Saturday, March 26, 2011

HOMILY FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT, YEAR A
Exodus 17:3-7/ Psalm 95/ Romans 5:1-2,5-8 /John 4:5-42
AGORSOR Aaron Agbeshie
THEME: True witnessing requires patience
It takes a deep moment of reflection to remember the blessings of the Lord in our lives. Whenever we face difficult situations in our lives, it is proper that we ponder anew what the almighty has done for us, is doing for us and will do for us. Let us not be quick to complain. God deserves our gratitude.
In the First Reading of today, the people of Israel complain vehemently against Moses to the point of stoning him. Their reason was that they were thirsty. “The people quarreled with Moses and said ‘Give us water to drink…” (Exodus 17:2a). Yet they forgot so soon that God provided them manner from heaven in the previous chapter (Exodus 16). Ungrateful as they were, they sought to stone Moses. The prophet Jeremiah will describe such an attitude so aptly “ For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me the fountain of living water and dug out cisterns for themselves that can hold no water” (Jeremiah 2:13).We too usually abandon Jesus the fountain of living water in search of water in desert places.
The story of Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well is read every year on the Third Sunday of Lent. This story is only found in the Gospel according to John. John assures us that Jesus is that fountain of living water that never abandons his own.
By moving to Samaritan towns, Jesus breaks the barriers of division between Jews and Samaritans. Thus he fulfills what St. Paul says “There no longer distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free but Christ is all and in all!”(Colossians 3:11).
Jesus’ way of witnessing is worthy of emulation. He created a friendly environment for dialogue. He did not allow the Samaritan woman’s question “How is it that you a Jew ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria” to deter or discourage him (John 4:9)? This question seems insulting and could have annoyed Jesus to leave. But Jesus was patient because he wanted to give the woman life.
When Jesus assured the woman that the water he will give her was living water so that she does not come to draw water at the well again, her desire for novelty made her ask for that water. She said “Sir give me give me this water so that I may never be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water” (John 4:15). From every indication, she did not know what she was asking for. The seed of the Word fell on shallow soil and the shoots that sprang up had no root (Matthew 13:20-21). She had made progress but she still had a long way to go, so Jesus patiently dealt with her.
Jesus proved to us that the only way to prepare the soil of the heart for the seed is to plow it up with conviction. That is why Jesus told her “Go call your husband and come back” (John 4:16). Jesus as it were forced her to admit her sin. Indeed, there cannot be conversion without conviction. There must first be conviction and repentance and then there can be saving faith. Jesus had aroused her mind and stirred her emotions but he also had to touch her conscience and that meant dealing with her sin.
Having been convicted of sin, the Samaritan woman began to witness to Christ. She went to the village and told the whole town that she had seen the Messiah. She said “Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done. He cannot be the Messiah, can he? They left the city and were on their way to him” (John 4: 29-30). Thank God she at least heard about the fact that the Messiah will come and perhaps that was the living water she has been longing for.
In this season of Lent, we are called to break the barriers of division, injustice and discrimination in our offices, schools, hospitals, market centres, even in our Church. It is only when we respect and treat each other as dignified persons created in the image and likeness of Christ, can our witnessing be fruitful. We are like fishermen who cast their net into the sea not knowing the type of fish they will catch. The public sinner is a potential witness of Christ.
St. Paul in the second reading justifies why Jesus will break all social and religious barriers and enter into a Samaria in search of a lost soul namely the Samaritan woman. St. Paul says “But God prove his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). This is our hope as Christians. God fulfilled this promise to humanity by becoming man. Thus the Word of God is true when it says “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life” (Proverbs 13:12). So we can all appreciate the fact that at the heart of the Samaritan woman was a seed of immortality; a longing for a day of salvation.
In conclusion, are you in a seemingly hopeless situation? Are you a public sinner? Like the Samaritan woman, it is you Christ wants to use to witness to our generation. There is no hopeless situation at all. This is because we have Jesus, the source of living water, the living water that does not run dry. This woman did not come to faith in Christ immediately. Jesus was patient with her and in this, he sets a good example for us in our personal work and all in the work of evangelisation. Certainly, she was the least likely prospect for salvation, yet God used her to win almost an entire village.

