Catholic homily for Wednesday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle I
Theme: Be open to receive the Word of God
By: Fr Francis Onwunali
Homily for Wednesday July 21 2021
“If only we have died in the hand of the Lord in Egypt, as we sat by our fleshpots and ate our fill of bread, whereas you have brought us to this desert to let the whole assembly die of starvation” (Ex. 16: 3). This is evidently how we react often times when things are not going our way.
The Isrealites in the first reading (Ex. 16: 1-5, 9-15) complained against Moses (and God) just few months after liberating them from Egypt. Their food was more important than their freedom, hence, they forgot easily God’s intervention and promise to them. However, God still showed compassion by providing them with “manna” and “quail” for food.
In the gospel (Matt. 13: 1-9), Jesus instructs the people using the parable of the sower. It highlights how we receive the Word of God in our lives and its effect. Am I able to allow situations in life to serve as manure to prepare my life as fertile soil for the Word of God?
Dear friends, it pays more to trust on God’s providence than worrying about what is happening in our life. Since God is unchanging in His promise of being with us and providing for us, we are better off standing with God no matter the peril of our life. Humility and patience are the key virtues in our journey with God.
I pray as we journey in life today, we will be open to receive the Word in the fertile soil of our lives so as to bear the desired fruits. May the experiences of our lives help us prepare for God’s planting the divine gifts in us which will produce a rich harvest. Have a bountiful harvest day!
Fr Francis Onwunali