HOMILY FOR NOVEMBER 12, MEMORIAL OF ST. JOSAPHAT, BISHOP AND MARTYR.
THEME: Never lose heart!
BY: Rev Fr Oselumhense Anetor (Uromi Diocese).
3 John 1:5-8; Ps. 112:1-6; Luke 18:1-8
Josaphat was born at a time of great disunity in the Eastern Church, as a result of the union of the Ruthenian Church and Catholicism. One party wanted to remain Orthodox, and the other wanted to remain within Moscow’s control and Constantinople. He was perhaps the first to make the move to become Catholic of the Slavonic rite. His eventual ordination and appointment as Bishop of Polotsk, so much threatened the relationship between Church and State that Josaphat was eventually murdered by a mob in 1623 while on a pastoral visit to Vitebsk.
Friends, Josaphat gave his life fighting for the unity of God’s people. He was so good that he was dubbed “the thief of souls.” The first reading assures us that God rewards evangelism and Pastoral care for others. If we’ve been striving to unify peoples and care for those we may not even know, we cannot afford to lose heart.
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Jesus encourages us in the gospel reading that God will see justice done to his chosen who cry to him day and night even when he delays. Let’s not lose faith. Temptations and tribulations are a large part of Pastoral care. May we be encouraged by St Josaphat’s example. Amen.https://www.homilyhub.com/homily-for-november-12-memorial-of-st-josaphat-bishop-and-martyr-1/
Good morning dear. Happy Weekend. St Josaphat, pray for us.