HOMILY FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR A
Isaiah 8:23-9:3/ Psalm 27 /1Corinthians 1:10-13, 17/ Matthew 4:12-23
AGORSOR Aaron Agbeshie
THEME: The light of Christ gives hope to our imperfections.
No matter how dark a place is, a little bit of light will dispel that darkness. Light reveals, attracts and leads one to the winding road of hope. We are invited in the readings of today to reflect on our own calling. What is our motivation to follow Jesus who is the light? How realistic are they? Are they time tested. Jesus is that light who has come to dispel the darkness of sin and evil; of division and factionalism
The Gospel reading for today’s Mass, therefore, describes the beginning of the public ministry of Jesus. It begins in the region around the Sea of Galilee, the location of the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali in the ancient kingdom of Israel. It was here that Jesus began to proclaim “Reform your lives! For the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). It was this same place that Jesus called his first four disciples namely Peter and Andrews, James and John.
Yet, centuries before, as Isaiah prophesied in the First reading, Zebulun and Naphtali were the first of the tribes to be invaded by the Assyrians and carried off into exile. But in the midst of this seemingly hopeless situation, God, through Isaiah speaks of a glorious future for these tribes when He says “… For there will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and Naphtali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. The people who walk in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness, on them light has shinned” (Isaiah 8:23; 9:1). For Matthew, that future that Isaiah prophesied about was fulfilled on the day when Christ began to preach the kingdom of God in that very territory, Zebulun and Naphtali.
What really attracted the first four disciples to Jesus? Maybe Jesus was especially charismatic, the type that people are attracted to. Maybe he was someone you and I would automatically want to follow.
Unlike a room lighted by a fluorescent light where everything is visible, now think of a room lit by several candles. Somehow the better parts of each face are brought out and the flaws are left kindly in the background. Such light pardons our imperfections and give us a holy glow. He came as a regular person, a forgiver of souls and a quiet observer of human faces. Not as a gigantic searchlight from which no sinful, human thing can escape.
Christianity is about light. Just as Jesus is light to the world, so his Church is to be light in a world of darkness. Light enables the beauty of things to be seen, and we are called to make the beauty of the world shine. But we are not to call attention to ourselves: if you are aware of the light in a room, it is too bright for you alone. Our vocation is for others, not ourselves.
Surrounded by discrimination, oppression and war, Christians are challenged to be united in mind and judgment, and they are directed by God’s love to bring mankind to unity and peace. The light we bring to the world should lead to an end of all the world’s darkness: the alienation and oppression of peoples, the attacks on human life and dignity, and disrespect for God’s creation.
Too often, though, as we learn in the second reading, our light is diminished by factions or infighting among ourselves. Paul begs the Corinthians, in the name of Jesus, that there are no factions among them. It is evident that the reported “quarreling” in the church at Corinth was based upon divergent commitments to someone or something other than Jesus. For some say “I belong to Paul or I belong to Apollos or I belong to Cephas or I belong to Christ. Has Christ been divided” (1 Corinthians1:12-13)?
The factionalist, whether of Paul’s time or our own, “belongs” to someone other than Jesus. Some think that Paul has the truth. Others cling to Apollos. Others pledge their allegiance to Peter. Yet Paul will have no truck with this line of thought. Any time there is division in our community, you will notice that it is because Christ has been relegated to the background.
“Has Christ, then, been divided into parts? Was it Paul who was crucified for you” (1Corinthians 1:13)? Our baptism, through the gifts of tradition and law, ritual and order, is the sign of our salvation; but the salvation is found in Jesus Christ, no one else, nothing else. It grieves me to watch the divisions being caused in our churches today often based on trivial issues. Can we not realize that the light of Christ is so much more than one or two issues that may need clarification or even debate about, and that the message of Christ is so much more than these one or two little things? If we are to be lights for the world, we need to put aside minor issues and look to the major Christian teachings – love for each other, justice, helping others, so that through us what Isaiah proclaims today – that those who dwell in the land of gloom, a great light has shone ( Isaiah 9:2b) may be fulfilled.
We are called to bring abundant joy and rejoicing to the world. This is because the yoke that burdened humanity has been smashed by Christ who forgives. This is the Good News. When we sing the final song today – Christ Be Our Light – make note of what we are asking in that song – that WE – all of us – be bread broken for others, be a building sheltering others, and be servants to one another. If we can be these things – Christ’s light truly shines and we can change the world for the better.
In sum, Living in community is an art and so it must be practiced and learned, at times with great sacrifice. This kind of Christian community is the beginning of the ‘great light’ Isaiah foresaw; it is the beginning of the kingdom of heaven that Christ preached in the Gospel reading; it is the community at Corinth that Paul was in anguish to form; it is the community we should be striving for as we live and worship together in our own parish community.
Today let us all sing this song with devotion and in a prayerful mood:
CHRIST BE OUR LIGHT
Refrain: Christ is our light! Shine in our hearts.
Shine through the darkness.
Christ be our light! Shine in your Church gathered today
Longing for light, we wait in darkness
Longing for truth, we turn to you
Make us your own; your holy people
Light for the world to see
Longing for peace, our world is troubled
Longing for hope, many despair
Your word alone has power to save us
Make us your living voice
Longing for food, many are hungry
Longing for water, many still thirst
Make us your bread broken for others
Shared until we are fed
Many the gifts, many the people
Many the hearts that yearn to belong
Let us be servants to one another
Making your kingdom come
Sunday, January 23, 2011
HOMILY FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR A
Isaiah 8:23-9:3/ Psalm 27 /1Corinthians 1:10-13, 17/ Matthew 4:12-23
AGORSOR Aaron Agbeshie
THEME: The light of Christ gives hope to our imperfections.
No matter how dark a place is, a little bit of light will dispel that darkness. Light reveals, attracts and leads one to the winding road of hope. We are invited in the readings of today to reflect on our own calling. What is our motivation to follow Jesus who is the light? How realistic are they? Are they time tested. Jesus is that light who has come to dispel the darkness of sin and evil; of division and factionalism
The Gospel reading for today’s Mass, therefore, describes the beginning of the public ministry of Jesus. It begins in the region around the Sea of Galilee, the location of the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali in the ancient kingdom of Israel. It was here that Jesus began to proclaim “Reform your lives! For the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). It was this same place that Jesus called his first four disciples namely Peter and Andrews, James and John.
Yet, centuries before, as Isaiah prophesied in the First reading, Zebulun and Naphtali were the first of the tribes to be invaded by the Assyrians and carried off into exile. But in the midst of this seemingly hopeless situation, God, through Isaiah speaks of a glorious future for these tribes when He says “… For there will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and Naphtali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. The people who walk in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness, on them light has shinned” (Isaiah 8:23; 9:1). For Matthew, that future that Isaiah prophesied about was fulfilled on the day when Christ began to preach the kingdom of God in that very territory, Zebulun and Naphtali.
What really attracted the first four disciples to Jesus? Maybe Jesus was especially charismatic, the type that people are attracted to. Maybe he was someone you and I would automatically want to follow.
Unlike a room lighted by a fluorescent light where everything is visible, now think of a room lit by several candles. Somehow the better parts of each face are brought out and the flaws are left kindly in the background. Such light pardons our imperfections and give us a holy glow. He came as a regular person, a forgiver of souls and a quiet observer of human faces. Not as a gigantic searchlight from which no sinful, human thing can escape.
Christianity is about light. Just as Jesus is light to the world, so his Church is to be light in a world of darkness. Light enables the beauty of things to be seen, and we are called to make the beauty of the world shine. But we are not to call attention to ourselves: if you are aware of the light in a room, it is too bright for you alone. Our vocation is for others, not ourselves.
Surrounded by discrimination, oppression and war, Christians are challenged to be united in mind and judgment, and they are directed by God’s love to bring mankind to unity and peace. The light we bring to the world should lead to an end of all the world’s darkness: the alienation and oppression of peoples, the attacks on human life and dignity, and disrespect for God’s creation.
