by Fr. Tommy Lane
We have GPS and satellite navigation guidance and all sorts of helps to assist us finding our way when we travel. God has given us navigation helps to guide us through life: the commandments. The commandments are a gift from God to help us enjoy life by not getting lost along the way. That is why our first reading said, “observe them that you may have life.” (Deut 4:1) Not only are they a gift from God but they are also a sensible way to live. the reading states, “they will demonstrate to peoples your wisdom and understanding.” (Deut 4:6) The Lord said to the people through Moses, “And what great nation is there that has laws and customs to match this whole Law that I put before you today?” (Deut 4:8)
Above all, God has given us navigation for life in the words of Jesus to us. Other navigational aids God has given us are the Bible, and the teaching of the Church. Thank God for all the helps he has given us for our journey through life. God’s navigation is to help us find happiness in life. Our second reading today, the letter of James, reminded us;
Accept and submit to the word which has been planted in you and can save your souls. But you must do what the word tells you, and not just listen to it and deceive yourselves. (Jas 1:21-22)
There are many temptations and attractions all telling us that they are offering us happiness but any happiness they offer is shallow and not lasting. Sin is sin and never brings happiness only unhappiness. Only by following God’s navigation will we arrive at our destination safely and find true happiness. It is the only way to life and the only way to guide us safely through the storms of life.
If we get lost and lose our way, we can return to the Lord in the Sacrament of Reconciliation because he is all merciful and rejoices over sinners who repent. There is more rejoicing in heaven over one repentant sinner than over ninety-nine who have no need of repentance. (Luke 15:7) I conclude with the words of our Psalm:
Lord, who shall dwell on your holy
mountain?
He who walks without fault;
He who acts with justice
And speaks the truth from his heart.
He who does no wrong to his brother
Who casts no slur on his neighbor. (Ps 15:1-3)
Copyright © Fr. Tommy Lane 2000
This homily was delivered in a parish in Ireland.
More homilies for the Twenty-Second Sunday Year B
Jesus’ prescription for holiness and purity 2012
Being friends with God by living his commandments 2021
Related Homilies: Love flows from the Heart of Jesus to us: Cor ad cor loquitur 2019
Eat what you want but love your neighbor! 2011
The ten commandments forming our conscience
stories about the commandments