Every Sunday and solemn feast day, we celebrate the mysteries of our faith in a special way. We have resources here to enrich your celebration of God’s word this weekend.
The series “Sunday Liturgy in Efik” below is a publication of the Society of St Paul (The Paulines), No.3 Atan Ikot Okoro, Essien Udim L.G.A., Akwa Ibom State.
HOMILY FOR THE THIRTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – YEAR C
1st Reading: Malachi 3: 19-20a
Psalm: []
2nd Reading: 2 Thess 3: 7-12
Gospel: Luke 21: 5-19
GENERAL MESSAGE
As we draw close to the end of the year, the readings touch on the need to develop the right attitude in the face of the second-coming scare.
In the face of the post-exilic difficulties of resettlement, Prophet Malachi, in the 1st reading, comes with a ‘double edged sword’ meant to ensure balanced responsibility. The proud and evil doers would be in trouble while those who fear the Lord would shine.
The 2nd reading is a continuation of last Sunday’s reading. In the face of the Parousia scare in the early Church of Thessalonica, Paul gives instructions regarding the right attitude to develop. He condemns laziness and advises responsibility and continued fidelity.
In this Gospel periscope according to Luke, Jesus gives some indication about the Parousia but warns against possible misconceptions and misdirection. He exhorts perseverance in the face of the impending difficulties that will be associated with the 2nd coming.
HOMILY POINTS
Abhor all pride and all evil
Fear the Name of the Lord
That God’s healing rays be directed towards you!
Being a model for Christ’s Church
Do not be a burden to the people of God
Laziness is bad!
Take care not to be deceived
Wisdom in facing the troubles of the end-time
Persecution as an opportunity to witness
Managing betrayal from family
The ‘magic’ in perseverance!
Re-kindling the light of hope
Sample Homily
Theme: The ‘Magic’ in Perseverance… Re-kindles Hope!
Dear friends,
As we draw close to the end of the year, the tendency is there to look back on what has transpired within the past months of the year. Though it is always better to count one’s blessings but at this point, try to bring to mind those difficult times and those sorrowful moments which are never lacking in human life. Did you think you were going to make it this far? Just one more month to the end of the year. How were you able to manage the storm till today? There is no doubt you may have put in your efforts but as today’s Gospel tells us, the Lord Himself gave you the Grace!
I have this message for you: If you were able to face the past, you will surely be able to face the future by that same divine Grace. Just one more thing is required: PESEVERANCE!!! Jesus confirms this in the Gospel reading when He says: “Your perseverance will win you your lives.”
Life experience has taught that there is something ‘magical’ about this attitude. When times and situations are tough, it takes responsible perseverance to overcome and where one puts up that attitude, there is always a testimony at the end. Perseverance rekindles hope and hope in God does not fail.
Using the context of the Parousia, the readings of today touch on this attitude as a solution to the difficulties associated with the time. There remains a lesson to be learnt here. Faith in God demands that the believer persevere to the end no matter the situation. Winners don’t quit and quitters don’t win. Trust in God and watch out for the magic in that attitude of perseverance. It will rekindle hope, you will win your life and there will be a testimony!
