Homily for the Solemnity of Mary Mother of God (55th World Day of Peace).
Theme: That Peace may reign in us!
By: Rev Fr Oselumhense Anetor (Uromi Diocese)
Homily for Saturday January 1 2022
Num.6:22-27; Ps.67; Gal.4:4-7; Luke 2:16-21
As always, the new year begins with God’s word through Moses to Aaron and his sons, on how they are to bless the sons of Israel. These same words bring back hope to us many years after. Nothing short of God’s face and his unending blessings can cure us of the disease of violence and war. Look around you, we have internally displaced persons, refugees fleeing their homes because of war and hatred; people continuing to die daily due to the ravages of hunger, disease, injustice and violence. The coronavirus pandemic has only made matters worse. But Jesus understands completely. He was born into a situation not too different from ours.
Friends, because of Jesus Christ we have hope. From an early age, he was a refugee; he knew the ravages of hunger, rejection and oppression. But he always advocated for peace. He was born a subject of the law, that he might redeem the subjects of the law, to become adopted children of God. Till the day Jesus Christ was forcefully taken, he prevented his followers from taking up arms. Today, 55 years after Pope St Paul VI wrote the first message for the World Day of Peace, Pope Francis proposes three paths for building lasting peace. He says there must be DIALOGUE betweengenerations as the basis for the realization of shared projects. He then advocates EDUCATION as a factor offreedom, responsibility and development. Finally, the Holy Father says that LABOUR must be the means for the full realization ofhuman dignity. Finally, like the shepherds, may we too hurry to kneel by Mary’s side, as we stare at the face of the baby Jesus and ponder what true peace means, Amen.
God bless your year ahead. Happy 2022!