HOMILY OF THE 26TH THURSDAY IN ORDINARY TIME — YEAR A

HOMILY OF THE 26TH THURSDAY IN ORDINARY TIME — YEAR A

HOMILY THEME: “For the country is filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters swell over the sea.”

BY: Bishop Anthony Ewherido

Isaiah 11:1-10, Ps. 72:1-2,7-8,12-13,17, Ephesians 2:13-18, Matthew 2:13-15,19-23

Today’s first reading, a prominent Advent message of hope, spoken to Israel amidst her struggles and troubles, remains very appropriate and relevant to our world, and particularly, our country, Nigeria, as we celebrate Independence Day: the 66th Anniversary of the visible end of colonialism. In those years, Nigeria has longed for true peace and true nationhood, but things have just gotten worse by the day. Today, many believe and are convinced that no one heeds their cry.

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Our nation is soaked in blood from crises, corruption, insecurity, dehumanization, persecution, hunger, disease, degradation, failed leadership at different levels, banalization of the wonderful God-given natural and human resources, and deceptive religious practices. Many despair and give up; a tiny few remain hopeful. Those who feel the brunt of the rot groan and moan; the few beneficiaries (minority) see nothing wrong and do everything possible to maintain the status quo, that is, stabilize the downward trend and the rot. “God no go gree!” Let all cry to God in sincere faith; rededicate our nation and ourselves to God in Christ Jesus, repent of our sins and ask for deliverance, and start a spiritual warfare for the restoration of what we have lost. For this purpose, Nigeria was dedicated to the motherly care of the Blessed Virgin Mary. May she help us in our battle against the forces of evil. As we move toward general elections once more, let us resolve to put our country in the right direction. Let us shun electoral corruption and malpractice. Let us resolve to have a free and fair election, devoid of rigging, ballot box snatching, thuggery, violence, vote buying and selling, fixing of election results, and do-or-die politics. All voters must be guided by their consciences and we must all vote and defend our votes. If we do otherwise, our suffering will not abate, and may even get worse. May God guide our nation, heal our wounds and steer us onto the path of peace, progress and prosperity.
Outside Nigeria, today is celebrated as the feast of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, Virgin and Doctor of the Church, who was known for her simplicity, holiness, love of the Scriptures and her pragmatic spiritual life. She is also known as the Little Flower of Jesus and patron of the mission and missionaries, of those suffering from terminal illness, of florists and gardeners, and of orphans and homeless.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Amen.

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