Readings: Hosea 10:1-3, 7-8,12; Psalm 105; Matthew 10:1-7
In the First Reading of today, we heard about the effect of riches and success on the people of Israel. The first four lines summarise the error of the chosen people.
Israel was a luxuriant vine yielding plenty of fruit.
The more his fruit increased, the more altars he built.
Instead of her blessing drawing her closer to God, it drew the heart of Israel far from God and she became proud and self-indulgent.
This is a lesson for us – no matter our privileges and blessings, no matter our circumstances, whether exaltation or deprivation, no matter the power, authority, affluence or influence we have in life, we must never lose any of these three things:
A. Our Godliness
B. Humility of heart
C. Goodness of character.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus called twelve disciples and gave them power and authority. With this came responsibility. As much as we are grateful for our call and all the privileges that we enjoy in life, may we never allow them to distract us from God and from living a good life; rather, may we strive to remain humble, faithful, godly and kind to others.
Sermon preached by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Baraka-Gukena Okami on July 6, 2022