Short homily for Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle I

Theme: Stand Firm!

By: Rev Fr Oselumhense Anetor (Uromi Diocese)

Homily for Monday November 15 2021

St Albert the Great, Bishop and Doctor.

1Macc.1:10-15.41-43.54-57.62-64; Luke 18:35-43

Today, we’re introduced to Antiochus Epiphanes, son of Antiochus the king; who had been a hostage in Rome. He began to reign in the one hundred and thirty-seventh year of the kingdom of the Greeks. During his reign, all kinds of abominations befell Israel. Many abandoned the Holy Covenant of God, mingled with the Gentiles, and did all kinds if evil. But there were many in Israel who stood firm and were resolved in their hearts not to eat unclean food. They chose to die rather than to be defiled by food or to profane the holy covenant.

Dear friends, it pays not to follow the crowd. The blind man in the Gospel reading of today would never have received his sight if he paid attention to those who asked him to be silent. As the Church remembers St Albert the Great, we recall his resolve and resilience. Born in Germany, he studied at Padua and Paris before entering the Dominican Order. It is said that Albert was one of the greatest philosophers of the Middle Ages, because of his interest in science and astronomy. In 1260, he became Bishop of Regensburg, but he resigned after three years. In his lifetime, he made great efforts to secure peace between people and between cities. He died at Cologne in 1280.

Good morning dear. God bless your week ahead. St Albert the Great, pray for us.