YEAR A: HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE 3RD WEEK OF ADVENT (1)

YEAR A: HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE 3RD WEEK OF ADVENT

HOMILY THEME: GOD’S WILL MUST PREVAIL

BY: Rev. Fr. Jacob Aondover ATSU

HOMILY: READINGS: ISAIAH 7:10-14, PSALM 24, LUKE 1:26-38
My dear friends in Christ among the many lessons accruing from the gospel reading, I’d like us to consider Mary’s ‘fiat’, her ultimate ‘yes’ which for many theologians occasioned the world’s redemption. Living in a time when virginity was most prized and cherished and losing it before marriage incurred death by stoning; Mary acted out of the ordinary by accepting to beget Christ. According to William Barclay, “Mary’s submission was a lovely thing. ‘Whatever God says, I accept.’ Mary had learned to forget the world’s commonest prayer – ‘Your will be changed’ – and to pray the world’s greatest prayer – ‘Your will be done.” This ‘yes’ of Mary contributed immensely in bringing God to the world and today we say with utmost confidence that God is with us.

Unlike Mary, Christians of today use substitutes for submission. We give every good reason we have as to why we can’t submit to God. Instead of accepting God’s call, we reject it giving excuses that are simply flimsy. We use the sacrament of reconciliation as a substitute for the actual reconciliations we have pending outside the confessional; we also use Holy Communion as a substitute for the communion with our brothers and sisters that should be fostered when Mass is over etc. Mary took a leap into a mystery she was yet to fully understand and she has become a model for us. We may do well to hearken to God’s commands knowing that in the end, our good is primary.

As the virgin mother is in labour pursuant to the birth of the world’s saviour, may we prepare the homes of our lives and tidy up the mangers of our hearts so that Emmanuel can have a restful abode hence remain with us forever. May we learn to see God in our homes, in our work places, and in our businesses. We may also do well to see God in our personal lives, in our children, our streets and markets. May we also see God in our offices, in our farms, in our Churches and in all facets of our lives.

Like Mary, we are called to bear Emmanuel in our lives thereby making our lives blessed and favoured by God. “Heavenly Father, as much as we have failed you and derailed from the right path; we are still your children. Do not desert us Oh Lord. Show us the ultimate sign, the saving sign which is Emmanuel. Come to us, stay with us and abide with us now and always. Amen.

FEED ONE, EDUCATE ANOTHER