Friday, March 18, 2011

HOMILY FOR THE SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT, YEAR A
Genesis 12:1-4/ Psalm 33/ 2Timothy 1:8-10 / Matthew 17:1-9
AGORSOR Aaron Agbeshie
THEME: When God calls, He equips.
It is said that every calling is great when greatly pursued. Today’s Liturgy reminds us of our own calling. God called each one of us according to his plan and purpose. This calling demands of us faithfulness and dedication. We are assured of God’s grace to accomplish His will for us.
The call of Abraham in the first reading of today reminds us of our own calling; our calling as pilgrims. We are called to our eternal home which demands of us total faith in God’s providence. God said to Abraham “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you” (Genesis 12:1). Abraham did not even question God but trusted in God. He acted swiftly and with urgency.
The Lord assured Abraham “I will make of you a great nation and I will bless you and make your name great so that you will be a blessing” (Genesis 12:2). The power of God is even able to make us fruitful when nature gives up on us. As old as Abraham was, he had a desire for novelty. Not only did God promised to make Abraham fruitful, but that he will be a blessing to his generation. We are the fruits of that blessing.
God also assured Abraham of his protection against his enemies. “I will bless those who bless you and the one who curses you I will curse and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12:3).
We do not live to ourselves and we do not die to ourselves. If we live, we live to the Lord and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s” (Romans 14:7-8). The same is true when God calls us. In the second reading, St. Paul reminds Timothy that God has called him according to His own grace and purpose; a purpose which is rooted in the Suffering, Death and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
St. Paul tells him “ Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner, but join me in suffering for the Gospel, relying on the power of God who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace” (2Timothy 1:8-9a).
We are reminded that our calling entails suffering for the sake of Christ. Therefore, if we think that our calling is to satisfy our whims and caprices, then are priorities are misplaced. The grace to endure our suffering has been given to us by Christ before the foundations of the world (2Timothy 1:9b-10).
When God calls us, He affirms our calling. The Gospel reading affirms the calling of Jesus in two ways namely the appearing of Moses and Elijah who represent the Law and the Prophets respectively and the voice of God Himself which bears witness to Jesus’ mission.
The Transfiguration took place after Peter’s confession of Jesus as the Messiah, Son of the living God at Caesarea Philippi and Jesus’s subsequent announcement of his suffering, and death. Jesus wanted his disciples to catch a glimpse of the glory that awaits him after his suffering; a glory that is not worth comparing to the present suffering he is yet to undergo (cf Romans 8:18).
I remember telling you during the homily for the First Sunday of Lent that after Jesus was tempted’ We are told that the devil left him. But we know that Satan never left Jesus alone. He used Peter to urge Jesus to abandon the cross (Matthew 16:21-23). This means that one victory never guarantees freedom from further temptations. If anything, each victory we experience only makes Satan try the harder. But our hope is that ‘Temptations lose their power when Christ is near’ (Catholic Hymn 356).
In today’s episode, Satan wanted to use Peter again but Jesus triumphed. “Then Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah” (Matthew 17:4). Peter once again wanted Jesus to escape the suffering that awaits him. Jesus’ refusal reminds every Christian that in the Cross of Christ lies our victory. We must all pass through Gethsemane before walking in the glory of Christ.
Peter attempted to derail the plan of God, but “While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them and from the cloud a voice said “This is my beloved Son, with him I am well pleased; listen to him” (Matthew 17:5). The voice of God was to affirm why Jesus must suffer. The disciples must listen to Jesus and allow the will of God to be done.
Therefore, the Transfiguration was God’s way of teaching Peter and his brothers that Jesus is glorified when we deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Jesus. The world’s philosophy is “Save yourself!”But the Christian’s philosophy is “Yield yourself to God!” As he stood there in glory, Jesus proved to the three disciples and to us that surrender always leads to glory. First the suffering, then the glory; first, the cross, then the crown.
In a nutshell, on a hill far away, stood an old rugged cross, an emblem of suffering and shame. In the cross of Christ lies our victory. Jesus died and paid the price. Therefore, we have been redeemed- purchased and set free. Just as God called Abraham, He is still calling people today and affirming their call. So you see, when God calls you, there are multitudes of witnesses affirming your call. Remember that you are not alone.
HOMILY FOR THE SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT, YEAR A
Genesis 12:1-4/ Psalm 33/ 2Timothy 1:8-10 / Matthew 17:1-9
AGORSOR Aaron Agbeshie
THEME: When God calls, He equips.
