Homily for Monday of the 4th Week of Advent
Theme: Knowing the will of God is one thing, But Obeying it is the main thing.
By: Fr. Diotacious Chikontwe SMA
Homily for Monday December 20 2021
*READINGS OF THE DAY*
Jeremiah 7:10-14
Psalm 23:1-6
Luke 1:26-38
*INTRODUCTION*
Dear friends, In today’s Gospel, the spot is on Mary. Just like Zechariah, the angel Gabriel announced the will of God to her. It was not an easy “yes” for Mary. She was to be the mother of the Son of God. It was made complicated because she was not yet married. It was hard to explain to everyone that she will conceive by the Holy Spirit. But much harder was the responsibility of becoming the mother of the Son of God! To some it would be seen as a prestige. It can be the highest and most wanted position in the whole universe and for all time and beyond. But not with Mary. She was aware of the greatness and difficult consequences of the privilege.
*MY EXPERIENCE OF ACCEPTING THE WILL OF GOD AS A PRIEST!*
Knowing the will of God is one thing. Obeying it is the main thing. You can ask any priest who had gone through a gruelling struggle in accepting the will of God for Him. To be called to the ministry of the priesthood is not a walk in the park or a piece of cake as some seem to see it. To embrace the ministry of winning souls for the Kingdom, choosing to live a life of celibacy, leaving ones family, and electing not to be a man of God and not of the world, are hard decisions to make. I would venture to speak for all priests. I am sure, the decision to follow the Will of God was not just a one day and one time decision. Everyday, every priest always makes that decision to be God’s minister.
*ACCEPTING THE WILL OF GOD AS A FAMILY COUPLE*
A couple deciding to get married in the Sacrament of Matrimony. We believe that God has a hand in every marriage. When two people get married in the sacrament, they are responding to God’s plan. They agreed with God’s will that they were meant for each other. Their married life will certainly be complete if they stay connected to God.God will see them through because they consented to His will. Following the Will of God advances our spiritual life. It helps us to know God better. It makes us relate with Him confidently. It makes us humble and dependent on God.
*CONCLUSION*
Let us remember that just like Mary, you too must say, am the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done according to your will, for the will of God will never take you, Where the comfort of God cannot dry your tears,
Where the Word of God cannot feed you,
Where the miracles of God cannot be done for you,
Where the omnipresence of God cannot find you.
When God calls you, He gives also the Holy Spirit to guide you and makes you overcome the obstacles of this world.
THE LORD BE WITH YOU ALL!
– Fr. Diotacious Chikontwe SMA