WEEKDAY HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE 4TH WEEK OF LENT (1)

WEEKDAY HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE 4TH WEEK OF LENT

THEME: ONENESS WITH THE FATHER

BY: Fr. Francis Onwnali

HOMILY: Today is the Optional Memorial of St. Cyril of Jerusalem, bishop and doctor of the Church. He became bishop of Jerusalem in AD 348 and was exiled from his “cathedra” – Chair, about three times at the height of Arian controversy (heresy that denies the divinity of Christ). In his Catechesis, much of which were directed to catechumens during Lent as a preparation for baptism, he sets out the true teachings of Christianity and Scripture and the Tradition of the Church. A defender of the faith!

The readings of today are challenging us to re-examine our relationship with God. Is it a relationship built on trust or on doubt? In the first reading (Exod 32: 7-14), the Israelites who have only been declared God’s Chosen People, through the covenant at Sinai, have turned their back on God and chosen to follow their own path- worshipping idol.. However, through the intercession of Moses, God relented on the punishment intended for them.

In the gospel (John 5: 31’47), Jesus continues to highlight His Oneness with the Father. The Scribes and Pharisee were still bent on not accepting the testimonies presented by Jesus identifying Him as the Messiah and One with the Father.

Dear friends, the whole drama of divine revelation is to draw us into the communion of love within the Godhead- Father, Son and Holy Spirit. When drawn in, not only do we understand God, we come to understand ourselves more in relation to this communion in love. How do I respond to this love I have been called into? Do I jump ship when there is storm on the way and abandon God or do I remain firm, knowing that He is ever faithful? At this time when most of our worship centers are inaccessible because of the present global plague, it is an opportunity to deepen our relationship with God and be deeply connected to one another spiritually.

I pray as we journey in life today, we will recall God’s abundant and selfless care for us. May the memories of such unconditional love as Moses recalled today, move us to change our ways and turn to God in a loving and steady relationship. God is unchanging in His care and love for us. May we be open to God’s movement in our lives and seek to know Him more. Have a renewed relationship day!

Fr. Francis Onwnali