It is said that every calling when greatly pursued. Today’s Liturgy reminds us of our own calling. God called each one of us according to his plan and purpose. This calling demands of us faithfulness and dedication. We are assured of God’s grace to accomplish His will for us.
The call of Abraham in the first reading of today reminds us of our own calling; our calling as pilgrims. We are called to our eternal home which demands of us total faith in God’s providence. God said to Abraham “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you” (Genesis 12:1). Abraham did not even question God but trusted in God. He acted swiftly and with urgency.
The Lord assured Abraham “I will make of you a great nation and I will bless you and make your name great so that you will be a blessing” (Genesis 12:2). The power of God is even able to make us fruitful when nature gives up on us. As old as Abraham was, he had a desire for novelty. Not only did God promised to make Abraham fruitful, but that he will be a blessing to his generation. We are the fruits of that blessing.
God also assured Abraham of his protection against his enemies. “I will bless those who bless you and the one who curses you I will curse and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12:3).
We do not live to ourselves and we do not die to ourselves. If we live, we live to the Lord and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s” (Romans 14:7-8). The same is true when God calls us. In the second reading, St. Paul reminds Timothy that God has called him according to His own grace and purpose; a purpose which is rooted in the Suffering, Death and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
St. Paul tells him “ Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner, but join me in suffering for the Gospel, relying on the power of God who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace” (2Timothy 1:8-9a).
We are reminded that our calling entails suffering for the sake of Christ. Therefore, if we think that our calling is to satisfy our whims and caprices, then are priorities are misplaced. The grace to endure our suffering has been given to us by Christ before the foundations of the world (2Timothy 1:9b-10).
When God calls us, He affirms our calling. The Gospel reading affirms the calling of Jesus in two ways namely the appearing of Moses and Elijah who represent the Law and the Prophets respectively and the voice of God Himself which bears witness to Jesus’ mission.
The Transfiguration took place after Peter’s confession of Jesus as the Messiah, Son of the living God at Caesarea Philippi and Jesus’s subsequent announcement of his suffering, and death. Jesus wanted his disciples to catch a glimpse of the glory that awaits him after his suffering; a glory that is not worth comparing to the present suffering he is yet to undergo (cf Romans 8:18).
I remember telling you during the homily for the First Sunday of Lent that after Jesus was tempted’ We are told that the devil left him. But we know that Satan never left Jesus alone. He used Peter to urge Jesus to abandon the cross (Matthew 16:21-23). This means that one victory never guarantees freedom from further temptations. If anything, each victory we experience only makes Satan try the harder. But our hope is that ‘Temptations lose their power when Christ is near’ (Catholic Hymn 356).
In today’s episode, Satan wanted to use Peter again but Jesus triumphed. “Then Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah” (Matthew 17:4). Peter once again wanted Jesus to escape the suffering that awaits him. Jesus’ refusal reminds every Christian that in the Cross of Christ lies our victory. We must all pass through Gethsemane before walking in the glory of Christ.
Peter attempted to derail the plan of God, but “While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them and from the cloud a voice said “This is my beloved Son, with him I am well pleased; listen to him” (Matthew 17:5). The voice of God was to affirm why Jesus must suffer. The disciples must listen to Jesus and allow the will of God to be done.
Therefore, the Transfiguration was God’s way of teaching Peter and his brothers that Jesus is glorified when we deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Jesus. The world’s philosophy is “Save yourself!”But the Christian’s philosophy is “Yield yourself to God!” As he stood there in glory, Jesus proved to the three disciples and to us that surrender always leads to glory. First the suffering, then the glory; first, the cross, then the crown.
In a nutshell, on a hill far away, stood an old rugged cross, an emblem of suffering and shame. In the cross of Christ lies our victory. Jesus died and paid the price. Therefore, we have been redeemed- purchased and set free. Just as God called Abraham, He is still calling people today and affirming their call. So you see, when God calls you, there are multitudes of witnesses affirming your call. Remember that you are not alone.

Saturday, March 12, 2011

HOMILY FOR THE FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT, YEAR A
Genesis 2:7-9.3:1-7/ Psalm 51 /Romans 5:12-19/ Matthew 4:1-11great
AGORSOR Aaron Agbeshie
THEME: Man, recognize your dignity
The first Sunday of Lent invites us to reflect on the origins of sin and how sin can alienate us from God. We reflect also on how victory over sin makes us partakers of God’s promises.
