HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT YEAR B (2)

HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT YEAR B.

HOMILY THEME: OUR GOD CARES; HE FEELS OUR PAINS AND HE DESIRES OUR HAPPINESS

BY: Fr. Evaristus Abu

HOMILY:

“Yea, O people in Zion who dwell at Jerusalem; you shall weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when he hears it, he will answer you. And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide himself any more, but your eyes shall see your Teacher.” Isaiah 30:19-20.

Have you ever been sad before? If yes, how do you think God felt about your sadness? Today’s Gospel passage answers that question: “When he (Jesus) saw the crowds, he had COMPASSION for them, because they were harassed and helpless like sheep without a shepherd…”

God takes no delight in our sadness and pains. He always wanted our happiness, that was why he created us and Christmas is a proof that God still cares for mankind. God saw the troubles that had befallen the human race and he decided to send his only begotten Son to the world that man may be liberated from the shackles of sin and darkness.

As much as God cares for us, we must bear in mind that we are the instruments of God’s love and care to our fellow human beings. Yes, God wants to bring us healing, he wants us to have life to the full, God wants the best life for us but everything that God wants to give to us has to come through certain persons.

That is why we see Jesus commissioning his disciples in our Gospel passage this morning giving them power and authority over unclean spirits and diseases. Jesus knew he could not physically meet the thousands of people crowding around him so he gave power and authority to continue his work.

The question is, do I realize I am a disciple of Jesus? How well am I using this power and authority? Do I delight in putting smiles in people’s faces; telling them the truth or freeing them from captivity of sin and demonic possession?

Or do I do the very opposite? In other words, do I take joy in watching the misfortunes of others? Dear friend, if the price of your laughter is the tears of another person, then you are not a Christian. If you are constantly waiting for bad news from others so as to happily gossip about them, it simply means you are yet to encounter Christ.

If Christ is in you, you become an epitome of joy; not only do you become a joyful person, you just spread the joy of Christ wherever you go. People are happy to be associated with you because you bring joy and not pain.

Lastly, we must bear in mind that as soon as Jesus gave his disciples this power, he immediately warned them not to use this power as a commercial product. Hence he said: “You received without pay, give without pay.” As a disciple of Jesus today, can it be said of me that I give without charge?

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, make me an instrument of your joy and power. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saturday of the 1st week of Advent. Bible Study: Isaiah 30:19-26 and Matthew 9:35-10:1-8).