Too often, though, as we learn in the second reading, our light is diminished by factions or infighting among ourselves. Paul begs the Corinthians, in the name of Jesus, that there are no factions among them. It is evident that the reported “quarreling” in the church at Corinth was based upon divergent commitments to someone or something other than Jesus. For some say “I belong to Paul or I belong to Apollos or I belong to Cephas or I belong to Christ. Has Christ been divided” (1 Corinthians1:12-13)?
The factionalist, whether of Paul’s time or our own, “belongs” to someone other than Jesus. Some think that Paul has the truth. Others cling to Apollos. Others pledge their allegiance to Peter. Yet Paul will have no truck with this line of thought. Any time there is division in our community, you will notice that it is because Christ has been relegated to the background.
“Has Christ, then, been divided into parts? Was it Paul who was crucified for you” (1Corinthians 1:13)? Our baptism, through the gifts of tradition and law, ritual and order, is the sign of our salvation; but the salvation is found in Jesus Christ, no one else, nothing else. It grieves me to watch the divisions being caused in our churches today often based on trivial issues. Can we not realize that the light of Christ is so much more than one or two issues that may need clarification or even debate about, and that the message of Christ is so much more than these one or two little things? If we are to be lights for the world, we need to put aside minor issues and look to the major Christian teachings – love for each other, justice, helping others, so that through us what Isaiah proclaims today – that those who dwell in the land of gloom, a great light has shone ( Isaiah 9:2b) may be fulfilled.
We are called to bring abundant joy and rejoicing to the world. This is because the yoke that burdened humanity has been smashed by Christ who forgives. This is the Good News. When we sing the final song today – Christ Be Our Light – make note of what we are asking in that song – that WE – all of us – be bread broken for others, be a building sheltering others, and be servants to one another. If we can be these things – Christ’s light truly shines and we can change the world for the better.
In sum, Living in community is an art and so it must be practiced and learned, at times with great sacrifice. This kind of Christian community is the beginning of the ‘great light’ Isaiah foresaw; it is the beginning of the kingdom of heaven that Christ preached in the Gospel reading; it is the community at Corinth that Paul was in anguish to form; it is the community we should be striving for as we live and worship together in our own parish community.
Today let us all sing this song with devotion and in a prayerful mood:
CHRIST BE OUR LIGHT
Refrain: Christ is our light! Shine in our hearts.
Shine through the darkness.
Christ be our light! Shine in your Church gathered today
Longing for light, we wait in darkness
Longing for truth, we turn to you
Make us your own; your holy people
Light for the world to see
Longing for peace, our world is troubled
Longing for hope, many despair
Your word alone has power to save us
Make us your living voice
Longing for food, many are hungry
Longing for water, many still thirst
Make us your bread broken for others
Shared until we are fed
Many the gifts, many the people
Many the hearts that yearn to belong
Let us be servants to one another
Making your kingdom come
Isaiah 8:23-9:3/ Psalm 27 /1Corinthians 1:10-13, 17/ Matthew 4:12-23
AGORSOR Aaron Agbeshie
THEME: The light of Christ gives hope to our imperfections.
No matter how dark a place is, a little bit of light will dispel that darkness. Light reveals, attracts and leads one to the winding road of hope. We are invited in the readings of today to reflect on our own calling. What is our motivation to follow Jesus who is the light? How realistic are they? Are they time tested. Jesus is that light who has come to dispel the darkness of sin and evil; of division and factionalism
The Gospel reading for today’s Mass, therefore, describes the beginning of the public ministry of Jesus. It begins in the region around the Sea of Galilee, the location of the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali in the ancient kingdom of Israel. It was here that Jesus began to proclaim “Reform your lives! For the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). It was this same place that Jesus called his first four disciples namely Peter and Andrews, James and John.
Yet, centuries before, as Isaiah prophesied in the First reading, Zebulun and Naphtali were the first of the tribes to be invaded by the Assyrians and carried off into exile. But in the midst of this seemingly hopeless situation, God, through Isaiah speaks of a glorious future for these tribes when He says “… For there will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and Naphtali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. The people who walk in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness, on them light has shinned” (Isaiah 8:23; 9:1). For Matthew, that future that Isaiah prophesied about was fulfilled on the day when Christ began to preach the kingdom of God in that very territory, Zebulun and Naphtali.
What really attracted the first four disciples to Jesus? Maybe Jesus was especially charismatic, the type that people are attracted to. Maybe he was someone you and I would automatically want to follow.
Unlike a room lighted by a fluorescent light where everything is visible, now think of a room lit by several candles. Somehow the better parts of each face are brought out and the flaws are left kindly in the background. Such light pardons our imperfections and give us a holy glow. He came as a regular person, a forgiver of souls and a quiet observer of human faces. Not as a gigantic searchlight from which no sinful, human thing can escape.
Christianity is about light. Just as Jesus is light to the world, so his Church is to be light in a world of darkness. Light enables the beauty of things to be seen, and we are called to make the beauty of the world shine. But we are not to call attention to ourselves: if you are aware of the light in a room, it is too bright for you alone. Our vocation is for others, not ourselves.
Surrounded by discrimination, oppression and war, Christians are challenged to be united in mind and judgment, and they are directed by God’s love to bring mankind to unity and peace. The light we bring to the world should lead to an end of all the world’s darkness: the alienation and oppression of peoples, the attacks on human life and dignity, and disrespect for God’s creation.
Too often, though, as we learn in the second reading, our light is diminished by factions or infighting among ourselves. Paul begs the Corinthians, in the name of Jesus, that there are no factions among them. It is evident that the reported “quarreling” in the church at Corinth was based upon divergent commitments to someone or something other than Jesus. For some say “I belong to Paul or I belong to Apollos or I belong to Cephas or I belong to Christ. Has Christ been divided” (1 Corinthians1:12-13)?
The factionalist, whether of Paul’s time or our own, “belongs” to someone other than Jesus. Some think that Paul has the truth. Others cling to Apollos. Others pledge their allegiance to Peter. Yet Paul will have no truck with this line of thought. Any time there is division in our community, you will notice that it is because Christ has been relegated to the background.
“Has Christ, then, been divided into parts? Was it Paul who was crucified for you” (1Corinthians 1:13)? Our baptism, through the gifts of tradition and law, ritual and order, is the sign of our salvation; but the salvation is found in Jesus Christ, no one else, nothing else. It grieves me to watch the divisions being caused in our churches today often based on trivial issues. Can we not realize that the light of Christ is so much more than one or two issues that may need clarification or even debate about, and that the message of Christ is so much more than these one or two little things? If we are to be lights for the world, we need to put aside minor issues and look to the major Christian teachings – love for each other, justice, helping others, so that through us what Isaiah proclaims today – that those who dwell in the land of gloom, a great light has shone ( Isaiah 9:2b) may be fulfilled.
We are called to bring abundant joy and rejoicing to the world. This is because the yoke that burdened humanity has been smashed by Christ who forgives. This is the Good News. When we sing the final song today – Christ Be Our Light – make note of what we are asking in that song – that WE – all of us – be bread broken for others, be a building sheltering others, and be servants to one another. If we can be these things – Christ’s light truly shines and we can change the world for the better.
In sum, Living in community is an art and so it must be practiced and learned, at times with great sacrifice. This kind of Christian community is the beginning of the ‘great light’ Isaiah foresaw; it is the beginning of the kingdom of heaven that Christ preached in the Gospel reading; it is the community at Corinth that Paul was in anguish to form; it is the community we should be striving for as we live and worship together in our own parish community.
Today let us all sing this song with devotion and in a prayerful mood:
CHRIST BE OUR LIGHT
Refrain: Christ is our light! Shine in our hearts.
Shine through the darkness.
