HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE 31ST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR II. (St Martin de Porres, Rel.)
THEME: Nothing can outweigh knowledge of Christ Jesus!
BY: Rev Fr Oselumhense Anetor (Uromi Diocese)
HOMILY FOR THURSDAY NOVEMBER 3 2022.
Phil.3:3-8; Luke 15:1-10
Human beings are always too concerned about ‘externals’. We look at appearances and conclude that some are sinners while others are saints; and we’re very often wrong in our impressions. Why were the Scribes and Pharisees uncomfortable that Jesus welcomed those they considered sinners? But Jesus reminds them that one ‘lost’ but ‘found’ sheep is the cause of more rejoicing to the Shepherd than Ninety-nine who were never lost. It’s always about finding Christ and his message of salvation.
Paul makes this clear in the first reading. He says that what justifies him are not the external signs of his being a Pharisee, but the advantage of knowing Christ Jesus. This is also true of Martin de Porres. He had a difficult early life. He was a black ex-slave and the illegitimate son of a Spanish nobleman. But he found Jesus when he entered the Dominican Order as a lay brother and spent the rest of his life caring for the sick and the poor, since he was a pharmacist and a nurse. He is patron saint of those of mixed race today. We celebrate St Martin de Porres today because of the kind of life he lived in Christ Jesus. Do we know Jesus this way?
Good morning dear. God bless your day ahead.