SERMON/HOMILY FOR WEDNESDAY OF THE 3RD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR II 24TH JANUARY 2024

SERMON/HOMILY FOR WEDNESDAY OF THE 3RD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR II 24TH JANUARY 2024

1Sam.7:4-17; Ps.89; Mark 4:1-20

Consistency breeds Fruitfulness

Since the commencement of Jesus’ public ministry, it has never been a challenge to gather people to listen to Jesus. Everywhere Jesus goes, people followed him with the eagerness to benefit from the fruit of his ministry. Such was the case in today’s gospel reading. To come close to Jesus in order to hear from him is good, but it remains only a first stage for conversion.

Jesus told a parable to teach the importance of abiding in the Word of God we listen to. Usually, after listening, our hearts are stirred up; we are able to identify areas in our lives that need some adjustments. And so, we want to act on the Word we have heard. Often times, we are courageous enough to begin the process of adjusting our lives with the Word of God. However, where problem often set in is in the area of consistency.

When Jesus later explained the parable of the sower to his disciples, we see that all the seeds that could not bear fruits actually made effort at the beginning of their growth process. They were fruitless because they could not sustain the growth process. So the common problem of the other seeds was inconsistency.

Today, our problem may not be too different. Often times, the Word of God has stirred our hearts; for a number of times we have attended crusades, revivals, seminars and so on, wherein we feel the powerful move of God within us; in fact as the beginning of this New Year, many made resolutions to curb bad habits and imbibe good ones in their stead. But no sooner than later, we find ourselves back to square one.

Beloved, the goal of God’s Word is to draw us closer to God but this is never possible if we do not continue on the Word of God. Consistency is our part to play for our on-going conversion. Never be discouraged by the challenges you encounter in trying to become better. You will be mocked, misinterpreted, underrated, you will be used and not appreciated, you will be discouraged by misguided helpers.

In the midst of all these, encourage yourself by the fact that growth is always a gradual process. The more you do something, the easier it becomes, and the more proficient you become too. When you are consistent, you will be fruitful; when you become fruitful, those who looked down on you will look up to you.