Christ be our light! Shine in your Church gathered today
Longing for light, we wait in darkness
Longing for truth, we turn to you
Make us your own; your holy people
Light for the world to see
Longing for peace, our world is troubled
Longing for hope, many despair
Your word alone has power to save us
Make us your living voice
Longing for food, many are hungry
Longing for water, many still thirst
Make us your bread broken for others
Shared until we are fed
Many the gifts, many the people
Many the hearts that yearn to belong
Let us be servants to one another
Making your kingdom come
Friday, January 7, 2011
HOMILY FOR THE FEAST OF BAPTISM
Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7/ Psalm 28/ Acts 10:34-38/ Matthew 3:13-17
AGORSOR Aaron Agbeshie
THEME: Baptism requires sacrifice
This feast ends the season of Christmas. The purpose of this feast is twofold namely to explain the importance in the four Gospels of the Lord’s Baptism and to encourage us to carry out a similar mission of holiness, prayer and service to others. Today also gives each and every one of us an opportunity to reflect on our own baptism. How will you respond to an invitation to do missionary work? This question is at the heart of the Gospel reading of today where we find God the Holy Trinity preparing Christ for his mission. Last week we celebrated Epiphany, or manifestation of the new born Christ to the world. Now the adult Christ is being manifested to the whole world by the whole Trinity.
In describing the baptism of our Lord in the Jordan, St. Matthew writes “After Jesus was baptised, he came directly out of the water. Suddenly, the sky opened he saw the Spirit of God descend like a dove and hover over him (Matthew 3:15). In the Old Testament, the dove is the symbol of love. Here it is the symbol of the Holy Spirit, the Love of God. Jesus is the ‘beloved Son’ of God. As St. Peter said to Cornelius in the reading from the Acts of the Apostles: “God anointed Jesus with the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:38). Christ is the Spirit-filled agent of God’s will to bring man to salvation. He is the one who “Went about doing good works and healing all who were in the grip of the devil (Acts 10:38).
Jesus is the servant that Isaiah writes about in the First Reading of today. God will put his Spirit upon him in order for him to bring about justice for the nations. Jesus does this not by forcing people to change, “Not by crying out, nor shouting, not making his voice heard in the streets” (Isaiah 42:2), but by gently leading them. A change in men cannot come from external pressure and force. It comes from within. Isaiah puts it beautifully when he said “A bruised reed he shall not break and a smoldering wick he shall not quench” (Isaiah 42:3). This means that the mission of Christ made explicit at his baptism by John is to bring the saving love of God into the hearts of God’s people.
The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan set him off on his mission. Nothing would stop him from carrying on his mission. St. Luke says that the Good News that Jesus preached after his Baptism spread throughout Judea “ …beginning in Galilee after the Baptism John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him” ( Acts 10:38).
We too, our baptism has set us off on mission. We became sons and daughters of God by adoption; we were anointed, filled with the Spirit; we were named ‘servants of God’; we had enough life breathed into us to make our mission successful. How have we lived our baptism?
Even John the Baptist knew that he was not the one to baptise Jesus. Rather Jesus was the one to baptise him. For John Jesus’ baptism was not necessary. “But Jesus answered him ‘Let it be so now, for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness,’ ‘Then he consented” (Matthew 3:15). Obedience to God was what led Jesus to be baptised by John. Baptism was meant for people who needed repentance. However, Jesus never sinned. Therefore, was Jesus’ baptism necessary at all? Two reasons are advanced in defense of Jesus’ baptism namely his baptism gave approval to John’s ministry. Secondly, he identified himself with publicans and sinners the very people he came to save. Above all, his baptism pictured his future baptism on the cross (Matthew 20:22; Luke 12:50) when all the “waves and billows” of God’s judgment would go over him (Psalm 42:7; Jonah 2:3).
By sanctifying the waters of baptism by virtue of his own baptism, Jesus has made baptism the only gateway to salvation. Indeed, by baptism each and every Christian is called to a life of holiness and evangelisation. Also, by baptism we have entered into a covenant with Jesus; an eternal covenant that makes us liable to judgment.
We are called to bear witness to Jesus who is the way, the truth and the life. We are called to lead others to Christ and not to ourselves just as John did. John bore witness to Jesus Christ as the son of God and also as the Lamb of God (John 1:29). Thus, because of John’s witness, many sinners trusted Jesus Christ (John 10: 39-42).
John’s witness to Jesus was twofold: Jesus as the Son of God and Jesus as the Lamb of God. He presents Jesus as the glorious Son of God and at the same time the Lamb of God who will sacrifices himself for us daily. We too are called to witness to Jesus’ Son ship but at the same time, we are called to sacrifice a little for the work of evangelisation as Jesus did.
The coming of the Holy Spirit like a dove identified Jesus to John (John 1:31-34). And also assured Jesus as he began his ministry that the Spirit’s ministry would always be his (John 3:34). The dove is a beautiful symbol of the Spirit of God in its purity and in its ministry of peace. The first time we see a dove in scripture is in Genesis 8:6-11. Noah sent out two birds, a raven and a dove, but only the dove came back. The raven represented the flesh; there was plenty for the raven to eat outside the ark. But the dove would not defile itself with the carcasses, so it came back to the ark. The second time the dove was released, it returned with an olive leaf, a symbol of peace. Therefore, the Spirit’s presence at baptism assures us of God’s presence and his peace.
In conclusion, as we renew our baptismal vows today, let us do it sincerely. Let God’s promise that “I will put my Spirit within you and you shall live and I will place you on your own soil; then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken and will act” (Ezekiel 37:14) be fulfilled in our lives especially this year. Our baptism puts us in a position to continue the mission of Christ.
Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7/ Psalm 28/ Acts 10:34-38/ Matthew 3:13-17
AGORSOR Aaron Agbeshie
THEME: Baptism requires sacrifice
This feast ends the season of Christmas. The purpose of this feast is twofold namely to explain the importance in the four Gospels of the Lord’s Baptism and to encourage us to carry out a similar mission of holiness, prayer and service to others. Today also gives each and every one of us an opportunity to reflect on our own baptism. How will you respond to an invitation to do missionary work? This question is at the heart of the Gospel reading of today where we find God the Holy Trinity preparing Christ for his mission. Last week we celebrated Epiphany, or manifestation of the new born Christ to the world. Now the adult Christ is being manifested to the whole world by the whole Trinity.
In describing the baptism of our Lord in the Jordan, St. Matthew writes “After Jesus was baptised, he came directly out of the water. Suddenly, the sky opened he saw the Spirit of God descend like a dove and hover over him (Matthew 3:15). In the Old Testament, the dove is the symbol of love. Here it is the symbol of the Holy Spirit, the Love of God. Jesus is the ‘beloved Son’ of God. As St. Peter said to Cornelius in the reading from the Acts of the Apostles: “God anointed Jesus with the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:38). Christ is the Spirit-filled agent of God’s will to bring man to salvation. He is the one who “Went about doing good works and healing all who were in the grip of the devil (Acts 10:38).
Jesus is the servant that Isaiah writes about in the First Reading of today. God will put his Spirit upon him in order for him to bring about justice for the nations. Jesus does this not by forcing people to change, “Not by crying out, nor shouting, not making his voice heard in the streets” (Isaiah 42:2), but by gently leading them. A change in men cannot come from external pressure and force. It comes from within. Isaiah puts it beautifully when he said “A bruised reed he shall not break and a smoldering wick he shall not quench” (Isaiah 42:3). This means that the mission of Christ made explicit at his baptism by John is to bring the saving love of God into the hearts of God’s people.
The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan set him off on his mission. Nothing would stop him from carrying on his mission. St. Luke says that the Good News that Jesus preached after his Baptism spread throughout Judea “ …beginning in Galilee after the Baptism John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him” ( Acts 10:38).
We too, our baptism has set us off on mission. We became sons and daughters of God by adoption; we were anointed, filled with the Spirit; we were named ‘servants of God’; we had enough life breathed into us to make our mission successful. How have we lived our baptism?
Even John the Baptist knew that he was not the one to baptise Jesus. Rather Jesus was the one to baptise him. For John Jesus’ baptism was not necessary. “But Jesus answered him ‘Let it be so now, for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness,’ ‘Then he consented” (Matthew 3:15). Obedience to God was what led Jesus to be baptised by John. Baptism was meant for people who needed repentance. However, Jesus never sinned. Therefore, was Jesus’ baptism necessary at all? Two reasons are advanced in defense of Jesus’ baptism namely his baptism gave approval to John’s ministry. Secondly, he identified himself with publicans and sinners the very people he came to save. Above all, his baptism pictured his future baptism on the cross (Matthew 20:22; Luke 12:50) when all the “waves and billows” of God’s judgment would go over him (Psalm 42:7; Jonah 2:3).
