25 October 2026 · Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A
Love of God and Neighbour: The Foundation of Peace
Exodus 22:20-26; 1 Thessalonians 1:5-10; Matthew 22:34-40
What does God expect of us? In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives us a clear answer: “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” He immediately adds a second commandment: “You must love your neighbour as yourself” (Matthew 22:37, 39). These two commandments summarise our Christian faith and show us the path to genuine peace.
The first reading from Exodus makes this love practical. God commands His people to protect the stranger, the widow, the orphan and the poor. True love of God cannot be separated from concern for the vulnerable. We cannot claim to love God while exploiting others, neglecting the needy, spreading falsehoods or remaining indifferent to the suffering of our neighbours.
In the second reading, St. Paul praises the Thessalonians because they received the Gospel with conviction and became examples of faith to others. Their lives demonstrated what they believed. This reminds us that Christianity is not merely knowing prayers, attending Mass or possessing religious knowledge; it is allowing the Word of God to transform our attitudes, relationships and daily conduct.
This is particularly important as we begin the 2026–2027 Pastoral Year in the Diocese of Kumbo, themed “Rebuilding Peace through the Intensification of Catechesis,” inspired by the words: “My people are being destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). Many conflicts, divisions and injustices grow where people do not adequately know God’s Word, understand their Christian responsibilities or respect the dignity of others. Catechesis must therefore go beyond memorising doctrines. It must help us to understand our faith, live it faithfully and become instruments of reconciliation and peace.
What, then, must we do? Let every family make time for prayer and the reading of Scripture. Let parents teach their children not only how to pray, but also how to forgive, tell the truth and respect others. Let Small Christian Communities become schools of faith, mutual support and reconciliation. Let our parish catechesis form Christians who reject hatred, tribalism, corruption, gossip and violence, and who actively promote justice, solidarity and peaceful coexistence.
Dear brothers and sisters, we cannot rebuild peace without learning the ways of Christ, and we cannot claim to know Christ without loving our neighbour. Let us deepen our knowledge of the faith, put it into practice and teach it by the example of our lives.
May the Holy Spirit help us to love God wholeheartedly, serve our neighbours generously and make our homes, Small Christian Communities, parish and society places where the peace of Christ is known and experienced.
Love God. Love your neighbour. Know your faith. Live your faith. Rebuild peace!