From the high and holy experience of blessing at the Jordan, Jesus is led into the wilderness for testing. It is important to note that Jesus was not tempted so that the Father could learn anything about his son, for God had already given Jesus His divine approval. Jesus was tempted so that every creature in heaven, on earth and under the earth might know that Jesus Christ is the conqueror. He exposed Satan and his tactics and defeated him. Thus his victory is the assurance that we too can have victory over the tempter.
Our Lord’s experience of temptation prepared him to be our sympathetic High Priest. “ For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weakness, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15).
The Gospel Reading presents us with the fact that temptations are meant to be overcome. The first temptation of Jesus involved the love of God and the will of God. “If you are the son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread” (Matthew 4:4). Indirectly, Satan was saying that if God loves Jesus, he will not have allowed him to go hungry. Indeed, this temptation sounded like Satan’s words to Eve in Genesis 3. It is a subtle suggestion that our father does not love us.
When we put our physical needs ahead of our spiritual needs, we sin. When we allow circumstances to dictate our actions, instead of following God’s will, we sin. Jesus could have turned the stones into bread, but he would have been exercising his powers independently of the father. But he came to obey the will of his Father.
The second temptation is even more subtle. Satan also quoted scripture. He took Jesus to the pinnacle of the Temple and told him, “ If you are the son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, “ He will command his angels concerning you, and on their hands they will bear you up so that you will not dash your foot against a stone” (Matthew 4:6). Satan quoted Psalm 91. Jesus’ reply “… do not put the Lord your God to a test” (Matthew 4:7) shows that when we do the will of God, He will protect and watch over us. We tempt God when we put ourselves into circumstances that force him to work miracles on our behalf. For instance, a diabetic who refuses to take insulin and argues that “Jesus will take care of me,” may be tempting the Lord. We tempt God when we force him to contradict his own Word. It is important that all believers read the Word of God because it is profitable for daily life (2Timothy 3:16-17)
Satan demands worship from Jesus in the third temptation. “… All these I will give you if you will fall down and worship me” (Matthew 4:8-9). The devil offered Jesus a short cut to his kingdom but Jesus knew that he must drink the cup that his father has offered him to drink. Worship is what Satan always wanted because he has always wanted to be God. Worshipping the creature instead of the creator is the lie that rules our world today (cf Romans 1:24-25).There are no short cuts to the will of God. If we want to share in the glory, we must also share in the suffering.
The reply of Jesus “Worship the Lord your God and serve only him” (Matthew 4:10b) shows that the moment we exchange the worship of God for any other thing, temptations are imminent and they will overcome us.
We are told that the devil left him. But we know that Satan never left Jesus alone. He used Peter to urge Jesus to abandon the cross (Matthew 16:21-23). This means that one victory never guarantees freedom from further temptations. If anything, each victory we experience only makes Satan try the harder. But our hope is that ‘Temptations lose their power when Christ is near’ (Catholic Hymn 356).
While Jesus won victory over sin, Adam and Eve in the First Reading lost the battle. The desire for power, recognition, fame and the like made Adam and Eve to sell their dignity. They exchange their glory for what they were already namely ‘gods’. “Yet you have made them little less than God and crown them with glory and honour. You have given them dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen…” (Psalm8:5-7). What else is man looking for? May be he is not aware of who he is. So like Adam and Eve, if we do not recognize how dignified we are, the devil will exploit our ignorance to his advantage.
In sum, whether one repents or not, the blood of Jesus atones. Perhaps, some people see sorry as a sign of weakness, but it is actually the opposite. An apology is a sign of strength; a sign of love. It is an expression of an enduring relationship that was temporarily derailed by human weakness. During the season of Lent, we rectify the hurt we have caused God and one another. We are invited to address and then pierce through the things that have bumped and bruised our relationship with God and one another. We come together as a community to each say “Sorry” to God and to make amends- but happily and wholeheartedly confident in his response.
HOMILY FOR THE FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT, YEAR A
Genesis 2:7-9.3:1-7/ Psalm 51 /Romans 5:12-19/ Matthew 4:1-11great
AGORSOR Aaron Agbeshie
THEME: Man, recognize your dignity
The first Sunday of Lent invites us to reflect on the origins of sin and how sin can alienate us from God. We reflect also on how victory over sin makes us partakers of God’s promises.
