THURSDAY HOMILY, 2ND WEEK IN ADVENT YEAR B (St John of the Cross, Priest, Doctor)

THURSDAY HOMILY, 2ND WEEK IN ADVENT YEAR B (St John of the Cross, Priest, Doctor)

THEME: The Kingdom and violence!

By: Rev Fr Oselumhense Anetor

Imagine how desperate men are when they intend to storm a city and take it over? This is what Luke must have meant when he speaks of “the violent taking God’s kingdom by storm.” However, our parallel gospel from Matthew is slightly different. Mathew says the kingdom of God has suffered persecution at the hands of violent men from the time of John the Baptist. Nonetheless, Jesus’ actual saying must have included both meanings.

It’s not news for instance that saints are often arrested and thrown into prison; even killed. John of the Cross was ‘desperate’ to reform the Carmelite order, as he was encouraged to do by St Theresa of Avila, but was thrown into prison for trying. However, like John the Baptist, he didn’t give up. In fact, it was in prison that he wrote one of his greatest spiritual works, “The Dark Night of the Soul.” Friends, even though there will always be persecution, only those who hold on desperately to God’s kingdom shall get in. Are you desperate for heaven?

Good morning dear. God bless your day ahead. St John of the Cross, pray for Us.

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