HOMILY FOR TUESDAY OF THE 3RD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME (St. Francis de sales, Bishop and Doctor

Homily for Tuesday of the 3rd week in Ordinary Time (Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop, Doctor)

Hebrews 10:1-10; Mark 3:31-35

The first reading of today's liturgy informs us of how impossible it is for the blood of bulls and goatsbto take away sins. Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body you have prepared for me; in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure. Then I said, see, God I have comebto do your will, O God (in the scroll of the book it stands written)" (Heb 10:4-7). 

Beloved in Christ, the death of Christ cancelled the sacrifices and offerings of the Old Testament. Jesus from the beginning embrace the Father's salvific plan and mission for humanity. In John 4:34, he said, "My food is to do the will of he who sent me". 

Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, St Paul encourages us to always participate in the sacrifice of Christ Jesus. We just be crucified with Christ (Gal 2:19) so that we can say it is no longer I who live but it is Christ who lives in me. (Gal 2:20). Friends in Christ, like Jesus, doing the will of God, above all else, should be our scarifice.

The Gospel reading, Jesus tells us: "Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister, and mother (Mk 3:35). 

By the virtue of this statement , Jesus justifies that the deepest relationship is not necessarily the blood relationship  but that of mind to mind and heart to heart. While the blood relationship is naturally limited, the heart-to-heart relationship is unlimited. Through the sacrament of Baptism we have been invited to share in heart-to-heart heart relationship with God. Manifesting a heart of love, obedience, commitment and dedication to the will of God.

A deep heart-to-heart relationship with God is dependent on doing the will of God. Jesus came to do the will of the Father. Those who do the will of God are thereby related to Jesus. They enter into heart to heart-to-heart relationship with Jesus.  In John 15:4, Jesus said, "You are my friends if you do what I command you". 

Beloved in Christ,  do allow the will of God to be done in your life? How obedient are you to the commandments of God? Are you a doer of the will of God rather than a  mere listener? The will of God is anchored on love God and love of neighbour. 

We pray that the graces of God Almighty may accompany us to be doers of the word of God at all times. May the will of God be done on earth as it is in heaven. 

Remain blessed in the Lord

Fr Remi osj