By sanctifying the waters of baptism by virtue of his own baptism, Jesus has made baptism the only gateway to salvation. Indeed, by baptism each and every Christian is called to a life of holiness and evangelisation. Also, by baptism we have entered into a covenant with Jesus; an eternal covenant that makes us liable to judgment.
We are called to bear witness to Jesus who is the way, the truth and the life. We are called to lead others to Christ and not to ourselves just as John did. John bore witness to Jesus Christ as the son of God and also as the Lamb of God (John 1:29). Thus, because of John’s witness, many sinners trusted Jesus Christ (John 10: 39-42).
John’s witness to Jesus was twofold: Jesus as the Son of God and Jesus as the Lamb of God. He presents Jesus as the glorious Son of God and at the same time the Lamb of God who will sacrifices himself for us daily. We too are called to witness to Jesus’ Son ship but at the same time, we are called to sacrifice a little for the work of evangelisation as Jesus did.
The coming of the Holy Spirit like a dove identified Jesus to John (John 1:31-34). And also assured Jesus as he began his ministry that the Spirit’s ministry would always be his (John 3:34). The dove is a beautiful symbol of the Spirit of God in its purity and in its ministry of peace. The first time we see a dove in scripture is in Genesis 8:6-11. Noah sent out two birds, a raven and a dove, but only the dove came back. The raven represented the flesh; there was plenty for the raven to eat outside the ark. But the dove would not defile itself with the carcasses, so it came back to the ark. The second time the dove was released, it returned with an olive leaf, a symbol of peace. Therefore, the Spirit’s presence at baptism assures us of God’s presence and his peace.
In conclusion, as we renew our baptismal vows today, let us do it sincerely. Let God’s promise that “I will put my Spirit within you and you shall live and I will place you on your own soil; then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken and will act” (Ezekiel 37:14) be fulfilled in our lives especially this year. Our baptism puts us in a position to continue the mission of Christ.
HOMILY FOR THE FEAST OF BAPTISM
Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7/ Psalm 28/ Acts 10:34-38/ Matthew 3:13-17
AGORSOR Aaron Agbeshie
THEME: Baptism requires sacrifice
This feast ends the season of Christmas. The purpose of this feast is twofold namely to explain the importance in the four Gospels of the Lord’s Baptism and to encourage us to carry out a similar mission of holiness, prayer and service to others. Today also gives each and every one of us an opportunity to reflect on our own baptism. How will you respond to an invitation to do missionary work? This question is at the heart of the Gospel reading of today where we find God the Holy Trinity preparing Christ for his mission. Last week we celebrated Epiphany, or manifestation of the new born Christ to the world. Now the adult Christ is being manifested to the whole world by the whole Trinity.
In describing the baptism of our Lord in the Jordan, St. Matthew writes “After Jesus was baptised, he came directly out of the water. Suddenly, the sky opened he saw the Spirit of God descend like a dove and hover over him (Matthew 3:15). In the Old Testament, the dove is the symbol of love. Here it is the symbol of the Holy Spirit, the Love of God. Jesus is the ‘beloved Son’ of God. As St. Peter said to Cornelius in the reading from the Acts of the Apostles: “God anointed Jesus with the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:38). Christ is the Spirit-filled agent of God’s will to bring man to salvation. He is the one who “Went about doing good works and healing all who were in the grip of the devil (Acts 10:38).
Jesus is the servant that Isaiah writes about in the First Reading of today. God will put his Spirit upon him in order for him to bring about justice for the nations. Jesus does this not by forcing people to change, “Not by crying out, nor shouting, not making his voice heard in the streets” (Isaiah 42:2), but by gently leading them. A change in men cannot come from external pressure and force. It comes from within. Isaiah puts it beautifully when he said “A bruised reed he shall not break and a smoldering wick he shall not quench” (Isaiah 42:3). This means that the mission of Christ made explicit at his baptism by John is to bring the saving love of God into the hearts of God’s people.
The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan set him off on his mission. Nothing would stop him from carrying on his mission. St. Luke says that the Good News that Jesus preached after his Baptism spread throughout Judea “ …beginning in Galilee after the Baptism John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him” ( Acts 10:38).
We too, our baptism has set us off on mission. We became sons and daughters of God by adoption; we were anointed, filled with the Spirit; we were named ‘servants of God’; we had enough life breathed into us to make our mission successful. How have we lived our baptism?
Even John the Baptist knew that he was not the one to baptise Jesus. Rather Jesus was the one to baptise him. For John Jesus’ baptism was not necessary. “But Jesus answered him ‘Let it be so now, for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness,’ ‘Then he consented” (Matthew 3:15). Obedience to God was what led Jesus to be baptised by John. Baptism was meant for people who needed repentance. However, Jesus never sinned. Therefore, was Jesus’ baptism necessary at all? Two reasons are advanced in defense of Jesus’ baptism namely his baptism gave approval to John’s ministry. Secondly, he identified himself with publicans and sinners the very people he came to save. Above all, his baptism pictured his future baptism on the cross (Matthew 20:22; Luke 12:50) when all the “waves and billows” of God’s judgment would go over him (Psalm 42:7; Jonah 2:3).
By sanctifying the waters of baptism by virtue of his own baptism, Jesus has made baptism the only gateway to salvation. Indeed, by baptism each and every Christian is called to a life of holiness and evangelisation. Also, by baptism we have entered into a covenant with Jesus; an eternal covenant that makes us liable to judgment.
We are called to bear witness to Jesus who is the way, the truth and the life. We are called to lead others to Christ and not to ourselves just as John did. John bore witness to Jesus Christ as the son of God and also as the Lamb of God (John 1:29). Thus, because of John’s witness, many sinners trusted Jesus Christ (John 10: 39-42).
John’s witness to Jesus was twofold: Jesus as the Son of God and Jesus as the Lamb of God. He presents Jesus as the glorious Son of God and at the same time the Lamb of God who will sacrifices himself for us daily. We too are called to witness to Jesus’ Son ship but at the same time, we are called to sacrifice a little for the work of evangelisation as Jesus did.
The coming of the Holy Spirit like a dove identified Jesus to John (John 1:31-34). And also assured Jesus as he began his ministry that the Spirit’s ministry would always be his (John 3:34). The dove is a beautiful symbol of the Spirit of God in its purity and in its ministry of peace. The first time we see a dove in scripture is in Genesis 8:6-11. Noah sent out two birds, a raven and a dove, but only the dove came back. The raven represented the flesh; there was plenty for the raven to eat outside the ark. But the dove would not defile itself with the carcasses, so it came back to the ark. The second time the dove was released, it returned with an olive leaf, a symbol of peace. Therefore, the Spirit’s presence at baptism assures us of God’s presence and his peace.
In conclusion, as we renew our baptismal vows today, let us do it sincerely. Let God’s promise that “I will put my Spirit within you and you shall live and I will place you on your own soil; then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken and will act” (Ezekiel 37:14) be fulfilled in our lives especially this year. Our baptism puts us in a position to continue the mission of Christ.
Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7/ Psalm 28/ Acts 10:34-38/ Matthew 3:13-17
AGORSOR Aaron Agbeshie
THEME: Baptism requires sacrifice
This feast ends the season of Christmas. The purpose of this feast is twofold namely to explain the importance in the four Gospels of the Lord’s Baptism and to encourage us to carry out a similar mission of holiness, prayer and service to others. Today also gives each and every one of us an opportunity to reflect on our own baptism. How will you respond to an invitation to do missionary work? This question is at the heart of the Gospel reading of today where we find God the Holy Trinity preparing Christ for his mission. Last week we celebrated Epiphany, or manifestation of the new born Christ to the world. Now the adult Christ is being manifested to the whole world by the whole Trinity.
