Put God First-Always–Homily–9th Sunday after Pentecost

Fr Thomas Atamian (Guest Priest)’s homily for the 9th Sunday after Pentecost, 08/08/2022.    In the first reading today, Isaiah calls Israelites to task for celebrating ritual sacrifices and living evil lives. Isaiah tells the Israelites to refrain from doing evil–putting other things before their regard for God.  In the second lesson, Paul writes to the Hebrews, telling of Abraham’s faith in following God’s directions, even to the point of sacrificing his oldest son, Isaac. God responded to Abraham by letting Abraham know that he was putting God first–before all else, even his love for his son. In our lives we put many things before our love for God–money, our families, our jobs, and more. We need to remember to put God first.  Jesus said, “Love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment.” (Matthew 22: 37-38)

(Readings: Isaiah 1: 1, 10-20; Psalm 50: 1-8, 23-24; Hebrews 11: 1-3, 8-16; Luke 12: 32-40)

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