HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 1ST WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME

Homily for Saturday of the 1st week of ordinary time

Hebrews 4:12-16; Mark 2:13-17.

In the first reading of today’s liturgy, the author of the letter to the Hebrews educates using the functionality of the “word of God”. It holds: "The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart" (Heb.4:12-13).

Dearest friends in Christ, the "activeness" of the word of God is suggestive of its organic and dynamic nature; it is not passive but animated and spirited. It's suggestive of its capacity to be present in life and history; it alludes to its growth capacity and functionality. 

By its active nature, dear brothers and sisters in Christ, the word of God interacts with our consciences in other to deepen our faith in the judgment of what is pleasing before God. This is because as a double-edged sword, the word of God can permeate the innermost profundity of our hearts to purge and purify us of evil intentions. Hence by listening and assimilating the word of God, we are challenged to grow constantly in holiness and righteousness. When we accept God's word to be our leading principles, we can confidently grow in solidity in our affinity with God and our community.

Beloved in Christ, how often do you read the word of God? How disposed are you towards the demands of the word of God? Do you allow the word of God to guide your sense of Judgement? 

The Gospel reading tells us of the call of the Apostles Matthew otherwise known as "Levi son of Alphaeus". He was a tax collector. However,  significant is the responsiveness of Matthew to the words of Jesus: "Follow me". We are told, he got up and followed him. 

Matthew did not demonstrate with Jesus. Upon hearing the words of Jesus, He accepted and strolled into action. He allowed the word to bear fruit in his life. The words of Jesus lured Matthew into the acceptance of God's project. This is evident in the banquet, Matthew threw up in his home. He was indeed transformed by the words and invitation of Jesus to be his Apostle. 

Dearest Friends in Christ, Mathew gives us a good example that we must follow. We must have a genuine disposition towards the word of God. Our Promptness and responsiveness to the word of God must be assertive. The word of God must constantly be our guiding and leading principle of life. The significant result is that the word of God can guarantee  transformation, conversion and fruitfulness for us. 

Through the intercession of St. Matthew,  May the word of God continually be the lamp for our steps and bring us Gods favour. Amen 

Remain blessed 

FR Remi osj