In describing the baptism of our Lord in the Jordan, St. Matthew writes “After Jesus was baptised, he came directly out of the water. Suddenly, the sky opened he saw the Spirit of God descend like a dove and hover over him (Matthew 3:15). In the Old Testament, the dove is the symbol of love. Here it is the symbol of the Holy Spirit, the Love of God. Jesus is the ‘beloved Son’ of God. As St. Peter said to Cornelius in the reading from the Acts of the Apostles: “God anointed Jesus with the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:38). Christ is the Spirit-filled agent of God’s will to bring man to salvation. He is the one who “Went about doing good works and healing all who were in the grip of the devil (Acts 10:38).
Jesus is the servant that Isaiah writes about in the First Reading of today. God will put his Spirit upon him in order for him to bring about justice for the nations. Jesus does this not by forcing people to change, “Not by crying out, nor shouting, not making his voice heard in the streets” (Isaiah 42:2), but by gently leading them. A change in men cannot come from external pressure and force. It comes from within. Isaiah puts it beautifully when he said “A bruised reed he shall not break and a smoldering wick he shall not quench” (Isaiah 42:3). This means that the mission of Christ made explicit at his baptism by John is to bring the saving love of God into the hearts of God’s people.
The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan set him off on his mission. Nothing would stop him from carrying on his mission. St. Luke says that the Good News that Jesus preached after his Baptism spread throughout Judea “ …beginning in Galilee after the Baptism John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him” ( Acts 10:38).
We too, our baptism has set us off on mission. We became sons and daughters of God by adoption; we were anointed, filled with the Spirit; we were named ‘servants of God’; we had enough life breathed into us to make our mission successful. How have we lived our baptism?
Even John the Baptist knew that he was not the one to baptise Jesus. Rather Jesus was the one to baptise him. For John Jesus’ baptism was not necessary. “But Jesus answered him ‘Let it be so now, for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness,’ ‘Then he consented” (Matthew 3:15). Obedience to God was what led Jesus to be baptised by John. Baptism was meant for people who needed repentance. However, Jesus never sinned. Therefore, was Jesus’ baptism necessary at all? Two reasons are advanced in defense of Jesus’ baptism namely his baptism gave approval to John’s ministry. Secondly, he identified himself with publicans and sinners the very people he came to save. Above all, his baptism pictured his future baptism on the cross (Matthew 20:22; Luke 12:50) when all the “waves and billows” of God’s judgment would go over him (Psalm 42:7; Jonah 2:3).
By sanctifying the waters of baptism by virtue of his own baptism, Jesus has made baptism the only gateway to salvation. Indeed, by baptism each and every Christian is called to a life of holiness and evangelisation. Also, by baptism we have entered into a covenant with Jesus; an eternal covenant that makes us liable to judgment.
We are called to bear witness to Jesus who is the way, the truth and the life. We are called to lead others to Christ and not to ourselves just as John did. John bore witness to Jesus Christ as the son of God and also as the Lamb of God (John 1:29). Thus, because of John’s witness, many sinners trusted Jesus Christ (John 10: 39-42).
John’s witness to Jesus was twofold: Jesus as the Son of God and Jesus as the Lamb of God. He presents Jesus as the glorious Son of God and at the same time the Lamb of God who will sacrifices himself for us daily. We too are called to witness to Jesus’ Son ship but at the same time, we are called to sacrifice a little for the work of evangelisation as Jesus did.
The coming of the Holy Spirit like a dove identified Jesus to John (John 1:31-34). And also assured Jesus as he began his ministry that the Spirit’s ministry would always be his (John 3:34). The dove is a beautiful symbol of the Spirit of God in its purity and in its ministry of peace. The first time we see a dove in scripture is in Genesis 8:6-11. Noah sent out two birds, a raven and a dove, but only the dove came back. The raven represented the flesh; there was plenty for the raven to eat outside the ark. But the dove would not defile itself with the carcasses, so it came back to the ark. The second time the dove was released, it returned with an olive leaf, a symbol of peace. Therefore, the Spirit’s presence at baptism assures us of God’s presence and his peace.
In conclusion, as we renew our baptismal vows today, let us do it sincerely. Let God’s promise that “I will put my Spirit within you and you shall live and I will place you on your own soil; then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken and will act” (Ezekiel 37:14) be fulfilled in our lives especially this year. Our baptism puts us in a position to continue the mission of Christ.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
HOMILY FOR THE FEAST OF EPIPHANY
Isaiah 60:1-6/ Psalm 72/ Ephesians 3: 2-3, 5-6/ Matthew 2:1-12
AGORSOR Aaron Agbeshie
THEME: Salvation is for all
The birth of Jesus, wonderful as that event was, was known to a few: to Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the Magi, King Herod and his councilors, the High Priest and perhaps friends who heard about this wonder of God. But Epiphany which is means ‘Manifestation’ is the showing forth of Jesus to the world. Epiphany tells us that in Jesus there is salvation for all.
In spite of the countless warnings the prophet Jeremiah and Isaiah gave to the kings and people of Israel, they did not remain faithful to God. Jerusalem was destroyed and the whole nation was carried into captivity and slavery in Babylon. Finally, following the Edict of Cyrus in 539B.C., the first exiles returned to their homeland, and soon the Temple of Jerusalem was rebuilt. The darkness of exile and slavery was lifted; the light of the Lord shone forth.
Therefore, Isaiah puts it beautifully when he says “Arise and shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For darkness shall cover the earth and the thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you and his glory will appear over you” (Isaiah 60:1-2). He assures them that even though darkness has engulfed the land, the light of God will dispel that darkness
Indeed, this light does not only shine to the Jews, the remnant of the peoples who returned from exile, it rays reach out like fingers of the dawn sun through the leaves of trees, to all the nations of the earth. “…the wealth of the nations shall come to you, the multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camel of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold, frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord” (Isaiah 60: 5b-6).
What Isaiah emphasizes here is the fact that salvation was now not limited only to the Jews but the entire of God’s creation. Midian, Ephah and Sheba are gentile towns and we know in the Gospels that the wise men from the east were gentiles and by presenting gold, frankincense and myrrh to Jesus they fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy.
The narrow concept of salvation that many Jews had namely salvation only to God’s chosen people must now give way to the image of a God who reaches out to draw all peoples of this earth to himself. To confirm this, the Psalmist says “All kings shall pay him homage; all nations shall serve him” (Psalm 72:11).
This universal nature of salvation is emphasized in the Gospel reading of today. The visit by the Magi to the infant king shows clearly that salvation is not only the preserve of the Jews anymore but everyone anywhere who acknowledges the sovereignty of God will be saved.
The attitude of the Magi is worthy of emulation. These men were wealthy men and scholars; scientists in their own right. Yet they followed the star like little children playing on the fields and upon seeing an aeroplane passing, they decide to follow it as it were to its destination. No scholarly person who follows the light God gives him can miss worshipping at the feet of Jesus. Indeed, in Jesus Christ “Are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3).
Their diligence in searching for the star that will lead them to Bethlehem is unimaginable. What was their motivation? A baby wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger? I believe strongly that like Simeon who recognize in the baby Jesus, the Messiah (Luke 2:22-32), they moved by faith. They did not allow their knowledge to cloud their vision.
For the many whose knowledge is leading them astray, your knowledge must lead out of ignorance onto the threshold of wisdom; it must lead you to the school of Jesus.
However, there is the danger of some of us behaving like King Herod who missed the opportunity to be saved. Yes salvation has come to all, but each and every one of us must work at it with fear and trembling. Perhaps we can shout out, “We are saved! We are free!” That is a fact. There is no need for anyone to bow to the slavery of sin because Christ has come to save us from the chains of death and our human spirit. Indeed, salvation is within our grasp. I am sure that if the Magi had become complacent because they had found their Messiah, they would have missed the opportunity to really encounter the infant king.
Again, when the Magi got to Bethlehem, “On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh” (Matthew 2:11). It is not enough to be a baptised Catholic and remain apathetic to your responsibilities; you cannot be a baptised Catholic and stay at home because you have been charge to exercise your ministry for the growth of the Church. Jesus needs our all, our time, our money, our energy for the growth of his Church. The Magi gave their best. What are you giving to Jesus?
