Homily for Wednesday of the 1st week of ordinary time 11th January 2023(Jesus destroys the power of the devil)

Homily for Wednesday of the 1st week of ordinary time

Hebrew 2:14-18; Mark 1:29-39

Theme: Jesus destroys the power of the devil

The first reading of today's liturgy tells us that Jesus destroyed the power of the devil; through his incarnation, death on the cross and resurrection, he gave us eternal life. It says: "Since, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death" (Heb 2:14-15).

Beloved in Christ, Jesus is the true and perfect man. Without Jesus, humanity would still have been held captive under the power of the devil. St. John tells us: " Christ went down into the depths of death so that the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live" (JN 5:25).  Hence the risen Christ holds the keys of "Death and Hades", so that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth (Phil 2:10). Fear not, friends in Christ, the victory had been won by Jesus. In Jesus is humanity victorious. 

In the Gospel reading, we are told that on leaving the synagogue, Jesus went to the home of Simon and Andrew. There he healed Simon's mother-in-law who was held down with fever (Mk 1:29-31). Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, this scenario can be likened to Jesus going from the church to our various homes and places of work etc. to continue his saving mission. 

In the same vein, at the end of the mass, the priest tells us "Go in peace to love and serve the Lord", and we respond "Thanks be to God". This is a command to us all to continue the good works of Jesus, by going to various homes and places, bringing the joy of the kingdom of God to them. 

We are told that later that evening people brought to him many who were sick and possessed by demons and he healed them (Mk 1:32-34). Friends in Christ, the healing ministry was at the heart of Jesus' saving mission. Hence, a vital apostolate of the church which the ecclesial community offers in the name of Jesus Christ. 

Dearest friends in Christ, at moments of sickness, let it be a time for us to seek the grace of Jesus, deepen our faith in Jesus and trurn to him to be healed and free from every diseases and the darts of the evil one. May we flourish in the Lord Jesus with good health of mind and body. Amen

Have a blessed day

Fr Remi Osj