Short homily for Monday of the 27th week in Ordinary Time Cycle I

Theme: Stay with your calling!

By: Rev Fr Oselumhense Anetor (Uromi Diocese)

Homily for Monday October 4 2021

(St Francis of Assisi).

Jonah 1:1-2:1,11; Luke 10:25-37

Once in while, we must pause, and ask ourselves the reason for our existence. We were created to know, love and serve God in our neighbour. When God sent Jonah to preach to the people of Nineveh, Jonah was reluctant. But in a series of events, God persuaded him to stay true to his calling. In the same way, we all are called to be good Samaritans to one another. We must like the Samaritan in the Gospel reading, go the extra mile to help our brothers and sisters.

Friends, in St Francis of Assisi, we see one who truly understood love of God and neighbour. He made a full turn around from being a rich kid to embracing poverty, and owning nothing. I remember him as that Saint who saw the good in everything and everyone. He gave up his inheritance to serve the poor and the needy. He could really sing; and it was he who founded the Order of the Franciscans. There’s just too much to say about him. There’s something of the zeal of Francis that reminds us of the Apostle Paul; the manner in which he abandoned the life he used to know, to follow the one God called him to lead. Can we do the same?

Good morning, God bless your week ahead. St Francis of Assisi, pray for us.