YEAR II: HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE 5TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME (1)
YEAR II: HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE 5TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
HOMILY THEME: There is joy and gain being in the presence of God
BY: Rev. Fr. Callistus Emenyonu, cmf
HOMILY: READINGS: 1 kings. 8: 1-7
YEAR II: HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE 5TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
HOMILY THEME: There is joy and gain being in the presence of God
BY: Rev. Fr. Callistus Emenyonu, cmf
HOMILY: READINGS: 1 kings. 8: 1-7.9-13, Ps. 132, Mark 6: 53-56
There is always a joy being in the presence of a beloved and trusted friend or anyone who improves your lot and gives you joy. This is the same for those who make Jesus their special friend. Such people find joy in the visitation of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. It is sad and discomforting staying without a loved and cherished someone; one experiences a lack and inner deprivation of peace and joy. The people of Israel had lived without their God in a befitting temple and after Solomon had finished the big temple of Jerusalem which his Father David initiated, he saw the urgency and need to dedicate the temple and bring in the Ark of the Covenant which is the presence of God in their midst. This ceremony witnessed great assembly throng with joy. The entrance of the Ark of Covenant changed the whole atmosphere and made the Shekinah Glory manifest in the pillar of Cloud.
Beloved, how much do you value the presence of God in your life? How much do you recognize God as dwelling in a special form in his Temple? It is a special privilege to live and be allowed to build the Lord your God a dwelling place. David was prepared to build the Lord a temple but God denied him of that privilege and gave it to Solomon. Today Solomon has been aided by God to finish his temple and he has the joy to dedicate it to the glory of God. Many people grumble when they are asked to help towards the building of God’s house. Many do not see the need to build God a befitting dwelling place. Some people do not even see the glory of God in the Church when they enter for any liturgical celebration. The time the Ark was put in its place and the people recognized his majesty, he manifested his presence and made them feel blessed and gracious. Except you step up in the spirit and recognize that in your midst is the Holy One of Israel you would not behold his glory.
Beloved, there is joy and satisfaction being in the presence of God. When people find and discover the benefits of being with the Lord, they would not like to leave his Holy presence. This is why in the gospel today, the people who recognized his presence ran out to meet him. They brought the sick, the troubled, the distressed and those in various needs to come and enjoy his presence. Those who recognize the great benefits of being in his Holy presence never stayed without him and always encourage others to do so; they bring people to him who were also satisfied at his presence. People beg to touch the fringe of his garment and by doing so with faith they witnessed miracles. What of you who not only touch his garment, touch him in his Eucharistic specie, eat him and drink his blood? Does it make a difference in your life as you closely relate with him in the Eucharist?
May the Lord assist us with his grace to desire his presence and to identity his glory in our midst. May each time we go to his presence with any need see us happily receiving it. May the Lord show his presence in our life predicaments in a pillar of clouds. Lord, give me the joy of continual presence in your sight, Amen.
Rev. Fr. Callistus Emenyonu, cmf
