HOMILY FOR THE 3RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C

HOMILY FOR THE 3RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C

HOMILY THEME: ANOINTED TO ANNOUNCE THE GOOD NEWS

BY: Fr Peter Gabriel Okon

Nehemiah 8:2-6, 8-10, 1 Corinthians 12:12-30, Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21

On September 30th, 2019, the Holy Father, Pope Francis in his Apostolic Letter, “Aperuit Illis” meaning “Opened to them” titled after Luke 24:45 where Jesus opened the minds of His disciples to understand the scriptures, instituted the 3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time every year as the Sunday of the Word of God. Central to this celebration as highlighted in the document is to fan to flame our desire as Christ Faithful to own the Word of God, study the Word of God, celebrate the Word of God, live the Word of God and share the Word of God with others. This is the core of the call to discipleship. The readings today will help us to reflect on the centrality of the Word of God and its transforming effects.

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Discovering and living ones purpose in life is one of the most soothing, peaceful and fulfilling experiences in life. Ezra and Nehemiah in the first reading led the great reformation, bringing the Israelites back to the worship of Yahweh and rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem. St. Paul in the letter to the Corinthians affirms that our purposes and mission in life are joined together under Christ Jesus, who is the head of the Body and we the members. Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Gospel reading was living His mission as captured in Isaiah 61:1-2, which He read to the hearing of all in the Synagogue. As believers, our mission and life purposes can only find it’s meaning and vitality when rooted in Christ Jesus, inspired by the Word of God and geared towards propagating the message of the Kingdom of God.

The first reading today, helps us to reflect on the post-exilic experience of the Israelites. After the Babylonian exile, many of the Israelites abandoned their faith and were living as unbelievers, pagans, until Ezra, and later joined by Nehemiah gathered them together. These two were the champions of the spiritual and structural reformation, inspired by the sharing of the “Word of God” which is alive and active in every age and time. This reminds us of the centrality of the Scriptures in our lives as Christians. It directs, guides, inspires, shapes and lead to discovery of destinies and purposes in life. As Ezra the priest proclaimed the Word of God, the people once more acknowledged the immensity and power of God, bowing in reference to worship Him, leading to transformation of their hearts and lives. This is a testament to the transforming and redeeming power of the Word of God in our lives.

The responsorial psalm; “Your words O Lord, are Spirit and life” further affirms the vitality and centrality of the Word of God in our lives. We cannot live a purpose driven life without the scriptures as our guide. His Words are perfect, it revives the soul, they are ever steadfast, giving joy and wisdom to the simple. (Ps. 19:7). This is where we as Pastors, parents and teachers of faith have a duty to lead those under our care to come to cherish and hunger for the Word of God by frequently sharing the Word of God with them, for “ignorant of the Scriptures is ignorant of God” says St. Jerome.

Today, in the Gospel reading , Jesus Christ while in the Synagogue presents before the people His mission and purpose. Quoting from the book of Isaiah; “ The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach Good news to the poor, He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord” (cf. Isaiah 62:1-2, Luke 4:18-19). He concluded by stating that this prophecy is fulfilled in their hearing. This is so, because He was at the moment living out what was spoken many years by Isaiah. However, for His followers, we are called to embody His mission. As He speaks to us daily through the scriptures, it should inspire us to become agents of reformation in the world, bringing about healing, justice, hope and liberation. As priests and pastors in particular, the mission of Christ is the same mission we are called to share. Do we bring Good news to the poor? Set free the oppressed? Bring hope and life to the despaired? This calls us to re-examine our attitude to the call.

St Paul in the second reading calls us to reflect on the importance of unity in diversity. The Christian community in Corinth as at the time had issues of divisions and competitions arising from mismanagement of various gifts. Though our purposes and mission are different, just as our gifts and charisms, each of us most work towards the common good of the Body of Christ, the Church. We need each other as we work towards achieving our visions and missions in life. But when we see ourselves or our gifts as higher than others, spiritual pride, competition and division sets in and we grieved the Spirit of God. It most not be so amongst us Christians. When properly utilized under the guidance of the Word of God, our gifts should bridge all differences, heal divisions leading to spiritual and physical growth of the Church.

Beloved in Church, as the people of God, the Church whenever we gather to share the Word of God, it should inspire and challenge us to change our sinful ways and embrace the love of God as the Israelites of old did, when the priest, Ezra shared the scriptures with them. Our gifts, whether of teaching, of prophesy, of healing, of tongues or interpretation of tongues should help us to serve God and our neighbour better and not make us isolate ourselves from the community. Jesus Christ, the Word of God made fresh, and the new High Priest of our faith has entrusted the mission of spreading the Good news to us, let us do so in communion with the Church and in union with all people of goodwill.

Heavenly Father, bestow upon us your Holy Spirit, so that living under the guidance of your Word, we may be inspired to remain active members of the Body of Christ, the Church, using our gifts to fulfill the mission you have entrusted to us through Christ our Lord Amen.
Have a blessed Sunday.

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