Homily for Tuesday of 3rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle II

Theme: And Christ appeared to a Terrorist!

By: Rev Fr Oselumhense Anetor (Uromi Diocese)

Homily for Tuesday January 26 2022

(Feast of the conversion of St Paul).
Acts 22:3-16; Ps.117:1-2; Mark 16:15-18

I have not lost any family member to the violence in Southern Kaduna and other parts of the country, neither have I lost anyone to Boko Haram terrorism in the North East. So I do not have a direct feel of the pain that those who have must feel. But I do see gory pictures and hear sad tales about how human beings like me have been slaughtered, maimed and persecuted. Those who have been slain are human beings first, before they are Muslims, Christians or anything else. I know it must be extremely difficult to tell these persons to continue to pray for the conversion of these fanatics and extremists.

But look at Paul’s story in today’s first reading. He wasn’t any different from the average terrorist; at least as far as Christians in that era were concerned. Saul even believed he was doing God’s will. Sounds familiar? Did God strike him dead? No way! Christ appeared to him personally and channeled his zeal to something worthwhile. We must learn something from God’s attitude to us sinners, no matter how much pain and bitterness we nurse. For God, what matters is the conversion of sinners, not gathering of arms, and killing others in supposed self defense. May the intercession of St Paul bring about true conversion to those who persecute the faith today, Amen!

Good morning dear. God bless your day ahead. St Paul, pray for us!