From the high and holy experience of blessing at the Jordan, Jesus is led into the wilderness for testing. It is important to note that Jesus was not tempted so that the Father could learn anything about his son, for God had already given Jesus His divine approval. Jesus was tempted so that every creature in heaven, on earth and under the earth might know that Jesus Christ is the conqueror. He exposed Satan and his tactics and defeated him. Thus his victory is the assurance that we too can have victory over the tempter.
Our Lord’s experience of temptation prepared him to be our sympathetic High Priest. “ For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weakness, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15).
The Gospel Reading presents us with the fact that temptations are meant to be overcome. The first temptation of Jesus involved the love of God and the will of God. “If you are the son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread” (Matthew 4:4). Indirectly, Satan was saying that if God loves Jesus, he will not have allowed him to go hungry. Indeed, this temptation sounded like Satan’s words to Eve in Genesis 3. It is a subtle suggestion that our father does not love us.
When we put our physical needs ahead of our spiritual needs, we sin. When we allow circumstances to dictate our actions, instead of following God’s will, we sin. Jesus could have turned the stones into bread, but he would have been exercising his powers independently of the father. But he came to obey the will of his Father.
The second temptation is even more subtle. Satan also quoted scripture. He took Jesus to the pinnacle of the Temple and told him, “ If you are the son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, “ He will command his angels concerning you, and on their hands they will bear you up so that you will not dash your foot against a stone” (Matthew 4:6). Satan quoted Psalm 91. Jesus’ reply “… do not put the Lord your God to a test” (Matthew 4:7) shows that when we do the will of God, He will protect and watch over us. We tempt God when we put ourselves into circumstances that force him to work miracles on our behalf. For instance, a diabetic who refuses to take insulin and argues that “Jesus will take care of me,” may be tempting the Lord. We tempt God when we force him to contradict his own Word. It is important that all believers read the Word of God because it is profitable for daily life (2Timothy 3:16-17)
Satan demands worship from Jesus in the third temptation. “… All these I will give you if you will fall down and worship me” (Matthew 4:8-9). The devil offered Jesus a short cut to his kingdom but Jesus knew that he must drink the cup that his father has offered him to drink. Worship is what Satan always wanted because he has always wanted to be God. Worshipping the creature instead of the creator is the lie that rules our world today (cf Romans 1:24-25).There are no short cuts to the will of God. If we want to share in the glory, we must also share in the suffering.
The reply of Jesus “Worship the Lord your God and serve only him” (Matthew 4:10b) shows that the moment we exchange the worship of God for any other thing, temptations are imminent and they will overcome us.
We are told that the devil left him. But we know that Satan never left Jesus alone. He used Peter to urge Jesus to abandon the cross (Matthew 16:21-23). This means that one victory never guarantees freedom from further temptations. If anything, each victory we experience only makes Satan try the harder. But our hope is that ‘Temptations lose their power when Christ is near’ (Catholic Hymn 356).
While Jesus won victory over sin, Adam and Eve in the First Reading lost the battle. The desire for power, recognition, fame and the like made Adam and Eve to sell their dignity. They exchange their glory for what they were already namely ‘gods’. “Yet you have made them little less than God and crown them with glory and honour. You have given them dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen…” (Psalm8:5-7). What else is man looking for? May be he is not aware of who he is. So like Adam and Eve, if we do not recognize how dignified we are, the devil will exploit our ignorance to his advantage.
In sum, whether one repents or not, the blood of Jesus atones. Perhaps, some people see sorry as a sign of weakness, but it is actually the opposite. An apology is a sign of strength; a sign of love. It is an expression of an enduring relationship that was temporarily derailed by human weakness. During the season of Lent, we rectify the hurt we have caused God and one another. We are invited to address and then pierce through the things that have bumped and bruised our relationship with God and one another. We come together as a community to each say “Sorry” to God and to make amends- but happily and wholeheartedly confident in his response.

Saturday, March 5, 2011

HOMILY FOR THE NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR A
Deut. 11:18, 26-28, 32/ Psalm 31 /Romans 3:21-25, 28/ Matthew 7:21-27
AGORSOR Aaron Agbeshie
THEME: In your will is our peace.
