HOMILY OF 23RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME — YEAR B
HOMILY OF 23RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME — YEAR B
HOMILY THEME: BE STRONG, FEAR NOT!
BY: Fr. Sylvanus Amaobi
Isaiah 35:4-7, James 2:1-5, Mark 7:31-37
Dear brothers and sisters, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).
The presence of God among His people brings salvation, restoration, and vindication. It restores confidence and courage to those who are frightened and afraid because of the evil and problems of the time. The presence of God amongst His people gives them strength, courage, liberty, joy, and healing. This is the message of Isaiah in the first reading (Isaiah 35:4-7). Isaiah tells us to “be strong and fear not” and proclaims, “Here is your God. He comes with vindication; with divine recompense, he comes to save you.” One thing the devil uses against us is FEAR. Fear beclouds good judgment. Fear makes us unable to stand for God and His truth. Fear makes it difficult to be a true, genuine, and sincere witness to the Gospel message. St. Paul reminds us, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).
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HE DID ALL THINGS WELL
Jesus Christ healed those who came to Him with various ailments, sicknesses, and diseases. In today’s Gospel, Jesus Christ healed a deaf man with a speech impediment (Mark 7: 31-37). Just as Isaiah prophesied, the eyes of the blind will be opened, the ears of the deaf will be cleared, the tongue of the mute will sing, and the lame will leap like a stag because of Him. The people were astonished at this great miracle of Jesus Christ, but it was the proof of God being with His people. In their astonishment, they exclaimed, “He has done all things well.” Every day, the life of Jesus Christ challenges us as Bishops, Priests, or baptized Christians. Can it be said that we did everything well in pasturing the flock, doing the pastoral ministry, and discharging the duties entrusted to us? Incidentally, the actions of some of us, ministers of God and faithful Christians alike have caused erosion of faith. We have caused so many to lose faith in God and confidence in us.
The people who brought the deaf man to Jesus Christ had faith in Him. They believed that He could perform such a miracle, and they begged Him to. Jesus is the Lord and is still capable of bringing healing to the hearts of those suffering pain caused by sin, the victims of abuse, and those in distress due to the bad things that are done to them. He is capable of healing the emotional and psychological hurts inflicted on these innocent and wonderful individuals. He is capable of reviving the hearts suffering from disillusionment. Let us continue to trust in the healing power of Jesus Christ. Brethren, let us confidently approach God’s throne of grace so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in this time of need (Hebrews 4:16).
Always remember that Jesus loves you!
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