HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE 2ND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Homily for Thursday of the 2nd week in ordinary time 

Hebrews 7:25---8:6; Mark 3:7-12.

The first reading tells us that "Jesus is able for all time to save those who approach God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them" (Heb 7:25). 

Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, Jesus is our saviour. He is the only one who can save us from sin because he is the one who can interceed for us with God; he is the only one without sin. He is "holy, blameless, undefiled, separated from sinners, exalted above the heavens" (Heb 7:26). 

Jesus is both priest and victim (Heb 7:27). Our union with Jesus can be attained based on our participation in his priesthood and victimhood.

Whenever we gather in prayer to re-enact the Holy sacrifice of Christ Jesus at Mass, we are not repeating what Jesus did at Calvary but sharing in the blessings Jesus gained for us by his suffering, death and resurrection.

The Gospel reading of today's liturgy tells us that Jesus is the Messiah and he came for all. He is the One (Son) Sent by the Father into the world as a gift for God's love for the world. 

We are told with opposition from the Herodians and Pharisees who were holding counsel against Jesus. "He departed with his disciples to the sea" (Mk 3:7). Near the sea, a great multitude came to him from different parts and region. Jesus "cured many so that all who had disease pressed upon him to touch him" (Mk 3:10).

Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, the love of God is universal. Jesus is carrying out the mission of the Father, proclaimed the Gospel of the kingdom of God in words and deeds. He dressed the wounds of the brokenhearted, brought deliverance and freedom from sin and evil to the captives. 

This universal mission of Christ is wholly continued through the Church. In Christ's name, the Church renders gracious services to humanity. Beloved in Christ, how committed are you towards cooperating with the church in realizimg the mission of Jesus to humanity?  The mission of bringing the Good news of the kingdom of God to humanity; The mission of bringing the healing of God to the brokenheartednof our society; The mission of giving hope to the hopeless that Jesus is the saviour of humanity. 

Those who sort for Jesus, drew closer to him and submitted themselves to him that he may teach them and heal them. Brothers and sisters in Christ, How submissive are you to Jesus even in your encounter with him in the sacrifice of the mass? How open are you towards the assimilation of Gospel in the liturgy of the word?

We pray that every encounter we have with God may continually bring us genuine conversion and healing in Jesus name. Amen

Have a gracious day

Fr Remi Osj