SERMON/HOMILY FOR TUESDAY OF THE 3RD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR II 23RD JANUARY 2024

SERMON/HOMILY FOR TUESDAY OF THE 3RD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR II 23RD JANUARY 2024

2Sam6:12b-15. 17-19; Ps.24; Mark 3:31-35

In God’s Will is our Peace!

In the gospel reading, Jesus’ mother and relations came looking for him. Maybe they came to take him home so that he may eat and rest a little, having being out there all through the day. Going by the demand of the flesh (hunger and rest), Jesus had reasons to go home with his mother and brethren. But he rather chose to find his mother and brethren amongst those who do God’s will. This means that Jesus will always go with and stay with anyone who resolves to do the will of God.

Let us resolve today to struggle more to adhere to the demands of the Spirit over those of the flesh. The battle of the Spirit and the flesh is persistent is each and everyone of us. But the more we give in to one side of the battle, the easier it becomes to remain on that side. So, the more we take up the courage to overcome the inordinate desires of the flesh, the easier it gets to always overcome those inordinate desires. We can begin with very simple steps: when you have to pray, don’t procrastinate; to avoid telling lies, always do the right thing; when you are angry, remain quiet; generally, avoid occasions of sin.

See, the beginning may be rough but consistency will make it easy. So, do not be afraid to shun the flesh. Do not be intimidated by how far you may have been on the wrong side. Do not be discouraged by the many times you have tried but failed. Today, you can begin anew and the grace of God will be sufficient for you.