YEAR A: HOMILY FOR THURSDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY (2)

YEAR A: HOMILY FOR THURSDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY

HOMILY THEME: WE ARE A PEOPLE UNDER ORDERS

BY: Rev. Fr. Jacob Aondover ATSU

HOMILY: READINGS: DEUTERONOMY 30:15-20, PSALM 1, LUKE 9:22-25

As we journey through this second day of Lent, may we listen to Christ telling us, his disciples that he MUST undergo the cross (Lk. 9:22, 17:25, 24:7). He knew that he had a destiny to fulfil. God’s will was his will. This explains why he was always definite about his Father’s commands: ‘I must be in my Father’s house’ (Lk. 2:49); ‘I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom’ (Lk. 4:43) and others. Nothing could stop him from carrying out the will of his Father. This is an onerous challenge to us Jesus’ followers; for like our Lord, we are people under orders, orders that must be kept if we are to have a place in eternity.

One of such orders given to us today is that we MUST carry our crosses and follow in the steps of Jesus; that so, we may be saving our souls come eternity. Beloved, if nothing could stop Jesus from doing his Father’s will, nothing should stop us from following him either. The cross Jesus asks us to carry is simple ‘being ideal Christians’; Christians who would choose life and good by obeying the commands of God. Christians who would heed Moses’ call by walking always in the ways of the Lord, keeping his statutes and ordinances (Deut. 30:15ff). Brethren, the reward for ‘being ideal Christians’ is sure; abundant blessings from the Lord, life and health, then eternity at last.

However, to those of us who wouldn’t carry Jesus’ cross, that is, follow his way by doing the Father’s will, denying ourselves (pleasures and glories of the world); taking up our crosses (suffering want, trials and persecution in his name), but rather, disobey God’s statutes, commandments and ordinances; his curses will surely follow and their life will be lost eternally in Hades. We may care to be wary!

Lent affords us ample opportunity to die to ourselves and live in Christ, to lose our life here on earth by denying ourselves of the glamour and vain glories of the world in order to win the ultimate prize – eternity. It calls us to love God, hearken to his voice, cling to him hence live for length of days and dwell in the land of promise – heaven.

Regardless of the many inconveniences of life, we’re invited to follow Christ this Lent by:
√•PRAYING more.
√•FASTING more.
√•Being more CHARITABLE through almsgiving.
May we FEED AND EDUCATE ONE…