HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 2ND WEEK OF LENT (2)

HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 2ND WEEK OF LENT

HOMILY THEME: God will neither always find fault in us nor persist in his anger forever.

BY: Rev. Fr. Callistus Emenyonu, cmf

HOMILY: READINGS: Micah 7: 14-15. 18-20, Ps. 103, Luke 15: 1-3, 11-32

One thing so surprising about God in his dealings with humanity is that he uses a child-like attitude. He behaves as if he does not remember our failings or the greatness of our iniquities; like a child who forgets easily the wrongs done him and goes out to play and dine with the offender within a very short time. This is the attitude of God that is sustaining humanity which should serve as an opportunity to return and not to tease at him nor take him for a ride.
This is what the prophet Micah in the first reading capitalized on in his prayer. Who is a God like you pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever because he delights in mercy. This is what we know about this God of ours. He does not change from this attitude since it is part of his being and he treats every generation likewise even you and I benefit in this.

This is an attitude that is lacking in human beings. They count on wrongs and wait for opportunity to revenge; they do not see the chance in others to change but once condemned remained so forever. This is depicted in the attitude of the Pharisees as they murmured against Jesus’ child-like attitude and merciful nature. Their problem was that Jesus refused to distance himself from sinners and leave them condemned forever. Why is he so soft, kind, forgetful, light-hearted, so considerate, forgiving and merciful? Is he not going to keep malice and eternal anger on these sinners? Do they deserve any other chance? These questions murmured to the knowledge of Jesus who knows our hearts and minds received a big answer in his parable in today’s gospel.

What sin can the child commit against his Father and his Father if really is his Father would wish him lost and dead forever? Is there a sinful act of a child that should make his Father harden his heart and watch his child perish? Such a man would not really be a father and if he is would certainly not be a true father to that son and has no blood tie with him. Jesus referred to this when he made a comparison with earthly parents: You humans though wicked as you are yet know how to give good things to your sinful and undeserving children, what do you then expect me a good and ever-loving God to do for my own children made in my own image and likeness especially when they come back to me to ask for any need?

In this period of Lent, God demonstrates his ever-readiness to overlook and forgive our in-numerous and grievous sins. Isaiah referred to this when he said: Though your sins are red as crimson and scarlet I shall make them white as snow and wool. (Is. 1:18) He only wants us to realize our mistakes and return back to our right conscience and be contrite. This is why he invites us to come and reason together with him in Isaiah. At anytime we do this sincerely and make effort to return, his mercy shall meet us on the way and embrace us. He shall graciously remove the disgraceful garment of sin from us and clothe us with grace. Our rotten feet that treaded on evil paths shall be washed and clothed with righteousness. Henceforth we shall become celebrities and be celebrated by heavenly hosts. God is waiting for your return to rejoice because you are lost and now found, dead but now given opportunity to be alive again. This is what this season of Lent means to achieve in your life; a true return and re-union with God.

May his mercy continue to meet us that we may not take his patience and mercy for granted and remain in sin till grace abounds? God forbid that this should happen in our lives. We pray that we may utilize this forgiving and child-like attitude of God and return so that in our lost situation in sin we may have the grace to judge well our distant and miserable condition and pick up courage to return back to God in whom we have our freedom and redemption. We pray that this year’s Lent may kill our habitual sinful lives and change us for good. May the grace of God make us realize that where we are is not good for our soul and have the courage to return back and to hate our past sinful lives, Amen.

Rev. Fr. Callistus Emenyonu, cmf

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