Already in the manger, the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that “The wolf shall live with the lamb… they will not hurt or destroy on all my mountain; for earth will be filled of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea” (Isaiah 11: 6-9). Indeed, all creation is in silent adoration in the crib. Our whole life should be a life of silent adoration of Jesus; a worship in spirit and truth.
In sum, the Feast of Epiphany is our feast. It is the day we come to pay homage to Christ who has come to save us. It is a day of joy and we must celebrate it as such. However, some of us have allowed the worries and cares of this life to make us somber, sober and gloomy people, who do not celebrate anything at all, even our salvation. Other times too, we have allowed our celebrations to get out of hands that we lose the spiritual benefits- the kinds of celebrations that make us forget.
Isaiah 60:1-6/ Psalm 72/ Ephesians 3: 2-3, 5-6/ Matthew 2:1-12
AGORSOR Aaron Agbeshie
THEME: Salvation is for all
The birth of Jesus, wonderful as that event was, was known to a few: to Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the Magi, King Herod and his councilors, the High Priest and perhaps friends who heard about this wonder of God. But Epiphany which is means ‘Manifestation’ is the showing forth of Jesus to the world. Epiphany tells us that in Jesus there is salvation for all.
In spite of the countless warnings the prophet Jeremiah and Isaiah gave to the kings and people of Israel, they did not remain faithful to God. Jerusalem was destroyed and the whole nation was carried into captivity and slavery in Babylon. Finally, following the Edict of Cyrus in 539B.C., the first exiles returned to their homeland, and soon the Temple of Jerusalem was rebuilt. The darkness of exile and slavery was lifted; the light of the Lord shone forth.
Therefore, Isaiah puts it beautifully when he says “Arise and shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For darkness shall cover the earth and the thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you and his glory will appear over you” (Isaiah 60:1-2). He assures them that even though darkness has engulfed the land, the light of God will dispel that darkness
Indeed, this light does not only shine to the Jews, the remnant of the peoples who returned from exile, it rays reach out like fingers of the dawn sun through the leaves of trees, to all the nations of the earth. “…the wealth of the nations shall come to you, the multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camel of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold, frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord” (Isaiah 60: 5b-6).
What Isaiah emphasizes here is the fact that salvation was now not limited only to the Jews but the entire of God’s creation. Midian, Ephah and Sheba are gentile towns and we know in the Gospels that the wise men from the east were gentiles and by presenting gold, frankincense and myrrh to Jesus they fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy.
The narrow concept of salvation that many Jews had namely salvation only to God’s chosen people must now give way to the image of a God who reaches out to draw all peoples of this earth to himself. To confirm this, the Psalmist says “All kings shall pay him homage; all nations shall serve him” (Psalm 72:11).
This universal nature of salvation is emphasized in the Gospel reading of today. The visit by the Magi to the infant king shows clearly that salvation is not only the preserve of the Jews anymore but everyone anywhere who acknowledges the sovereignty of God will be saved.
The attitude of the Magi is worthy of emulation. These men were wealthy men and scholars; scientists in their own right. Yet they followed the star like little children playing on the fields and upon seeing an aeroplane passing, they decide to follow it as it were to its destination. No scholarly person who follows the light God gives him can miss worshipping at the feet of Jesus. Indeed, in Jesus Christ “Are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3).
Their diligence in searching for the star that will lead them to Bethlehem is unimaginable. What was their motivation? A baby wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger? I believe strongly that like Simeon who recognize in the baby Jesus, the Messiah (Luke 2:22-32), they moved by faith. They did not allow their knowledge to cloud their vision.
For the many whose knowledge is leading them astray, your knowledge must lead out of ignorance onto the threshold of wisdom; it must lead you to the school of Jesus.
However, there is the danger of some of us behaving like King Herod who missed the opportunity to be saved. Yes salvation has come to all, but each and every one of us must work at it with fear and trembling. Perhaps we can shout out, “We are saved! We are free!” That is a fact. There is no need for anyone to bow to the slavery of sin because Christ has come to save us from the chains of death and our human spirit. Indeed, salvation is within our grasp. I am sure that if the Magi had become complacent because they had found their Messiah, they would have missed the opportunity to really encounter the infant king.
Again, when the Magi got to Bethlehem, “On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh” (Matthew 2:11). It is not enough to be a baptised Catholic and remain apathetic to your responsibilities; you cannot be a baptised Catholic and stay at home because you have been charge to exercise your ministry for the growth of the Church. Jesus needs our all, our time, our money, our energy for the growth of his Church. The Magi gave their best. What are you giving to Jesus?
Already in the manger, the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that “The wolf shall live with the lamb… they will not hurt or destroy on all my mountain; for earth will be filled of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea” (Isaiah 11: 6-9). Indeed, all creation is in silent adoration in the crib. Our whole life should be a life of silent adoration of Jesus; a worship in spirit and truth.
In sum, the Feast of Epiphany is our feast. It is the day we come to pay homage to Christ who has come to save us. It is a day of joy and we must celebrate it as such. However, some of us have allowed the worries and cares of this life to make us somber, sober and gloomy people, who do not celebrate anything at all, even our salvation. Other times too, we have allowed our celebrations to get out of hands that we lose the spiritual benefits- the kinds of celebrations that make us forget.
HOMILY FOR THE FEAST OF EPIPHANY
Isaiah 60:1-6/ Psalm 72/ Ephesians 3: 2-3, 5-6/ Matthew 2:1-12
AGORSOR Aaron Agbeshie
THEME: Salvation is for all
The birth of Jesus, wonderful as that event was, was known to a few: to Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the Magi, King Herod and his councilors, the High Priest and perhaps friends who heard about this wonder of God. But Epiphany which is means ‘Manifestation’ is the showing forth of Jesus to the world. Epiphany tells us that in Jesus there is salvation for all.
In spite of the countless warnings the prophet Jeremiah and Isaiah gave to the kings and people of Israel, they did not remain faithful to God. Jerusalem was destroyed and the whole nation was carried into captivity and slavery in Babylon. Finally, following the Edict of Cyrus in 539B.C., the first exiles returned to their homeland, and soon the Temple of Jerusalem was rebuilt. The darkness of exile and slavery was lifted; the light of the Lord shone forth.
Therefore, Isaiah puts it beautifully when he says “Arise and shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For darkness shall cover the earth and the thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you and his glory will appear over you” (Isaiah 60:1-2). He assures them that even though darkness has engulfed the land, the light of God will dispel that darkness
Indeed, this light does not only shine to the Jews, the remnant of the peoples who returned from exile, it rays reach out like fingers of the dawn sun through the leaves of trees, to all the nations of the earth. “…the wealth of the nations shall come to you, the multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camel of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold, frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord” (Isaiah 60: 5b-6).
What Isaiah emphasizes here is the fact that salvation was now not limited only to the Jews but the entire of God’s creation. Midian, Ephah and Sheba are gentile towns and we know in the Gospels that the wise men from the east were gentiles and by presenting gold, frankincense and myrrh to Jesus they fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy.
The narrow concept of salvation that many Jews had namely salvation only to God’s chosen people must now give way to the image of a God who reaches out to draw all peoples of this earth to himself. To confirm this, the Psalmist says “All kings shall pay him homage; all nations shall serve him” (Psalm 72:11).
This universal nature of salvation is emphasized in the Gospel reading of today. The visit by the Magi to the infant king shows clearly that salvation is not only the preserve of the Jews anymore but everyone anywhere who acknowledges the sovereignty of God will be saved.
The attitude of the Magi is worthy of emulation. These men were wealthy men and scholars; scientists in their own right. Yet they followed the star like little children playing on the fields and upon seeing an aeroplane passing, they decide to follow it as it were to its destination. No scholarly person who follows the light God gives him can miss worshipping at the feet of Jesus. Indeed, in Jesus Christ “Are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3).
Their diligence in searching for the star that will lead them to Bethlehem is unimaginable. What was their motivation? A baby wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger? I believe strongly that like Simeon who recognize in the baby Jesus, the Messiah (Luke 2:22-32), they moved by faith. They did not allow their knowledge to cloud their vision.
