HOMILY FOR WEDNESDAY OF THE 7TH WEEK OF EASTER (St Justin, Martyr)
THEME: Beware of wolves!
BY: Rev Fr Oselumhense Anetor (Uromi Diocese)
HOMILY FOR WEDNESDAY JUNE 1 2022
Acts 20:28-38; John 17:11-19
A shepherd’s first duty is to keep the sheep safe. Not himself. This is why he must constantly be watchful, that evil may not take him by surprise. Before Paul left the Church he founded in Ephesus, he pleaded with the shepherds to feed the flock, and to be alert against fierce wolves. Similarly, in the gospel reading, Jesus prays to the Father, that his flock may be one, and that He may protect them from the evil one.
Friends, in so far as someone somewhere looks up to us, we are shepherds. From the priest to the parent, to the teacher, to the government official. Justin the Martyr, whose memorial we celebrate today, understood this responsibility. Like St Paul, he was such a defender of the faith that he became one of the greatest apologetics the Catholic Church ever had. His fight against doctrinal fierce wolves merited him the crown of martyrdom under the persecution of Marcus Aurelius. Can we do the same?
Good morning dear. God bless your day ahead. Welcome to the second half of the Year. Happy New Month of June!