HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 1ST WEEK OF ADVENT (1)

HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 1ST WEEK OF ADVENT

HOMILY THEME: THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS WITHIN YOU

BY: fr. Francis Onwuali

HOMILY: The key message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is that the Kingdom of God or the Reign of God is imminent, and also at the same time, immanent. It is the power of God at work in the lives of those who trust and honour God as their King and Lord. In Christ Jesus, the Kingdom is already established in our midst, we also await His second coming when all will be subjected to Christ’s Kingship. We are to spread this Kingdom!

Jesus in the gospel today (Matt. 9: 35- 10: 5-8) is reminding us that a lot of laborers are needed to harvest the much ripe fruits of the Reign of God. As Jesus empowered His disciples and sent them out, our baptism has empowered us to become laborers in the Lord’s Vineyard by preaching the Good News both in word and action. Our task is to bring good tidings, to be agents of hope, joy and restoration.

Isaiah in the first reading (Is. 30: 19-21, 23-26) encouraged the weary believers that a time is coming when God will establish the divine rule which will usher in abundance of goodness, peace and joy. A manifestation of God’s love and compassion.

Dear friends, our God is a God of compassion and love, and God hears the cry of all who call out to him. We are the instruments through which such cry will be answered. This is why God wants us to make ourselves available to be used by God to bring God’s uplifting and compassionate works in our midst.

I pray as we journey in life today, let us not be afraid to stand with and for God. When God calls, He Himself equips and empowers. May through us, broken hearts be healed, and the wounded be bound up (Ps. 147: 3-4). Let us seek the Lord while He is still to be found, and call to Him while He is still near (Is. 55: 6).

Have a mission-full day!