For the many whose knowledge is leading them astray, your knowledge must lead out of ignorance onto the threshold of wisdom; it must lead you to the school of Jesus.
However, there is the danger of some of us behaving like King Herod who missed the opportunity to be saved. Yes salvation has come to all, but each and every one of us must work at it with fear and trembling. Perhaps we can shout out, “We are saved! We are free!” That is a fact. There is no need for anyone to bow to the slavery of sin because Christ has come to save us from the chains of death and our human spirit. Indeed, salvation is within our grasp. I am sure that if the Magi had become complacent because they had found their Messiah, they would have missed the opportunity to really encounter the infant king.
Again, when the Magi got to Bethlehem, “On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh” (Matthew 2:11). It is not enough to be a baptised Catholic and remain apathetic to your responsibilities; you cannot be a baptised Catholic and stay at home because you have been charge to exercise your ministry for the growth of the Church. Jesus needs our all, our time, our money, our energy for the growth of his Church. The Magi gave their best. What are you giving to Jesus?
Already in the manger, the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that “The wolf shall live with the lamb… they will not hurt or destroy on all my mountain; for earth will be filled of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea” (Isaiah 11: 6-9). Indeed, all creation is in silent adoration in the crib. Our whole life should be a life of silent adoration of Jesus; a worship in spirit and truth.
In sum, the Feast of Epiphany is our feast. It is the day we come to pay homage to Christ who has come to save us. It is a day of joy and we must celebrate it as such. However, some of us have allowed the worries and cares of this life to make us somber, sober and gloomy people, who do not celebrate anything at all, even our salvation. Other times too, we have allowed our celebrations to get out of hands that we lose the spiritual benefits- the kinds of celebrations that make us forget.
Isaiah 60:1-6/ Psalm 72/ Ephesians 3: 2-3, 5-6/ Matthew 2:1-12
AGORSOR Aaron Agbeshie
THEME: Salvation is for all
The birth of Jesus, wonderful as that event was, was known to a few: to Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the Magi, King Herod and his councilors, the High Priest and perhaps friends who heard about this wonder of God. But Epiphany which is means ‘Manifestation’ is the showing forth of Jesus to the world. Epiphany tells us that in Jesus there is salvation for all.
In spite of the countless warnings the prophet Jeremiah and Isaiah gave to the kings and people of Israel, they did not remain faithful to God. Jerusalem was destroyed and the whole nation was carried into captivity and slavery in Babylon. Finally, following the Edict of Cyrus in 539B.C., the first exiles returned to their homeland, and soon the Temple of Jerusalem was rebuilt. The darkness of exile and slavery was lifted; the light of the Lord shone forth.
Therefore, Isaiah puts it beautifully when he says “Arise and shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For darkness shall cover the earth and the thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you and his glory will appear over you” (Isaiah 60:1-2). He assures them that even though darkness has engulfed the land, the light of God will dispel that darkness
Indeed, this light does not only shine to the Jews, the remnant of the peoples who returned from exile, it rays reach out like fingers of the dawn sun through the leaves of trees, to all the nations of the earth. “…the wealth of the nations shall come to you, the multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camel of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold, frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord” (Isaiah 60: 5b-6).
What Isaiah emphasizes here is the fact that salvation was now not limited only to the Jews but the entire of God’s creation. Midian, Ephah and Sheba are gentile towns and we know in the Gospels that the wise men from the east were gentiles and by presenting gold, frankincense and myrrh to Jesus they fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy.
The narrow concept of salvation that many Jews had namely salvation only to God’s chosen people must now give way to the image of a God who reaches out to draw all peoples of this earth to himself. To confirm this, the Psalmist says “All kings shall pay him homage; all nations shall serve him” (Psalm 72:11).
This universal nature of salvation is emphasized in the Gospel reading of today. The visit by the Magi to the infant king shows clearly that salvation is not only the preserve of the Jews anymore but everyone anywhere who acknowledges the sovereignty of God will be saved.
The attitude of the Magi is worthy of emulation. These men were wealthy men and scholars; scientists in their own right. Yet they followed the star like little children playing on the fields and upon seeing an aeroplane passing, they decide to follow it as it were to its destination. No scholarly person who follows the light God gives him can miss worshipping at the feet of Jesus. Indeed, in Jesus Christ “Are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3).
Their diligence in searching for the star that will lead them to Bethlehem is unimaginable. What was their motivation? A baby wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger? I believe strongly that like Simeon who recognize in the baby Jesus, the Messiah (Luke 2:22-32), they moved by faith. They did not allow their knowledge to cloud their vision.
For the many whose knowledge is leading them astray, your knowledge must lead out of ignorance onto the threshold of wisdom; it must lead you to the school of Jesus.
However, there is the danger of some of us behaving like King Herod who missed the opportunity to be saved. Yes salvation has come to all, but each and every one of us must work at it with fear and trembling. Perhaps we can shout out, “We are saved! We are free!” That is a fact. There is no need for anyone to bow to the slavery of sin because Christ has come to save us from the chains of death and our human spirit. Indeed, salvation is within our grasp. I am sure that if the Magi had become complacent because they had found their Messiah, they would have missed the opportunity to really encounter the infant king.
Again, when the Magi got to Bethlehem, “On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh” (Matthew 2:11). It is not enough to be a baptised Catholic and remain apathetic to your responsibilities; you cannot be a baptised Catholic and stay at home because you have been charge to exercise your ministry for the growth of the Church. Jesus needs our all, our time, our money, our energy for the growth of his Church. The Magi gave their best. What are you giving to Jesus?
Already in the manger, the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that “The wolf shall live with the lamb… they will not hurt or destroy on all my mountain; for earth will be filled of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea” (Isaiah 11: 6-9). Indeed, all creation is in silent adoration in the crib. Our whole life should be a life of silent adoration of Jesus; a worship in spirit and truth.
In sum, the Feast of Epiphany is our feast. It is the day we come to pay homage to Christ who has come to save us. It is a day of joy and we must celebrate it as such. However, some of us have allowed the worries and cares of this life to make us somber, sober and gloomy people, who do not celebrate anything at all, even our salvation. Other times too, we have allowed our celebrations to get out of hands that we lose the spiritual benefits- the kinds of celebrations that make us forget.
Friday, December 31, 2010
HOMILY FOR THE SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD
Numbers 6:22-27/ Psalm 67/ Galatians 4:4-7/ Luke 2: 16-21
Agorsor Aaron Agbeshie
THEME: The Wonder of God
The title of "Mother of God" was first used by Elizabeth at Mary’s Visitation. At that moment, Elizabeth said, "And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me?" [Lk. 1:43] Elsewhere in the Holy Bible, we read that Mary is the Mother of Christ [Mt. 1:18-25] and that Jesus Christ is Lord and God. [Jn. 20:28] Consequently we can logically conclude that Mary is the Mother of God.
Mary’s Magnificat “ My soul magnifies the Lord, my spirit finds joy in God my saviour…God who is mighty has done great things for me , holy is his name; His mercy is from age to age on those who fear him…”( Luke 1:46-50). Indeed, God has done great things for Mary and this thought fills Mary’s heart today.
The Gospel reading says it all. When Mary saw even shepherds joyously repeating what the angels have told them, we are told that “ … Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart” ( Luke 2:19). Mary, as it were, was lost in deep contemplation. Words could not fathom what was being said about her Son, who is her saviour. Perhaps, Mary was asking herself whether the simple but difficult ‘Yes’ she said to God has become the source of this wonderment. Like hymn number 288 puts it beautifully, Mary was lost in wondering contemplation at what the shepherds were saying about the child Jesus.
During today's reading from the Gospel of Luke, [Lk. 2:15-21] we heard the words of the shepherds who said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." [Lk. 2:15] How many times have we Catholics repeated similar words? How many times have we said, "Let us go to the Church to hear the Word of God which has been made known to us." As the shepherds went to Bethlehem to adore Jesus in His physical body, you faithful believers come to Church to adore Jesus Who is physically present in the Sacred Tabernacle. Your acts of adoration are a continuation of the footsteps of the shepherds. Your children shall continue in these footsteps. And so will their children and their grand-children, etc... all for the glory of God.