The Liturgy of the Eighth Sunday in Ordinary time admonished us to worry no more. Human as we are, anxiety feels our hearts because of our limitations. Today’s Liturgy provides us an opportunity to trust in God’s providence. This trust only comes when we obey his commandments and not just pay Him lip service. Paying lips service to God only brings us anxiety and useless worries and eventually alienates us from God. To be alienated from God is the worst thing that can happen to humanity.
In the First Reading, Moses enjoins the Israelites to obey the commandments of God. He charged them in the following words “You shall put these words of mine in your heart and soul and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand and fix them as an emblem on your forehead” (Deuteronomy 11:18). What Moses is emphasizing is the fact that the Word of God should direct all their action. For us too,it must permeate every nook and cranny of our life. Above all, the Word of God must be a lamp to our feet and a light to our paths (cf Psalm 119:105).
Again, Moses reminds them that to obey the Word of God will bring blessings, true joy and peace. However, the converse is true for those who pay lip service to God. Curse will be their portion. Indeed, Moses reminds them that curse will come upon them because they worship a God they do not know. None of us knows what tomorrow brings but as Christians we know who brings tomorrow, God Himself. He is the only one who knows our future; he holds the keys to unlock our successes, our progress and indeed our destiny.
Diligence is required of all who seek God with all their hearts. “You must diligently observe all the statutes and ordinances that I am setting before you today” (Deuteronomy 11:32). When we have diligently sought the Lord He will allow us to find Him. “For without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever approach Him must believe that He exists and He rewards all who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).
It is this diligence in seeking the Lord that the Gospel reading of today calls us to. Today’s context reveals the end times when God will bring everything to judgment. Obedience to the will of God is the test of true faith in Christ. The test is not the babbling of words for “Not everyone who says to me Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21).
How easy for us to learn a religious vocabulary and even memorise Bible verses and religious songs and yet not obey God’s will. When a person is truly born again, he has the Spirit of God living within him (cf Romans 8:9). The Spirit enables him to know and do God’s will. Words are not substitutes for obedience and neither are religious works. Preaching, casting out demons and performing miracles can be divinely inspired, but they give no assurance of salvation. We are invited to put into practice what we hear (cf James 1:22-25). Our hearing must result in doing. “Everyone who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who builds his house on rock” (Matthew 7:24).
The foundation in this parable is obedience to God’s Word; obedience that is an evidence of true faith in God. The two men in this story had much in common. Both had the desire to build a house. Both built houses that look beautiful and study. But when the storm (Judgment) came, one of the houses collapsed. What was the difference? Definitely not the external looks. It was in the foundation: the successful builder “dug deep” and set his house on a solid foundation.
Many of us have professed faith in Jesus, only to deny him when life situations become spiritually difficult and costly.
How shall we test our profession of faith? Is it by popularity because we perform miracles? No, for there are many on the road to destruction and there are many more who are depending on words, saying ‘Lord, Lord’. But this is no assurance of salvation. Even religious activities in the Church are no assurance. The two houses remind us that it is only true faith in Jesus that will last not only in the storms of life but also in the final judgment.
There is a story about an artist who wanted to paint a picture of the prodigal son. He saw an unkempt beggar on the street, a young man with dirty tattered clothes and he asked him to come to his studio and pose. The man showed up the next day, but he was neatly shaven and clean and quite well dressed. When the artist saw him, he exclaimed, “Oh, no, I cannot use you as you are now!
The above anecdote captures what Paul enjoins on us in the Second Reading that “Since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are now justified by his grace as a gift through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:23-24). God asks us to come to him just as we are, admitting that we are sinners who deserve nothing but his mercy. This is humbling but it is the only way we can receive the forgiveness for which Christ paid for on the cross and was accepted and used by God.
In conclusion, we may not openly deny God, but instead we may try to confine Him to some remote corner of life. We keep Him away from our daily doings, associations, obligations, experiences, joys, heartaches and all the commonplace things to keep body and soul together. We need God in all these areas of our lives. He must be seen affecting them for our good and the good of others. As we begin the Season of Lent, let us be reminded that God loves us and He wants the best for us. Have a blissful season.
