HOMILY FOR THE 24TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C.
THEME: I will arise and go to my Father!
BY: Rev Fr Oselumhense Anetor (Uromi Diocese).
HOMILY FOR SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 11 2022
Ex. 32:7-11.13-14; 1Tim.1: 12-17; Luke 15:1-32
The song ‘I have decided to follow Jesus…’ comes to my mind as I pen down this reflection. Of the many themes that one can reflect on today, what’s clear in all three readings is that God is PRODIGAL with His mercy. Even when the Israelites chose a molten calf over God, he still forgave them after Moses’ intercession. Who would ever have thought that Saul who persecuted the body of Christ would one day become one of Christ’s most ardent and fervent Apostles? Why did Jesus choose to eat and dine with sinners? Because he is always interested in their conversion.
Friends, in our journey of faith, what’s in doubt is never God’s readiness to forgive us, it’s rather our readiness to make a U-Turn. This must be μετάνοια, which is a transformative CHANGE of heart. We’re never truly ourselves when we go away from the path of righteousness and holiness. We are sick when we choose our earthly inheritance over our total dependence on God. So we must, like the prodigal son, ARISE and GO BACK to our Father. Yes, there are those who’ll not rejoice that we’re back to God’s grace. But God’s mercy isn’t selective. We all are his children, the good, the bad, and the ugly. It’s time to COME BACK HOME!
Good morning dear. Have an amazing and Blessed Sunday ahead.