When the shepherds returned, they glorified and praised God for all they had heard and seen, as it has been told them. They glorified and praised God for the fulfillment of the promises of the Old Testament, believing that through Jesus, the promised Messiah had finally arrived.
We too have much to glorify and praise God for. We praise and glorify God because we now know beyond any doubt that Jesus was the Messiah. He fulfilled the hundreds of Old Testament prophecies that were made regarding His coming. He died for us. On the third day, He resurrected. He sent His Spirit to teach and guide us. He instituted the Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church for our spiritual well-being.
We are also told that “Everyone who heard it was astonished at what the shepherds had to say” (Luke 2:18). How astonished have we been who celebrate Christmas every year? Everything that God does always has a humble beginning. If we fail to recognize this fact, we will miss the opportunities that life offers us. We are invited to faith even in hopeless situations of our lives.
Faith and love could make the coming year, a promising one for all of us. It is easy to forget that Mary was above all a woman of faith. She left herself open to the possibilities of the call of God, no matter how incomprehensible it may be. Mary’s openness even included a call to be the Mother of God. “I am the servant of the Lord. Let it be done to me as you say” (Luke 1:38).
Mary’s faith in God did not mean that she did not ask questions: “How can this be since I do not know a man?” (Luke 1:34). Indeed, Mary did not understand when his Son says “Whoever does the will of my Father is my brother, sister and mother” (Mark 3:35). But Mary’s faith did not waver. As we are told, “Mary treasured all these things and reflected on them in her heart” (Luke 1:19).
The first day of the year is placed under the sign of a woman, Mary. The Evangelist Luke describes her as the silent Virgin who listens constantly to the eternal Word, who lives in the Word of God. Mary treasures in her heart the words that come from God and, piecing them together, she learns to understand them.
As we begin a new year, we are invited to see Mary as an epitome of faith; an example of our own approach to daily life. Faith will make it possible for us to see that “God who is mighty has done great things for us and also that God who is mighty will do greater things in and through us in this New Year. When the tempest rages around us, Mary will calm the troubled sea because she has gone through the tempest rages.
Indeed, it is only where God is seen does life truly begins; only when we meet the living God in Christ do we know what life is. We are not some casual and meaningless product of evolution. Each of us is the result of a thought of God. Each of us is willed; each of us is loved and each of us is necessary. As Pope Benedict XVI puts it beautifully, there is nothing more beautiful than to know him and to speak to others about our friendship with Him. Mary recognized in the infant Jesus, God and her Saviour. Therefore, she makes God known through her beautiful song, ‘The Magnificat’.
Mary recognized that her entire life was the gift of God and she uses that gift in magnifying God. So again, she is a model of gratitude. When we reflect on the wonder of God, we will as a matter of necessity always be grateful to God.
In sum, let us ponder anew what the almighty God has done, is doing and about to do. We need to count our blessings one by one and thank God in all we have gone through in 2010 whether good or bad. Let us too, at the school of Mary, learn to become attentive and docile disciples of the Lord. With her motherly help, let us commit ourselves to working enthusiastically in the "workshop" of peace, following Christ, the Prince of Peace.
Numbers 6:22-27/ Psalm 67/ Galatians 4:4-7/ Luke 2: 16-21
Agorsor Aaron Agbeshie
THEME: The Wonder of God
The title of "Mother of God" was first used by Elizabeth at Mary’s Visitation. At that moment, Elizabeth said, "And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me?" [Lk. 1:43] Elsewhere in the Holy Bible, we read that Mary is the Mother of Christ [Mt. 1:18-25] and that Jesus Christ is Lord and God. [Jn. 20:28] Consequently we can logically conclude that Mary is the Mother of God.
Mary’s Magnificat “ My soul magnifies the Lord, my spirit finds joy in God my saviour…God who is mighty has done great things for me , holy is his name; His mercy is from age to age on those who fear him…”( Luke 1:46-50). Indeed, God has done great things for Mary and this thought fills Mary’s heart today.
The Gospel reading says it all. When Mary saw even shepherds joyously repeating what the angels have told them, we are told that “ … Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart” ( Luke 2:19). Mary, as it were, was lost in deep contemplation. Words could not fathom what was being said about her Son, who is her saviour. Perhaps, Mary was asking herself whether the simple but difficult ‘Yes’ she said to God has become the source of this wonderment. Like hymn number 288 puts it beautifully, Mary was lost in wondering contemplation at what the shepherds were saying about the child Jesus.
During today's reading from the Gospel of Luke, [Lk. 2:15-21] we heard the words of the shepherds who said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." [Lk. 2:15] How many times have we Catholics repeated similar words? How many times have we said, "Let us go to the Church to hear the Word of God which has been made known to us." As the shepherds went to Bethlehem to adore Jesus in His physical body, you faithful believers come to Church to adore Jesus Who is physically present in the Sacred Tabernacle. Your acts of adoration are a continuation of the footsteps of the shepherds. Your children shall continue in these footsteps. And so will their children and their grand-children, etc... all for the glory of God.
When the shepherds returned, they glorified and praised God for all they had heard and seen, as it has been told them. They glorified and praised God for the fulfillment of the promises of the Old Testament, believing that through Jesus, the promised Messiah had finally arrived.
We too have much to glorify and praise God for. We praise and glorify God because we now know beyond any doubt that Jesus was the Messiah. He fulfilled the hundreds of Old Testament prophecies that were made regarding His coming. He died for us. On the third day, He resurrected. He sent His Spirit to teach and guide us. He instituted the Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church for our spiritual well-being.
We are also told that “Everyone who heard it was astonished at what the shepherds had to say” (Luke 2:18). How astonished have we been who celebrate Christmas every year? Everything that God does always has a humble beginning. If we fail to recognize this fact, we will miss the opportunities that life offers us. We are invited to faith even in hopeless situations of our lives.
Faith and love could make the coming year, a promising one for all of us. It is easy to forget that Mary was above all a woman of faith. She left herself open to the possibilities of the call of God, no matter how incomprehensible it may be. Mary’s openness even included a call to be the Mother of God. “I am the servant of the Lord. Let it be done to me as you say” (Luke 1:38).
Mary’s faith in God did not mean that she did not ask questions: “How can this be since I do not know a man?” (Luke 1:34). Indeed, Mary did not understand when his Son says “Whoever does the will of my Father is my brother, sister and mother” (Mark 3:35). But Mary’s faith did not waver. As we are told, “Mary treasured all these things and reflected on them in her heart” (Luke 1:19).
The first day of the year is placed under the sign of a woman, Mary. The Evangelist Luke describes her as the silent Virgin who listens constantly to the eternal Word, who lives in the Word of God. Mary treasures in her heart the words that come from God and, piecing them together, she learns to understand them.
As we begin a new year, we are invited to see Mary as an epitome of faith; an example of our own approach to daily life. Faith will make it possible for us to see that “God who is mighty has done great things for us and also that God who is mighty will do greater things in and through us in this New Year. When the tempest rages around us, Mary will calm the troubled sea because she has gone through the tempest rages.
Indeed, it is only where God is seen does life truly begins; only when we meet the living God in Christ do we know what life is. We are not some casual and meaningless product of evolution. Each of us is the result of a thought of God. Each of us is willed; each of us is loved and each of us is necessary. As Pope Benedict XVI puts it beautifully, there is nothing more beautiful than to know him and to speak to others about our friendship with Him. Mary recognized in the infant Jesus, God and her Saviour. Therefore, she makes God known through her beautiful song, ‘The Magnificat’.
Mary recognized that her entire life was the gift of God and she uses that gift in magnifying God. So again, she is a model of gratitude. When we reflect on the wonder of God, we will as a matter of necessity always be grateful to God.
In sum, let us ponder anew what the almighty God has done, is doing and about to do. We need to count our blessings one by one and thank God in all we have gone through in 2010 whether good or bad. Let us too, at the school of Mary, learn to become attentive and docile disciples of the Lord. With her motherly help, let us commit ourselves to working enthusiastically in the "workshop" of peace, following Christ, the Prince of Peace.
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