Luke 6: 31-36

And as you wish that men would do to you, do so to them.  If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.

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What is the key to living well?  [What is the key] To being the best husband, wife, mother father, friend – indeed the best human being possible?  How can we become the men and women we were meant to become; the kind of people that bring peace and healing to their families and communities, and the kind of people that belong with all the saints in the everlasting kingdom God has created for them?  How can we have the kind of contentment and joy that God desires for all of His children?

The short answer is that we need to “become holy as God is holy” (Leviticus 20:26; St. Peter 1:16).  But that is a bit too pat; it’s like telling someone; if you want to be a millionaire, first: find a million dollars.”  It’s true, but not entirely helpful.  It begs the question; “so how do I become holy?” 

Another answer that we often hear is that everything is possible through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).  All of you are here; all of you have accepted Christ.  You know of God’s love for you, but you are ready to take it to the next level; to have peace no matter what is happening in and around your life. 

Today’s Gospel gives us some simple instructions; if we follow them we will gain the kind of grace that will allow us to become “holy as God is holy.”

We have to be merciful and make charity our automatic response to every situation. 

  • Conditional response: do good to people because you fear retribution or punishment.  This is the actions of a slave.  God does not want slaves.
  • Conditional response: do good to those who do good to you; love and sacrifice to your friends.  Do good because you expect a reward.  This is better: it is the actions of a servant or employee.  But God does not want mercenaries.  
  • Automatic response: to do good because you have become good.  To love because you have become holy.

The Lord knew our weaknesses and psychology from the inside; he knows that this approach will work for us. 

Application: think of patience as a gift you offer.  Give it to enemies and friends.  It will be hard, but you will become patient – and you will be well on the road to holiness.