HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B (2)

HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B

HOMILY THEME: FROM THEOCRACY TO DEMOCRACY ( 1 SAM 8:4-7,10-22)

BY: Rev. Fr Livinus Chibueze

HOMILY:

The voice of the people often could lead to error as well as to right decision. Discernment of voices is often a necessity for lack of which would lead to blunders akin to the one Pontus Pilate made against Jesus as well as the one Aaron made in the wilderness concerning the golden calf.

In the passage above Samuel faces one of the greatest ordeals of his life as Israel is about to launch into a new phase of nationhood – from Theocracy (God governing Israel through His Eternal Laws which serve as national constitution) to Democracy (where people will rule themselves with man-made constitution).

Samuel sees it as an offence for two reasons : one, they show ingratitude to him after his flawless service to the Lord even though none of his sons followed in his footsteps. Two, he sees it as a rejection of Yaweh's government.

This happens to us many times especially when we manage a given seat of authority. We become afraid of sharing power. A sitting government refuses to leave office even when his term has done no good to his subjects. The president of CWO, CMO, CYON etc. refuses to share power.

However Samuel though angry was humble enough to inquire from the Lord who tells him that the rejection is not about him but about He, The Lord. But He tells Samuel to remind them of the consequences of being ruled by a human king who has many weakness. Israel after hearing them insist on their demand. They simply want to be like other nations without realizing that they are a special people. Sometimes we want to wear clothes other people wear simply because we want a sense of belonging with the people while being separated from God.

What is the result of their tumult? Saul son of Kish who didn't last on the throne. Most decisions we take in our life follows democracy which lasts a short term instead of theocracy which lasts forever.

Dear friend refuse the popular voice and follow the voice that calls you to God. I wish you a blessed Friday!!!