Homily for Tuesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle I
Theme: Authentic witnessing!
By: Rev Fr Oselumhense Anetor (Uromi Diocese)
Homily for Tuesday November 16 20212021
2 Macc.6:18-31; Luke 19:1-10
Human limitations can always be surpassed by God’s grace. Who would have thought that an old man, weighed down by age, would reject the opportunity to save himself and choose death instead? Even when his friends offered to give him something else to eat in place of pig’s flesh, he was resolved to die with honour for what he believed in, rather than live in shame and disgrace. Eleazer knew his death was not about him alone. In standing firm for his beliefs, Eleazer left “an example of nobility and a memorial of courage, not only to the young but to the great body of his nation.” This is authentic witnessing.
Friends, the great gospel artist Nathaniel Bassey did a song titled, “Someone’s knocking at the door.” Jesus is knocking. We can’t sit on the fence, pretending not to hear him. We may have nothing in us that can be traced to Christ whom we claim to follow. However, one thing we learn from Zachaeus and Eleazer today is the willingness to be authentic in our witnessing. Zachaeus looked beyond his present limitations (both physical and otherwise), and expressed genuine interest in the person of Jesus Christ. He threw the door of his heart wide open, and accepted Jesus offer of salvation. Can we do the same?
Good morning dear. God bless your day ahead.