HOMILY FOR THE NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR A
Deut. 11:18, 26-28, 32/ Psalm 31 /Romans 3:21-25, 28/ Matthew 7:21-27
AGORSOR Aaron Agbeshie
THEME: In your will is our peace.
The Liturgy of the Eighth Sunday in Ordinary time admonished us to worry no more. Human as we are, anxiety feels our hearts because of our limitations. Today’s Liturgy provides us an opportunity to trust in God’s providence. This trust only comes when we obey his commandments and not just pay Him lip service. Paying lips service to God only brings us anxiety and useless worries and eventually alienates us from God. To be alienated from God is the worst thing that can happen to humanity.
In the First Reading, Moses enjoins the Israelites to obey the commandments of God. He charged them in the following words “You shall put these words of mine in your heart and soul and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand and fix them as an emblem on your forehead” (Deuteronomy 11:18). What Moses is emphasizing is the fact that the Word of God should direct all their action. For us too,it must permeate every nook and cranny of our life. Above all, the Word of God must be a lamp to our feet and a light to our paths (cf Psalm 119:105).
Again, Moses reminds them that to obey the Word of God will bring blessings, true joy and peace. However, the converse is true for those who pay lip service to God. Curse will be their portion. Indeed, Moses reminds them that curse will come upon them because they worship a God they do not know. None of us knows what tomorrow brings but as Christians we know who brings tomorrow, God Himself. He is the only one who knows our future; he holds the keys to unlock our successes, our progress and indeed our destiny.
Diligence is required of all who seek God with all their hearts. “You must diligently observe all the statutes and ordinances that I am setting before you today” (Deuteronomy 11:32). When we have diligently sought the Lord He will allow us to find Him. “For without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever approach Him must believe that He exists and He rewards all who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).
It is this diligence in seeking the Lord that the Gospel reading of today calls us to. Today’s context reveals the end times when God will bring everything to judgment. Obedience to the will of God is the test of true faith in Christ. The test is not the babbling of words for “Not everyone who says to me Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21).
How easy for us to learn a religious vocabulary and even memorise Bible verses and religious songs and yet not obey God’s will. When a person is truly born again, he has the Spirit of God living within him (cf Romans 8:9). The Spirit enables him to know and do God’s will. Words are not substitutes for obedience and neither are religious works. Preaching, casting out demons and performing miracles can be divinely inspired, but they give no assurance of salvation. We are invited to put into practice what we hear (cf James 1:22-25). Our hearing must result in doing. “Everyone who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who builds his house on rock” (Matthew 7:24).
The foundation in this parable is obedience to God’s Word; obedience that is an evidence of true faith in God. The two men in this story had much in common. Both had the desire to build a house. Both built houses that look beautiful and study. But when the storm (Judgment) came, one of the houses collapsed. What was the difference? Definitely not the external looks. It was in the foundation: the successful builder “dug deep” and set his house on a solid foundation.
Many of us have professed faith in Jesus, only to deny him when life situations become spiritually difficult and costly.
How shall we test our profession of faith? Is it by popularity because we perform miracles? No, for there are many on the road to destruction and there are many more who are depending on words, saying ‘Lord, Lord’. But this is no assurance of salvation. Even religious activities in the Church are no assurance. The two houses remind us that it is only true faith in Jesus that will last not only in the storms of life but also in the final judgment.
There is a story about an artist who wanted to paint a picture of the prodigal son. He saw an unkempt beggar on the street, a young man with dirty tattered clothes and he asked him to come to his studio and pose. The man showed up the next day, but he was neatly shaven and clean and quite well dressed. When the artist saw him, he exclaimed, “Oh, no, I cannot use you as you are now!
The above anecdote captures what Paul enjoins on us in the Second Reading that “Since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are now justified by his grace as a gift through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:23-24). God asks us to come to him just as we are, admitting that we are sinners who deserve nothing but his mercy. This is humbling but it is the only way we can receive the forgiveness for which Christ paid for on the cross and was accepted and used by God.
In conclusion, we may not openly deny God, but instead we may try to confine Him to some remote corner of life. We keep Him away from our daily doings, associations, obligations, experiences, joys, heartaches and all the commonplace things to keep body and soul together. We need God in all these areas of our lives. He must be seen affecting them for our good and the good of others. As we begin the Season of Lent, let us be reminded that God loves us and He wants the best for us. Have a blissful season.