Homily for Tuesday of the 2nd Week of Advent
Theme: LORD MAKE ME A GOOD SHEPHERD!
By: Fr. Diotacious Chikontwe SMA
Homily for Tuesday December 7 2021
*READINGS OF THE DAY*
Isaiah 40:1-11
Psalm 95:1-3,10-13
Matthew 18:12-14
*INTRODUCTION*
In today’s Gospel Jesus tells the story of the Good Shepherd. Even if only one sheep is missing, he will go out of his way to find the missing one and temporarily leave the others. Jesus’ mission was to save all. When He reported to His Father, He claimed that no one was lost. Everyone was saved.
*IN SIMPLE TERMS*
In other words, Jesus is primarily telling us that God will never stop in looking for a lost human being due to sin. God never neglects anyone for any reason whatsoever. He always goes and reclaims what has been lost. He never resigns in looking for us sinners. He is always seeking for us because He loves each one of us so much to the extent that He is even risking the ninety nine good persons in order to find us, sinners and bring us back to the flock. Actually God never risks anyone because the truth of the matter is that, practically, all of us have strayed away from Him. By quoting Psalm 14, St. Paul says to us: “All have gone astray, all like are worthless,” (Rom 3:12).
*CONCLUSION*
Dear Friends, God’s love for us is unconditional and immense. He even gave His only Son to die for us. He is merciful and forgiving. If we repent, He will welcome us back to His fold. God would not settle for 99 if there were a hundred. Everyone He created He loved. If we, human beings, could afford to dispense some of our fellow human beings, God would not. For God, each one has a chance and may change. Jesus, truly and perfectly is a Good Shepherd. Let us try to be a good and obedient sheep in return.
*LET US PRAY*
Gentle Jesus, compassionate and caring Good Shepherd,
help me to follow You faithfully.
Strengthen me daily with Your love,
and guide me along life’s paths.
Keep me free from every evil,
protect me from sickness and danger,
and lead me to serve You with all my mind and heart and soul.
Hear my needs and grant me petitions,
especially these intentions important to me at this time:
{Mention your petitions here}
Bless me each day with peace of mind and heart.
May I experience Your saving power in my daily life,
as I await the fullness of life and joy with You forever. Amen.
Fr. Diotacious Chikontwe SMA