HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 19TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II (2)

HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 19TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II

THEME: Let the little children alone, and do not stop them coming to me; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.

BY: Fr. Diotacious Chikontwe SMA

HOMILY FOR SATURDAY AUGUST 13 2022

*READINGS OF THE DAY*
Ezekiel 18:1-10,13,30-32
Psalm 50:12-15,18-19
Matthew 19:13-15

*LITURGICAL COLOUR*
Green

*ABOUT OUR FIRST READING*
In our first reading today from the Book of the prophet Ezekiel, we heard of the words of the Lord calling on all of His people to repent from their sins, telling them to turn away from the path of wickedness and evil, as He told all of them of what they were all expected to do as His people, in doing what is right and just according to the Law and the commandments which He had bestowed to them. The people had not been faithful to those Law and commandments, and they often neglected their obligation to fulfil the precepts and expectations of the Covenant which God had made with them and their ancestors.

*ABOUT OUR GOSPEL READING*
Jesus in today’s gospel tells the apostles who are stopping the children from approaching Him: “Let the children come to me and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
In this gospel episode, Jesus is angry, but He is certainly not angry with children or with those who are bringing them to Him. He is annoyed with His own disciples, which is unusual for Him. No doubt the disciples want to shield Jesus from the nuisance of noisy children.

*CONCLUSION*
It was not uncommon for parents to take their children to the synagogue for a blessing. But Jesus was much more than a wise rabbi. He was the fount of blessing. Mark’s Gospel relates that Jesus took them into his arms. Jesus held nothing back. Watch the scene unfold as he embraced each one. They may have been unconscious of the blessing they were receiving, but it was given wholeheartedly and with a burning desire that not one of these children be lost. Who can we bring to Jesus for his blessing? We trust in the intercessory power of prayer as we place them in Jesus’ arms for his blessing for their salutary good.

*LET US PRAY*
Lord Jesus, let me not impede anyone from coming to you. Instead help me to be an active participant in bringing many people to you. Bless those whom I offer to you today through Christ out Lord, Amen.

Fr. Diotacious Chikontwe SMA