HOMILY FOR THE 24TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C
THEME: JESUS CAME TO SAVE SINNERS
BY: Fr. Cajetan Anyanwu
HOMILY FOR SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 11 2022
This is the 24th Sunday in ordinary time. The dynamics of the Christian faith nuture a life style that is often misunderstood by many. This is because, Jesus came not for the righteous but for sinners. Those who do not believe in him see this attitude as contrary to the ways of the world. For them, sinners should die in their sins. But Jesus loves sinners and welcomes them.
This love for sinners is not a license for us to commit sin as we want. It means that we should repent and come back to God. This was why Moses pleaded on behalf of his rebellious people. He did not take advantage of the fact that God said, “my wrath shall blaze out against them and devour them; of you, however, I will make a great nation” (Ex. 32:7-11.13-14). God relented and spared the people because Moses pleaded. Before pleading on their behalf Moses must have cautioned the people and they repented.
Through this action of Moses we now see why the church asks the saints to pray for us sinners. God listens to those who are upright and saves those who repent. Paul also emphasized the fact that Jesus wants sinners to be saved. He writes thus: “Here is a saying that you can rely on and nobody should doubt: that Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (Tim. 1:12-17). The sinners to be saved are those who realized their mistakes and ammaned their lives.
Whenever a sinner repents and comes back to God there is joy in heaven. This is the major theme of the Gospel this Sunday. We have been given enough time to amend our ways and be reconciled with God. Luke gave many instances of rejoicing in heaven over one repentant sinner than millions who claim to be righteous (cf. Lk. 15:1-32). Like the prodigal son we have to examine our ways of life and make positive changes. Jesus is ever ready to welcome anyone who repents and comes back to him. May God increase our faith, help us to repent and come back to him, amen.
Happy Sunday .