REFLECTION/HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 1ST WEEK OF ADVENT 9TH DECEMBER 2023

REFLECTION/HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 1ST WEEK OF ADVENT 9TH DECEMBER 2023

Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26; Ps.147; Matthew 9:35-10:1, 5a, 6-8

*Be Compassionate to Others*

In the gospel reading of today, Jesus is found doing his father’s business. He went about enlightening the hearts of men and only thereafter did he heal their diseases and infirmities. He sets the priority right by attending to the people’s need in the other of importance. The opening of the eyes of our minds is far more important than the opening of our physical eyes because God is seen only by the eyes of the mind. So, by his teaching and healing, Jesus was making God known to the people.

It however became obvious to Jesus that even after doing so much, there were still much more to be done. He needed helpers. It is because there is work to be done that is why labourers are needed. It is very important we note this. It is not because there are labourers that is why work is created to keep them busy. Therefore, when God calls, it is because he wants to use the called to satisfy a need somewhere. Hence, when we are busy carrying out the mission entrusted to us by God, we are not doing others a favour. In fact, it is because of them that our ministering is meaningful.

Again, when the need for more labourers became obvious, Jesus asked his disciples to pray to God to send more labourers to his vineyard. By this, Jesus was implying that only God can satisfy the deep yearnings of man. And so, for anyone to be able to accomplish this task for others, such a person must enjoy the authority that comes from God. Unless the Lord sends, whoever sends himself or herself will not be doing the work of God.

Being labourers is not exclusive to those called to the ministerial priesthood but extends to all by virtue of our Christian baptism. So, when Jesus asked his disciples to pray that God sends more labourers, he was not saying that they should pray that more persons be baptized, rather, he wanted his disciples to pray that more persons will be more committed to doing God’s will.

Beloved, we need to pray for one another in other to remain steadfast in the faith. Now we are waiting for the coming of the Lord. Without perseverance, we will not wait long enough; we will grow weary. We need the Grace of God to run the race to the end. So, when next you hear or witness the fall of a brethren, rather than dish out condemnations, be like Jesus who had compassion on the people. A child of God will see every sinner as a candidate of God’s mercy.